Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Excellent experience all around. We went there for our honeymoon and all expectations we’re exceeded. Fantastic hospitality all around across the staff, ranger, and tracker. Food was excellent. Very private, stayed at the Great Fish River Lodge. Highly recommended.

There was never a dull moment for my family at Kwandwe, the reserve is filled with wildlife! From majestic giraffes strolling right past the vehicle, to young lions curiously playing with porcupines, to a leopard joining our safari following a herd of elephants, this place has it all; including stunning amenities and talented, warm staff that make you feel not just welcome, but at home. The natural beauty of this spot soothes the soul, and we were more than excited to start each day knowing that new adventures awaited us. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime, magical experience. Special thanks to our expert(ly funny) ranger Ryan and superhuman tracker Dennis- we had a great time with a very candid, relaxed, but engaging a**osphere. We were given special care the whole time- treated to heated water bottles and blankets to keep us warm in the evening, wool-lined ponchos if it rained, and snack stops to enjoy the scenery at sunset. The staff added such a personal touch to all aspects of our stay while respecting our voice and decision in every matter, from dietary requests to stopping the vehicle when we thought we had spotted an animal. The facilities of the Ecca Lodges are also incredible; the gorgeous habitat and animals are just a bonus! Finally, know that your stay will not just benefit you, but also Kwandwe’s partnership with the Ubunye Foundation, a NPO which supports local businesses, women in the community, and children’s education in the region. It was our first time seeing so many stars in the night sky, with no light or air pollution nearby. An unforgettable experience in every way. Enkosi kakhulu!

what a dream place to stay from start to finish. just amazing. from the accommodation in Ecca lodge, to the fantastic game drives with Trsitan a great ranger pointing out all the animals, to the delicious food and wonderful staff. This really is a dream destination. The holiday of a lifetime. we will be back. This Reserve really offers 5 star luxury with attention to detail and a personal service.

We stayed at Melton Manor for two nights with 3 other couples and every couple was more than impressed by Kwandwe. From the time we were welcomed at main reception, to the time we left, we were treated like royalty. Nothing was too much trouble even for those of us with specific dietary requirements. Our meals, including the skottle breakfast in the bush, were delicious and beautifully presented. Our accommodation was extremely luxurious with great attention paid to the finest of details. Ivan, the ranger assigned to us, was unanimously the best guide any of us have experienced. He's in a league of his own and we've visited some of the most exclusive lodges and reserves in SA, Botswana and Tanzania. His enthusiasm, broad knowledge of not only the animals but birds, plants and our night sky, and willingness to delight, were commendable. The game were plentiful and we witnessed our first cheetah kill. We also saw 88 species of bird in just 3 game drives! We lost our one hubcap of the hired care on our drive to the lodge. Without us knowing they went back and found it, cable tied it back on so it wouldn't fall off again, and had washed our car on our return. The owners of Kwandwe can pride themselves on one of the finest lodges and reserves in South Africa.

Had the great fortune to spend four days with my family at Melton Manor. I do not have the words to portray how wonderful our stay was. Suffice to say it was a magical experience from start to finish. Special thanks to Chris and Ciza for allowing us to get up and close to the game, seeing the giraffe through the early morning mist was truly unforgettable. Special thanks to Sylvia, Patrick and all the staff for spoiling us rotten including making a cake for my son's birthday. Special people and a really special setting. Heaven on Earth!