Gondwana Game Reserve

Our name derives itself from Gondwana Land, the land mass that existed 240 million years ago. The Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains that the reserve looks upon are the last visible evidence of the former Gondwana Land after the continent split to how we know it today.

In paleogeography, Gondwana, originally Gondwanaland, is the name given to the more southerly of two supercontinents which were part of the Pangaea supercontinent that existed from approximately 510 to 180 million years ago.

KWENA LODGE
Kwena Lodge offers guests 14 privately situated spacious, double-volume bedroom suites. They offer sky lights for star gazing, fireplaces and deep baths to keep you warm upon return from an evening game drive.

The spacious lodge facilities include a large infinity pool, chic open-plan lounge and bar, with dining offered in beautiful indoor and outdoor settings including an elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces, an outdoor thatched modern dining space overlooking two waterholes, or in the outdoor African boma. Guests are treated to boma brunches, fun family picnics, evening barbecues and scenic sundowner spots.

GONDWANA’S FYNBOS VILLAS
Accommodation at Gondwana also includes the 16 Luxury Villas, which 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.

Numerous packages to suit your family’s needs and budget are on offer including fully inclusive of all your meals and game drives or a bed and breakfast and daily game drive package.

GONDWANA’S LUXURY VILLAS
Accommodation at Gondwana includes Luxury Family Villas, which 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.

Numerous packages to suit your family’s needs and budget are on offer including fully inclusive of all your meals and game drives or a bed and breakfast and daily game drive package. Family Bush Villas are located 10 km from Kwena Lodge, requiring self-drive to Kwena or Lehele Lodge for meals and game drives. This is a 20-25 minute drive from the main lodge. Exclusive Use, 3 and 4 bedrooms.

ECO CAMP
Your base during your safari will be in our eco-friendly, stylish tented camp set in a protected Fynbos valley in the heart of the game reserve. The entire camp runs on solar power, sources its water sustainably from a nearby perennial spring and is a plastic free zone.

The camp facilities include seven large, comfortable twin or king share tents set on raised platforms each with a private bathroom and covered deck area. A wooden walkway over the riverbed links the accommodation to two thatched recreational tents which house the lounge, dining, and bar areas with a nearby pool and hammock relaxation area.

Guests will enjoy wholesome safari-style cuisine and a variety of dining experiences including African boma dinners under the stars with homemade venison, seafood, and vegetable potjies (stews) on the fire, hearty brunches out in the game reserve, as well as lovely fresh lunches served under the cool open air thatched dining room.

The full board package includes all your meals, morning and afternoon game drives as well as a hands-on conservation experience after breakfast. The conservation activities vary, and the information gathered feeds back into Gondwana’s conservation department and management plan.

Activities include elephant dung sample analysis, checking leopard stealth cameras, water censuses, game counts and predator tracking and helping to eradicate the game reserve of alien invasive plants which is a great work out! Gondwana’s Eco Camp offer guests a tangible and authentic wildlife conservation experience, making it a safari holiday with a difference!

ULUBISI HOUSE
Gondwana has added a new ultra-luxe private safari villa to its portfolio which represents the most exclusive accommodation offering on the reserve. Breathtakingly stylish and sophisticated, yet refreshingly simple, Ulubisi House provides the ideal venue to reconnect with friends and family and to share an exciting safari adventure in the Western Cape’s leading private game reserve. The ultimate private villa on safari.

With 180-degree views of grass plains dotted with game, fynbos-covered rolling hills and the Outeniqua mountain range, Ulubisi House is tucked away in the reserve’s 1000-hectare protected walking area for endangered species.

Sleeping either 8 adults or 6 adults and 4 children, the property comes with a full complement of staff, including its own butler, chef and field guide. The timetable runs to guest’s guilt-free whim and they will instantly feel as though this is their second home.

Ideal for friends or families seeking peaceful, quality time together, the privacy is only interrupted by the numerous wild visitors that drop in regularly for a drink from the swimming pool.

SPA & WELLNESS
Gondwana’s bush spa offers a full treatment menu utilizing the luxurious and all natural Africology product. The 2 treatment rooms are completely private and well positioned to take in the breath taking surrounds.

Signature treatments include the anti-aging Sundowner facial, African Bliss Body wrap, and Love Bird’s Nest couples package. The spa is a wonderful compliment to the overall restorative guest experience on the reserve – come and revitalize yourself with nature’s touch, tone and tempo

WILDLIFE
Our expert field guides reveal Africa’s wildlife to Gondwana’s guests in a Cape Fynbos environment; a truly unique safari experience! Exhilarating encounters on game drive with endangered species like the Cape Mountain Zebra and Rhinoceros will provide lasting memories.

