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♣ SAFARI LODGES AT KWANDWE, SOUTH AFRICA ♣ Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape near Grahamstown, and is a natural conclusion to a journey along the world-famous Garden Route. A victory for far-sighted conservation, 25 000 hectares (62 000 acres) of farmland in the Great Fish River region were restored and restocked with African wildlife. Today, thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve. Operated by & Beyond, Kwandwe aptly means "Place of the Blue Crane" in Xhosa (South Africa's highly endangered national bird) and is home to a population of these rare birds. It offers an exceptional safari experience in a region steeped in history and culture. The Great Fish River was a hotly contested border during the Frontier Wars of 1779 to 1878 between the Xhosa nation, Dutch farmers and the 1820 Settlers from England. Kwandwe's reception building is a Frontier War-era fortified homestead, and the Reserve boasts its own intimate chapel Great Fish River Lodge:
Set along the aloe-studded banks of the Great Fish River, nine suites feature private plunge pools and spacious thatched game viewing decks with magnificent views of the wild yet gentle landscape. Beautiful thatched guest areas and expansive viewing decks overlook the river.
Malaria-free safari accommodation: Set along the steep banks of the Great Fish River in the scenic Eastern Cape, this extraordinary safari lodge affords spectacular views of the wild yet gentle African landscape.
Nine air-conditioned suites
En suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers
Private plunge pools
Expansive game viewing decks
African gift gallery
Reception in historical fort
Member of Relais & Chateaux
The Great Fish River Lodge is stylishly furnished in Frontier Settler style, integrating local African culture with colonial settler history. Elegant thatched stone and glass suites feature floor-to-ceiling doors which fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas. Guest areas have a large fireplace with massive stone chimney, and a soaring thatched roof with imposing chandeliers. Each suite also features a spacious thatched veranda, and private plunge pool with terrace. Sophisticated, glass-fronted sitting and dining areas boast expansive viewing decks with breathtaking river views. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the private decks, in the candlelit dining room, or enjoyed in the boma (outdoor dining area). Kwandwe is renowned for its spectacular bush banqueting in surprise settings. Heatherton Towers is the main reception building, which is situated 40 minutes from the Lodge. It is, in fact, a Frontier War-era fortified homestead, complete with dramatic gun turrets and private chapel. Kwandwe’s exciting safari activities: From interpretive twice-daily game drives in a Big Five game wilderness, guided river-walking/hiking and canoeing. ♣
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