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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

4.0 star property
All-inclusive lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Lounge
Front of property - evening/night
Outdoor pool
Great Fish River Lodge Suite
Ecca Lodge Double Suite | Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • All-inclusive
    All-inclusive
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Spa
    Spa
  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping
  • Laundry
    Laundry

Explore the area

Map
Heatherton Towers, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, 6140
  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
    6 min walk
  • Rhodes University
    50 min drive
  • African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve
    73 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Great Fish River Lodge Suite

Great Fish River Lodge Suite

Great Fish River Lodge Suite

Highlights

Separate dining area
Heating
Fridge
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Separate bath and shower
Hairdryer
  • 51 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Makhanda

An all-inclusive stay in Makhanda awaits you at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. You'll be 0.5 km (0.3 mi) from Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and 32.1 km (19.9 mi) from Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. Highlights at this family-friendly lodge include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A day of pampering can include hot stone massages, Swedish massages and body scrubs along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a free children's club and a snack bar/deli. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .With a stay at this 4-property class Makhanda lodge, you'll be 32.2 km (20 mi) from Diocesan School for Girls and 37.9 km (23.6 mi) from Egazini Park.
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What's nearby

  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • St Andrew's College - 49 min drive - 39.8 km
  • Amazwi South African Museum of Literature - 49 min drive - 32.1 km
  • Rhodes University - 50 min drive - 40.0 km
  • African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve - 73 min drive - 64.5 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

All-inclusive lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge is an all-inclusive lodge. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge offers its guests a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Spa services, a complimentary children's club, and a picnic area are also featured at the family-friendly Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Makhanda lodge.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 2001
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Kid's club (free)
  • Supervised kid's activities (free)
  • Childcare (free)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Dining venue
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge offers 17 accommodations with minibars and complimentary bottles of water. This accommodation offers separate dining areas and includes desks. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and coffee/tea makers.

Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath, dressing gowns, slippers and designer toiletries. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the lodge's full-service spa. Services include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, facials and body scrubs. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

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

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

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • In the mountains
  • On a river
  • Picnic area

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 robes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Heated bathroom floor
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

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

More

  • Desk
  • Heating

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 staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

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

We've listed 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

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

What is the cancellation policy at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yep, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body scrubs, facials and body treatments, as well as hot stone massages.

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge have a pool?

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge has an outdoor pool.

Is Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a free children's club, free supervised childcare and laundry facilities, it's no surprise that Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge is a hit with families.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary buffet brekkie is on offer daily.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

No, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge's onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

Check-in begins at noon. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

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

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten, Ostsee

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

10/10 Excellent

Susanne

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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.