Skip to main content

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

4.0 star property
All-inclusive lodge in Makhanda with safari and outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Nestled by the river, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge offers a serene retreat. Indulge in a delicious breakfast buffet, unwind with a massage or manicure/pedicure at the spa, and enjoy convenient amenities like laundry facilities and free babysitting. With high-speed WiFi and an outdoor pool nearby, this upscale lodge is perfect for relaxation.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant
  • Outdoor pool
  • Free supervised childcare
  • Spa services
  • Terrace
  • Front-desk safe
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Picnic area
  • Luggage storage
  • Limited hour front desk

Feel at home (6)

  • Supervised childcare (free)
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate bedroom
  • Separate dining area

Why we love this property

Dining for every occasion
The lodge tempts taste buds with a restaurant and free buffet breakfast. In-room champagne service and private picnics await hungry adventurers.
Nature lodge escape
Tucked away in rural mountains by the river, this lodge offers safari adventures and game drives. Hiking trails and a picnic area complete the experience.
Spa bliss retreat
Deep soaking tubs complement rejuvenating spa services at this mountain lodge. Body treatments and massages await by the river.

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)
  • 51 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Similar properties

BBQ/picnic area
Ecca Lodge
Makhanda
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free parking
  • Restaurant
Ecca Lodge
Compare similar properties
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Map
Heatherton Towers, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, 6140

What's nearby

  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Egazini Park - 59 min drive - 45.4 km
  • Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George - 61 min drive - 46.8 km
  • Elizabeth Salt Monument - 61 min drive - 46.8 km
  • Observatory Museum - 61 min drive - 46.8 km

About this property

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

  • Enjoy your visit to Makhanda with a stay at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, or indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, or mani/pedis. This all-inclusive lodge also features an outdoor pool, a snack bar/deli, and a terrace.

All inclusive details

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

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 17 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • 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 time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum guest age is 12
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Free supervised childcare
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free covered onsite self parking
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast each morning
  • Restaurant
  • Private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

What to do

  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Safari
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fishing nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • Built in 2001
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • An outdoor pool
  • Spa services
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Heating
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Children's robes

Sleep well

  • Turndown service
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Separate dining area
  • Heated floor (bathroom)

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Refrigerator
  • Free bottled water
  • Coffee grinder

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

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.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • Destination fee: ZAR 350 per person, per night

Policies

This property does not have elevators.

Seniors-only community.

Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on site.

This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.

Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Cashless transactions are available.

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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yes, there's free self parking.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as hiking. Additional recreation onsite includes game viewing, a wildlife and game drive, and a safari. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the lodge's other amenities, which include spa services and a picnic area.

Are there restaurants at or near Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge have rooms with private hot tubs?

Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.

What's the area around Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge like?

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge is located by the river, a short 6-minute walk from Kwandwe Private Game Reserve.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Malcolm, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

…..
Rory, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Daniel, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Nadine, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Exceptional property with amazing staff and excellent game drives
2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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.
Scott, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great location and very comfortable place to stay.
3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic stay. Great game drives, saw all the animals we wanted, and had excellent service from the staff
2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Paula, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
Kirsten, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

Jeannette, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Susanne, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

4-night trip