Overview of Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge is perched on the emerald banks of its namesake, the Great Fish River, and boasts incredible views over an endless landscape. Situated in the gorgeous Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, Kwandwe offers conservation-focused Big 5 safaris within a malaria-free region. Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge’s location makes for great armchair game viewing, while providing complete serenity and privacy. It is the ideal destination for couples and honeymooners.

A safari at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge is also a natural conclusion to a memorable journey along one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations, the Garden Route – a stunning, 300-km (186-mi) stretch of coastline between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. Great Fish River Lodge delivers unforgettable safari experiences, including morning and afternoon game drives led by some of the country’s best game rangers and sharp-eyed trackers.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is wholeheartedly committed to conservation and has spearheaded eco-tourism and development in the region since 1999. It’s a refuge for vulnerable animals like rhino, cheetah and blue crane. Guests at Kwandwe have the opportunity to experience specialist activities like walking safaris, visiting or volunteering at a pre-school on the reserve, planting spekboom (a type of thicket vegetation that’s native to the Eastern Cape), and a soul-stirring Rhino Conservation Safari (a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in Kwandwe’s remarkable rhino-darting and notching program).

 

Make a Positive Impact Through Travel

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a conservation victory. Comprising just 26 rooms split across two intimate lodges and three villas, the reserve offers one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa. The successful development of this high-yield/low-impact conservation model is key to furthering our numerous conservation initiatives. Kwandwe is committed to making a positive and lasting difference in the rural Eastern Cape, one of South Africa’s least developed provinces. Working through their social development partner, the Ubunye Foundation, they invest in projects that improve lives and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in marginalised rural communities.

For every night you spend at Kwandwe, you make a difference through your Community & Conservation Levy. Funds are split equally between the conservation and community projects and initiatives, and the levy applies to all guests 12 years and older.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • Situated in a large private game reserve boasting one of South Africa's highest land-to-guest ratios
  • Located in the Eastern Cape, a malaria-free region
  • Stylish, luxurious & sophisticated lodge - one of our favourites for honeymooners
  • Expansive river views from the lodge
  • Renowned for quality guiding
  • Private plunge pools at each suite
  • Specialist activities like Rhino Conservation Safaris, fishing & guided walks
Animal tracking experience

Animal tracking experience

Cultural visits

Cultural visits

Guided walking safaris

Guided walking safaris

Guided walks

Guided walks

Historical tours

Historical tours

Private game-drives

Private game-drives

Scenic flights

Scenic flights

Rooms at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • Suite interior of Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
  • View from your suite at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
  • Ensuite bathroom at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
  • Outdoor shower at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

    Suite

    Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge offers nine luxurious suites, set well apart from each other to ensure maximum privacy. Each stylish suite features a private plunge pool and large viewing deck with breath-taking views of the Great Fish River and surrounding bushveld.

    And with floor to ceiling doors, these rooms are all about the views; even a soak in the bathtub lets you take in the view across the river, complete with animals coming down to drink.

    General Facilities

    All guest areas feature cosy fireplaces and enjoy beautiful views of the area from expansive decks. Other facilities include private plunge pools, a wine cellar, safari gift shop, cosy lounge with fireplace, a library with a television set, and a poolside butler service.

    Bar

    Bar

    Computer facilities

    Computer facilities

    Laundry service

    Laundry service

    Library

    Library

    Swimming pool

    Swimming pool

    Dining

    Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge serves delicious Pan-African cuisine that can be enjoyed in a variety of special locations around the lodge.

    Enjoy meals in the stylish dining room or on the viewing decks accompanied by beautiful views. Romantics may prefer the lantern light in the walled African boma.

    Why travel with Go2Africa?

    Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa.
    When you travel with us you’re assured of the Big 5 Guarantee.

    We Are Safari Experts

    We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend.

    Our Best Price Promise

    If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

    Positive Impact

    The money from your trip stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects long after you return home.

    Full Service, 24/7 On Safari Support

    We take care of every detail, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, until you return safely home.

    Complete Financial Protection

    Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance, and Our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association

    Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

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    Traveller Reviews

    • CW

      Kwandwe was as all reports suggest just on another level. The guides (Nico and Ivan) were fastidious in making sure we saw anything that we especially wanted to see, although the bat eared foxes lead us a merry dance. OH, I must just tell you about our flight into Kwandwe. We were met at the airport with the doubtful expression on our pilot’s face saying that he might have to cancel or if we did take off then we could be returning in 20 minutes to take the road option, ‘ how adventurous were we?’ Well we were all up for trying, having set off a slight bit of turbulence didn’t deter and with Fran at the controls (hair-raising) we pressed on. Landing at Kwandwe was ‘exciting’, a wheel burst on touch down sending us sideways across the landing strip heading straight for our guides and the awaiting land rover!! The rest of our stay was somewhat subdued in comparison.

