Andrew Harpers’ Hideaway Report has named Kwandwe Private Game Reserve as ‘Best Wildlife Experience’ under the 2014 Grand Award’s Special Recognition Awards category. Reviewed incognito, properties must offer a particularly memorable experience, be relatively small in size, possess strong individual personalities, offer relaxing atmospheres and demonstrate a consistent devotion to personal service to be considered for the annual awards.

“We are delighted to have been chosen as ‘Best Wildlife Experience’, in the Special Recognition Awards category. Kwandwe has always put the wildlife experience at the forefront, contributing to making the South Africa’s Eastern Cape a world-class safari experience”, says General Manager, Graeme Mann.

The malaria free reserve boasts the Big Five (black and white rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard) as well as a remarkable variety of predators and general game, including cheetah, kudu, springbok, eland, red hartebeest, giraffe, black wildebeest and gemsbok.

Kwandwe’s main conservation aim is to maintain a sustainable high yield/ low impact conservation model.

The 22,000 hectare (54,000 acre) of rehabilitated wilderness comprises only four small luxury safari lodges, according it one of the highest acre to guest ratios in South Africa.

“The successful development of this conservation model has been key in providing our guests a top wildlife experience”, says Graeme.

As Kwandwe is a private game reserve, a wide range of activities are also on offer from the usual twice daily game drives, night drives and nature walks, to boat rides, fishing and additional safari activities such as Big Game Walking Safaris and Rhino Conservation Safaris where guests have the opportunity of participating in Kwandwe’s exciting rhino-darting and notching programme under the supervision of experts.

Kwandwe is also a great destination for families. Through its newly launched Blue Crane Conservation Club , an eco theme and a number of new activities have been introduced to its existing children’s program.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, www.kwandwe.com