Great Fish River Nature Reserve

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The Great Fish River Nature Reserve, located halfway between Grahamstown and King Williams Town, is linked in a conservation loop by the Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, Double Drift Kudu Reserve, and Double Drift Nature Reserve. Visitors can expect to find prolific wildlife such as Cape buffalo, hippo, and kudu, as well as vast birding species and unspoiled African outdoors, during this authentic, malaria-free safari experience.

The Great Fish River Reserve is a malaria-free location with immense potential that has remained mostly off the major tourist radar. Significant plant biodiversity, ranging from subtropical thicket to savannah and grassland, characterizes the 45 000ha reserve, and with 245 bird sightings, it’s a birder’s dream. One of the most iconic Eastern Cape panoramas is Adam’s Krantz, which looks out over the meandering Fish River Canyon. Sunsets may be enjoyed from a wooden terrace perched on the cliff, while braais can be enjoyed at the Double Drift picnic site down the river.

Visitors can fly into Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International or Cape Town International and then connect to East London or Port Elizabeth Domestic Airports.

Guests can expect to encounter hippo, kudu, Cape buffalo, elephant, lion, and over 100 critically endangered black rhinos–one of South Africa's fastest-growing black rhino populations. The Great Fish River, which cuts through the Reserve's rocky topography, is historically significant for its role as a frontier between Dutch settlers and the Xhosa people during the Frontier Wars of 1779-1878.

Beautiful riverine woodland forms a short area along the Great Fish river's banks, providing a rich environment for Cape bushwillow, karee, and sweet thorn, as well as the endangered blue crane.

The nature reserve is situated in a semi-arid region with occasional rainfall throughout the year. The rainy season is from October to March, and the winters are typically dry. Drought is a common occurrence in the area, and frost is common in the winter.

The Great Fish River Nature Reserve boasts a variety of outdoor recreation for safari-goers to enjoy. Bird watching is very popular, and at the dam, there is a hide where tourists can go bird-watching. From night-time game drives to trekking the several hiking routes, intrepid visitors can explore to their heart’s content. The view from the Adam Krantz viewpoint is something not to be missed while visiting. Furthermore, the reserve has a long history, and visitors can take educational tours of the area as well as visit some of the San Rock Art sites. Stopping for a lunch at one of the designated picnic areas allows you to take in your surroundings while also enjoying the calm and tranquillity of nature.

Visitors to the area can stay in a variety of places along the Great Fish River, from cosy cabins and rustic cottages to camping and luxurious guest resorts. Whatever the budget or taste, guests will be able to discover something to meet their needs. In the Double Drift region, there are four lodges, as well as a refurbished old farmhouse and some modest two-sleeper cabins. The Mvubu Lodge is located on the river's west bank and offers six four-bed chalets.

For enquiries or booking, please contact us here.

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com