Over 15 species of antelope can be found on the reserve including kudu, eland, bontebok, waterbuck, sable, grey reebok and many more. The free roaming Big 5 species also keep things interesting with many visits to the lodge from the elephants and lions!

Gondwana is home to 17 carnivore species ranging from the small grey mongoose and small-spotted genet to medium-sized species such as the caracal and bat-eared fox, to the very large and powerful lion. Gondwana’s Endangered and Protected Species Area is 1000 ha and home to the endangered Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and sable.

Guests can also enjoy informative Fynbos walks with their field guide and explore the diversity of our fynbos plants, as well as endemic birdlife that occurs nowhere else in the world, such as the Black Harrier and Orange Breasted Sunbird.

The vastness of Gondwana, coupled with the area’s excellent climate and terrain, make the reserve well suited to multiple species of game which are frequently seen by guests.

Gondwana’s wildlife population is thriving, with numerous offspring from zebra, eland, wildebeest and Red Hartebeest, in particular. Book your stay with Gondwana and experience the joys of our breath-taking wildlife first hand.

THE SOUTHERN MOST ELEPHANTS
Gondwana’s elephants are the Southernmost located elephant herd in the world and the first to have been re-established in a Fynbos and Renosterveld region. Our Conservation Department have been studying their habits and diet in this environment; both the elephant and Fynbos benefit from the grazing and foraging of this mega herbivore. We are extremely proud to have the first wild elephants born in the Southern Cape in 200 years.

FLORA
Fynbos is neither a type of Protea nor a single kind of bush. It is the term given to a collection of plants that are dominated by shrubs and comprises of species belonging to Southern Africa’s southwestern and southern regions adjacent to the coast.

Three shrubland types can be broadly categorized as belonging to the fynbos region. These are: true fynbos, renosterveld and strandveld. Fynbos grows on sandy, infertile soils, poor in nutrients, that are not suitable for agricultural crops. Fynbos is dominated by restios, ericas, proteas and bulbs.

Renosterveld, a shrubland, grows on relatively rich soils; hence, most of it, especially on the coastal forelands, has been ploughed for wheat and other artificial pastures. Due to excessive exploitation from agriculture Renosterveld is critically endangered and only small fragments remain.

Strandveld also a shrubland, grows in alkaline sands along the dry coasts of the region. Shrubs, small trees and succulents dominate the vegetation type. Because of its succulent nature, this shrubland rarely burns.

67% of South Africa’s threatened plants occur in the fynbos biome. This is due to the limited distribution of the species. 596 fynbos species only occur in one place, such as a single mountain top peak, valley or wetland. Habitat loss is historically the single largest cause of species extinction in Fynbos & Renosterveld.

CAPE SUGAR BIRDS
Cape Sugar birds are one of the the most important bird pollinators of fynbos proteas. Fynbos is home to three specialist nectivorous birds: the orange breasted sunbird, the malachite sunbird and the lesser double-collared sunbird.

FIRE & FYNBOS
It is no exaggeration to say that without fire there would be no fynbos! Fynbos and Renosterveld can survive fire in three main ways:

• Resprout after fire – “sprouters”
• Protect their seed from fire – “non sprouters”
• Evade fire by growing in rocky places – “evaders”

The best way for seed to be protected against fire is for it to be underground. Special fleshy attachments on the seeds of certain species encourage ants to carry them underground into their nests.

GEOLOGY & SOILS
Fynbos soils are infertile due to the nutrient deficient rocks from which they derive. The dominant rocks associated with these poor soils are quartzite and sandstone. Most fynbos soils are whitish, acidic sands (having a low PH) that are both shallow and rocky.

BUSH WALKS & HIKING
Activities on Gondwana are under the escort of experienced field guides who know the bush and its secrets intimately. Their passion for sharing experiences is enthralling, particularly the rich botanical heritage of Fynbos.

Fynbos is one of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms, the smallest yet richest of the kingdoms. Similar to wild flowers Fynbos creates a tapestry of colour and ongoing interest as it is ever changing. So come and experience the authentic Garden Route hiking trails.

BIRD WATCHING
For the avid birdwatcher, there is no other area in Africa like the Western Cape that offers such a high level of endemism in such an accessible setting. The province is well known among international and local birders alike for the remarkable array of birds that is found here and nowhere else in the world: a staggering 42 of South Africa’s 53 endemic bird species occur in the Western Cape.

The region offers a diverse range of habitats and is home to approximately 300 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for Garden Route bird watching. The close proximity of the coastline and the Southern Capes Great Wetlands allows for species such as the endangered African Black Oyster catcher along with many other sought after pelagic species.

