Ultimate Luxury

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Game Reserve is situated in the non-malarial Eastern Cape. Great Fish River Lodge comprises nine luxurious thatched suites, each with its own private plunge pool, which are linked to the lodge by wooden walkways.

Eastern Cape, South Africa

End your Garden Route adventure on a high at this top end safari destination on the Eastern Cape.
Soak up the sweeping views of this unique private reserve from your luxurious suite.
Relax by your private pool during the heat of the day.
Experience one of the largest private big 5 game viewing areas in South Africa.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve stretches along 42 km of the Great Fish River and each of the nine luxurious glass and thatch suites at Great Fish River Lodge overlooks its lush riverbanks. The stunning suites are found along the meandering river and have a private plunge pool and observation deck with spectacular views over the river valley.

High ceilings and huge stone chimneys dominate the main guest areas and dark leather armchairs and deep coloured rugs create inviting spaces to relax and unwind. Sumptuous local cuisine can be enjoyed on the viewing decks, in the dining room, by lantern light in the cosy walled boma or in any of a number of awe inspiring locations across the reserve.

The 15,800 hectare reserve is set on the edge of the former Karoo Basin where several of Africa’s vegetation zones converge and biodiversity is extremely rich. The Kwandwe landscape is dominated by valley bushveld on open plains and rolling hills, with succulent euphorbias, aloes and spekboom among the characteristic plants. Thousands of animals, including the ’big five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) have been reintroduced to roam the reserve, which is also a haven for endangered animals and birds, and numerous programmes to support them have been introduced.

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Top tip:

Great Fish is a fantastic place for walking and soaking up the magical views.

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Facilities

Nearby

Fishing

Location

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Set along the 30 km of privately owned, lush green banks of the river after which it is named, Great Fish River. Nestled in the heart of South Africa's unspoilt Eastern Cape province lies Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a world-class Big Five safari experience in 22 000 hectares (54 000 acres) of pristine private wilderness.

Guests are advised to fly to Port Elizabeth and proceed to Kwandwe by road or air transfer. A flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth takes about 1 hour 45 mins. The distance from Port Elizabeth to Kwandwe is 160km (100 miles) and can be comfortably covered by road in 2 - 2 1/2 hours. A flight from Port Elizabeth directly to the Kwandwe Airstrip takes approximately 45 minutes. Transfers to the Lodge from the airstrip or Port Elizabeth can be arranged by Kwandwe.

Alternative Places to Stay Nearby

Kariega River Lodge

Immerse yourselves in this tranquil location by the Bushmans River. The beautiful suites will not fail to offer a sense of peace and luxury in this idyllic spot. Kariega River offers a unique opportunity to combine a Big Five game destination with the sea

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Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Innovative, stylish and intimate, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge embodies a "funk-meets-futuristic-farmhouse" ambience, with just six intimate suites with spacious living areas and ensuite bathrooms. Ecca is a superb family friendly safari option in the Eastern Cape.

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Kwandwe Fort House

Kwandwe Fort House offers the perfect family safari destination. With four bedrooms and its own private guides and staff, Fort House is ideal for those looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy their own little slice of the African Bush.

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La Plume Guest House

A warm welcome awaits you at this intimate and charming 1902 Victorian homestead. La Plume is a homely guest house on a working ostrich, alfafa and cattle farm with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley.

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Long Lee Manor at Shamwari

Shamwari's Long Lee Manor epitomises Edwardian elegance in South Africa. Far from a bush camp, but rather a comfortable and impressive Manor House in the heart of the Eastern Cape, set amongst a wildlife rich and malaria free private game reserve.

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Top Things to Do Nearby

Private Safari at Kwandwe

Ensure exclusivity, privacy and flexibility by organising a private guide and vehicle for one or more days of your stay at Kwandwe.

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Twice Daily Game Drives

Guests at Kwandwe enjoy twice daily game drives in open safari vehicles. This is a fantastic way to explore the vast and varied environment of the reserve.

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Children's Activities at Kwandwe

Kwandwe have a fantastic range of activities specifically tailored to children to ensure that their first safari experience is educational, engaging and unforgettable.

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Activities at Samara

Spanning 70,000 acres in the Great Karoo, guests staying at Samara have a wealth of activities at their fingertips, from exploring the Big Five reserve on a game drive or on foot, to tracking cheetah or dining in the bush.

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Activities at Kariega

Guests staying on the Kariega Game Reserve can enjoy a range of activities to explore this beautiful part of the Eastern Cape. Game activities are aplenty, perfect for the more adventurous traveller.

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