THE HOMESTEAD TO OPEN EARLY 2022

Located on South Africa's Nambiti Private Game Reserve, the eco-conscious resort will offer 12 ultra-luxury lodges, tailored game drives, destination-led adventures and more 

South Africa (09 August 2021) – Announced today, The Homestead is set to launch in early 2022 on the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Situated two and a half hours, by car, from Durban and three and a half hours, by car, from Johannesburg, Nambiti is regarded as one of South Africa's most ambitious conservation initiatives and one of the few reserves where the majesty of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) can be experienced. The Homestead is the personal vision of Wayne Scholes, Chief Executive Officer of Really Epic Dog Group (RED), who purchased the land in 2019 after falling in love with the beauty of the historic site. 

The Homestead intends to connect people to the profound potential they have for impact through discovery, connection, storytelling and education. Guests will feel this greater purpose intentionally woven into their experience. From tailored excursions like visits to Africa's most important battlefields to animal photography classes, world-class hiking through diverse habitats, mind-blowing stargazing and anti-poaching learning sessions, every excursion brings together culture, nature, community, history and stories to help guests reach a new level of understanding about themselves and their role in the world.

“The Homestead was born in a moment where we witnessed the impact we can make in the people and places around us. This was the genesis of The Homestead, and it is still at the centre of our ethos today” said Scholes. “We look forward to soon welcoming guests to South Africa and The Homestead, where they can immerse themselves in the incredible beauty of Nambiti. Our surrounding wildlife is extraordinary, home to the famous big five alongside lesser known species, and our aim is to invite guests to be a part of the experience and recognise the power we all have to affect the people and places around us. The land holds a special meaning and significance to me personally and I couldn't be prouder of what we are doing.”

The Homestead will debut on Nambiti with 12 ultra-luxury lodges, six of which are designed for couples or solo travellers, featuring individual infinity pools, while the remaining six can be booked privately or connected to one another for groups travelling together. The property will also feature a world-class spa, fitness centre, infinity pool, multiple food and beverage outlets, and meetings and event spaces. Culinary and dining experiences will encompass organic, locally sourced, African-inspired dishes curated by world-class chefs. The luxury eco-lodge will also be available for private buyouts.

With sustainability at its core, The Homestead is designed to become a complementary part of the natural landscape. Erected using local ironstone, a natural material that will endure for centuries to come, The Homestead's central feature is an elevated 180 metre long structure that connects to a beautiful, natural escarpment and lake. Once complete, the roof will be planted using the same grass that covers the nearby grasslands to add another layer of natural harmony to its design.  Other sustainable initiatives The Homestead will implement include rainwater tanks, French drains to drive important nutrients back into the ecosystem, tree-planting, and solar panels.

Transforming the traditional game drive experience, The Homestead will introduce a new breed of safari with luxury all-electric vehicles that will prevent approximately nine metric tons of CO2 emissions each over a single year. For a single three-hour game drive, each vehicle will save 60 litres of oxygen and their batteries will last a staggering fifteen years. In addition, the quietness of the vehicles will limit any potential wildlife disturbance. While many safaris focus solely on a two-day game drive, The Homestead strives to create a range of tailored experiences designed to stir the soul, fire up the imagination and spark a deeper sense of curiosity.

At The Homestead, maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding communities is incredibly important and guests will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the local homeland. From getting involved with anti-poaching programmes, to participating in educational schemes, guests will be able to learn first-hand about the land ownership structure and pillars of the community. Building a better tomorrow through regenerative travel is central to the messaging of The Homestead.

For more information and regular updates on The Homestead, please visit www.homesteadlodge.com and follow along on Facebook at Visit Homestead, Instagram @VisitHomestead, and Twitter @VisitHomestead.

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About The Homestead

Nestled amid 23,000 acres in the breathtaking Nambiti Big Five Private Game Reserve in South Africa, The Homestead is a truly world-leading luxury game lodge which will deeply impact guests from the moment they arrive to long after they've left. Set to debut early 2022, the 12-key property will redefine the eco-luxury lodge experience through its innovative architecture that seamlessly blends into its wildlife surroundings and combines new buildings with original 19th century structures, state-of-the-art sustainability integration, customized service, and more, to offer guests the ultimate destination for discovery, reflection and connection. www.homesteadlodge.com

About Really Epic Dog Group

The Really Epic Dog Group (RED) is made up of an exceptional group of businesses that is leading the way in technology, hospitality, sports and entertainment. We're passionate about bolstering businesses to become industry leaders, while also serving their communities. As a group with a conscience, we strive to invest in, develop, and create companies that improve lives and provide opportunities. For more information visit reallyepicdog.com