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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

4.0 star property

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Front of property - evening/night
Restaurant
Aerial view
Lounge
Great Fish River Lodge Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

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Heatherton Towers, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, 6140
  • Place, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Egazini Park
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Great Fish River Lodge Suite

Great Fish River Lodge Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe

Great Fish River Lodge Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 549 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Makhanda

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge places you within a 10-minute walk of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. This 17-room, 4-star lodge has free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.
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What's nearby

  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Egazini Park - 59 min drive - 28.2 miles

About this property

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

At Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and spa services. There's free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff can assist with securing valuables and luggage storage. Other amenities at this all-inclusive lodge include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a picnic area.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, hair dryers, and designer toiletries. Free minibar items, dining areas, and refrigerators are also standard.
Guests can experience the thrill of a safari, and take advantage of an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, body wraps, and body scrubs. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

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Kariega Game Reserve - Main Lodge
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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Kids pool
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 28 reviews
$766 nightly
The price is $884
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free covered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Outdoor pool
  • Safari

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • In the mountains
  • On a river
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Built in 2001
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Children's robes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Heated bathroom floor
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 5 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 350 per person, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Seniors-only community
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 1:00 PM—-5:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Seniors-only community.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Grahamstown
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Hotel
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Hotel Grahamstown
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Lodge Grahamstown
Kwandwe Great Fish River
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Lodge
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Makhanda
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Lodge Makhanda

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do near Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

This lodge is located in Makhanda within a short 6-minute walk of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve.

Is there parking available at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yes, covered self parking is offered for free at the lodge.

Is there a spa at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Spa services at the lodge include deep-tissue massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy.

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge feature a casino at the property?

No, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

This riverfront lodge offers many amenities for couples, including champagne service as well as a restaurant and an outdoor pool.

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge have a hot tub?

No, this lodge doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge serves free buffet breakfast each morning from its restaurant.

Will Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge.

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge have connecting rooms available?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was an amazing experience to stay at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. Everything was perfect, the facilities and all the staff The twice daily safari drives were wonderful, our Ranger had an encyclopediac knowledge of animals, birds and plants. Truly a remarkable place to stay for that very special occasion.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
…..
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Definitiv die beste Unterkunft auf unserer mehr als dreiwöchigen Reise durch Südafrika. Die Lodge hat in jeder Hinsicht überzeugt. Das Hotelzimmer war einfach grossartig: sehr geräumig und sauber, tolle Lage, angenehmer Aussenbereich. Hier kann man richtig entspannen und es sich gut gehen lassen. Das Essen war vorzüglich und das Personal in allen Bereichen des Hotels ausgesprochen aufmerksam und sehr freundlich. Carmen und Lucky, unser Guide bzw. Tracker, waren grossartig und wir hatten eine wunderbare Zeit mit ihnen. Es ist unvergesslich, welche Begegnungen mit den Tieren sie uns ermöglicht haben. Vielen Dank dafür! Bei einem nächsten Aufenhalt in Südafrika werden wir garantiert wiederum bei der Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Halt machen.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nadine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kwandwe is a unique place. Nature is amazing the lodges are Luxurious yet made with natural material. The view from the lodge is incredible you can even see animals from there. the employees are very kind and service is above expectation The safari is twice a day . The ranger and tracker team was exceptional . We learnt so much from them. We were recommended by people who spent a few days there and we will definitely recommend this unforgettable place. We spend 4 nights and saw all the animals you can expect.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Exceptional property with amazing staff and excellent game drives
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Fish River Lodge - August 2019

The Great Fish River Lodge offers beautiful accommodations and an excellent safari experience. We feel that it would exceed the expectations of all first-time safari travelers. However, we have visited multiple safari camps and lodges in four African countries and would offer the following comments. The photos on their website are accurate. The location is clean and well maintained. The linens are high quality. There are international and USB charging outlets. Wifi works well. We really liked that Kwandwe provides free laundry services as many locations now charge an additional fee. We liked that the camp is unfenced as this provides a more authentic experience. Safari drives at this location, unlike most we have visited, are in uncovered vehicles that necessitate the use of sun protection. They only drive off-road to view cats. The landscape is primary covered by thicket that can make clear viewing of wildlife difficult. We did not see the “Big 5” during our visit, however we did have multiple excellent wildlife sighting, including black rhino. While our guides/drivers were energetic, accommodating and focused on providing the best experience possible, we did not feel the same about the remaining staff. We perceived the lodge staff to be simply “going through the motions” without focusing on providing first class individualized service to the guests. The staff seemed tired and “burnt out”. We enjoyed our stay, but would recommend other locations to our friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and very comfortable place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic stay. Great game drives, saw all the animals we wanted, and had excellent service from the staff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The most wonderful experience

This was such a lovely experience, everything from the room, the service and the game drives. The room was perfect, with outdoor pool and shower. Great service in every aspect. The game drives were amazing. I have really nothing negative to say.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Luxus Safari

Tolle Anlage in privatem Reservat, 2 Safaris pro Tag- die Big Five alle gesehen sehr schöne Lodge- Luxus, tolles Team, leckeres Essen- also rundrum toll, jederzeit wieder
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ein absolut fantastischer Aufenthalt. Wunderbares Essen, das Zimmer respektive Haus ist genial. Superschöne und spannende Gamedrives mit sehr erfahrenen Rangern. Einfach ein perfekter Aufenthalt!!!! Jederzeit noch so gerne wieder
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing game reserve

Amazing game reserve. Our ranger Marc and tracker Andy went the extra mile to track animals for us. Saw lion, leopard and cheetah at such close range. So very special. We have been to a number of reserves in SA but this was by far the best., Certainly exceeded our expectations.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kiran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Utterly amazing, exceeded all expectations!

Utterly amazing, great staff, great game drives, great views! Such a special place and staff were so passionate about the animals. We asked for extra small requests and most were all met and with gusto! Could not recommend this place more! The extra events as part of the tours such as the BBQ and champagne receptions were incredible surprises. We had great rangers and a photographic safari that exceeded all possible expectations - including a post processing tutorial! I asked for help surprising the other half and they did not disappoint!!! Two very minor points, veggie selection was a little limited and the restaurant staff did need to be asked a few times after day 1 but as mentioned these were minor. If you can visit, you must.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excelente hotel/safari.

Tivemos dois dias agradabilíssimos com a equipe do hotel. O tratamento desde a recepção e transfer foram primorosos. A surpresa da última noite, com água quente na banheira, velas decorando a área e um excelente espumante, nos deixaram com saudade antes da partida.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb Safari Experience

We stayed for three nights,had some amazing safari drives and lived in superb style supported by the excellent staff. We had a couple of safari drives where we saw very little in the way of animals but on others had plenty to see. The park at 54000 acres was large enough that you travelled with only seeing the fence line once. We have done about five safari 's like this and would rate this highly but not the best we have experienced but often that is the subject of chance as to particular animal sightings/guides etc
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeannette

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017