Kwandwe Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is a gem which pulls off an almost unique trick: excelling for both couples and families. In South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape area, Ecca Lodge stands on rolling spekboom hills within the Kwandwe Game Reserve. This is one of the top reserves in the area with a real sense of wilderness – thanks to it having very few fences and excellent densities of big game.

Ecca Lodge's smart, inventive architecture and décor, combined with excellent facilities, made the lodge immediately appealing to us on arrival. It felt trendy and yet never stuffy or intimidating and clearly everything here is of a high quality.

When we visited most recently, as part of a family, what stood out was the quality of the service; the excellent food; the highly flexible and genuinely friendly staff. Then the first-rate guiding here delivered a truly great game experience.

"Outstanding all round. ... two great ranger/trackers who were first class. "

Mr & Mrs HfromManingtree

Arrived 17 Apr 2019, 3 nights

Their care and genuine flexibility made Ecca a brilliant lodge for our families, with small children; whilst its small size and tailored approach nature meant it still felt 'special' and so very romantic - perfect for a honeymoon. That’s a rare combination! See our full report on Kwandwe Ecca Lodge