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In 1998, Hopewell was a ranch supporting 500 head of cattle and flocks of sheep. The land was overgrazed in places, lacked standing water and the natural coastal bushveld habitat was advancing towards degradation.

However, its potential as a small game reserve was evident from both its position in a ‘conservation belt’ and the fact that it had not been extensively ploughed up for large-scale agriculture.

The estate was purchased in 2001, and a partnership of finance and talents was put into action. Bruce and Cate Little of South Africa, Chris and Sharon Olliver of the UK and their young families became the new eco-pioneers on the land.

Their first act was to remove all the fences, cattle grids, gates, dips, water troughs and corral buildings. Thirty kilometres of game fencing was erected around the entire perimeter, and the search was on for suitable indigenous animals that would restore balance and diversity to the eco-system.

Species that have been re-introduced since 2002 include giraffe, eland, waterbuck, burchells zebra, kudu, bontebok, hartebeest and mountain reedbuck. Birdlife is thriving with several resident species returning to breed.

Small predators inlcude the graceful Caracal (African lynx), nocturnal Serval cat and Blackbacked jackals. The introduction of larger predators will be carefully timed.

Hopewell has brought the spirit of the wild back, restoring farmland to wilderness for the benefit of the natural environment, the wildlife and local community. Today the indigenous plants and animals flourish, bringing a restored sense of place. All proceeds are re-invested.


The Lodge was designed for the Ollivers as an African holiday retreat. After it was completed and furnished to a high standard of comfort, it was decided to open the house to visitors.

Bruce Little is the resident partner at Hopewell. A professional game ranger for many years, Bruce is also a renowned wildlife sculptor and photographer.

The Hopewell Story is one of dedication and vision. The result is a private environment filled with an astonishing array of birds, whre the antelope graze and the black-and-white blur of zebras mingle in the bush. A peaceful hideaway to enjoy in privacy.

A place to refocus vision, retune hearing and revitalise the soul.


Click here for the Picture Gallery