Help me plan Overview
Why Go
- A variety of accommodation available
- Excellent value-for-money
- Amazing game viewing, including the Big Five
- Game drives both, during the night and day
Wildlife
Kwandwe is home to all the big safari animals, including the Big Five. As it is recently established, Kwande's wildlife isn't as prolific as in some other parks, but the drama of the setting makes up for this. Black rhino and cheetah are some of the flagship species you can expect to see. Some of the interesting antelope often encountered are eland, red hartebeest and gemsbok. Night drives can produce sightings of aardvark, aardwolf and bat-eared fox. More About the Wildlife
Scenery
The scenic Great Fish River meanders for 30km/19 mi through Kwandwe GR. The vast rolling landscape seems to go on forever, and forest-like thickets of Euphorbia trees grow on the steep slopes. This habitat is prime black rhino country.
Best Time to Visit
Kwandwe’s wildlife viewing is favorable all year, but best during the driest months of the year (June through September). This is during the winter season, and it can become very cold at times. It is important to prepare for this with warm clothing, which is particularly important for evening and morning game drives in open vehicles. More About the Best Time to Visit
Weather & Climate
Kwandwe enjoys a temperate climate. Daytime temperatures are quite comfortable throughout the year, but it does get colder at night in the winter months (May to September). Winter and summer are at the opposite time as compared to Europe and North America. Unlike the summer rainfall pattern in the rest of the country, it rains throughout the year. It doesn't rain that much, but most of it falls in the summer months, from October to March. More About the Weather and Climate
Reviews
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Wildlife & Animals
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Elephant
Occasional -
Giraffe
Occasional -
Hippo
Occasional -
Buffalo
Common -
Zebra
Common -
Wildebeest
Common -
White Rhino
Occasional -
Black Rhino
Occasional -
Lion
Occasional -
Leopard
Rare -
Cheetah
Occasional -
Hyena
Occasional -
Wild Dog
Rare
IUCN Red List Status Vulnerable
- LC
- NT
- VU
- EN
- CR
- EW
- EX
Least Concern
Current Population Trend:
Wildlife highlights
Best time for wildlife viewing
Best Time to Visit
Kwandwe’s wildlife viewing is favorable all year, but best during the driest months of the year (June through September). This is during the winter season, and it can become very cold at times. It is important to prepare for this with warm clothing, which is particularly important for evening and morning game drives in open vehicles.
May to September
Winter
- Animals concentrate around waterholes due to the a lack of water in the bush
- It is low season, and lower rates apply
- Skies are bright and clear
October to April
Summer
- Newborn animals are present
- Abundant flowers and vegetation
- Birding is excellent with migratory birds present, including breeding pairs of the endangered blue crane
Weather & Climate
Kwandwe enjoys a temperate climate. Daytime temperatures are quite comfortable throughout the year, but it does get colder at night in the winter months (May to September). Winter and summer are at the opposite time as compared to Europe and North America. Unlike the summer rainfall pattern in the rest of the country, it rains throughout the year. It doesn’t rain that much, but most of it falls in the summer months, from October to March.
Climate Chart
- 272-479m / 892-1,572ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Winter
- May to SeptemberThe winter months are chilly at night and early in the morning. It is essential to bring warm winter clothing for early morning drives in open vehicles. Winter skies are clear, with less rainfall than in the summertime.
- May Temperatures decrease to around 10°C/50°F in the morning and 22°C/72°F in the afternoon. This is the beginning of winter.
- June & July Afternoons temperatures are around 21°C/72°F, while morning temperatures average 7°C/45°F. These months are the coldest of the year.
- August & September The temperatures gradually increase to an average of 22°C/72°F during afternoons. The typical morning temperature is around 9°C/48°F.
Summer
- October - AprilNights and mornings are generally more comfortable during the summer, with slightly more rainfall. Sometimes it rains for days, and off-road driving will stop until the ground dries up sufficiently to protect the delicate environment.
- October & November Temperatures are between 11°C/52°F in the morning and 24°C/75°F in the afternoon. October is a peak month for rain, but it doesn't fall every day. When it does, it can drizzle for the whole day.
- December , January & February Average afternoon temperatures reach 27°C/81°F during the warmest months of the year. Mornings are pleasant, averaging 16°C/61°F. This period sees less rain.
- March & April March is a wet month, but it seldom rains for days on end. It starts to cool down again with an average day temperature of 25°C/77°F in the afternoon and 14°C/57°F in the morning.
Getting There
To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates. Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation
Accommodation
Your Budget
Kwandwe Fort House
Elegantly designed and set within a rugged landscape, modernity meets classic safari at Fort House. Featuring two master bedrooms and two suites as well as free-flowing living and entertainment areas, it comfortably sleeps families of up to eight. Peruse the wine cellar, help yourself to a snack from the pantry, spend some quiet time in the study or enjoy a massage in the private spa treatment room. A complement of staff is discreetly on hand to ensure a seamless and memorable stay. Fort House offers total privacy and an abundance of space to reconnect with loved ones. Guests may enjoy unwinding on the front terrace that overlooks a wildlife-rich expanse of grassland close to one of the major waterholes on the reserve. The solar heated rim-flow pool shares the same view, as does the boma which is sunken into the grounds of the expansive lawn in front of the house. Further features include a dedicated spa treatment room, wine cellar, guest pantry as well as indoor, outdoor and covered outdoor dining areas. Its central location provides easy access to the prime game viewing areas of Kwandwe, while being far from any of Kwandwe’s other lodges ensuring peace and tranquillity. Featuring two master bedrooms and two twin suites as well as free flowing living and entertainment areas, it comfortably sleeps families of up to eight. Peruse the wine cellar, help yourself to a snack from the guest pantry, spend some quiet time in the study or enjoy a massage in the spa treatment room. A complement of staff is discreetly on hand to ensure everything is taken care of.
Kwandwe Melton Manor
Melton Manor is a private space that inspires the sharing of meals, laughter and experiences around the farmhouse table. Grand views of the Afromontane forests are complemented by the sophisticated, contemporary simplicity of Melton Manor. Featuring 4 double suites with generous bathtubs in the en-suite bathrooms and a large private terrace, opening onto the wilderness beyond. The interactive farm-style kitchen encourages you to try your hand at combining flavours under the guidance your personal chef. Share meals and laughter around the farmhouse table in the fresh air of the terrace. Relax within the cosy living spaces of this four-bedroomed private villa gracefully designed around a spacious central courtyard and swimming pool. Distinctively South Africa, look out to the bush landscape which has inspired the design from the comfort of deep sofas and antique furniture. Soak up nature’s goodness with the indoor-outdoor living of this sole-use bush paradise. All ages are welcome.
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
The African wilderness of which childhood dreams are made is found at Uplands Homestead. An intimate private safari home imbued with old-world romance, the remote location offers complete tranquility for up to six guests. Built in the early 1900's, the original farmhouse has been lovingly restored to ensure its charm, warmth and character shine through.
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
This welcoming retreat offers nine spacious suites complemented with ensuite bathrooms featuring an outdoor shower as well as indoor bath and shower. Floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors fold back to reveal an uninterrupted wilderness. Relax by your private plunge pool on your thatched terrace with unmatched views over the sweeping landscape. Step inside and cocoon within the comfortable living space after a day of exploring the reserve.
