Explore South Africa- Where Tradition meets Luxury

Please note that it is essential to pre-book battlefield tours should you be particularly interested. (Even if you are on Fully Inclusive package) We do not run every single tour type every day, and our guides may already be committed with a different tour.
Please email frontdesk@threetreehill.co.za to arrange.

Three Tree Hill Lodge specializes in the history of the South African War, (2nd Anglo-Boer War 1899 – 1902) with the Battle of Spioenkop being our focal point. One cannot however hope to understand this watershed event without studying what caused one of the smallest countries in the world to declare war on the world’s greatest empire of the time. Our guides will bring this dramatic period of our history to life, presenting world class, holistic, evocative and insightful tours.

1.Battle of Spioenkop – Three Trees Flagship Tour – half-day(4hours) This tour tells of the bloodiest single day of the entire South African War. During January, General Sir Redvers Buller was joined by Lt General Sir Charles Warren, but their renewed attempts to breach the Boer defense line along the Thukela River were unsuccessful. Spioenkop was the highest point on the Boer defensive line and on 23 January 1900, a British attempt to capture it began. Astonishingly, Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mohandas Ghandi all played a role in this battle. The result of this battle confirmed that those early disasters of ‘Black Week’ were not merely beginners luck on the part of the Boers. Spioenkop, together with Majuba, are arguably the best known of all the battles between the British and the
Boers.

2. Battle of Colenso & Churchill’s Capture – half day (4 hours) The Boers, in response to the anticipated arrival of thousands of British troops in Durban, took up defensive positions along the Thukela River near Colenso. In mid-December a British force of over 15,000 men, under Sir Redvers Buller, suffered a humiliating defeat in attempting to break through to Ladysmith. In this battle 7 Victoria Crosses were won, contributing to two of only three father & son VCs ever to be awarded. Young Winston was contracted by the Morning Post to cover the war in South Africa. However, his capture near Frere and subsequent remarkable escape, thrust him into the political and public limelight, and arguably launched his political career. Less than a year later, aged 25, he became a MP for Oldham.

3. Ladysmith Siege, Battle of Caesar’s Camp & Wagon Point – half day (4 hours)
The siege of Ladysmith lasted 118 days from 02 November 1899 until 28 February 1900. The town was the northern post of the British garrison in Natal, chosen for its strategic position on the Klip River and the junction of the railway lines from Durban to both the Free State and Johannesburg, providing communications between the harbour and the interior.

4. Three Tree Hill Artillery Trail – 2 hours by foot – Also suitable for children under 16 years
This 5km (return) walking trail to the site of General Warren’s Camp, provides you with spectacular views of the Drakensberg & Spioenkop from the British perspective. Opportunity to visit all 16 marked gun placement sites

5. Anglo-Zulu War Tours: Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift – full day (10 hours) The British army under Lord Chelmsford had moved from the Eastern Cape border to the Zululand border during 1878. When the British ultimatum to the Zulu king, Cetshwayo, expired in January 1879, the British invaded Zululand in three separate columns. The Battle of Isandlwana took place when the central British column came into contact with the Zulus and suffered a humiliating and bloody defeat at the hands of a spirited Zulu army.

6. Battle of Blood River 1838, Battles of Talana & Elandslaagte – full day (10 hours) In 1838, the mighty Zulu army was defeated for the first time by the Voortrekker Commando under their leader, Andries Pretorius, hereby opening the way for the proclamation of the first Boer Republic – The Republic of Natalia. Talana was the Boers opening gambit in Natal, and although hailed as a British success, it was a pyrrhic victory with the Boers withdrawing in good order, leaving major casualties on the British side, including their general. Elandslaagte, fought the next day, was a decisive British victory. It may be considered to be the last of the set piece battles of the war. Curiously, having driven the Boers from the railway line, the British immediately withdrew, allowing the Boers to re-occupy it.

