This is one of four lodges situated within the 30,000-hectare Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Set on a bushy gorge overlooking the Great Fish River, the lodge has sweeping views of the river and the hills beyond it. It's a visually appealing retreat built in traditional safari style with thatched roofs, solid walls and foldaway glass doors that open on to expansive viewing decks. Explore the wilderness on a game drive or take a walking safari or a shorter bush walk to look for birds and other small creatures.




Nine luxurious thatched suites, beautifully furnished in neutral colours, feature fold-back doors to allow guests to soak up the striking surroundings. Each suite has a large bed, deep-seated chairs, an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, hairdryer, personal minibar and a covered wooden deck with plunge pool and recliners to make sure you have a relaxing stay.
The decks! Spacious and airy, each has a mini private-dining area, sun loungers, great views, and the cherry on top, a mini plunge pool.
The rooms are scattered around for maximum privacy, but numbers 7, 8 and 9 are closest to the river if you fancy siesta-ing to the burbling of the water and spotting the birds flitting overhead.
Although children 12 and older are permitted at Great Fish River, we reckon it's best suited for children aged 16 years and older.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Kwandwe River can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Kwandwe River or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Kwandwe River start from around $1.1K, or US$1.1K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

A tip top safari destination with a cultural heart within reach of Cape Town and the Garden Route.