Discover the Diverse Wildlife of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Amidst South Africa’s captivating Eastern Cape, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge offers a true sense of spaciousness that embodies the untamed African wilderness. This exclusive lodge presents indoor-outdoor living spaces and comprises nine independent suites, each thoughtfully designed to immerse you in nature. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors seamlessly integrate your surroundings, while en-suite bathrooms feature both indoor and outdoor facilities. Relax on your private thatched terrace with a plunge pool, offering sweeping views of the landscape beyond. After thrilling safaris, unwind in supreme comfort on a king-sized bed beneath the African starlit sky.
Anticipate remarkable wildlife encounters throughout your stay. Observe majestic kudu from expansive viewing decks, or delight in the sight of playful Cape clawless otters swimming in the cool waters below your private balcony. Situated along the lush banks of the Great Fish River, this luxurious lodge houses nine well-appointed suites with private bathrooms, indoor/outdoor showers, personal in-room minibars, private verandas, plunge pools, and a main lodge viewing deck. The décor blends classic-contemporary elements with African-inspired aesthetics, featuring earth-toned fabrics, pewter accents, and glass, all of which contribute to the lodge’s understated elegance. At Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge, attention to detail, expansive vistas, and unforgettable experiences await, ensuring guests return year after year.
Nine opulent suites boast en-suite bathrooms, complete with both indoor and outdoor showers, a separate water closet, twin basins, personal minibars, and sheltered verandas equipped with plunge pools. The interior design is a fusion of classic-contemporary aesthetics infused with African-inspired elements, featuring earth-toned fabric palettes. The furnishings exude an understated glamour, enhanced by the use of pewter and glass, while subtle points of interest are provided by artefacts like ostrich eggshells, hides, and horns, all harmonizing with the lodge’s natural surroundings.
Explore the natural splendour of Kwandwe on early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. An armed ranger and tracker team share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you as you track the Big Five, as well as a variety of other wildlife.
Morning drives begin as dawn breaks over the Great Fish River, providing the opportunity to see predators winding up their nocturnal hunts and settling in for the day. Many animals take advantage of the cool morning hours to graze before the heat of the day. In the late afternoon wildlife can often be spotted coming down to the river to drink. Night drives produces some unusual sightings, including aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine.
Experience the thrill of tracking big game (white rhino, black rhino, elephant and buffalo) on foot, accompanied by an armed specialist ranger and tracker team. The walk lasts 3 to 4 hours and ends with a picnic lunch on the banks of the Great Fish River or at a scenic spot in the bush. The walk lasts 3 to 4 hours; not suitable for children under 16 years of age.
In between game drives, take a closer look at the subtle, unseen wonders of the bush on a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge. Dense euphorbia thickets are best explored on foot, revealing a secret world of lichen, mosses and ferns. Various birds of prey and other species nest in the taller trees or in the spiny canopy. An armed ranger guides guests through ‘up close and personal’ sightings of various antelope species, giraffe, warthog or zebra. Not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
Kwandwe offers a variety of fishing options, either in still water or in the Great Fish River. Try your hand at catching Large Mouth Bass on artificial lures or fly rod in the reserve’s largest dam. Coarse (bait) fishing can also be tried in either the Great Fish River or one of the other large dams to target Yellowfish, Carp, Sharptooth Catfish and more. A fun activity for children as well as for adults.