BIRDING
The reserve supports healthy populations of sought after endemics such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Protea Seedeater, and Black Harrier. Gondwana is also home to our special annual migrants, the Amur falcon, Alpine Swift and European White Stork. The reserve’s landscape comprises of open grass plains and plateaus, wetlands, fynbos and renosterveld hills, riverine and sub-tropical thicket valleys and cliff faces.

The array of vegetation types allows for a variety of bird species. Denhams Bustard, Blue Crane, African Fish eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, Ostrich, Secretary bird, Jackal Buzzard, African Stone Chat, Cape Grassbird, Malachite Sunbird, Amethyst Sunbird, Black crowned night heron, and Bokmakierie are all prominent species on the reserve.

SAFARI WEDDINGS
Gondwana boasts two beautiful lodge wedding venues with luxury amenities, attentive service, stylish contemporary interiors, and gourmet cuisine.

Gondwana offers a romantic and tranquil experience where your guests can enjoy a weekend safari itinerary including luxury lodge and villa accommodation, delicious African meals, Africology spa treatments and exhilarating game drives experiencing herds of antelope and free roaming Big 5 game.

The Reserve delivers an authentic Safari destination accessibly making it easy for your guests to attend whether by car from Cape Town or by plane into George Airport. We guarantee a memorable occasion and will customize every element to make it a special one of a kind event.

The Reserve delivers an authentic Safari destination accessibly making it easy for your guests to attend whether by car from Cape Town or by plane into George Airport. We guarantee a memorable occasion and will customize every element to make it a special one of a kind event.

SAFARI HONEYMOON
The award winning private game reserve provides the perfect honeymoon destination offering exclusivity, tranquillity and an unforgettable free roaming Big 5 Safari.

Our expert field guides reveal Africa’s wildlife in an awe inspiring mountainous landscape; a truly unique safari experience! Exhilarating encounters on game drive with rhinoceros, lion, hippo, buffalo, giraffe and elephant as well as fifteen species of antelope will provide lasting memories.

Retreat to your private honeymoon suite at Kwena Lodge with a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San “hut”. The suites are nestled into their spectacular surrounds with 180-degree views of the spectacular mountains and Fynbos scenery, sky lights for star gazing, fireplaces and deep baths to keep you warm upon return from an evening game drive.

Honeymooners can enjoy private picnics, spa treatments in the tented bush spa, scenic sundowner spots, elegant and delicious lodge dinners and romantic turndown treats in their African suite. An array of additional activities are on offer including mountain biking, conservation activities, and guided fynbos walks.

GOLF
The Garden Route has become a Mecca for golfing enthusiasts from all over the world. The golf courses in our surrounding area are not only top rated but have a visual beauty that leaves most golfers spellbound.

Gondwana provides an accessible and authentic safari add on to your golfing holiday in the Western Cape and Garden Route. You can literally play a round of 18 on the ocean in the morning at Pinnacle Point and be back in time for high tea for the afternoon game drive! Talk about the ultimate day!

Many of the Garden Route golf courses have been developed along seaside cliffs, like the astounding Pinnacle Point Golf Estate outside Mossel Bay only 20 minutes from Gondwana or the remarkable Pezula Championship Course in Knysna. For keen golfers, Fancourt Hotel & Country Club needs no introduction; it is home to three Gary Player designed golf courses, all ranked in the Top 20 in South Africa.

Gondwana’s nearest golf course is Pinnacle Point (20 minute drive), an 18 hole championship course designed by well-known South African golf course architect Peter Matkovich who opened it with Top Irish Tour Golf Professional Darren Clarke in November 2006.

Set on a clifftop with 270 degree Indian Ocean views, the Pinnacle Point Estate golf course is a masterpiece and has been named South Africa’s and Africa’s best golf course in 2016, 2017 and 2020 at the World Golf Awards. Golf in the Western Cape has never looked this good!

MOUNTAIN BIKE
Gondwana now offers exclusive mountain bike tours which include 5 star accommodation, delicious safari cuisine and escorted mountain biking through the Big Five game reserve and surrounding areas. It is the ultimate mountain bike adventure traversing beautiful terrain combine with African safari luxury.

Gondwana can arrange ad-hoc bike tours for groups of 20 – 60 pax, itineraries can be custom made from 2 – 4 nights. Ideally located on South Africa’s popular Garden Route, the 11 000 hectare private game reserve offers a distinctive malaria-free safari experience.