What to expect:
Half day tours 1,2,3 begin either at 08h30 & return around 13h00 for lunch or begin after lunch around 13h30 & return at sunset around 18h00. Times will be determined by guest numbers or weather conditions at the time. Full day tours 4 & 5 will depart at 07h00 & return around sunset.
Picnic lunches & refreshments are included on the tours. However, it is possible to dine at eateries on the battlefields route at your own cost.
A small amount of walking on fairly uneven terrain is required, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Sunscreen, sunhat & sunglasses are always required, winter or summer. Light fleece or jacket to be taken during all seasons. Light rain or wind proof jacket also recommended. Binoculars are recommended if you have an interest in nature, as you never know what might be encountered whilst on tour.

Hiking In The Drakensberg
Three Trees offers great access to The uKhahlamba National Park (formerly the Royal Natal National Park), Cathedral Peak and the Champagne Valley, which are all within an hours drive of the lodge. Maps & guide books can be arranged at the lodge with picnic lunches for hikes ranging from short half hour walks to full day hikes. Guided hikes can be arranged with your resident qualified guides.

Guided Walks
The lodge is situated on 1,200ha of naturally rolling Drakensberg foothills. Both Simon & Cheryl are FGASA qualified Field Guides and have a wealth of knowledge on the Natural Fauna & Flora in the area. Joined by the dogs, and walking alongside the game reserve, a walk out in the hills is not to be missed. Well-marked trails are also available if you want to meander along in your own steam.

Self-guided walks on the property
There are numerous marked trails that are safe to navigate at your own steam. Wonderful vistas, birds & the occasional wild game can be spotted.

There are numerous opportunities for horse riding at and around Three Trees. We offer rides on the property, which is a working Brahman cattle farm, providing wonderful views of the Spioenkop Battlefield, the Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains. They provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular countryside up close whether to view the flora and fauna, to gain insights into the difficulties of fighting a war with Victorian impedimenta on this terrain, or to view seldom visited parts of the Battlefield (for example the Boer trenches on nTabanyama).

Pony rides can also be arranged for children on request.

Spioenkop Game Reserve
Our position overlooking the Spioenkop Game Reserve affords great game viewing opportunities, whether it is from your room, on horseback or whilst out walking on our property. Rhino and giraffe and many varieties of antelope may be spotted grazing near the Lodge on the other side of the fence.

Managed by Ezimvelo Wildlife the park is well worth a visit. It is easily accessible by car and takes an hour to get to the entrance.

Birding
A bird list of 300 species has been recorded in the area, with Cape Vultures, Lanner Falcons, Buff Streaked Chats & Fairy Flycatchers all residing here. In the winter months (when the aloes are flowering) most mountain-dwelling birds descend to the foothills to take advantage of the sweet nectar & insects that adorn these spectacular plants. The Malachite sunbird is a stunning example of this. In the summer months, Northern migrants arrive to fill the air with calls & twittering that will keep any “twitcher” on his toes.

Mountain bikes available for guests to use at R495 per person. Road riding & technical guided trails available on request. Few children size bikes available too.

Trails on the property providing wonderful views of the Spioenkop Battlefield, the Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains. They provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular countryside up close whether to view the flora and fauna.

A truly authentic experience with one of the Three Trees staff members that takes you to the nearby village (8km down the road) for a look into the lives of the Hambrook residents.

Tailor-made to suit the guests interest or just an introduction to the Zulu culture. Can be done by bicycle for a half day outing or by vehicle for a shorter experience.

Stories of the Anglo-Zulu war have endured and enchanted for almost a century and a half. The famous battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift have captured the interests and imaginations of countless people for generations, as they did in Victorian Britain.

The epic of Isandlwana was a battle which shook imperial Britain to its core and questioned the illusion of European superiority. How did a force, armed largely with spears and shields, overcome a modern British army?

The tour departs after breakfast, at 7:30. On the way to Isandlwana, guests listen to a tape narrated by David Rattray which gives a background to the Anglo-Zulu War. There is a stop at 9:00 for a comfort break and to view the museum at Isandlwana. The lecture on the battlefield begins at 9:45 and end at around 11:30, when refreshments are served. Another tape, this time describing the story of the survivors and events after the battle of Isandlwana, is played en route back to the Lodge or Guest House, returning for lunch at 13:00.