      Corrine White
    • D&S

      Really enjoyed Kwandwe, another lovely trip to SA.

      David & Sally Turner
    • TG

      Words fail me as to how good this place was. I just can’t find anything to moan about (however hard I try). We were treated like royalty the whole time we were there (and indeed I was informed that Royalty have actually stayed there!). The food was exceptional; they just kept on feeding us and every bit of it was brilliant. The game drives were incredible – the ranger we had, Grant, was brilliant and we told him so. We went on 8 game drives in total (three of which ended up being ‘private’ because other guests dropped out / didn’t show up). We managed to see pretty much every animal they have to offer at that park. Again, we met some great people here as the process of being out on the game drives is quite a bonding experience so we ended up having dinner with several different couples whilst we stayed. The room was just exceptional – with our own private pool and patio – just the height of decadence. It’s not often that a place looks great in photos / brochures but actually manages to exceed your expectations when you get there. My other half cried the day we left – make what you will of that!?

      Tim Gamester
    • JE

      The four days at Kwandwe was perfect – had a wonderful guide – Ben. Ben was perfect both in the morning and evening…..and only 23 years old. I cannot imagine doing more with another guide. In fact, Kwandwe was terrific….and cannot imagine doing more anywhere.

      Jim Ellis
    • SN

      Great Fish Lodge was just beautiful. The drives were spot on; the staff was top notch; food was excellent and the accommodations were excellent.

      Stephanie Nigro
    • JM

      Kwande – fantastic place. My wife loved it here. Impressive rooms, careful staff, excellent game viewing – didn’t expect all of this together!

      Jacques Matone
    • JM

      Kwande – fantastic place. My wife loved it here. Impressive rooms, careful staff, excellent game viewing – didn’t expect all of this together!

      Jacques Matone
    • JM

      Kwande – fantastic place. My wife loved it here. Impressive rooms, careful staff, excellent game viewing – didn’t expect all of this together!

      Jacques Matone
    • JM

      Kwande – fantastic place. My wife loved it here. Impressive rooms, careful staff, excellent game viewing – didn’t expect all of this together!

      Jacques Matone
    • AM

      The Lodge and rooms were A+++++ My PPP (Private Plunge Pool) was so private and so wonderful. The housekeeping was the fastest I’ve ever seen and they did it multiple times a day. The staff were extremely attentive and remembered everything about you.

      Alexandra McLeod
    • AM

      The Lodge and rooms were A+++++ My PPP (Private Plunge Pool) was so private and so wonderful. The housekeeping was the fastest I’ve ever seen and they did it multiple times a day. The staff were extremely attentive and remembered everything about you.

      Alexandra McLeod
    • AM

      The Lodge and rooms were A+++++ My PPP (Private Plunge Pool) was so private and so wonderful. The housekeeping was the fastest I’ve ever seen and they did it multiple times a day. The staff were extremely attentive and remembered everything about you.

      Alexandra McLeod
    • AM

      The Lodge and rooms were A+++++ My PPP (Private Plunge Pool) was so private and so wonderful. The housekeeping was the fastest I’ve ever seen and they did it multiple times a day. The staff were extremely attentive and remembered everything about you.

      Alexandra McLeod
    • MH

      The highlights of the trip for me were the game drives at Kwande. The staff was knowledgeable and we saw LOTS of wildlife (including leopard, lions with cubs, black rhino, hippos, etc).

      Melinda Hamway
    • MH

      The highlights of the trip for me were the game drives at Kwande. The staff was knowledgeable and we saw LOTS of wildlife (including leopard, lions with cubs, black rhino, hippos, etc).

      Melinda Hamway
    • MH

      The highlights of the trip for me were the game drives at Kwande. The staff was knowledgeable and we saw LOTS of wildlife (including leopard, lions with cubs, black rhino, hippos, etc).

      Melinda Hamway
    • MH

      The highlights of the trip for me were the game drives at Kwande. The staff was knowledgeable and we saw LOTS of wildlife (including leopard, lions with cubs, black rhino, hippos, etc).

      Melinda Hamway
    • SW

      I can’t even begin to tell you how much we loved Kwandwe, I can’t think about it without getting emotional and I actually cried when we had to go home.

      Sue Wright
    • SW

      I can’t even begin to tell you how much we loved Kwandwe, I can’t think about it without getting emotional and I actually cried when we had to go home.

      Sue Wright
    • SW

      I can’t even begin to tell you how much we loved Kwandwe, I can’t think about it without getting emotional and I actually cried when we had to go home.

      Sue Wright
    • SW

      I can’t even begin to tell you how much we loved Kwandwe, I can’t think about it without getting emotional and I actually cried when we had to go home.

      Sue Wright