ABOUT US
Wide Horizons was built in the 1950s as a dream home in one of Swaziland's most spectacular settings. The owner passed away in the 1960s leaving Wide Horizons deserted for a decade. Giles and Rose Roques, recently married, arrived there in 1973 to a derelict building with magical views and an alluring charm. Pregnant with their first child and in search of their dream home in rural Swaziland with an appetite for adventure and the vision of starting rural community projects, they never left. Giles and Rose bought Wide Horizons and wove their dreams into the fabric of it's being.
Giles led Swaziland’s Schools Agriculture Program from here whilst at the same time farming cattle, goats, maize and vegetables on the farm. Rose developed Rosecraft Hand Weaving which grew over 40 years to become one of Swaziland’s leading craft businesses employing many women from the local community and exporting curtains, carpets, scarves etc around the world. They raised their three children Kim, Joe and Mollie on the farm and the magic of this mountain inspired them. Giles passed away in 2003 but Rose continued to live at Wide Horizons as a lifestyle residence, Kuki Goldman like, and in 2008 introduced game to the farm and turned the main house into a guest house. Rose has become legend in the community and has delighted many guests since then with her wonderful cooking and the charm that Wide Horizons bestows on anyone who visits.
In 2019 Kim and Robs Roques took over from Rose and have continued to grow Wide Horizons as a conservation area with lodge and associated adventure centre whilst continuing to support community projects in the area. Their dream is to see the land thrive in it's natural state with wild animals and plants and to have visitors enjoy the peace of this special part of rural Swaziland and in so doing to inspire people to live in harmony with nature and to re-connect with some of the timeless and simple treasures of ancient Africa. Wide Horizons has an interesting past and an exciting future but one constant throughout has been the beautiful views and sense of peace that the place instills on all who visit it.
Giles led Swaziland’s Schools Agriculture Program from here whilst at the same time farming cattle, goats, maize and vegetables on the farm. Rose developed Rosecraft Hand Weaving which grew over 40 years to become one of Swaziland’s leading craft businesses employing many women from the local community and exporting curtains, carpets, scarves etc around the world. They raised their three children Kim, Joe and Mollie on the farm and the magic of this mountain inspired them. Giles passed away in 2003 but Rose continued to live at Wide Horizons as a lifestyle residence, Kuki Goldman like, and in 2008 introduced game to the farm and turned the main house into a guest house. Rose has become legend in the community and has delighted many guests since then with her wonderful cooking and the charm that Wide Horizons bestows on anyone who visits.
In 2019 Kim and Robs Roques took over from Rose and have continued to grow Wide Horizons as a conservation area with lodge and associated adventure centre whilst continuing to support community projects in the area. Their dream is to see the land thrive in it's natural state with wild animals and plants and to have visitors enjoy the peace of this special part of rural Swaziland and in so doing to inspire people to live in harmony with nature and to re-connect with some of the timeless and simple treasures of ancient Africa. Wide Horizons has an interesting past and an exciting future but one constant throughout has been the beautiful views and sense of peace that the place instills on all who visit it.
OUR ESTATE |
Wide Horizons is a 200ha wildlife conservation area. The estate is managed to conserve the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area whilst allowing visitors to enjoy it’s peaceful charm and beautiful views. The estate consists of a 180ha core area with a select few privately owned plots. Various walking trails allow visitors and residents to explore the estate in search of wildlife and for recreation.
There are two dams well stocked with fish. The main lodge, cottages and tented camps cater for external visitors and the Adventure Camp caters for groups.
OUR OUTREACH
Wide Horizons has a long history of participating in and contributing to the local community. From the days of Giles Roques assisting with various community agriculture schemes to Rose Roques helping with various water projects to the more recent involvement of Wide Horizons and All Out Africa assisting with various education projects, engaging in beneficial projects in the surrounding community has always been a part of the fabric of Wide Horizons.
If you would like to get involved in any way, please do let us know info@widehorizonsretreat.com.
If you would like to get involved in any way, please do let us know info@widehorizonsretreat.com.
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