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Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead


33°7’41.9"S 26°28’20.7"E

About Kwandwe Uplands Homestead

Uplands Homestead is a sensitively restored 1905 farmhouse, which can be booked exclusively by a small group ...

... of up to six travellers. Situated in a remote and peaceful valley within the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, it gives a feel of a genuine home, which might remind you of Out of Africa. The house comes fully staffed with a private ranger, tracker and chef, and an open-topped 4WD vehicle for your private safaris.

Uplands Homestead is a lovely country home which feels as old as it is. It’s recently been modernised sensitively, and made more comfortable, without relinquishing its character. Families and small groups will love having their own space, both inside and outside, as well as having the staff to organise activities and meals with complete flexibility.

Our view

Uplands Homestead is a lovely country home which feels as old as it is. It’s recently been modernised sensitively, and made more comfortable, without relinquishing its character. Families and small groups will love having their own space, both inside and outside, as well as having the staff to organise activities and meals with complete flexibility.

Chris McIntyre

Chris McIntyre

South Africa expert

Accommodation

3 suites

Children

Excellent for children

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Kwandwe Uplands Homestead

1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
1 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
1
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs JfromBayswater

Arrived 7 Jul 2011, 7 nights

"Kwandwe Private Game Reserve review"

"The lodge was outstanding, the staff gracious and the food was terriific. …" Read Mr & Mrs J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Kwandwe Uplands Homestead reviews

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead: Our full report

Uplands Homestead is a sensitively restored 1905 farmhouse, which can be booked exclusively by a small group ...

... of up to six travellers. Situated in a remote and peaceful valley within the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, it gives a feel of a genuine home, which might remind you of Out of Africa. The house comes fully staffed with a private ranger, tracker and chef, and an open-topped 4WD vehicle for your private safaris.

The interior design at Kwandwe Uplands Homestead is based on 1820s settlers’ style. Expect antique mirrors, solid yellowwood chests and wardrobes, venerable rugs, antique silver and porcelain, fine damask linen and dark wood furniture. Glass and crystal lanterns, celadon ceramic lamps and silver candlestick holders add a luxurious, romantic touch. Although some of the individual pieces are lovely, and very authentic, it’s all sufficiently relaxed that you do feel as if you can treat it like home; so don’t expect to stand on ceremony here.

Also, despite the décor and the fabric of Uplands Homestead being very traditional and a bit country-like, you don’t have to do without the high levels of modern comfort you would expect at any lodge.

All of Uplands Homestead’s three suites sleep two people in a double or twin configuration and have a spacious en suite bathroom with an indoor shower each. Two of them additionally feature a Victorian-style ball-and claw bath, while the third one has got a massive, oval stone bath. All the suites possess hairdryers, personal bars and are air-conditioned. On each suite’s private balcony you can enjoy lovely views of the tranquil valley covered with hundreds of aloes and the undulating hills.

The main areas at Kwandwe Uplands Homestead include a sitting and dining room, a sensitively modernised farm kitchen and a veranda furnished with comfortable sofas overlooking the lawn on one side of the villa. From there, the large swimming pool stands at the far end of the ‘lawn’, beside which some sun loungers stand under a sun canopy – and there’s a shaded ‘sala’ area.

One point which families shouldn’t overlook here is that all the homestead, including the extensive ‘garden’ lawns and swimming pool, is enclosed within an electric fence; so here children really can play outside without fear of coming face-to-face with a lion or an elephant. This is a massive asset for families with children who can relax outside with only relatively laid-back parental supervision.

Having their private vehicle and guide, guests at Uplands Homestead can set their very own schedule. The most popular activities from Kwandwe Uplands are undoubtedly guided bush walks and open-topped 4WD game drives in the morning and the late afternoon or early evening. Night drives are also possible. Other activities include rhino darting, rhino monitoring, big game walking safaris, fishing and boat trips on the Galpin Dam.

Geographics

Location
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
Most families and small grouns will want to stay for at least three or four nights … and even then probably won’t want to leave.
Directions
Thanks to very good roads the self-drive to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, which takes 30 minutes from Grahamstown or one and a half to two hours from Port Elizabeth Airport (160km), is fairly easy. Arriving at Heatherton Towers, Kwandwe’s main reception, you leave your vehicle at the car park and will be transferred from there to your lodge in an open-topped 4WD.



Alternatively, daily scheduled flights from Port Elizabeth Airport to Kwandwe airstrip can be booked, or take a private 20-minute charter flight.

