Conservation: Behind the Scenes

A unique hands on conservation insight on one of South Africa’s largest Private Game Reserves. 

Discover what it takes to sustain and conserve a Private Wilderness area in South Africa on a once in a lifetime opportunity. Join leading conservationists and gain hands on experiences of how they put safeguards in place to protect the future of the reserve and surrounding communities.

We at Exceptional Travel are working with Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape to offer a limited number of conscientious travellers to participate in behind the scenes conservation work.

THE BACKGROUND

South Africa is one of the few countries that is growing the land area under conservation, which is protected wilderness set aside for wildlife and biodiversity preservation. This is being done through the private sector with the support from government. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve has been a leading conservation success story for the past 25 years, and has recently increased the reserve to just over 30,000 ha / 300 km² by dropping perimeter fencing. If you, like us, are struggling to get your head around size, let us put this into perspective:

Kwandwe is roughly the same size as inner London (an area of 31,900 ha / 319 km²) with a population of over 3.4 million people. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, at just over 30,000 ha has just 2 lodges and 3 villas, a total of 52 guests.

Kwandwe is one of South Africa’s largest private reserves, with an unmatched level of exclusivity on game drives. With this comes great responsibility in managing, protecting, and conserving this area.

BACKSTAGE ACCESS: LIMITED TIME ONLY

Between 19 – 25^th September 2024 ONLY we are offering a unique opportunity for you to join the conservation team at Kwandwe in an exclusive dive into keystone species conservation.

As well as enjoying the rich safari experience available at Kwandwe, this specific focus includes:

• Supporting a rhino dart and notch,
• Meeting the anti-poaching dog unit and watching the K9 dogs in action
• Setting up wildlife monitoring cameras
• Interacting with drone technology and Earth Ranger software
• Planting spekboom, a remarkable plant unique in that it stores solar energy to perform photosynthesis at night. This makes a spekboom thicket 10 times more effective per hectare at carbon fixing than any tropical rainforest.
• Have access to, and engage with conservation leaders including Kwandwe Director, Angus Sholto Douglas and the Kwandwe vet.

KWANDWE ECCA LODGE

Ecca Lodge offers an indoor-outdoor lifestyle embracing the African wilderness. Set in the heart of the Private Reserve overlooking a valley, the lodge enjoys breath-taking views onto an escarpment of shale cliffs. A highlight of the main guest area is a wooden viewing deck that showcases the exceptional views.

Each suite has it’s own living room leading onto a private deck with sun loungers, plunge pool and outdoor shower. Beautifully designed with relaxed yet trendy interiors and with a world class team to look after your every need.

Angus Sholto-Douglas, Director, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

For more information please contact us: info@exceptional-travel.com