In 1998 the Geldenhuys family began the process of acquiring over 8000 hectares of land at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range (a World Heritage Site) in the Klein Karoo, Western Cape. The land was used to develop Swartberg Private Wildlife Estate, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve and Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve.

 

A partnership was formed between the Geldenhuys and Frew families to consolidate the Swartberg Collection, a proudly South African run operation.

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Andre' and Nicki Geldenhuys, founders of the Swartberg brand, have deep roots in travel and tourism. They founded Seekers Travel in 1989, a company which would move over 1 million people in and out of South Africa. 

After selling the company to Tourvest in 1998, Andre’ lent his expertise and sat on their board for a number of years.

 

The next generation, a dynamic wildlife and tourism enthusiast, now run wildlife experiences on Swartberg Game Reserve. This is one part to the collection.