On request, chauffeur-driven transfers can also be arranged.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
There isn’t a whole team in the kitchen here; they simply wouldn’t fit! However, one of your hosts here is a very capable chef, so expect high-quality, wholesome home cooking here – with the menu decided upon by discussion.
Needless to comment, there’s a selection of premier South African wines to hand, and with prior notice you chef will will take most special diet requests in his/her stride if notified well in advance. That said, if you require kosher food, then expect there to be an extra cost for this.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Travellers who like to enjoy their meals out in nature might make use of the options of bush breakfasts, dinners and sundowners and picnics on the reserve… or perhaps eat at a table in the garden!
Drinks included
House wines, beers, local spirits, soft drinks and bottled water are included.

Special interests

Family holidays
The historic Uplands Homestead, which is always booked exclusively for family safari holidays in South Africa, comes with a private guide, vehicle and chef. Enjoy a relaxed and - for a wildlife area - relatively safe environment just like at home – but in a great reserve!
See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
Birdwatching
Kwandwe Game Reserve is a popular destination for birding, as it’s home to many endangered species like black stork, martial eagle and of course blue crane, South Africa’s national bird after which Kwandwe was named; it means place of the blue crane in Xhosa.
See ideas for Birdwatching in South Africa
Wildlife safaris
South Africa’s Kwandwe Reserve has good wildlife densities and excellent guiding. Here the historic Uplands Homestead is a private home which now includes modern amenities. A private 4WD and safari guide enables wildlife safaris to be tailored to your wishes.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in South Africa
Private villas & houses
Uplands Homestead is a private villa in South Africa’s Cape, which sleeps up to six guests on an ‘exclusive-use’ basis. It is - fully fenced - situated in Kwandwe Game Reserve and comes with a private chef, guide and 4WD safari vehicle.
See ideas for Private villas & houses in South Africa
Luxury
Reminiscent of a stately Settler home from the 1820s, Kwandwe Uplands Homestead features authentic antiques, old-fashioned luxury and classic architecture whilst ensuring an exceptional level of comfort; the perfect choice for an exclusive holiday with a lovely bush-country feel.
See ideas for Luxury in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are very welcome at Kwandwe Uplands Homestead. The house can accommodate up to six guests plus one infant under two sharing with its parents.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
If you wish your guide to plan specially-designed children’s activities like “poo safaris", spoor tracking, Minno's fishing trip and treasure hunts then these are possible – although as there’s only one guide and vehicle at Uplands, these couldn’t be done at the same time that the adults go out on safari.



With the launch of the ‘Blue Crane Conservation Club’ on 1st December 2013 there have been more eco-themed activities introduced in the reserve to raise environmental awareness amongst even the youngest visitors. Some examples are planting spekboom, which are among the most carbon-storing plant species, and guided ‘Bugs & Bones’ walks to look out for insects, bugs, bones, skulls and the tracks and droppings of wildlife.



Kwandwe’s increased emphasis on ecological topics also finds expression in the backpack that all child visitors in the reserve receive. It contains animal check lists, eco-themed games and puzzles, crayons or pencils in recycled tubes, a reusable BPA-free water bottle, a ‘Frolicking Rhino’ range of bath products and a list of environmentally friendly activities. Children can also take a “Rangers in Training" certificate home with them at the end of their holidays at Uplands.
Equipment
A cot and a highchair are available.
Generally recommended for children
Uplands Homestead is a very relaxed place for children by the standards of any safari lodge. The homestead is fully fenced making the homestead’s lawns a viable playground with only fairly relaxed parental supervision required. Whilst small animals could get through, big dangerous animals shouldn’t. So children can have outdoor time here, and run around on the grass in front of the veranda. Note that the large swimming pool is unfenced, and some supervision is always necessary, as the electric fence won’t stop a scorpion or a snake.
Notes
After staying here for a few days, one very experienced ‘Africa hand’ and veteran safari-goer, who had only just started traveling with her four-year-old daughter, commented to us: “After having a private house at Kwandwe, we've realised that is the only way to do it when you have little ones. What a difference it made not having to constantly worry about messes and noise for fear of offending someone."

Communications

Communications
Telephone and wireless Internet access are available at Kwandwe Uplands.
Water supply
Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
If serious medical treatment became necessary, Grahamstown Hospital would be the nearest address. It is 40km, about an 40-minute drive, away from Kwandwe Game Reserve.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
The homestead is fully fenced.
Fire safety

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry included.
Money
Each suite at Kwandwe Uplands Homestead possesses a safe.
Accepted payment on location
United Kingdom Pounds, US Dolars and South Africa Rand are all accepted as well as MasterCard, Visa, Diners and Amex.

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Kwandwe Uplands Homestead's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Uplands Homestead.


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When to go to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Uplands Homestead in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

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