The stories of the Anglo-Zulu war have endured for almost a century and a half. The battle of Rorke’s Drift is one of the most famous battles in the English-speaking world and was later the subject of the 1964 Hollywood blockbuster, Zulu.

A brave little band of British soldiers, many sick and disabled, held out all night against an overwhelming Zulu force. Douglas Rattray’s emotionally charged talk covers the battle at Rorke’s Drift through the experiences of the individual soldiers who, through great acts of selflessness and bravery, managed to hold out in the face of such dire odds.

Eleven Victoria Crosses and five Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded for actions at Rorke’s Drift, restoring British military honour and securing its reputation as one of the most remarkable stands in British military history.

The tour to Rorke's Drift departs at 15:00. Guests have time to look through the museum at Rorke’s Drift before the lecture begins at 16:00. There is very little walking involved. The lecture concludes a just before 18:00 and guests are then given the opportunity to look around the memorials and graveyard before returning to the Lodge and Guest House.

In 1879, the British invaded Zululand. The central of the three major invading columns forded the Buffalo River at Rorke’s Drift. Within days, Lord Chelmsford’s invasion was in jeopardy. Part of his central column had been almost annihilated at Isandlwana, in a battle rated as one of the greatest military disasters in British colonial history. A few survivors struggled back into Natal, crossing the mighty Buffalo River at the Fugitives’ Drift.

A few hundred yards from our lodge, two officers died in a heroic attempt to save the Queen’s Colour of their regiment, and became the first men in history to earn posthumous Victoria Crosses. We are privileged to have these brave men, Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill, buried where they fell on our property.

Join one of our complimentary daily guided walks down to the graves of Melvill and Coghill. The graves walk takes approximately one hour and includes 3km of stunning views across the Buffalo River and, often, encounters with wildlife. It is a relatively easy walk, but does involve a short climb.

Fugitives’ Drift is renowned for delivering awe-inspiring battlefield tours that bring the battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana to life. This experience gives a deep and tangible insight into some of the most moving of South Africa’s battlefields. Fugitives’ Drift is expanding on these experiences
with the addition of dedicated tours for children under 12 years of age.

While our world-renowned tours set off with the parents, shorter, more interactive tours on the property, led by a guide, will engage and inspire their children with stories of the bravery and courage of the British soldiers and Zulu warriors. These tours will be followed by a game walk and a more cultural encounter, which can be tailored to suit the individual needs or ages of the children.

Fugitives' Drift has an ever-expanding network of single track ranging from flat to steep, technical and not-so-technical. We have lots of Jeep track (two track).

Enjoy breath-taking views, and viewing the array of plains game that live on the reserve - such as giraffe, zebra, blesbok, kudu, wildebeest, impala, and more.

You do need to bring your own bicycle and helmet if this is an activity that you are interested in.

Fugitives Drift Lodge and Guest House are nestled amid the green slopes of the 2500-hectare Fugitives Drift Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna species, including zebra, giraffe, different kind of antelope and approximately 300 species of bird.

These walking trails can be enjoyed at your leisure, either with or without one of our trained field guides.

Our informative guides are certified with the Field Guide Association of South Africa and have an extensive knowledge of all aspects of our African bushveld. The guided tours take guests along scenic walking trails through the reserve surrounds, while focusing attention on the vegetation, spoor, game (large and small!), birds, insects, medicinal properties and other fascinating facts.

Guests can experience the diversity of our reserve safely on foot as a relaxed and informative activity – the duration and distance of the walks can be tailored to suit guest’s individual walking preference, but generally last for 2 hours, covering 2 or 3 km.

For those keen on fly fishing, our game reserve is bordered by the Buffalo River Gorge and provides a fantastic fishing spot. Spend a morning in spectacular and tranquil surroundings, fishing for Natal Yellow Fish

Natal Yellowfish, also affectionately known as Scaly (Yellowfish), are a freshwater fish endemic to eastern South Africa, and KZN in particular. They can grow up to 65cm in length and weigh up to 4.5kg. The are an incredibly strong fighting fish, and readily take a well drifted fly.

