Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

4.0 star property
Upscale lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast
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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Photo gallery for Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Lounge
Dining
Aerial view
Great Fish River Lodge Suite
Aerial view

Overview of Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry

Check out the area

Heatherton Towers, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, 6140
  • Popular LocationKwandwe Private Game Reserve6 min walk
  • Popular LocationElizabeth Salt Monument48 min drive
  • Popular LocationSt Patrick's Catholic Church48 min drive
  • Popular LocationObservatory Museum48 min drive
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Room options

Great Fish River Lodge Suite

cleanliness

Highlights

Separate dining area
Fridge
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Heated bathroom floor
Deep-soaking bath
  • 51 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Makhanda

Located in Makhanda, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve, while Amazwi South African Museum of Literature and Albany Natural Science Museum are cultural highlights.

What's nearby

  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - 6 min walk
  • Rhodes University - 50 min drive
  • 1820 Settlers National Monument - 50 min drive
  • Lalibela Game Reserve - 68 min drive
  • African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve - 73 min drive

Restaurants

  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - 4 min drive

About this property

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Upscale all-inclusive lodge by the river
Take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, laundry facilities and free babysitting at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. Treat yourself to a body treatment, a facial or a Swedish massage at the on-site spa. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a restaurant and a snack bar/deli.
Other perks include:
  • An outdoor pool with sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • A porter/bellboy, a front desk safe and luggage storage
Room features
All guest rooms at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge include comforts, such as premium bedding and separate dining areas, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and dressing gowns.
More amenities include:
  • Heated floors, designer toiletries and deep-soaking baths
  • Separate dining areas, fridges and coffee grinders

All-inclusive details

This lodge is all-inclusive. On-site food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Free children's club
  • Full-service spa
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Free babysitting
  • Free children's club
  • Free supervised activities for children
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Separate bedroom
  • Separate in-room dining area
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

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

Guest services

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • In the mountains
  • On a river
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

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

More

  • Built in 2001
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Children's robe
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Heated bathroom floor
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 5 PM
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Destination fee: ZAR 350 per person, per night.

We have included all 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
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

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

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yes, the property is all-inclusive.

Where is Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge located?

This family-friendly Makhanda lodge is located on the riverfront, 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, and within 25 mi (40 km) of Observatory Museum and Albany Natural Science Museum. Egazini Park and Amazwi South African Museum of Literature are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Nadine, France

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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.

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.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Jeannette

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023