Fodor's Expert Review Great Fish River Lodge

Heatherton Towers, Fort Brown District, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa Fodor's Choice

Public areas—dining room, cozy lounges, library, and a long terrace—sprawl along one bank of the Great Fish River (one of the few rivers in the region flowing continuously, despite a prolonged drought) with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the interior stone walls, Persian rugs, fireplaces, deep armchairs, bookcases, and collection of old prints and photographs in clear light. Each of the spacious African-inspired en suite bedrooms, reached by gravel paths, overlooks the river and the opposite cliffs. It'll be hard to tear yourself away from your personal plunge-pool-with-a-view to go viewing game, but it'll be well worth it since the reserve's rangers and the immaculate terrain offer some of the country's most productive and varied game drives. 

PROS

  • spectacular river and cliff views from every room
  • there's an effort to serve interesting food at every meal
  • ultrafriendly staffers go out of their way to satisfy your personal needs

CONS

  • some rooms are a distance from the main lodge (request a nearby room if need be)
  • avoid if an unfenced camp makes you nervous
  • does not accommodate children under 12

QUICK FACTS

Resort
ViewsGreen
Quiet
Remote
Local Flavor
$$$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 27-046-603–3400

HOTEL DETAILS

9 rooms
Rate Includes: All-Inclusive

What’s Nearby