Kindly note that you will need to bring your own equipment. Fishing in the Buffalo River is also season dependent and can only be done between May and October (with the best time being June – September).

Please also note that all fishing is strictly catch-and-release.

Another exciting excursion is to Blood River. This is where a battle was fought between the Boers and the Zulus on the 16th December (now a public holiday in South Africa), 1838. This trip is well worth the drive: 64 life-sized solid bronze wagons now sit on the site of the battle and are quite remarkable.

This facility is a delightful place to have lunch or while away a couple of hours taking in the view.
It is also an ideal venue for a party.

For Conference Use - Includes a mid-morning tea-break, bottled water & mints. Lunch and afternoon tea is included in the overnight rate. Screen & Projector for use. Rate is charged per day.

Big 5 Safaris take you through well stocked, unspoilt bush veld and endless rivers winding through indigenous forest, a birder’s paradise.

Our top therapists eagerly welcome you to be treated to an indulgent pampering session whilst you unwind in our tranquil spa. Surrounded by sweeping bushveld views, our Spa stands as one of the top health and beauty brands in South Africa which is both eco-friendly and has a holistic approach to all their treatments. Inspired by the wisdom of Africa’s traditional healers and their vibrant heritage, communities and plant life, guests can enjoy an array of natural body, skin and beauty treatments designed to rejuvenate, relax and enhance health and vitality. After your treatment, you can take a leisurely dip in your own private plunge pool and enjoy the magnificence of the surrounding beauty.

Waking to the morning calls of the birds in the riverbed below your suite, the day begins with a select cup of coffee and some traditional rusks before embarking on your early morning safari with your guide.

On return to the lodge, an enticing breakfast awaits you in the dining room. Thereafter you can enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace or you can take some quality time for yourself and be pampered at our Africology Spa for an hour or two.

At lunch time you can enjoy a light picnic basket lunch around the bird pond, on the main lodge deck or simply relax on your private balcony.

In the afternoon, you will be invited to come and enjoy afternoon tea on the main deck as you overlook the distant Lebombo Mountain Range. Afterwards you will go with your guide to explore some different areas of the reserve on your afternoon drive and will be treated to a magnificent African sunset to remember. On return to the lodge, you will have the opportunity to freshen up before having dinner in our ‘million star’ boma where you will be treated to an exquisite African inspired meal and can pair it with one of our award-winning wines from our cellar.

As the day comes to an end, you can sit around the bonfire and share the exciting stories of the days’ wildlife encounters with the other guests or retire to your suite to enjoy a sherry on your deck and listen as Africa's night chorus unfolds with distant lion roars, hyenas whooping, or baboons barking at lurking Leopards in the river bed below.

As the large orb of the morning sun creeps over the African bush horizon, you will be greeted by our rangers who will treat you to warm fragrant teas and coffee coupled with morning rusks and biscuits. While enjoying your morning cup of coffee, our rangers will inform you about the wildlife they are hoping to see during the day. On returning to the Lodge, you will be treated to an array of fresh fruits, pastries and other delectable morning treats, followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes.

This drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after sunset where you will be whisked away to the African night sounds and encounter our fascinating nightlife. Enjoy sundowners at scenic locations as the brilliant, vibrant colours of the sunset begin to fade into the most beautiful pastels, mingling and blending into every imaginable.

The experience of a lifetime – game drives at Sungulwane give you the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Africa and see wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Our experienced guides share their knowledge and passion with you on twice daily game drives, bringing the flora and fauna to life; not only do you see sightings of Africa’s Big 5 but the other iconic species such as Giraffe, Zebra and Hippo.

When you book a private vehicle and specialist guide; safaris can be tailormade to suit you. Whether you want to focus on birds, photography, family safaris or take things a little slower to enjoy every aspect of this wild environment, each experience is unique.

Photo Credit: Roaming Media, Keenan Houareau & Kyle McGarvie

Relax the mind and body through therapeutic spa treatments in the privacy of your luxury suite nestled in the Red Ivory Forest filled with beautiful and relaxing bird songs, our indulgent treatments will ensure you feel pampered, rejuvenated and uplifted.

