LUX - July 2017 15 A Slice of the African Adventure Kwantu continuously strives for improvement and enhancement, and therefore, in addition to the Big Five, Kwantu Private Game Reserve boasts many other facilities and offerings. These include a predator education and rehabilitation centre, the Kwantu South Africa Elephant Sanctuary, the famed white lions, various accommodation types to suit all guests (families are welcome), swimming pools, a touch farm, herb garden, reptile centre, museum, cricket field, tennis courts, entertainment are and much more. Shakir Jeeva reveals more about the wonderful offerings of the firm in his own words. “Kwantu offers various five-star accommodation to suit couples, families and larger groups. These range from the Luxury Lodge to the Pollards Inn Villas, which each offer guests different ‘bush’ experiences. Therefore, for a true African experience where one can experience more than just the Big Five in a friendly environment, Kwantu is the ideal destination. “This magical and enchanting place is in the Malaria Free Eastern Cape, home to the village of Sidbury, built by British settlers to support the sheep farming communities. It is home to five of the seven biomes and boasts a past as rich as its abundant wildlife population. Upon visiting, the halaal Afro Asian traditional cuisine with a touch of spice is an absolute must, because it is one of the lodge’s main attractions. Kwantu also offers a honeymoon to remember for newlyweds, in a lodge for that purpose. “The game reserve also offers day trips, which include the experience of the Big 5 and the abundance of wildlife, birds and flora that the reserve offers. During the tour, the game rangers will enlighten you with stories of the wildlife and their experiences. This tour will leave you wanting more of what this spectacular place offers. Additionally, the game reserve has an education and rehabilitation centre, that is home to many different species of predators that have been orphaned, abused or endangered. Kwantu Private Game Reserve will capture your thoughts when you pay a visit to us, and will leave you with a lifetime of memories. You will indeed enjoy a slice of the African Adventure.” Kwantu Private Game Reserve’s education and rehabilitation centre is home to different species of predators, Shakir explains. Designed in such a way that is maintains its natural outlook, the centre gives endangered predators that much-needed connection with the wild, although living in a cordoned off zone. “The predators have found a home at the centre include lions, Bengal tigers, cheetahs and white lions. The Kwantu Rehabilitation Centre aims to contribute to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of injured, abused, orphaned and poisoned wildlife. The Kwantu Game Reserve team are a group of dedicated conservationists, committed to the preservation of wildlife. The objective of the centre is to release such animals back into the wild. “Bengal tigers found at the centre, are an example of a species with a deteriorating population in the world today. The breeding programme carried out here has seen the birth of various Bengal tiger cubs to resident tigers at the centre, after long and arduous times of work, so serious research after four years has finally paid off. “As part of the education and research programme, the animals are kept to enable the researchers to follow their behaviour. Currently, three lion cubs that were hand raised are doing very well and with the Kwantu researchers hoping to see them develop into fully grown predators before they are transferred to other parts of the country where the lion population has decreased because of human influences, such as hunting.” Finally, Shakir outlines the work of the Kwantu Private Game Reserve, which is involved in various socially responsible practices. This includes a feeding programme for local primary schools aimed at stimulating community development and interaction among the people. “The programme involves the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Education Department and the Kwantu Private Game Reserve has seen the restoration and building of public confidence on local government structures. Since the feeding programme began, sources close to the three schools have so far benefitted from it and it has helped several children improve their academic studies. “The initiative is also credited for causing an increase in enrolment at these local community orientated schools. Sources reveal that some of the children were coming to school without having consumed anything, as situation which impacts their performance in class. Our management believes in an intellectual society for the growth of the country’s economy, hence the gesture to assist the less privileged in its environs. “In addition, Kwantu Private Game Reserve prepares an assortment of food items from its kitchens, which is taken to the local schools were an estimated 100 children per week benefit from this. Our employees coordinate the programme also have time to chat to the children, teachers and local police who come for supervision purposes. The schools that have benefitted to far can be found in the Alicedale and Seven Fountain areas.” Kwantu Private Game Reserve is situated approximately 85km from Port Elizabeth on the N2 towards Grahamstown. This 6000-hectare Big 5 area is the ideal destination for a truly authentic African Experience. Selected in Ones to Watch - Hotel & Spa Awards 2017 from South Africa, we interviewed the firm’s Shakir Jeeva to learn more about this remarkable destination, plus something of their role in the local community. Company: Kwantu Private Game Reserve Name: Shakir Jeeva Email:
[email protected] Web Address: kwantu.co.za Address: 1 Daniel Street, Sidbury, 6130 South Africa Telephone: +27 42 203 1400