We particularly like the Ecca Lodge. Innovative, stylish and intimate, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge embodies a “funk-meets-futuristic-farmhouse” ambience, and features just six intimate suites, each with an en suite bathroom. The Lodge is airy and open with barely a barrier between indoors and the African bushveld.

Overlooking rolling spekboom valleys, main guest areas include a spacious sitting room, dining room and bar area, interactive kitchen, sparkling rim-flow lap pool and interpretive centre. The ‘fun member' of the Kwandwe family, Ecca Lodge is constructed of stone gabion walls and corrugated iron.

Set along the aloe-studded banks of the Great Fish River, nine suites feature private plunge pools and spacious thatched game viewing decks with magnificent views of the wild yet gentle landscape. Stylishly furnished in Frontier Settler style, integrating local African culture with colonial settler history, the elegant thatched stone and glass suites feature floor-to-ceiling doors which fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas. Guest areas have a large fireplace with massive stone chimney, and a soaring thatched roof with imposing chandeliers. Sophisticated, glass-fronted sitting and dining areas boast expansive viewing decks with breathtaking river views. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the private decks, in the candlelit dining room, or enjoyed in the boma (outdoor dining area).

There are many different types of habitat at Kwandwe and wildlife are abundant and include:

• Lion, cheetah, hyena and leopard
• Black and white rhino
• Fascinating nocturnal wildlife are regularly encountered
• Breeding site for threatened blue crane
• Scenic Great Fish River
• Great birdwatching - 238 bird species
• Interpretive game drives led by expert rangers

Twice-daily game-drives

Experienced CC Africa rangers and Xhosa trackers will lead you on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, bringing you close to Africa’s Big Five. Fascinating nocturnal animals such as aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, Cape fox, bat-eared fox and springhare are regularly encountered on exciting night drives.

Guided walking/hiking or fishing

Guided bush walks in Kwandwe's pristine wilderness bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best. Hiking in the field is especially rewarding for those interested in birds and vegetation. Of Course, fishing is always available for enthusiasts (Kwandwe supports 'tag and release' procedures).

Set in a beautiful location overlooking the river and afromontane forests (between Uplands Homestead and Great Fish River Lodge), Melton Manor has a large swimming pool and central courtyard and is the perfect escape for family safaris. The elegant and simple design will incorporate earthy, organic finishes; deep, inviting sofas; gorgeous Nguni rugs; dramatic photography; and will celebrate the style of early frontier days. The four ensuite bedrooms will feature innovative “butler hatches” for discreet room service, and the interactive kitchen will be a cosy place where guests can muck in with Melton's expert chef.