Gondwana Game Reserve
CEDARBERG RATING
Luxury
Overview
- Gondwana has a choice of Kwena Lodge or Luxury 3-4 bedroom Bush Villas, perfect for friends or family parties
- Stunningly beautiful game reserve
- Healthy population of wildlife
- Gondwana Game Reserve offers the possibility of combining a safari with scenic touring
- Stunning walking country (designated area of the reserve without predators)
Gondwana Game Reserve, on 11,000 hectares of undulating Cape fynbos, is the only game reserve in the Garden Route which offers free roaming Big Five wildlife. However its real attraction is the ability to enjoy this wildlife in such beautiful surroundings - endless mountain vistas contrast with green valleys covered with exquisite Cape fynbos - adding vivid colour and interest to your wildlife experience.
Accommodation
Kwena Lodge is inspired by the Khoi San culture. It has a chic open plan dining room, lounge and bar with a small spa and large outdoor pool, all enjoying the panoramic views of the valley dwarfed by the dramatic Langeberg mountain backdrop. Its 14 open plan suites (70sqm) resemble an African village but with a modern and luxurious twist. Each spacious suite has beds under a skylight with private dressing area behind, large open plan bathroom with enclosed toilet, fireplace, deck, minibar and telephone.
Dining at Gondwana Game Reserve takes place in either the elegant dining room with its open fireplaces, the outdoor boma or in private outdoor salas. Guests may be treated to surprise bush breakfasts, romantic picnics, evening barbecues and scenic sundowner spots.
The luxurious Fynbos Villas, with wraparound valley and mountain views , are a short drive away and are ideal for families and friends looking for space and privacy. The ten villas are approximately 240sqm, and are available with 3 bedrooms. Each has an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area, with a wood fireplace and private deck offering stunning views.
Bush Villas are further away and have 3 to 4 bedrooms. These can be taken on a half board or full board with game activities. However you would need your own vehicle as they are 15-20 mins drive from Kwena lodge and the start of the drives. Thus they are only really suitable for larger family parties wanting to be together in seclusion (and at a lower price point.)
Activities at Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles as well as horse safaris, bush picnics, fishing, mountain biking and birding in the reserve's 1000 hectare separately fenced protected area. The Gondwana Game Reserve accommodates endangered species such as the Cape Mountain Zebra and black rhino - and the rest of the Big Five - and a high diversity of antelope species. The Reserve has also introduced hippo, cheetah and giraffe.
Gondwana Game Reserve lies only 4 hours drive from Cape Town, 25 minutes from Mossel Bay and 45 minutes from George Airport. This malaria-free reserve shares the Garden Route's idyllic climate and attractions with a number of top golf courses close by as well as great swimming beaches and attractive coastal towns.
Families at Gondwana
Godwana is a non-malarial family-friendly lodge. Children of 6 upwards can join the main game drive. But if you take a private game vehicle, then younger kids can also join. The 3-4 bedroom fynbos villas are ideal for families (see above). They offer a Junior Ranger Programme (6 - 12 years). Children will receive a fun Ranger’s backpack and cool safari booklet to fill in throughout their stay. During game drives and other activities with their ranger, kids will be taught how to identify mammals, birds, Fynbos species, and even stars.
At A Glance
Mountain biking
Horse-riding
Restaurants
Rural location
Wifi on premises
In Pictures
Gondwana Game Reserve on the map
Rooms
NEWLY LAUNCHED PIONEER TRAIL (Walking Safari) - LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER 2019
JUST BRING YOUR BOOTS!
The award winning Gondwana Game Reserve is launching a three night walking trail traversing through the private, Big five, 11 000 hectare, malaria free game reserve. The trail takes you to three remote tented fly camp locations with two full days of hiking. Your expert trail guides will intimately expose you to the Reserve’s unique biodiversity and eco-systems while experiencing the Big Five and multiple species of antelope on foot.
Gondwana’s Pioneer Trail is the ultimate slack packing adventure where your belongings are moved daily between the three camps, allowing you to experience the dramatic Fynbos landscape with only a light day pack. Each exclusive camp is comprised of four tents with en-suite bathrooms sleeping a maximum of 8 guests. Homemade African inspired meals are catered for you with cold beverages on tap. You literally need to “just bring your boots” and the Pioneer Trail team will do the rest. It has been said there is no better way to experience nature and wildlife than on foot.