Our treatments are designed to improve circulation, heal and revitalize, creating the 'cherry on top' to you time away. Guests can enjoy an array of natural body, skin and beauty treatments. With our products that are created to enhance health and vitality, providing aromatherapy benefits and skin nourishment adding an extra dimension to our treatments.

Photo Credit: Rory Baker

A bush walk offers a truly immersive experience, being on foot in a Big 5 reserve without the protection of a car. A guided bush walk gives you the opportunity to learn about tracks, flowers, insects and the smaller things you miss being on a vehicle.

Being able to smell and touch what is at your feet with possibility of observing wildlife to a very short distance. The thrill of not knowing what is around the next bend and surrounding yourself in nature is something we highly recommend.

Not just for photographers! It is an incredible experience for anyone who loves wildlife. It allows you to get close to the animals, enabling you to watch them undisturbed in their natural environment when they come to drink or cool off.

Our Twinspot Hide is at ground level offering the opportunity to be at eye-level with the water to take spectacular shots of wildlife at the pan. Zebra, warthog, buffalo, elephant, a variety of bird species and other game regularly visit the pan.

Photo Credit: Keenan Houareau & Kyle McGarvie

Subject to availability

The Munyawana Conservancy is home to one of the largest privately owned rhino populations in the world, which means we are tasked with protecting them and keeping them safe from poaching. Rhino dehorning is a vital part of conserving the population and ensuring their survive for future generations.

Photo Credit: Dylan Pons

Day 1: Afternoon Wetland Safari Drive

On the day of arrival you can enjoy an afternoon wetland drive where you get a taste of this enchanting pristine park with the immense bird and wildlife, great and small, on our luxury open safari vehicles. You get to enjoy a drink under the magical colours of the sunset skies while absorbing sounds and smells of the night setting in. Sightings could include: giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, hyena, waterbuck, serval, porcupine, genet, leopard and elephant.

Day 2: Lake Wetland Boat Safari

After breakfast (09h00) you will enjoy a safari game drive through the western shores to the Makakatana boat where Warwick our skipper eagerly awaits. Enjoy a two hour leisurely cruise on Lake St Luica Estuary, Africa’s largest estuarine system. You will see crocodile and lots of hippo, as well as birdlife (over 530 Species in the area). Afterwards, your guide sets up a picnic lunch in bush before returning to the lodge (15h00).

* You need to spend 2 nights at Makakatana where a full day is available to do this safari.

Day 3: Beach and Eastern Shores Safari

After breakfast (09h00) you will enjoy a leisurely safari game drive through the western shores through to the eastern shores to a pristine beach on the Indian Ocean iSimangaliso coastline where you can enjoy a swim, snorkel and picnic lunch in the highest vegetated sand dunes in Africa. After your sun charged day, you return back to the lodge (15h00) with salt on your skin and windswept hair to be welcomed back for high tea.

Makakatana Bay Lodge has two SOLAR powered eco boats in front of the lodge. Great morning trips are offered to explore Lake St Lucia shoreline for hippo watching and bird watching. This is weather permitting and will be offered to guests as an alternative option to the morning game drive.

Day 4 - If you are spending 4 nights or more at Makakatana, there are a few more activity options that you book.

* Morning Wetland drive, day at leisure, Afternoon Wetland drive or Night drive
* Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game reserve (full day)
* Western Shores morning drive & brunch in the park

Or you can book activities with service providers in St Lucia:
* Specialist birder tour
* Deep sea fishing
* Whale watching
* Horse riding on the beach or in the eastern shores reserve.
*****Prices on request*****

If you’re a foodie looking for something a little ‘out of the ordinary’, need a unique event menu, or are keen to impress somebody special - then don’t miss the opportunity to take a front row seat with Executive Chef Kevin Joseph and his ace Team, for an extraordinary dining experience at The Chef’s Table in The Kitchen at The Oyster Box.

Your evening begins in the elegant Oyster Bar with pre-dinner drinks and live music from our resident musician, before being taken ‘behind the scenes’ where your culinary journey begins, with a tour of the working kitchen and your amuse bouche of Champagne and Canapes.

