Request Agent
Need assistance? Our team is here to help you plan
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
As its same suggests, this elegant lodge at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve has been designed to showcase the endless landscape and lush surrounds of the Great Fish River. Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge is all about tranquillity and solitude and boasts a classic yet contemporary design with high terraced decks overlooking the river. Nine en-suite units boast floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors, viewing decks and private plunge pools shaded by a thatched terrace. Catch magnificent sunsets from your private haven of luxury and enjoy a celebration of African cuisine next to crackling fires. At Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodg expect world-class hospitality, 5-star luxury and an intimate environment with truly breath-taking surroundings.
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge welcomes you to 22 000 hectares of pristine African wilderness spread across either side of the Great Fish River. As one of the two biggest game reserves in the Eastern Cape, it is known for its diversity of flora, wildlife, and spectacular safari experiences. The malaria-free reserve is home to the Big 5 and offers riveting game viewing with each safari vehicle accompanied by a ranger and a tracker. Together the guide team has a wealth of knowledge and experience tracking wild animals. Besides the majestic lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhino, you can also see giraffe, springbok, eland, cheetah, kudu, and countless antelope species. Due to the proximity of the Great Fish River, the area is a paradise for birdlife. With night drives and bushwalks, there is always something new to discover on this Eastern Cape safari. Although Great Fish River Lodge only accommodate children over 12 years, Kwandwe Game Reserve is also home to 5-star Ecca Lodge and three family-friendly luxury villas.
Wildlife:
- Kwandwe is a Big-5 reserve and is home to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including cheetah, kudu, springbok, eland, red hartebeest, giraffe, black wildebeest, gemsbok and more.
- Nocturnal wildlife include aardwolf, aardvark and porcupine which are regularly seen.
- Variety of birdlife including the Fish Eagle and endangered Blue Crane.
- Leopard sighting are rare in any eastern cape game reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted.
- 9-seater vehicles.
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Spa & gym
- Viewing terrace
- Bar & lounge
- Gift shop
- Kids Club
Highlights:
- 22 000 hectares in size.
- The biggest private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and boasts one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa.
- Two safari lodges and three luxury exclusive-use villas offer adult only and family friendly accommodation options.
- The Great Fish River is a prominent landmark attracting an array of birdlife.
- Exceptional outdoor dining experiences.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Location:
Located in the Eastern Cape, along South Africa’s east coast.
Getting there:
- The closest commercial airport is Port Elizabeth (PLZ).
- Kwandwe Game Reserve is a 2 hour drive from Port Elizabeth.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 35 minutes
Child Policy:
- welcomes children from 6 years.
- Children 4 – 11 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing or in their own room.
- Children 0 – 3 years stay free of charge when sharing a room with their parents.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 40% applicable.
- Rates displayed are valid until 30 April 2025.
Special offers:
- Stay for 4 nights and save 20% off your accommodation stay (01 May – 30 Sep only).
- Stay for 3 nights and save 20% off your accommodation stay (01 Nov – 15 Dec only).
- Honeymoon offer includes 50% off the accommodation for the bride, plus extras for both (min 3 nights).
- Honeymoon offer valid within 1 year of marriage only.
- South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bushwalks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Seasons
- Peak season: 01 October – 15 January
- High season: 16 January – 30 April
- Low season: 01 May – 30 September
Packages:
Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View packages or enquire via the contact form on the page below.
Activities
- Game drives
- Walking safaris
- Fishing
- Stargazing
- In-room SPA treatments
- Private plunge pools
Highlights
- Big Five Safari
- Great Fish River
- 5-star luxury
- Lodge is unfenced
- Intimate accommodation
Closest airport
- Port Elizabeth International – 157km
- Private airstrip
Children policy
The Great Fish River Lodge welcomes children older than 12 years, although More Details recommended for families with older teenagers (16 years and older).
Less DetailsIncluded
2 x Game drives per day, fishing, bushwalks, all meals, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, refreshments on game drives, laundry and transfers to & from the reserve’s airstrip.
Excluded
Imported champagne, cigars, additional specialised safari activities, community & conservation levy, and transfers and transfers.
Seasons
Peak: 01 October – 15 January
High: 16 January – 30 April
Low: 01 May – 30 September
Terms & conditions
- Rates are per person sharing, per night
- Single supplement of 40% applicable
- Rates displayed are valid to 15 January 2025
Accommodation Options
Nine luxury suites boast floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors and covered verandas with private plunge pools and outdoor showers. The suites offer a classic-contemporary African-inspired feel, ensuite bathrooms with bath and shower, double vanity and personal bars.
Refer to seasons and T&C's above
Peak Season R 22,100 per person, per night
High Season R 20,440 per person, per night
Low Season R 15,200 per person, per night
Best-price guarantee
Enquire at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
