Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge (Eastern Cape)

At Kwandwe, the following activities are included in the rates:
Morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicle,
Big game walking safaris,
Guided bush walks,
Fishing,
Visits to the Mgcamabele Community Centre (subject to availability)
Dining experiences on the reserve.

Game Drives

All guests at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge can enjoy twice daily game drives. Explore the natural splendor of Kwandwe in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. On both early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives. An armed ranger and tracker team share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. As you track the Big Five, as well as a variety of other wildlife.

Morning drives begin as dawn breaks over the Great Fish River. Providing the opportunity to see predators winding up their nocturnal hunts and settling in for the day. Many animals take advantage of the cool morning hours to graze before the heat of the day. In the late afternoon wildlife can often be spotted coming down to the river to drink. Night drives produces some unusual sightings. Including aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine.

Walking Safaris

There’s nothing quite like experiencing the bush on foot with armed ranger and tracker team by your side. Set out to look for big game (white rhino, black rhino, elephant and buffalo) for the ultimate thrill. Or alternatively, immerse yourself in the dense euphorbia (succulents). Enjoy the fascinating environments up close, with no engine to distract you. Walks usually last from 3 to 4 hours and depart in the cooler early mornings.

Fishing Safari

Kwandwe offers a variety of catch-and-release fishing options. Either in still water or in the Great Fish River. Try your hand at catching Large Mouth Bass on artificial lures or fly rod in the reserve’s largest dam. Coarse (bait) fishing can also be tried in either the Great Fish River or one of the other large dams. To target Yellowfish, Carp, Sharp tooth Catfish and more. A fun activity for children as well as for adults.

Private Guide and Vehicle

Book a dedicated ranger and private vehicle for a completely flexible, specialist safari. This ensures a private game viewing experience throughout your stay. Days are entirely up to you and mix and match chosen activities with specialist experiences and down time. Days run from 12 pm to 12 pm. Private guides and vehicles must be booked for the duration of stay. A private guide and vehicle are already included for villa and Lodge Family Suite stays.

Private Photographic Safari

The photographic guide advises guests of appropriate camera settings at different scenarios. Providing compositional ideas and to answer any questions relating to photography. Alternatively simply sit back and enjoy the connected experience of your safari. While your specialist guide takes the pictures for you. Includes edited photographs in electronic format along with a complimentary Kwandwe digital photo book.

Private Birding Safari

Spend as much time as you like looking for those elusive specials. And add to your knowledge of South Africa’s bird life. Your specialist guide has detailed knowledge of where, when and how to find what bird you are after. The guides have intimate knowledge of Kwandwe’s 315 recorded species of bird.

Specialist Safaris

A variety of specialist safaris offer you a more unique experience. Founded on Kwandwe’s ethos of conservation in action.

Rhino Monitoring Drive

Spend 3 to 4 hours tracking rhino with a specialist ranger and tracker team. Learn about the habits of this threatened species. The issue of rhino poaching as well as Kwandwe’s own conservation efforts. The experience ends with refreshments at a scenic spot in the bush. All ages are welcome.

Rhino Conservation Safari

The opportunity to participate in Kwandwe’s exciting rhino darting and notching program is a unique activity. Under the supervision of experts, the rhino is darted. In order to plant microchips into the horns and perform ear notching for future identification. This is an essential task to ensure the preservation of this endangered species. The procedure is always subject to the availability of the wildlife management team. As well as the availability of rhinos that need to be notched for conservation purposes. Not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Celebrate at Kwandwe and let us craft an event that is original and creative. And that will provide memories to last a lifetime. Whether it’s a cherished celebration for two or a festive affair for 52, special occasions abound at Kwandwe. Enjoy meaningful experiences and captivating moments within the African wilderness. With a choice of locations and settings. From romantic delights; to meaningful conservation efforts.

Weddings

Inspired by the pristine surrounds and composed around Kwandwe’s ethos of ‘connected experiences’. Weddings on the reserve are highly personalized ceremonies. At Great Fish River Lodge, a purposefully designed boma inspired by a traditional open-air corral. It can host up to 80 guests for star lit celebrations and parties. Out on the reserve sandy river banks, escarpment plateaus, and open kopjes. Providing a choice of magical wilderness settings for smaller gatherings. Multi day celebrations can feature a diverse array of safari experiences and get togethers. Including game drives, walking safaris, harvest table lunches, spa treatments, and fishing.

Proposals

Getting engaged in a private wilderness, is one of the most memorable experiences of your life. The landscape at Kwandwe offers a multitude of options to get down on one knee. From pledging your love at sunset after an afternoon game drive. To dining under the vast night sky by candlelight. The options are endless. Keep the romance going with breakfasts in the bush. And locally made gin tastings, couples spa treatments, or quiet moments by the pool.

Family gatherings

With many families scattered across the globe, it is important to get together and reconnect once in a while. Kwandwe’s lodges, villas and camp accommodate 52 people in total. 60 on request. They are located close enough for larger parties to all feel part of the action. Explore the natural splendor of Kwandwe on early morning and late afternoon game drives in an open vehicle. Experience the thrill of big game walking, or select specialist safari experiences, tailored to you. How you spend your time at Kwandwe is entirely up to you…