The scenery surrounding Uplands Homestead is the making of childhood dreams. Uplands Homestead is the most remote of the four villas on the reserve, located in the west of the reserve, the immediate manicured garden contrasts with the African wilderness beyond: sweeping slopes decorated with hundreds of aloes and the tranquil Great Fish River valley stretching into the distance.

Despite being less than two hours' drive from Port Elizabeth, Kwandwe gives the impression that you are in a remote wilderness area. The 30 km of privately owned river frontage, which greatly enhances the reserve's aesthetic attractiveness and serves as an essential water source for the animals, has to be one of its highlights. The Big Five are free to wander on the 22,000 hectares, which at first housed more than 7000 animals. The ocean has an impact on the broad landscape of Kwandwe, as south-facing hills absorb moisture from the sea breezes, leading to thicker or taller vegetation and vibrantly colored lichens. The slopes that face north, on the other hand, are typically drier and more open, and as a result, they are home to stunning aloes that bloom in spectacular profusion in the winter. A forest-like thicket of Euphorbia trees also grows on the steep, south-facing slopes, where these prickly plants are immune to destruction by most animal species (with the exception of the black rhino), thanks to the deadly milky latex they emit.

Built in the early 1900s, the original farmhouse has been lovingly restored to ensure its charm, warmth and character shine through. There are three suites with private verandas and en-suite bathrooms, and antique mirrors and yellowwood chests and wardrobes blend seamlessly with air-conditioning, in-room safes, underfloor heating and other conveniences. The kitchen is the homestead’s heart and soul, where meals are created to be shared by friends and family under the African sky.

Take control of your days with a private safari vehicle, ranger and tracker, and enjoy daily game drives, nature walks, big game walking safaris (tracking white rhino, black rhino, elephant and buffalo on foot) and fishing. Back at the homestead, there is a full size swimming pool and gazebo set amongst rolling lawns, perfect for a spot of afternoon R&R.

There is an abundance of things to do at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve to suit the whole family’s sense of adventure and holiday ambitions. For exclusive-use bookings at the villas and at the Ecca Lodge family suites, guests can design their own safari timetables, with no minimum age restrictions, including game drives at flexible times of the day. For parents looking for a special date night, child-minders are available with prior arrangement at no additional cost.

All our safaris are tailored to suit your family’s needs, whether that be rising a little later in the morning, or focusing on specific interests. Our aim is to allow the whole family to connect with one another and the wild spaces of Kwandwe.

If required, experienced childminders are available by prior arrangement at no additional cost.