The Eastern Cape is a glorious destination for a luxury safari – all the drama and magic of the African landscape with none of the malaria. The Great Fish River lodge is situated in Kwandwe, a vast private game reserve rich in biodiversity and where the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – roam. Knowledgeable and friendly guides take guests out on game drives or guided walks, and even on return, simply sitting on the deck of your suite allows for more wildlife viewing, with stately kudu often loping past.
The suites here are the epitome of safari chic; thatched roofs frame outdoor terraces with private plunge pools and indoor and outdoor showers. Africa is all around you the whole time, from first thing in the morning as you open the foldaway glass doors to look out across the pristine bushveld, to convivial evenings of sundowners and sunset river views. Even the superb en-suite bathrooms are designed to overlook the great outdoors.
You can dine in splendid solitude on your own deck, ask for a meal to be served somewhere on the vast reserve, or feast on fabulous local produce in the lodge’s striking dining room or in its romantic boma, lit up by flaring torches under African skies hung heavy with stars.
