Safari Guru

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge offers one of Africa's greatest gifts: the sense of space. At Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge, the vastness of this wild continent is genuinely all around you.

Set in 54,000 acres of private wilderness, Kwandwe is one of the largest private Big 5 game viewing areas in South Africa.

With only two lodges and three exclusive villas in the Kwandwe Private Reserve, your safari activities are intimate, and include morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, birding and conservation programs.

Designed to showcase the spectacular scenery with indoor-outdoor living and nine independent suites. Floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors fold back to reveal an uninterrupted wilderness complemented with en-suite bathrooms featuring indoor and outdoor showers and a bath. Relax by your plunge pool on your private thatched terrace with unmatched views over the sweeping landscape beyond. After days spent on safari, unwind in the supreme comfort of your king-sized bed and cocoon in fresh linens with a star-filled view.

Watch majestic kudu meander down to the river from the lodge's expansive viewing decks, or observe playful Cape clawless otters swimming in the calm waters below from the comfort of your private balcony. Set along the lush green banks of the river after which it is named, this luxurious lodge has nine suites with private bathrooms, personal in-room bars, private verandas and plunge pools and a large viewing deck at the main lodge.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge's décor is classic-contemporary and African-inspired, with natural palettes of earth-toned fabrics. Pewter and glass add an understated glamour to the furnishings, while artefacts such as ostrich eggshells, hides and horns create subtle points of interest and relevance to the lodge's surroundings. Everything here takes place on a grander scale, but the attention to detail and expansive, unmatched vistas keep visitors coming back year after year.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Boma Dinner Setup

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Guest Lounge Area

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Guest Suite

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Safari Vehicle with Elephant

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Safari Vehicle with Cheetah

Kwandwe is a celebration of what conservation can achieve through regeneration. Once farmland, the reserve is rich in biodiversity and lies within the Eastern Cape, where seven of South Africa's eight biomes meet. The diverse and undulating landscape is home to several endangered species, including black and white rhino and cheetah.

Through the centre of the reserve, the Great Fish River meanders for 30kms, and along its course, you find Great Fish River Lodge. Further west lies Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, and in prime locations are the exclusive villas: Fort House, Melton Manor and Uplands.

Renowned for quality guiding, understated luxury and the thousands of animals and wildlife that call the reserve home, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and accommodation options to make every African dream come true.

In July 2012, Kwandwe was brought by USA-based investors, the Chouest Family. Conservation and communities lie at the heart of the Chouest's investment in Kwandwe. The family visits on a regular basis to enjoy all the reserve has to offer.

Contact Safari Guru for Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge prices and availability, and information on combining this unique safari destination with other safari camps within South Africa, and it amazing neighbouring countries, such as Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Property Details

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Location

Eastern Cape South Africa - 2 hrs drive from Port Elizabeth. Scheduled flights from Port Elizabeth Airport to Kwandwe’s private airstrip are available.

Luxury Accommodation

Nine luxurious suites

Guest Room Facilities

Air Conditioning Balcony / Deck Complimentary Wi-Fi Dressing Gowns En-Suite Fan Fireplace Fridge Hair Dryer Heater Lounge Area Mini Bar Outside Shower Private Pool / Jacuzzi Safe Shower Tea / Coffee Underfloor Heating

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Facilities

Bar Internet Access Library Malaria Free Pool Restaurant

Family Policy

12 years+ (Kwandwe is one of the best family safari experiences in Africa. Designed for families by families and a malaria free destination)

Activities

Big 5 Bird Watching Boating Fishing Game Drives Game Viewing Game Walks Massages Rhino Tracking Safaris Walks

Available Services

Airport Shuttle Credit Card Laundry Service Room Service

Included

Accommodation, Three Meals Daily, Soft Drinks, House Wines, Local & Premium Brand Spirits, Beers, Twice Daily Safari Activities

Not Included

Gratuities, Spa Treatments and Curio Purchases, Any Extra Services

Why Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

One of South Africa’s largest privately-owned Big 5 reserves, and a commitment to endangered species, including black and white rhino, and cheetah.

Family Safari Specialists

If you’re dreaming of Africa, your journey has already begun!

