Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, has introduced Winter Wilderness Walking, a new experience inspired by its ranger programme. It is bookable from May 1 to September 30.

The cooler months provide an ideal opportunity to traverse the wilderness on foot. Guests can walk outside straight from their lodge rooms or villas, and explore the vast expanse of Kwandwe’s 54 000 acres (21 850 hectares) of private wilderness, enjoying a picnic lunch in the afternoon before continuing on their journey to a private fly-camp for the evening.

Guests move through the landscape on foot alongside a private ranger, and in the evenings sit around the fire and cook over the open flames, sharing stories whilst listening to the sounds of the wilderness underneath the stars.

A private vehicle and specialist ranger are available throughout the experience, allowing guests to choose whether they would like to walk or drive.

Guests' rooms remain available to them should they wish to return to the comfort of their suite at any given time throughout the experience. 

Graeme Mann of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve explains: “The experience is an authentic bush safari and includes fly-camping. With a private vehicle on hand, sleeping out is completely up to the guest and they can camp beneath the stars or return to their villa or lodge.”

Mann says the Winter Wilderness Walking experience can accommodate one to six guests.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve’s new winter offering is available to children over the age of 16, and guests staying a minimum of three nights at one of the private villas or lodges.