As the drama of this busy kitchen in ‘full service’ mode unfolds, watch as the Chefs prepare a delicious 5-course paired menu before your eyes. The Chef’s Table is available for groups of between six and 10 guests, from from Monday to Sunday for Dinner only.

Direct beach access to a swimming beach

Children between the ages of four and 12 years, have access to the supervised Holiday Club during their stay. .

Other vacation activities include story-telling, face painting, art and craft activities, pizza-making and movie screenings. Special programmes are offered during peak periods such as school holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year.

The Holiday Club is open daily from 10h00 to 19h00

For a more intimate dining experience, the Wine Cellar, with its glass ceiling, is sunken just below the Oyster Bar and is unique for dinner parties, corporate functions, tastings or special events and offers a Chef’s Table for up to 10 guests.

Bespoke menus are created for every occasion and the resident Sommelier will present a selection of wines from the Diners Club Diamond award-winning wine list, which boasts the finest selection of South African and international vintages.

An intimate, 24-seater cinema/screening room is available to hotel guests. Each month a new schedule is set, running a new movie five times a day (10h00, 14h00, 18h00, 20h00 and 22h00).

24 hour access

We are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of our guests by exceptionally skilled therapists. Our commitment to wellbeing focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise.

The Spa at The Oyster Box uses a variety of internationally-recognised treatment products as well as its own exclusive, signature range of all natural, body-care products and professional spa treatments B|Africa. This deluxe range combines indigenous African plant extracts and the natural goodness of West Coast Atlantic sea-salts.

B| Africa uses sustainable harvesting practices on renewable indigenous species, such as oil from the baobab tree, marula oil, avocado butter, honey, rooibos, Mongongo nut and Ximenia kernel oil. In addition, the range includes carefully-crafted B|Africa Spa treatment packages.

Our state of the art, 24 hour complimentary Business Centre, located on the first floor adjacent to the cinema, is available to all hotel guests. There are two desks, each with a computer, printer and a refreshment station offering thoughtful details such as dried fruit and mineral water, as well as tea and coffee on request. The Business Centre offers complimentary internet and the entire hotel has complimentary wireless Internet if you prefer to work from your room. The Business Centre also has a fax, black and white photocopier and secretarial services as available on request. Shipping and packaging, laminating and binding can be arranged directly with our concierge deck at an additional cost.

Clock Library

Jump on a mountain bicycle and hit the cycling trails.

Lace up those hiking boots, find a trail and step into the beauty of nature.

Go on the hunt for sparking rock pool and tumbling waterfall to jump into.

Go on a guided 4×4 nature drive.

Shore-based whale watching – look out for the Humpbacks who journey past our shores June, July & Oct.

Snorkel with the incredible marine life found on this protected coastline.

Fishing (limited) with a guide. For the pot or catch-and-release.

Grab a picnic basket and hit the sunshine, beach or forest, this is food on your own terms.

Book a wellness treatment in the spa.

Watch the sardine run (mid-June to mid-July), from the shore.

By boat (deep-sea snorkelling) or with scuba (at an additional cost).

Explore the natural splendour of Kwandwe on early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. An armed ranger and tracker team share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you as you track the Big Five, as well as a variety of other wildlife.

Morning drives begin as dawn breaks over the Great Fish River, providing the opportunity to see predators winding up their nocturnal hunts and settling in for the day. Many animals take advantage of the cool morning hours to graze before the heat of the day. In the late afternoon wildlife can often be spotted coming down to the river to drink. Night drives produces some unusual sightings, including aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine.

Experience the thrill of tracking big game (white rhino, black rhino, elephant and buffalo) on foot, accompanied by an armed specialist ranger and tracker team. The walk lasts 3 to 4 hours and ends with a picnic lunch on the banks of the Great Fish River or at a scenic spot in the bush. Not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Kwandwe offers a variety of fishing options, either in still water or in the Great Fish River. Try your hand at catching Large Mouth Bass on artificial lures or fly rod in the reserve’s largest dam. Coarse (bait) fishing can also be tried in either the Great Fish River or one of the other large dams to target Yellowfish, Carp, Sharptooth Catfish and more. A fun activity for children as well as for adults.

