Fish River – Kwandwe Private Nature Reserve
About the Birding
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, located roughly 45Km north-west from Grahamstown, protects over 21 853 hectares along the Fish River including large areas of scrub, thornveld, grassland and forest. The reserve is one of the largest private game reserves anywhere in South Africa, hosting notable populations of several bird and mammal species. However, note that the reserve is only available to overnight guests and day visits are not permitted.
About the Birding Site
The Great Fish River is the Eastern Cape’s largest river system, running 644Km from source to mouth and draining a basin of some 30 366Km2. Originating to the east of the Karoo town of Graaf Rienet, the river runs past Cradock and Grahamstown before finally entering the Indian ocean near Seafield. Its main tributaries include the Groot Brak, Tarka, Kap and Little Fish Rivers with supplementary input from the Orange River through the Orange-Fish River tunnel system.
Other Related Information
Directions:
From Grahamstown, travel north along the R67 in the direction of Fort Beaufort for roughly 31Km. Soon after Ecca Pass, turn to the left on an unpaved road at -33.1432, 26.6210. Continuing along this road, in the direction of the R344, will take you to the eastern gate of Kwandwe Private Nature Reserve. Alternatively, Travel north from Grahamstown along the R350 in the direction of Bedford. Turn to the right only the R344 before following the same unpaved road as previously mentioned.
Key species:
African Finfoot, Southern Black Korhaan, Acacia Pied Barbet, Martial and Crowned Eagles, Baillon’s Crake, Pale Chanting Goshawk
Contact details:
For more information, or accommodation reservations, contact:
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Tel: +(27) 046 603 3400
Email: reservations@kwandwe.co.za
Website: www.kwandwe.com