Tailor Made Holidays - Wilderness & Wild Coast - South Africa

HIGHLIGHTS

One trip, two destinations for the ultimate wild contrast
Three nights in each location with potential to extend the trip in South Africa
Short 45-minute journey time between each
Big cat, rhino and elephant sightings at Kwande Private Game Reserve
Marine life and whale spots at GweGwe Beach Lodge
Malaria and jet lag-free
Conservation-based experiences

Sam’s view

“I grew up on the wild east coast of South Africa and spent time in this coastal area as a child. It’s pristine, absolutely beautiful and relatively unknown. It works well with eastern game reserves or travel onto Mozambique – talk to me about booking your off-the-beaten-track South African adventure.”

HIGHLIGHTS

One trip, two destinations for the ultimate wild contrast
Three nights in each location with potential to extend the trip in South Africa
Short 45-minute journey time between each
Big cat, rhino and elephant sightings at Kwande Private Game Reserve
Marine life and whale spots at GweGwe Beach Lodge
Malaria and jet lag-free
Conservation-based experiences

Sam’s view

Who For

Ideal for those who have already visited South Africa’s highlights, we think this trip would suit couples and honeymooners

When To Go

South Africa is a year-round destination, but for warmer sea temperatures December to February is a good bet. June to August has plenty of sunny days and low rainfall.

Where Next

Instead of flying home, how about a few days in cosmopolitan Cape Town or an idyllic sojourn in the Winelands? For something more intrepid, head into Mozambique for a tropical island escape.

Day 1-4

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

With an internal flight from the hub of either Cape Town or Johannesburg, find yourself in one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned reserves with 30,000-hectares to explore and exceptional wildlife spots to marvel at including the Big Five. Even better, the Eastern Cape wilderness reserve is a leading conservation model and is committed to the protection of black and white rhino and the cheetah. Between May and September is when much of Kwandwe’s rhino conservation takes place, guests can join the rhino monitoring team in their vital work.

Game viewings meander twice a day through hills, lush valleys and the Great Fish River, heading off-road to appreciate the pristine biodiversity or stopping for a bush breakfast, wild picnic or epic sundowner.

Kwandwe offers a malaria-free environment abundant with diverse wildlife, including the classic Big Five, luxurious accommodations, and is renowned for their commitment to conservation.

Stay

Ecca Lodge

Ecca Lodge has just six suites immersed in nature, the views here are spectacular and inside, an African-inspired décor and floor-to-ceiling glass walls blend indoor and outdoor. We recommended taking a suite with a private dipping pool, to enjoy afternoons cooling off from the African heat.

Day 5-8

Mkambati Nature Reserve

Hop on a charter flight from Kwandwe private airstrip to Mkambati airstrip and in just 45-minutes, gaze in wonder at the contrast in your surroundings. On the Mkambati Nature Reserve, landscapes are rugged and wild, set around low scrubby dunes, coastal cliffs, rolling grasslands and the endless sands of empty beaches that meet the ripples of the Indian Ocean.

Mkambati Nature Reserve is a unique blend of coastal beauty, diverse ecosystems and cultural significance.

Stay

GweGwe Beach Lodge

GweGwe Beach Lodge has nine spacious suites cradled into the untamed coastline; each room is comfort personified with a private pool, outdoor shower, fireplace and stunning sea views. Interact with the untouched nature around you – kayak or paddleboard inland up the estuary or hike through diverse coastal ecosystems with plenty of birdlife to spot such as the rare Cape vulture. Spend time on the wide, deserted beaches and in season, you might even catch a glimpse of a magnificent whale in the surf-crested ocean or you could scuba around the miraculous sardine run where millions of silvery fish congregate between June and July. After three nights here, begin your journey home with huge appreciation for South Africa’s unsung highlights in nature.