In between game drives, take a closer look at the subtle, unseen wonders of the bush on a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge. Dense euphorbia thickets are best explored on foot, revealing a secret world of lichen, mosses and ferns. Various birds of prey and other species nest in the taller trees or in the spiny canopy. An armed ranger guides guests through ‘up close and personal’ sightings of various antelope species, giraffe, warthog or zebra. Not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Spend 3 - 4 hours tracking rhino with a specialist ranger and tracker team. Learn about the habits of this threatened species, the issue of rhino poaching as well as Kwandwe’s own conservation efforts. The experience ends with refreshments at a scenic spot in the bush. All ages welcome.

Tailor-make your own safari led by a dedicated specialist ranger and tracker team, ensuring a private game viewing experience (subject to the availability of a private vehicle being available at the time of booking). A private safari vehicle has to be booked for the duration of a stay; a safari day runs from 12h00 (check-in time) to 12h00 the following day.

A recommended three night, four-day safari offers you the opportunity to participate in Kwandwe's exciting rhino-darting and notching programme. Under the supervision of experts, the rhino is darted in order to plant microchips into the horns and perform ear-notching for future identification - an essential task to ensure the preservation of this endangered species.

The best time is generally 1 May – 30 September due to cooler weather conditions, however it can be done all year. The procedure is always subject to the availability of the wildlife management team as well as the availability of rhinos that need to be notched for conservation purposes. Not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Kwandwe offers a variety of fishing options, either in still water or in the Great Fish River. Try your hand at catching Large Mouth Bass on artificial lures or fly rod in the reserve’s largest dam. Coarse (bait) fishing can also be tried in either the Great Fish River or one of the other large dams to target Yellowfish, Carp, Sharptooth Catfish and more.

Spend as much time as you like fishing with your private guide while surrounded by the beauty of Kwandwe’s big 5 wilderness. For a fully private experience this must be booked for the duration of your stay.

Tailor-made to suit the experience level of participants, the photographic guide advises guests of appropriate camera settings at different scenarios, providing compositional ideas and to answer any questions relating to photography. Alternatively simply sit back and enjoy the connected experience of your safari while your specialist guide takes the pictures for you. Includes a private vehicle, edited photographs in electronic format along with a complimentary Kwandwe digital photobook.

Must be booked for the duration of your stay and includes a private vehicle, edited photographs in electronic format along with a complimentary Kwandwe digital photobook.

A professionally qualified and experienced trails guide will enable you to experience Kwandwe on foot. Choose whether to view large game such Black and White Rhino, Elephant or Buffalo on foot, or simply absorb the beauty of nature while walking through the fascinating environments with your armed guide. You decide when to walk, or when to drive as your heart desires. For a fully private experience this must be booked for the duration of your stay. Not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Image: Scott Ramsay

Spend as much time as you like looking for those elusive specials and add to your knowledge of South Africa’s birdlife. Your specialist guide has detailed knowledge of where, when and how to find what bird you are after with their intimate knowledge of Kwandwe’s 315 recorded species of bird.

We have a variety of children's activities at our properties:

- Children receive a welcome gift on arrival which includes an Eco-nect Guide comprising animal
checklists, themed games and activities, and a pledge to ‘live green’ (‘Junior’ for under 6’s and
‘Senior’ for ages 6 and up), crayons/ pencils, and an age appropriate gift from our gift shop.

- Families can participate in fun and adventurous activities on the reserve, including kite building,
scavenger hunts across the reserve with thought-provoking clues to seek hidden items which will
help you in your next task... or treasure hunts during a game drive which teach basic navigation
using a sun-compass and how to use major landscape features in order to find the treasure!

- Giving back: families have the opportunity to plant Spekboom, a type of thicket vegetation that is
native to the Eastern Cape and prolific on the reserve, and one of the top five carbon-storing
vegetations on the planet. In this way they are encouraged to offset their carbon footprints.
Families can also participate in Kwandwe’s voluntourism activities through the reserve’s Ubunye
Foundation, which works with communities living in and surrounding the reserve.

