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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Located beside Great Fish River
- Big Game and Bush walks
- Rhino Conservation safari
- Luxurious accommodation with views

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Overview

Perched along 30km of privately owned river frontage beside the Great Fish River in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is the Great Fish River Lodge. It is surrounded by 54,000 acres of private, malaria-free wilderness, home to the endangered 'Kwandwe' or blue crane, South Africa's national bird and an array of game unique to the area.

The vastness of this wild area of the African continent is clear when staying at Great Fish River Lodge. Set along the lush banks of the river after which it is named, the camp consists of nine suites. Each features en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, personal bars, covered verandas, and private plunge pools. Guest areas are spacious, with generous wraparound viewing decks leading from the dining room, bar and sitting areas. The décor is African-inspired, simple, and elegant, with earth-toned fabrics, indigenous timber and natural linens. Stone walls, thatch roofs and long wooden walkways bring natural materials into the interiors, blurring the distinction between inside and outside and taking advantage of the expansive river views. The rugged landscape is reflected in the materials and frontier style of the lodge, while overstuffed sofas and warm rugs conjure up the comforts of home...with other-wordly views.

Pan-African cuisine can be served on guests' private deck, enjoyed under a canopy of stars in the fire lit boma, or in the dining room. The wine cellar holds a selection of premier South African wines and the well-stocked Safari Shop offers clothing, books, gifts and African crafts.

Run together with its sister lodges, the safari experience includes daily morning and afternoon/evening game drives, for sightings of the big five, along with other unusual species such as the porcupine, aardwolf or aardvark. The award winning guiding team also offer bush walks, where you can get 'up close and personal' experiences with wildlife. The Big Game Walking Safari offers the thrill of tracking rhinos, elephants and buffalo on foot with an armed ranger and trackers. Other activities (with advance booking) include fishing and volunteering activities at the Mgcamabele Community Centre. For additional cost, there are options to go on a 'Save the Rhino' drive, a Rhino Conservation safari or a photographic safari, including photography workshops. To relax from the excitement of game tracking, in-room massage treatments are available.

The Great Fish River Lodge is targeted more towards couples and older families, with children 12 years of age and above allowed at adult rates. Children are given a welcome pack and a children's menu is available. Childminding services can be arranged if necessary, and many specially-designed children's activities are on offer, although only children above the age of 12 are allowed on all game drives and walks. Families can participate in Kwandwe’s voluntourism activities, including gardening, crafts and knitting activities.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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