Hopewell Private Game Reserve

Hopewell Private Game Reserve provides luxurious and stylish accommodation to a very limited number of guests. Our African lodge has sweeping views over the grassland and forest that typifies the beauty and diversity of this region.

The secluded and spacious Hopewell Lodge is perfectly positioned for panoramic views and designed to blend into the landscape. Perched above the elephants’ favourite watering hole, the viewing deck is the ideal spot for afternoon cocktails and our sumptuous meals.

The lodge is largely built from local stone and thatch and landscaped to compliment the hill on which it rests. Furnished in contemporary safari style with a focus on comfort and relaxation, the lodge is airy and light, with thatch to insulate against the African summer heat and fireplaces to ward off the winter chill.

There are two comfortable lounges, a dining area for the days when weather does not permit al fresco dining and an intimate conference room. The upstairs lounge has the lodges only television and the downstairs lounge is home to the bar.

LUXURY SUITES
There are four Luxury Suites named Buffalo, Nguni, Zebra and Rhino. These suites are secluded in their own private patch of bush with sweeping views across the valley below. The suites are connected to the Hopewell Lodge by a series of pathways and steps.

Each suite has a wide deck with an umbrella as well deck chairs and sun lounges. With the exception of the Nguni Suite, they also have plunge pools. The Nguni Suite, to its credit, has a fabulous private bush gazebo with views over the waterhole below.

The open-plan interior of the suites flows seamlessly from a luxurious lounge to the sleeping area to the open bathroom. The rooms are light and spacious with large sliding doors that open onto the deck.

The suites are not only luxurious but romantic too. Each room has a large fireplace between the bed and the large bath tub. The tub has been placed close to the glass wall allowing for views into the bush.

RHINO PRIVATE LUXURY SUITE
Indulge your senses with all-encompassing valley bushveld views from the comfort of the stylish interior of the Rhino private suite or over the secluded deck and swimming pool merging into the spectacular landscape.

Designed with privacy and supreme comfort in mind, the open-plan suite flows seamlessly from luxurious living to sleeping to bathroom, all warmed by a cosy fireplace. Rhino is one of four private suites, and has its own private pool and sundeck.

CUISINE WITH FLAIR
Drawing on local produce and flavours in a contemporary South African style, meals at Hopewell are always a memorable occasion. Weather permitting,

Al Fresco dinning on the privacy of each suites deck or on the deck of Hopewell Lodge are the preferred locations for meals. The dining room is adjacent the large central fireplace of Hopewell Lodge and an ideal location for romantic candle lit dinners on the cooler winter evenings.

On certain evenings, dinners, particularly in the form of a South African Braai (Barbeque), are prepared and served in our bush boma. This wonderful, wooden palisaded area is centered around a fire pit and open to the clearly visible Milky Way above.

Whatever the occasion, our in-house chef’s focus is on the freshest and most wholesome ingredients prepared with flair and bringing a taste of the Eastern Cape to your plate.

Start the day – either before or after a morning game drive – with a Continental or full English breakfast at Hopewell Lodge. Select a bottle of fine South African wine from our cellar or choose a beverage of your choice from the fully-stocked bar.

Feel free to discuss your needs with our resident chef. All meals, house wines, local beers and spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included in our rates.

SAFARIS IN A RECLAIMED EDEN
Thanks to our exclusivity, your guided safari is not disturbed by large groups of other game vehicles and viewers. In fact, we have the lowest density of visitors of any private game reserve in the Eastern Cape.

Our game reserve is also the closest to the ocean and the hot summers days and cold winter nights are moderated by temperate sea breezes.

Our proximity to the ocean also ensures that we are the only game reserve in the region to have thick grasslands interspersed with tall trees. This allows for unparalleled game viewing.

Hopewell Private Game Reserve exists on reclaimed farm land. Generations ago this land was the natural environment of the Big Five and a host of other big game but was overtaken by farming.

Our private Eden covers a 6600-acre reserve where the owners have made a principled conservation investment to restore and regenerate the farm land to its natural state.

On a safari today, just as 250 years ago, you are likely to encounter elephant, buffalo, hippo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, leopard, warthog, various antelope and indigenous species that have been carefully re-introduced to maintain a balanced eco-system.

By visiting Hopewell Private Game Reserve you too are helping to preserve Africa’s natural beauty.

WHAT TO WEAR

Summer (October to March): The Eastern Cape has a warm summer climate, but the deep shade of the bush and sometimes breezy weather means layered clothing and a wind-breaker are recommended for game drives. For the heat of the day and balmy summer evenings, bring lightweight summer clothing and beachwear.

Winter (April to September): Mornings and late afternoons and evenings are chilly, but temperatures in the bush often warm up during the day. We suggest layered, light clothing for daytime and a warm insulated jacket for morning and evening game drives.

Remember to bring: Binoculars and camera, comfortable walking shoes, sunhats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Website: www.hopewell-lodge.com

Rooms: 6

Price: from 601 EUR per night