- Activities are tailored according to individual and family interests and skillsets. For young guests
this includes assisting with gardening projects at the local Mgcamabele Community; participating
in arts and craft activities; and toddlers are invited to join in playtime at the pre-school.

- Children are also welcome to participate in Kwandwe’s ‘Knit a Bit’ program. The knitted squares
are joined to make blankets and given to the Ubunye Foundation that distributes them the
communities surrounding Kwandwe.

- Other activities for children include ‘crumpet creatures’ (using a variety of coloured crumpet
mixtures in squeezy bottles, the ranger and kids will create animal shaped crumpets); sand art,
making moulds from Plaster of Paris, beading, Minnow’s fishing trip with a ranger, baking and
pizza making with specially designed ‘Chefs in Training’ aprons and toques, DVDs and popcorn,
eco educational board games (learning about recycling and the how to care for our planet in a fun
way) and African bedtime stories.

A variety of wellness treatments are available to be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite. Since the earliest time, Africa's original inhabitants lived in harmony with nature. Our treatments and rituals were inspired by, designed and based on Africa's rich heritage and created to celebrate mother earth and her connection with life. Only the finest natural ingredients available from nature are used in our products, including oil from the Marula fruit, Mongongo nut oil, healing Shea butter, oil from the Baobab tree, ointment from the African sausage tree and Mafura butter, to name but a few.

Learn to master the art of barbequing while on safari! Kwandwe provides an exciting opportunity to learn about preparing and cooking authentic South African ‘braais’ and favourite dishes with local ingredients. A well established social custom and a traditional way of outdoor cooking in South Africa, a ‘braai’ involves barbequing meat over an open fire.

The Ubunye Foundation is our social development arm. Established in 2002, the Foundation is an independent, non-profit, charitable trust that currently invests in the development of nine rural communities, two of which are located in the Kwandwe reserve.

Guests at Kwandwe have the unique opportunity to participate in volunteering towards the Ubunye Foundation by donating items, getting involved in activities and/or financial donations.

Kwandwe’s cooler months offer the perfect opportunity to connect to the wilderness whilst on foot. Walk out from your room at the lodge or villa and explore the vast expanse of Kwandwe's wilderness on a journey to a private fly-camp for the evening. Move through the dynamic landscape on foot alongside a private guide and be part of the land's story. Sit around the fire and cook a meal over the open flames, share stories and listen to the sounds of Africa. Spend evenings beneath the stars for an authentic bush camp experience.

A minimum stay of 3 nights is required at any of Kwandwe’s private villas or lodges in order to book the Winter Wilderness Walk experience. Guests’ rooms will remain available to them should they wish to return to the comfort of their suite at any time. Guests leave on foot and enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing to their private fly camp for the evening. A vehicle is available throughout the experience for guests to choose when to walk and when to drive.

Available May - 30 November | Maximum 4 guests

a myriad of activities are available in this area from golf, walking, whale watching, beach, hikes, surfing, restaurants, cycling, bungee jumping to animal sanctuaries and wine tasting

Cries of the Atlantic seagulls, roar of seals and the rhythmic clink of yacht masts with the air imbued with a welcoming sea breeze. Embark on the sensory voyage that is Cape Grace’s afternoon tea overlooking the picturesque V&A Waterfront yacht marina and with the majestic Table Mountain as your backdrop, Cape Grace’s afternoon tea, curated by our renowned pastry team, promises an experience of unparalleled sophistication and charm.

Afternoon Tea Hours:
Thursday to Sunday
Bookings at either 14h30, 15h00 or 15h30

R550 per person.
R650 per person including a glass of Cap Classique.

Nourished by nature. Enabling genuine connection to self, others and nature through the essence of the Cape.

Uniquely situated in the heart of the city, our serene and exclusive Fairmont spa and gym spaces exude an intimate atmosphere akin to a private retreat.

Embrace the natural beauty of South Africa’s coastal treasures, majestic mountain ranges and grand floral kingdom at our spa, where the soothing whispers of the sea and the enchanting aroma of fynbos create an unforgettable sanctuary of tranquility.