Need to know
Rooms
Six standalone suites.
Check–Out
11am and check-in is at noon. Both are flexible, on request and subject to availability.
More details
Rates are full board (including game drive refreshments) and cover two safari excursions a day.
Also
The dispersed layout of the suites and lack of specially-adapted features sadly make Ecca Lodge unsuitable for wheelchair users. At sister stay Great Fish River Lodge, there are two suites that are suitable for guests with limited mobility.
At the hotel
Wildlife viewing platforms, lounge, games room, safari boutique, laundry service and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: plunge pool, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee machine, tea-making kit, and Karoo Lavender bath products.
Our favourite rooms
Scattered across the subtropical thicket, the six standalone suites are cleverly positioned so as not to overlook one another – guaranteeing full nature-immersed seclusion. Three of the suites are configured for couples, the other three are kitted out with two extra beds for families. Private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and deep soaking tubs come as standard, as do earthy, African bush-inspired interiors.
Poolside
Most guests tend to slope off for secluded swims in their suites, but the main infinity pool is a sociable (and sun-soaked) spot to decamp to. There’s a large terrace overlooking rolling spekboom hills to lounge on, as well as shaded sunbeds for afternoon kips.
Spa
Roaming for relaxation isn’t required, as all-natural treatments from African wellness brand TheraNaka come to you – or more specifically, your suite’s wilderness-cocooned terrace. The shea butter pedicure and foot massage is particularly welcome after trekking the plains.
Packing tips
Safari essentials are stocked in the Kwandwe boutique, and the cheetah-fast laundry service allows for lighter luggage (plus wearing your favourite pair of khakis almost on repeat).
Also
Although there are three private villa stays at Kwandwe, you can also book Ecca Lodge for exclusive use if you prefer to keep its six pool-dotted suites and restaurant to yourselves.
Children
Adventurers of all ages are welcome and well looked after, with three Family Suites to spread out across and on-reserve activities which immerse little ones in nature.
Best for
The whole herd, though confident walkers and swimmers will really be in their element.
Recommended rooms
The Family Suites sleep four, and come with a private safari guide and vehicle for fully flexible excursions. Little ones are also given an animal checklist and activity book on arrival.
Crèche
The lodge’s Kids’ Den finds endless ways to keep mini explorers entertained, and every evening ends with a traditional African bedtime story.
Activities
Budding naturalists can spend all day outdoors on scavenger hunts, fishing trips, and playing eco-educational games on the lawn, then get creative during cooking classes, beading workshops, and sand art sessions.
Swimming pool
The main pool is child-friendly but unsupervised, and you’ll need to keep an eye on tots around your plunge pool. Pool nets are fitted as standard in Family Suites, but can be removed as your children’s needs dictate.
Meals
The dedicated kids’ menu features nutritious, easy eats, with a make-your-own-pizza station to amp up mealtime fun. High chairs can be added to any table, too.
Babysitting
he lodge’s experienced babysitters are available at no extra cost, but must be booked in advance.
No need to pack
Car seats are provided for game drives, though it’s best to bring any baby essentials.
Sustainability efforts
Ecca Lodge guests pay a nightly levy which contributes towards ongoing conservation and community-based projects both on and off the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, including extensive spekboom planting (native carbon-storing vegetation), and reintroducing rare and endangered species to roam all 54,000 acres of reclaimed farmland. The resident black rhino population is closely monitored by the reserve’s anti-poaching and veterinary units alongside the Kwandwe Rhino Conservation Trust, which welcomes volunteering guests to join rhino-darting and notching expeditions from May to September. The reserve also runs various social impact projects at the nearby Mgcamabele Community Centre and in partnership with the Ubunye Foundation – a local development trust which supports the Eastern Cape’s marginalised rural communities. Back at your solar-powered base, you can freshen up with eco-friendly South African Karoo Lavender products in the water-saving bathrooms.
