Redefining the meaning of “private”, Hopewell Lodge is an exclusive hideaway where unspoilt nature meets pure African luxury, and guests reconnect with nature at their own pace.

This private game reserve in South Africa’s beautiful Eastern Cape hosts groups of up to 12 guests in stylish, secluded suites with sweeping views over a reclaimed Eden. Waking up to the sounds and sights of the African bush, sundowners above the elephants’ favourite watering hole, relaxing in a secluded private pool overlooking the bush, and sumptuous dinners under the stars provide the memories that linger long after your stay at Hopewell.

Passionate and experienced rangers guide our guests through the rolling landscape, ever willing to stop and discuss plants, insects, birds and game spotted along the way.

Up close and personal interaction with cheetah is a highlight of this unique wildlife experience. Guests are guaranteed to encounter our herd of elephant, along with hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope and other indigenous species carefully introduced to maintain a balanced eco-system.

Location
Situated in malaria-free coastal valley bushveld, Hopewell is just a 40-minute drive from Port Elizabeth airport and offers the ideal destination for those seeking privacy, tranquility and adventure. A wonderful start or end to your trip along the famous Garden Route.

Guests enjoy exclusive access to the 6600-acre reserve where the owners have made a principled conservation investment in restoring the indigenous East Cape Thicket and natural wildlife.

Seasons & 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 afternoon/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 & sunscreen.

Accommodation

• 4 Luxury Suites – three of which have private pools
• 2 Standard Suites situated in the main lodge
• All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with free standing baths, showers and outside showers
• Percale linen, bath robes, slippers and toiletries
• King / Twin beds
• Under floor heating
• Air Conditioning
• Hairdryers
• Safe
• Wi-Fi


Main Lodge – Standard Suites
The secluded and spacious main lodge is perfectly positioned for panoramic views over the reserve. Perched above the elephants’ favourite watering hole, the deck is the ideal spot for relaxation and some idle game-viewing.

Natural materials throughout and scenic views from every angle immerse guests in this exclusive back-to-nature experience. 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 chills.

The stylish and comfortable lounge and dining room lead on to a wide deck, with another lounge and intimate conference facility upstairs.

Two stylishly decorated en suite Standard Suites with separate outside showers overlooking the indigenous bush are available in the Main Lodge. These rooms would be suitable for a family of four or for those who prefer not to walk too much.

Enjoy meals in the lodge or outdoors on the deck or in the boma – weather permitting.

These two suites do not have access to a swimming pool.


Nguni Private Luxury Suite
Named for the indigenous people of the Eastern Cape, the Nguni private suite allows guests to enjoy beautiful open views of the surrounding landscape from the comfort of a private deck or the stylishly-furnished interior.

Designed to maximise both privacy and uninterrupted valley views, the open-plan suite flows seamlessly from luxurious living to sleeping to bathroom, all warmed by a cosy fireplace.

Nguni has no swimming pool but an extensive deck and a fabulous private bush gazebo with views over the dam. The gazebo is a mere 5 metre walk from the deck.


Zebra Private Luxury Suite
Just as the Cape Mountain Zebra is indigenous to the Eastern Cape, so this exclusive hideaway blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The stylish suite offers peaceful seclusion and uninterrupted views over magnificent valley bushveld.

Open-plan living flows seamlessly from luxurious sleeping to bathroom area, encompassing the scenery to be enjoyed from the private deck and pool, or the comfortable interior by the fireside.

Zebra is one of four private suites and has its own private pool.


Buffalo Private Luxury Suite
Contemporary and stylish, the Buffalo private suite presents breath-taking views over the valley below. Indoors and outdoors merge across the sundeck into a private pool that appears to float over the landscape.

The airy open-plan suite flows seamlessly through luxurious living, sleeping and bathroom, designed with comfort and attention to detail in mind, and all warmed by a cosy fireplace.

Buffalo is one of four private suites and has its own deck and pool.


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
Drawing on local produce and flavours in a contemporary South African style, meals at Hopewell are always a memorable occasion. Gourmet meals, sizzling South African braai (barbecue), lively bush gathering or romance for two on your private deck – the choice is yours. 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 the main lodge. Lunch is served at the main lodge, on the deck if you prefer, and dinners can include indoor fine dining, an outdoor barbecue, and true African experiences – in our boma under the stars, or in the wild beneath a majestic lantern-lit septee tree. Select a bottle of fine South African wine from our cellar or choose a beverage of your choice from the fully-stocked bar in the main lodge. Feel free to discuss your needs with our helpful staff. All meals, house wines, local beers and spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included in our rates.

Rates include accommodation, game drives and game drive refreshments, all meals, house wines, local beers, local spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee.