Phelwana Game Lodge

HISTORY

The year 2013 marked the 75th anniversary the De Villiers family have been part of the lowveld history. Alfred Hoheisen, my great great grandfather, purchased the farm Kempiana, about 30km East of Phelwana. He continued to increase his land by 20 000 hectares by purchasing a further four farms. Well renowned for constructing the University of Cape Town, Vereeniging Power stations and Groote schuur Hospital in Cape Town he turned his eye to his beloved bushveld by spending 3 months of the year with family and close friends. Today we still enjoy the privilege to be part of the lowveld.

His son, Hans Hoeheisen, well known conservationist also shared the passion for conserving wildlife, and initiated many successful organizations such as the Hans Hoeheisen research Centre and the South African Wildlife College. His gift to our country was the donatation of his Kempiana Game Reserve to WWF. The largest donation in the world, he received accolades by HRH Prince Philip, and Prince Bernard of the Netherlands.
His sister Hilda, my great grandmother, also enjoyed the love for thebushveld. Enjoying the success of wine farming in the Cape, holidays were spent in the bushveld during the winter months. My Grandmother Ingrid, fondly remembers those days and has kindly supplied photographs representing those early pioneering days. Also well known for her philanthropy, she established the Head Quarters for the Guide Dog Association in Cape Town. She married the son of Justice de Villiers and together shared many memories vacationing here in the bushveld. My father, Charles has also continued the family tradition of conservation by establishing the Timbavati Foundation. The School which is used as a tool to educate learners from surrounding areas, aids the community assisting schools by teaching them Conservation, Education, Community Upliftment and Healthcare.
By embracing the ethos of conservation and well known for our hospitality and attention to detail, the De Villiers family offer you Phelwana Game Lodge. Your place in the bushveld!

Written by Pierre de Villiers, MD