Luxurious accommodation is provided in romantic stand-alone safari suites or bush villas ideal for families and groups, all with awe-inspiring views of the mountainous landscape and passing wildlife. Enjoy exhilarating game drives encountering free roaming Big 5 game species such as lion, elephant and buffalo as well as giraffe, hippo and herds of antelope.

SAFARI YOGA RETREAT
Gondwana hosts various specialty group weekends including intimate yoga retreats with various expert instructors. We utilize our remote, off the grid Tented Camps sleeping up to 10 people, which offer complete luxury as well as complete exclusivity for the yoga group.

The itinerary includes expertly guided yoga and meditation, a fynbos walking experience with our resident botanist, game drives with your camp field guide, Africology deep tissue massages under canvas, and getting involved in conservation on the Reserve by helping to eradicate Black Wattle trees which are an invasive alien species.

Our chef can prepare a custom plant based menu for the wellness experience. Fully inclusive packages at the exclusive Tented Camp include private staff complement, three delicious meals and beverages daily, guided yoga and meditation, game drives in the private Big5 reserve with your own expert field guide as well as interactive conservation activities!

Fully inclusive packages at the exclusive Tented Camp include private staff complement, three delicious meals and beverages daily, guided yoga and meditation, game drives in the private Big5 reserve with your own expert field guide as well as interactive conservation activities!

TEAM BUILDING
Gondwana provides the ultimate boutique corporate getaway in an awe-inspiring wilderness teaming with game. The 11 000 hectare Big five game reserve is accessibly located on the Garden Route only 4 hours drive from Cape Town or 45 minutes from George airport.

Enjoy 2 exhilarating game drives daily, three gourmet meals a day, and accommodation in spacious and luxurious bush villas ideal for groups or Kwena Lodge suites. Custom itineraries can be developed including team building safari scavenger hunts, participation in the wildlife veterinary work, mountain bike tours or group conservation projects as well as fun bush sundowners and boma breakfasts.

Gondwana Game Reserve delivers an authentic safari destination accessibly, making it easy for your group (guests, staff) to attend whether by car (4 hours from Cape Town) or plane (45 minutes from George Airport).

Luxury safari accommodation is provided in Kwena Lodge suites ideal for couples or individuals as well as Bush Villas with three and four en-suite bedrooms ideal for group accommodation.

Gondwana also offers remote off the grid luxury tented camp facilities with a private staff team including chef, field guide and housekeeper. The camps sleep up to 10 individuals and are the ultimate locations for a management team or small incentive group to recharge their human batteries.

GARDEN ROUTE
World-class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep. Day trips to many of the nearby attractions are easy from Gondwana. World-class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep include championship golf courses at Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Oubaai and Fancourt, great swimming and surfing beaches and the attractive coastal towns of Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

This particular South African game reserve is located 30 minutes outside of Mossel Bay on the Indian Ocean with top amenities such as beautiful beaches, top seaside golf courses, deep seas fishing, Shark cage diving and private hospitals and restaurants.

The Garden Route is known as the Garden of Eden; the area is one of the most visually spectacular tourism destinations in the world with mountains and ocean wherever you look.

Day trips to many of the nearby attractions are easy from the game reserve. A morning round of golf at Pinnacle Point golf course can be followed by a sunset game drive, after lunch and a nap of course! Gondwana has negotiated preferred golf rates at all the local courses.

STUDENT SPECIALIST GROUPS
Gondwana Game Reserve has developed a one of a kind conservation tourism experience for student groups who want to get more meaningfully involved in Africa on their safari.

Participants will be involved in wildlife and field management, learn important bush skills and interpretation, and simply enjoy a behind the scenes view of a Big Five private game reserve. The research and findings from the program are fed back to Gondwana’s conservation department to assist in decision making enhancing the reserve management plan.

The itinerary will include plenty of game drives, bush walks, and down time in an utterly inspiring landscape. This is your chance to get involved with the important conservation work of a Big Five game reserve and not only enjoy but contribute.

Your base during the program will be in our eco-friendly, solar powered, tented camp remotely located in a protected Fynbos valley in the heart of the game reserve. The stylish camp facilities include 5 large, comfortable twin bedroom tents (converted to sleep 3 people) set on raised platforms each with a private bathroom and covered deck area.

All meals are provided in the camp’s outdoor dining boma or in the main communal tent which includes kitchen, lounge, and dining areas, with a nearby pool and hammock relaxation area.

The safari style cuisine is wholesome, homemade and hearty with BBQs and stews for dinner and wraps and salads for lunch. A private dedicated team of expert field guides, a chef and housekeeper look after the student group of 15 for an incredibly educational, exclusive and exciting experience.

Rooms: 30

Price: from 557 EUR per night

Source: www.gondwanagr.co.za