Truly unique experience. Many thanks to Allan and his team for planning such a wonderful safari at Kruger National Park. Highly recommend!

Mikaël Schinazi

2023-01-09

This was our 4th trip to Africa and by far the best ever. All the details were properly handled; we had not flight problems or delays and the service provided by Safari Guru was outstanding. I would recommend them, and have to friends and family. We will be going back to Africa with the outstanding Staff of Safari Guru.

Ann Becher Smead

2022-11-17

We recently returned from Kenya, had a fabulous safari designed by Deon de Villiers of Safari Guru. We had some wonderful sightings and the whole thing went without a single hiccup. The guides were excellent. Deon was so helpful in allowing us to reschedule several times due to COVID restrictions preventing travel. We visited Sirikoi in the Lewa Conservancy and Serian Ngare, Serian Nkorombo and Mara Plains at Masai Mara, each place offering a different experience, each special in its own way. Loved the rhinocerous at Lewa, giraffe giving birth at Ngare, hippopotamus at Nkorombo and cats at Mara Plains, and so so much more. We highly recommend Deon and the Safari Guru team.

John M

2022-10-16

We finally got to take our Kenya/Rwanda adventure with Safari Guru post pandemic. Our trip was a fantastic experience that immersed us in Africa. The holiday went as planned, everything was organised so we were gently steered from place to place, which we enjoyed as we found we weren't "travel fit" after sitting on sidelines for two years! Our lodges in Kenya were beautiful, nice and small, felt like you were part of a family, rather than a customer! Rwanda was a highlight, an amazing country with a shocking past that is moving forward beautifully. The advice from Deon to do two gorilla walks was perfect. Our first day we hiked in to mountain and when we got there the heavens opened and it didn't stop! The scouts found 6 gorillas for us to glimpse as they were hiding from rain too! We trekked down in the mud, rivers of water ending up bedraggled! It was a great experience but the next day was perfect! Beautiful blue skies, trekked up and gorillas were everywhere, sunning themselves and eating vigorously. Was awesome being so close and they couldn't care less! Would highly recommend safari Guru, they planned us a perfect holiday and are easy to contact with queries and answer promptly. Travelling on our own was great as each place we stayed, there were like travellers from around the world to socialise with. Thanks Deon and Ashley

Jackie Helliwell

I was completely blown away with the service I received from Safari Guru. We had a most marvellous holiday in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Everything went extremely well and the Wilderness team were excellent in looking after us at each of their safari camps. Well done to Deon and Ashley, Morag Cotsell

Morag Cotsell

2022-10-15

Had an amazing experience working with Deon and Safari Guru. My wife and I went into this trip thinking of it as a once in a lifetime experience. Because of our experience we have another trip in mind to bring our children so they can have the same amazing experience that we had. Thank you Deon! We look forward to seeing you again!

John A. Mertz

2022-07-27

Thanks you Deon for amazing and wonderful experience of Masai Mara. It's once in a lifetime and on top great hospitality from Safariguru right from arrival, Resort stay and well designed itinerary. I would love to bring my family again this time for Botswana, so look forward to crafted trip next

Manish Shah

Safari Guru organized us an amazing journey in Namibia for our wedding anniversary; it will be long lasting and marvelous memories for years! We also greatly appreciated the dedication and support of Safari Guru's team during these challenging times of the Covid pandemic as they had to re-arrange 2 times our trip initially planned for 2020. Thanks and kudos to Deon and all at Safari Guru!

JF Redon

2022-04-19

We had a truly magical safari in Botswana. Deon and the staff of Safari Guru will guide you to the exact places you want to go specific to your desires and budget. Highly recommend!

barbara nelson

2022-03-23

Botswana! What an incredible destination as we begin to travel again. This is a trip of a lifetime. The game drives were exhilarating, the people are friendly, the food fantastic, and the accommodations are meant to spoil you. Our trip was beautifully planned and executed by Deon De Villiers and his team at Safari Guru. They have been to every camp they recommend and tailor your safari experience to you. What else could you ask for! We will travel with them again and highly recommend Safari Guru to plan your next trip!