Great Fish River Nature Reserve
A wonderful wildlife experience
The Great Fish River Nature Reserve has large and spacious accommodation well placed to explore and experience the reserve. It is well suited for large groups, such as family gatherings, conferences and other situations where ample accommodation, situated in a pristine natural setting, is needed.
Applicable April 2024 - March 2025:
Basil Kent Research Centre (sleeps 22 maximum, dormitory styled accommodation suitable only for students/researchers): 1-4 persons R595/night R180/additional/night (peak)
R150/additional/night (off peak)
Mbabala Lodge (sold per room, 2x 2sleeper rooms, 2x 3 sleeper rooms): R741/room/night (off peak)
R1110/room/night (peak)
Mvubu Lodge (sold per room, 4 x 2 sleeper rooms): R741/room/night (off peak)
R1110/room/night (peak)
Mvubu Chalets (sleep 4 persons maximum x 6 chalets): 1-2 persons R771/night R143/additional/night (off peak)
R361/additional/night (peak)
Nottingham Lodge (sold per room, 5x2sleeper rooms): R741/room/night (off peak)
R1110/room/night (peak)
Conservation Fees(kindly note: conservation fees are applicable to both day and overnight visitors, are to be paid at the reserve directly in cash):
R32/adult/day
R16/child/day
Self game viewing
morning drive R168 adult//R86 child
day drive R132 adult/R69
sunset drive R168 adult/ R86 child
night drive R132 adult/R69 child
Guided Game drive
morning drive R328 adult/R168 child
day drive R259 adult / R132 child
sunset drive R328 adult / R168 child
night drive R259 adult/ R132 child
Hop on guide R230 per guide
sites of interest Trail (hippo, Adams) Adult R153/ Child R79
Nature Reserve is accessible by 4x4 vehicle
(To travel to the lodge complexes on the Double Drift section it is advisable to use the Peddie or Alice
routes especially after rain as the Fish River is prone to flooding and the drift may be impassable.
Please phone the office for queries relating to this important consideration: 040-6538010)
FROM ALICE (MVUBU LODGE AND CHALETS, MBABALA AND NOTTINGHAM LODGES AND MAIN
RECEPTION/OFFICE COMPLEX FOR GREAT FISH). GATE OPEN 24 HOURS
1. There are only two petrol stations in Alice, the turn off is across the road from the Engen
Garage at the 4-way stop, this is the R345.
2. Turn Left if from King Williams Town or Right if from Fort Beaufort at this 4-way stop.
3. Cross over the railway line. It is tar for the first kilometre, thereafter it becomes gravel.
4. Travel 27km to the boom gate at Double Drift Section of Great Fish – stay on the main gravel
road.
5. Once through the boom gate travel another 6 kilometres.
FROM PEDDIE OR N2 (MVUBU LODGE AND CHALETS, MBABALA AND NOTTINGHAM LODGES AND
MAIN RECEPTION/OFFICE COMPLEX FOR GREAT FISH) GATE OPEN 24 HOURS
1. At Peddie town turn Left if from Grahamstown or Right if from King Williams Town.
2. Proceed to the top of the town. At the second stop sign turn Right.
3. Go approximately 30m on the tar and turn Left onto the gravel road. This is the R345.
4. Travel approximately 45km on the main gravel road without deviating.
5. Once in the main boom gate it will be a further 17km to the office and reception areas.
FROM GRAHAMSTOWN OR N2 OR R67 (BASIL KENT EDUCATION CENTRE, BUCKLANDS, SAM KNOTT
OFFICES AND RETREAT) NB!!! GATE ONLY OPEN BETWEEN 6AM AND 8PM
1. IF YOU’RE COMING FROM THE N2: take the R67 on the Fort Beaufort Road.
2. IF YOU’RE COMING FROM GRAHAMSTOWN CBD: take Roglan road to Rini township past the
Checkers. Go for about 12km until you reach the R67 to Fort Beaufort. Turn Left onto the R67.
3. Travel for approximately 30km on tar towards Fort Beaufort.
4. Turn Right at the Great Fish River signs and travel 2km on the gravel to T junction left.
5. Turn Left at the Great Fish River sign and travel another 2km to the main gate.
6. The lodges are a further 17-35km on from the main gate.
NB!!!! There are another two big green gates that will need to be entered and closed behind
you. You will pass through Bucklands Private Game Reserve. Please be sure to ask for the level
of the river at the main gate from the Gate Guard