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Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve continues to get rave reviews. The high standard accommodations at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge add to the total package.  — Mango's view

Malaria free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve stretches along 42 km of the Great Fish River and each of the luxurious glass and thatch suites overlooks its lush riverbanks. It is a river of great historical significance, as it was a hotly contested border during the Frontier Wars of 1779-1878 between the Settlers (and the Dutch farmers) and the Xhosa nation.

The river has created a flourishing habitat for rare and endangered species like the Blue Crane. Kwandwe aptly means "Place of the Blue Crane" in Xhosa and the reserve is home to a stable population of these beautiful birds.

The 15,800 hectare reserve is set on the edge of the former Karoo Basin where several of Africa's vegetation zones converge and biodiversity is therefore extremely rich. The Kwandwe landscape is dominated by valley bushveld on open plains and rolling hills, with succulent euphorbias, aloes and spekboom among the characteristic plants. Thousands of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) have been reintroduced to roam the reserve, which is also a haven for endangered animals and birds and numerous programs to support them have been introduced.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge features 9, luxurious, thatched stone and glass suites set high up on the banks of the winding Great Fish River, offering sweeping views over the valley bushveld landscape. A pebbled path winds down to secluded river deck hides with private plunge pools. The glass and wood rooms ensure an unbroken view of the surrounding nature while sliding doors in the bathroom promise a unique bathing experience.

The main reception area is situated in a turreted, fortressed old farmhouse called Heatherton Towers. Built as the home of Arthur Douglass, the world's first ostrich farmer, Kwandwe Main Lodge boasts spacious rooms, a shady, deep verandah, yellowwood floors and high ceilings from which chandeliers hang imposingly. A welcoming fire blazes from the huge fireplace with massive stone chimney. The glass-fronted lounge and dining area follows the river's contours. It is surrounded by timber-decking which overhangs the cliff edge, offering spectacular views.

Kwandwe specializes in delicious Pan-African cuisine, which is either served on the private decks or in the candlelit dining room. Alternatively, dinner is enjoyed outside, in the boma (reed enclosure) under the African sky.

Activities include twice daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Other activities are bush sundowners, dinners on the banks of the Great Fish River, picnics in the Reserve, guided river-walking/hiking and canoeing, fishing, rhino tracking, visits to hides and pioneer cultural storytelling evenings.

Includes: All meals, drinks (except premium brands), safari activities, & laundry