Uplands Homestead

Uplands is a three-suite farmhouse, built in the early 1900s and restored to retain its old-world character, set on the most remote corner of Kwandwe — to the west of the reserve, where the manicured garden contrasts with the African wilderness beyond. Your group gets the entire homestead, your own ranger, tracker, chef, butler, and game-viewing vehicle for the duration of your stay. Designed for multi-generational families or close friend groups of up to six who want the reserve to feel like their private estate.

Your rate covers exclusive-use of the homestead, all meals (breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner), twice-daily Big 5 game drives in your private vehicle, walking safaris with armed rangers, house wines, beers and soft drinks, and your stay in malaria-free Kwandwe. Premium drinks, spa treatments and helicopter charters are billed separately.

Yes — children of all ages are welcome. The exclusive-use format means full flexibility on meals, drive timing, and activities to suit younger guests. The homestead's layout and grounds work well for families with kids of varying ages.

Kwandwe is approximately 160 km (1h45m drive) from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), or 185 km (2 hr) from East London. The reserve has its own airstrip with a daily scheduled flight from Port Elizabeth — the fastest option for groups. After checking in at Heatherton Towers reception (the first house past the Kwandwe gate), you will be transferred to Uplands by reserve vehicle (15 to 30 minutes).

Uplands is priced for sole-use of the entire homestead. Whether you have 2, 4, or 6 guests in your group, the per-villa rate is the same. The displayed per-person rate assumes maximum occupancy of six — the homestead rate stays fixed regardless of party size.

Twice-daily Big 5 game drives in your private 4x4 with your own ranger and tracker — morning drives at dawn, late afternoon drives that often include night-drive sightings of aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine. Interpretive bush walks with an armed ranger reveal the smaller wonders — lichen, mosses, ferns, raptor nests, and close encounters with antelope, giraffe, warthog, and occasionally buffalo. Children's Eco-Warriors programme, rhino-tracking and conservation experiences are available on request. Mountain biking and star bed sleep-outs can be booked separately.

60+ days before arrival — no forfeit. 30 to 60 days — 50% of booking total forfeited. Less than 30 days — 100% of booking total forfeited.