Camp Facilities:
• 3 Tented Fly Camps each with:
• 4 sleeping tents with en-suite bathrooms and covered outdoor seating area
• Main dining and lounge tents
• Outdoor dining boma and campfire area
• Staff complement: Camp Assistant and two Trails Guides (same team for 3 nights)
Pioneer Trail Detail
• The trail will traverse the 11 000 hectare, free roaming big five game reserve under the escort of
two armed and qualified trails guides.
• Approximately 10 kilometres of walking per day (+/- 6hrs of walking a day)
• Exclusive remote footpaths and game trails requiring medium exertion
• Daily packed lunches and tea and water breaks throughout the trail
• Luggage and valuables can be stowed at Lehele Lodge for guests that are not self drive
Requirements
• 12 years of age and above
• Physically capable of walking 6 hours a day
• Set departure days: Monday and Thursday with 3 night stay
• The Trail runs in the summer season only from October through April
3 Night Itinerary
Day 1 - Start days are Monday and Thursday
• Arrival to Gondwana Game Reserve for lunch and check in (meet your trail team and discuss any
dietary requirements or other details)
• Guests to pack 3 days of belongings into provided duffl e bags and lock remaining luggage in their
vehicle
• Guests to be issued with all hiking equipment: day packs, water bottles, walking sticks, etc
• Trails Team to transfer guests to fi rst Tented Fly Camp in open Game Viewer
• Afternoon tea and treats in camp
• Afternoon guided Game Drive in Big Five Reserve with sundowner with your Field Guide
• Dinner and drinks around the fi re
• Briefing for Day 1 on the trail
Day 2 and 3
• Morning Wake up
• Camp Breakfast
• Depart on Trail with packed day pack including provided lunch
• On the trail: Guided interpretive walking exploring the Fynbos biome, wildlife and birdlife with
scenic rest stops and possible waterhole swims.
• Arrive at Fly Camp 2 and then Camp 3 at approximately 3pm
• Settle into your new tent with your belongings delivered from Camp 1 and then Camp 2
• Afternoon Tea and treats provided
• Afternoon at leisure (Have a drink, take a shower, read a book)
• Dinner and Drinks around the campfire
Day 4
• Morning Wake up
• Camp Breakfast Fry up
• Morning Game Drive out of remote campsite 3 back to your vehicle for check out
Kwena Lodge Rooms
14 stand-alone bedroom suites designed with a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San “hut” for romantic safari accommodation. Each open plan suite is nestled into its spectacular surrounds with 180-degree views of the spectacular mountains and Fynbos scenery, sky lights for star gazing, fi replaces and deep baths to keep you warm upon return from an evening game drive.
Lodge facilities include an infinity pool with bar service and covered loungers, open-plan lounge and bar area, reception and curio shop, tented bush spa, elegant African restaurant, covered dining veranda, and outdoor dining boma.
There are 14 stand-alone bedrooms: 75m2, open plan, double volume with thatch roof and mountain views; large bathroom with rain shower, deep bath with picture window, double sinks and separate toilet room; indoor seating area by fi replace, separate dressing area, and private covered patio with double lounger; King or Twin Beds, 100% cotton linen, bath towels and bathrobes, Non-allergenic pillows, hairdryer, tea station and bar fridge. In-room safety-deposit box, electricity: AC 220V, free WIFI; Twice-daily housekeeping with turn downs.
Fynbos Villas and Bush Villas
16 Private Fynbos Villas and Bush Villas offer total privacy and spaciousness to groups particularly families with children. The deluxe three and four bedroom villas feature an open plan lounge with kitchen and dining room all opening onto a wraparound deck with magnificent valley and mountain views.
Fynbos Villas located next to Kwena Lodge transfers provided.
Bush Villas located +-5-10 km from Kwena Lodge and require self drive to the lodge for meals and game drives.
Villa facilities include an open plan, double volume lounge, kitchen and dining area with double volume thatch roof, fireplace and TV/DVD; expansive deck with BBQ and magnificent valley and mountain views; Villas are approximately 250m2 in size and ideal for families and groups; Bedrooms with king or twin beds, seating areas, dressing areas, fi replaces (Fynbos Villas only) and deck areas; En-suite bathrooms with walk in shower, deep bath, double sinks and separate toilet room; King or Twin Beds, 100% cotton linen, bath towels and bathrobes, Non-allergenic pillows, hairdryer, tea station and bar fridge. In-room safety-deposit box, electricity: AC 220V, free Wifi; Twice-daily housekeeping with turn downs.
