The private reserve is accessibly situated 25 minutes outside the charming coastal town of Mossel Bay and a mere four hours drive from Cape Town. George Domestic Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the game reserve (transfers provided) with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town International airports. As a Garden Route game reserve, Gondwana shares the route’s idyllic climate, second most moderate in the world, and is Malaria-free, offering prime year round game viewing.
Gondwana Game Reserve-Kwena Lodge
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All you need to know
Intro
Gondwana is a private game reserve in South Africa that holds the distinction of being the only fynbos reserve in the world that’s home to free roaming Big Five game as well as endangered species like the Cape mountain zebra and black harrier among many others. Set on 11,000-hectares, its breath taking beauty will soothe and delight you with its endless mountain views and green rolling hills blanketed in colourful fynbos.
Highlights
- Our Fynbos
- Our beautiful male lion
- Good fresh food
- Our little Junior Rangers!
Need To Know
Kwena Lodge rooms are a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling. Each open plan suite is nestled into its spectacular surrounds with 180-degree views, sky lights for star gazing, clay pot fireplaces and deep baths to keep you warm upon arrival from an evening game drive.
This Khoi San inspired architecture resembles a transient village the Cape Herders (the first known people of our area) would have utilized to graze and move their herd.Therefore we have worn pathways between buildings rather than decking –the huts are meant to look like mud huts from the outside with African luxury awaiting you inside. Bar stools and décor could be items they picked up in the veld – bones, stumps, hides etc.
Safaris
Game Drives are conducted in open Land Rovers with expert field guides who reveal the free roaming Big 5 in a Cape Floral setting – a once in a lifetime experience. Morning and afternoon safaris are included in your stay on the fully inclusive package with gourmet breakfast treats or delicious hors d’oeuvres and sundowners in the afternoons. Day visitors can also book morning or afternoon drives.
Wildlife
Gondwana Game Reserve is the only free roaming Big 5 private wildlife reserve in the Southern Cape – home to the lion, eland, red hartebeest, endangered Cape Mountain Zebra, springbok, kudu, as well as the elephant, among others.
10 species of antelope including kudu, eland, gemsbok, bontebok, Grey Reebok and many more.
The nature reserve hosts a unique combination of Fynbos and grass plains. The Fynbos landscape is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world.
Fynbos, the primary vegetation on the reserve which resembles wild flowers, is endemic to the Western Cape region and exists nowhere else in the world, drawing unique bird-life and mammals. An abundance of indigenous plants such as Proteas, Ericas, and Restios provide year round enjoyment and colour.
Birding in Fynbos is a once in a lifetime experience with endemic birds frequently seen.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 bird watching. Gondwana Game Reserve supports healthy populations of sought after endemics such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Protea Seedeater, and Black Harrier.
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, Black crowned night heron, and Bokmakierie are all prominent species on the reserve.
Quick Facts
Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms), Safari House / Villa, Safari Tented Camp (more than 20+ tents)
Average Stay
2-3 nights
Average Price
R3250 per night fully inclusive.
Child Policy
Gondwana welcomes children of all ages.Families are accommodated in bush villas for their comfort and convenience.For safety reasons children under 6 are not allowed on game drives unless on a private vehicle which can be more cautious in Big Five sightings. The Junior Ranger experience is available for children over the age of 6 years. During this experience children will gain a greater understanding of conservation and our precious eco systems. They will be quizzed on what they’ve learned by their ranger and receive a level 1 Junior Ranger Patch and completion certificate, as well as a picture with their ranger for their safari book. For more on our child policy go to:http://www.gondwanagr.co.za/visitor-info/children
Accommodation
13 Luxury Luxury Khoi-San Inspired Kwena Rooms and one luxury honeymoon suite.
Accolades
- World Travel Awards South Africa’s leading Nature Experience
- GIFTTS (Great Initiatives for Todays, Tomorrows Society) environmental award 2012.
- Trip Advisor Certificate of excellence.
- Named one of the hottest hotels in 2013 by UK Sunday times
Season
Peak season at Gondwana Game Reserve - October to April.
Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms) Safari House / Villa Safari Tented Camp (more than 20+ tents)