Rothwell Rose

The property is an exclusive use colonial farmhouse, built in 1905 and lovingly restored to provide guests with an elegant and private safari experience, reminiscent of Out of Africa. The house accommodates up to 6 guests, ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together and after a bit more privacy than the usual safari lodge.

Outside the farmhouse sweeping lawns extent down to the swimming pool and the bushveld extends beyond that. The property has perfected the balance between the genteel and the wild, with classically beautiful interiors scattered with antiques, all the modern comforts you could wish for, and to top it all off a full contingent of friendly staff, including your own dedicated chef and butler as well as private guide and 4×4 safari vehicle.

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead is set in a remote and tranquil valley on the 22,000 hectare Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the non-malarial Eastern Cape of South Africa. This is the largest privately owned Big 5 game viewing area in the country, non-malarial and easy to get to being just a short flight from Port Elizabeth or Plettenberg Bay or a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Port Elizabeth. The lodge has sweeping views of the afromontane forests and has been cleverly designed around a large central courtyard and swimming pool, giving it a wonderfully sociable feel. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies approximately 65km from the coast and 45km inland from Grahamstown.

As exclusive use safari lodges go we think the Kwandwe Uplands Homestead is pretty much perfect. It’s based in an idyllic location and everything is so well thought out. We find it works so well for families, either those with a few children or for a couple of families each with an only-child as the children will love having a friend with whom to share this incredible safari experience. If you need something a little bit larger then there is also the four-bedroom Kwandwe Melton Manor on the reserve offering the same fantastic set-up for a larger group. Both properties are snapped up like gold dust over the festive season and holidays though so if you’re looking to make Christmas, New Year or Easter the most memorable time imaginable then be sure to get in touch as early as possible!

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead is available for groups up to 6 people, and comes with a private safari vehicle, guide, tracker, chef and a butler.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a malaria free destination.

Children of all ages are accepted at Kwandwe Uplands Homestead

A gym in a bag is provided in the manor. In-room spa treatments are also available.

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead is closed each year from 17th May to 11th June.

The reserve can be reached by daily scheduled flights from Port Elizabeth or Plettenberg Bay to the Kwandwe airstrip, or by road. The drive from Port Elizabeth takes around 1hr45m and transfers can be arranged for those not self-driving.

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead is fully inclusive. Rates include: accommodation, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip, child-minding, all meals, soft drinks, South African premium and sparkling wines, local and premium brand spirits, beers and game drives refreshments, safari ctivities, fishing safaris, night drives, laundry, child-minding, emergency medical evacuation insurance and VAT. Rates exclude: community and conservation levy per person per night, champagne, cigars, in-room massage treatments, gratuities.

Day and night game drives

Walking safaris (12+ years)

Local community visits

Bush breakfasts and dinners

Fishing on Galpin Dam

Specialist photographic safaris

Boat safari and floating pontoon

Wide range of kids activities

Campfire cooking

Rhino monitoring and darting experience