Reviews of Great Fish River Lodge

"Very nice accommodation with lovely views.

Excellent ranger and tracker who made a great effort to see a leopard. We succeeded but very poor view from about 80yards.

We were very fortunate to be invited to the assessment of a chef and were able to enjoy a superb tasting menu.

Breakfast not up to standard of other lodges.

Very lucky to see lion mating." See all these reviews: 13n in South Africa

"Unfortunately overall the weather was either damp or very wet.

That said we were very well looked after by all the staff. Our stay was enhanced by getting to know some very nice people who shared our values and interests." See all these reviews: 18n in South Africa

"We had the most amazing 4 days at Great Fish River Lodge. From the moment we arrived at Kwandwe to when we left, we had an incredible time. The staff were all so warm and friendly, nothing was too much trouble.

The food was delicious and we were never hungry. Rooms were beautiful with a private deck, outdoor shower and plunge pool, over looking the Great Fish River. Our ranger Ruan and Tracker Vusi were so knowledgable and gave us an unforgettable safari experience.

We saw so many animals and learnt a lot about this beautiful reserve. We didn’t want to leave and are already trying to work out when we can go back!" See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa

"Well, this was definitely the most memorable experience of the holiday.

We were completely overwhelmed by the vastness and beauty of this private game reserve from the moment we arrived (with yet another friendly Ilios driver) at reception where we were welcomed with an enjoyable glass of bubbly and chilled wet towels while we registered. We were then transported by Toby, a trainee ranger for approximately 25 minutes down to the Lodge itself.

Great Fish River Lodge was amazing - built in traditional African style, thatched roof with lovely facilities including a small shop to buy essentials for the early morning game drives. Our own lodge was just stunning - it had every thing we needed including an optional outdoor shower which my husband made a point of experiencing. The views across the river were breathtaking and we spotted a lone giraffe feeding in the distance - wonderful.

We did 2 game drives each day with a very experienced ranger - Rouen (a real larger than life character) and his amazing Tracker Vusi. They made a great team and had worked together for a number of years. The afternoon/evening drives were memorable as the sun set (sun downers were obligatory) and the nocturnal animals amazing. We saw lions, elephants, giraffe, a cheetah and her 3 cubs and lots more and really had the most wonderful experience that we definitely plan to return to the reserve.

We were very impressed by how much the owners of the reserve have done over the last 20 years to encourage and reinstate many species which had previously disappeared due to poaching etc. Thankfully the black rhinos have a future on this reserve." See all these reviews: 13n in South Africa

"I really can't describe how wonderful this reserve is. The Great Fish River lodge is spectacular designed as a low white washed thatched building hugging the hillside of the river valley. It is decorated as a modern safari lodge with comfortable modern furniture and African items displayed. t has a large veranda on the river side. The rooms are mini versions - with a nice hallway, big bedroom with easy chairs, veranda with an outside shower, plunge pools and loungers. The bathroom is modern and well equipped. Space to store your cases - but little full length hanging space but then we never changed for dinner the atmosphere is so relaxed. We had nyala drinking from our plunge pool and warthogs sheltering from the sun under our bush!

It is an open site so you have to be taken your room at night by security men with torches. They seemed more worried about our falling over the steps than any animal danger! The food was lovely and as at Gorah far too much. We rarely made it to lunch. The early starts were rewarded by marvellous animal sitings - not so easy to spot as in Gorah as a larger reserve and of course fewer elephants. We saw a lots of animals, birds and some reptiles. We were in the middle of a cheetah hunt with the mother cheetah swerving round the vehicle about 2-3 feet away!

Our guide Nico and Tracker Andy were brilliant, knowledgeable and determined to find a leopard for us, tracking through the bush. i think they were more frustrated than us that they never found one but we enjoyed the whole process and experience pf watching them track it to about a 400x400 yards area. The hospitality staff are very well trained and skilled and were fabulous at making everyone feel at home.

Worth every penny!!" See all these reviews: 17n in South Africa

"A fabulous introduction to being on safari.

Everything was carefully thought through and we even managed to see the big five in one morning.The room was very comfortable indeed in a great location.

The food was excellent - delicious and varied menus. all the staff were very helpful and nothing was too much trouble" See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia; 3n in South Africa

"This was our first ever Safari so we didn't really know what to expect but it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
Our transfer from Port Elizabeth airport went very smoothly as did the very warm welcome that we received on our arrival at Kwandwe. Our Lodge was really nice and the plunge pool a welcome addition to our expectations. But the real surprise was the wildlife that we could observe from our large outdoor terrace!
A group of Nyala antelope were regulars, including a large very handsome male who regularly used our pool as a watering hole - which was brilliant to stand and watch. One afternoon a herd of elephants could be seen in the distance strolling one after the other across the hills opposite our lodge. Our afternoon 'chill time' took on a whole new meaning!

Our guide Nick was superb as was our tracker who was know as 'Banana'! Between them they tracked down a huge array of wildlife, which very often we were able to see at close quarters, which isn't something we expected. Nick's in depth knowledge of the flora and fauna was so impressive and we learnt so much during our twice daily trips out in the 56,000 acres that make up this superb private game reserve. It is also worth noting that safety was clearly very important to all the staff here and at no time did we feel anything other than completely safe.

The food, the ambiance and staff in the main lodge were also excellent and we had some lovely evenings around the huge logs fires sharing our day's experiences with fellow guests. All in all an awesome start to our South African trip." See all these reviews: 6n in South Africa

"Excellent" See all these reviews: 15n in South Africa

"This is a fabulous lodge where the staff cannot do enough to help.

From the warm, friendly welcome on arrival till our departure we felt cared for and totally comfortable. The game drives were excellent and, even after 8 days completely varied.

We would highly recommend Kwandwe and would return ourselves." See all these reviews: 17n in South Africa

"Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding about the diet although this got better after a day or two.

All the game drives were excellent as was the accommodation.

I could happily return to this lodge on other visits." See all these reviews: 11n in South Africa