Gondwana is a malaria-free private game reserve in South Africa's Western Cape that is home to the Big Five game as well as endangered species like the Cape mountain zebra, black rhinoceros and black harrier among many others. Set on 11,000 hectares, Gondwana's breathtaking beauty will delight you, with endless mountain views and green rolling hills blanketed in colourful fynbos. The setting is remote yet easily accessible to the Garden Route or just a 4 hour drive from Cape Town.
Game drives are conducted in open Land Rovers with expert field guides. Morning and afternoon safaris are included in your stay on the fully inclusive package, including gourmet breakfast treats on the morning drives or delicious hors d'oeuvres and sundowners in the afternoons.
The main lodge facilities include a large infinity swimming pool, chic open-plan lounge and bar, an elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces, a covered veranda from which to appreciate the animal life and landscape, and finally a traditional outdoor African boma. There is also a spa which offers a range of treatments, which can be taken in the treatment room or in the open air for a truly 'au natural' experience. Guests can also request in-room treatments for the ultimate in privacy and ease.
The 14 well appointed open plan suites at Kwena Lodge overlook 2 waterholes. The suites all have spacious bathrooms with a deep bath, a walk in shower and double sinks.
Families or groups can choose a 3 bedroomed exclusive use Fynbos Villa or a Bush Villa, which have either 3 or 4 bedrooms. Each stylish villa offers spacious, open plan interiors and are situated for complete privacy and awe-inspiring views from their expansive outdoor decks. Various packages can be booked with the villa accommodation from Full Board (3 gourmet meals at the nearby Kwena Lodge and 2 daily game drives) to Half Board to the B&B and Daily Game Drive package. The B&B package allows for family braais in your villa and time to explore the surrounding Garden Route if you like with its award-winning golf courses and top beaches, using Gondwana as a base. The Fynbos Villas are located adjacent to Kwena Lodge, but the Bush Villas are 10 km away, requiring self-drive to get to the main lodge for meals and game drives.
Rates Include
Kwena Lodge Suite: All meals and 2 game activities per day (game drive or Fynbos walk) are included. IN ADDITION: There is a Conservation fee payable directly to the lodge - currently R200 per adult and R100 per child per stay.
Bush Villa DBB Package: Breakfast and dinner plus one activity per day (game drive or Fynbos walk included. IN ADDITION: There is a Conservation fee payable directly to the lodge - currently R200 per adult and R100 per child per stay.
Bush Villa FB Package: All meals plus 2 activities per day (game drive or Fynbos walk included. IN ADDITION: There is a Conservation fee payable directly to the lodge - currently R200 per adult and R100 per child per stay.
Fynbos Villa FB Package: All meals plus 2 activities per day (game drive or Fynbos walk included. IN ADDITION: There is a Conservation fee payable directly to the lodge - currently R200 per adult and R100 per child per stay.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children younger than 6 years old are not permitted on game drives at all due to safety concerns. A children’s menu is available at all times. Children age 12 years and older are welcome to participate on guided walks.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on guided nature walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided nature walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
A Junior Ranger program is inclusive for all children from the age of 4 to educate and delight them with the wonders of nature. The programme includes educational game drives, interactive activities, junior ranger packs and completion badges.
The younger children's activities will be based mainly around the lodge to stay closer to parents.
On arrival families will be informed about the Junior Ranger programme and their ranger will inquire about any special requests, dietary, babysitting or otherwise.
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.::They will gain a greater understanding of conservation and the precious eco systems. They will be quizzed on what they've learned by their ranger and receive a level 1 Gondwana Junior Ranger Patch and completion certificate.
Junior Rangers will then be emailed a photograph with their rangers along with some great updates on their latest adventure!
Directions For Drivers
From Cape Town/Winelands: Join the N2 highway and travel towards George/Mossel Bay - you will be on the N2 for the majority of the trip.
Take a left turn at R327/Herbertsdale/Mossdustria Road just before the Petroport and Engen One-Stop. NOTE – do not turn at the first Herbertsdale turn off the N2, wait until R327.
After 14.5 km, turn right at the Gondwana Game Reserve sign (large brown tourism sign). Go over the cattle grid and keep right at the fork in the dirt road. The Gondwana entrance gate will be on this road (3.2 km from the fork). Check in with security who will direct you to Kwena Lodge.
From Port Elizabeth/The Garden Route: Join the N2 highway and travel towards Mossel Bay. After you have passed through Mossel Bay, you will pass both an Engen and Total garage on your left and right respectively. Shortly after the Total Garage turn right at the R327/Herbertsdale turn.
After 14.5 km, turn right at the Gondwana Game Reserve sign (large brown tourism sign). Go over the cattle grid onto a dirt road. Keep right at the fork in the road. The Gondwana entrance gate will be on this road (3.2 km from the fork). Check in with security who will direct you to Kwena Lodge.
General Information For Guests
All rooms at the main lodge have an en-suite bathroom with a deep bath, 180-degree views, sky lights for star gazing, a hair dryer, in-room safe, tea/coffee making facilities, bar fridge and a fireplace.
The Bush Villas are approximately 250m2 in size with 3 and 4 en-suite bedroom options. All villas have a thatch roof with open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area. Guest staying here are required to drive themselves to and from the main lodge for meals and game drives - approximately 20 to 25 minutes drive.
The Fynbos Villas have 2 or 3 en-suite bedroom options, with a thatch roof with open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area. Guest staying here are transferred to and from the main lodge for meals and game drives - approximately a 2-5 minute drive/transfer.
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, and multiple elegant indoor and outdoor dining locations.
The Bush Spa is located at Kwena Main Lodge and has 2 treatment rooms. The Spa utilises Africology products. Treatments range from facials, body wraps, waxing, massage, manicures and pedicures (additional cost).
As well as game drives, guided Fynbos bush walks with a maximum of 6 persons (excluding the guide) can also be arranged.
The botanical conservation experience is conducted in different monitoring zones throughout the reserve lead by a resident botanist. Guests will assist in identifying, recording, monitoring and geo-mapping Fynbos species on the reserve. Guests will collect scientific data and be introduced to live conservation and bio-diversity projects on the Reserve. The activity is 2 to 3 hours in duration with some walking required (additional cost).
Other activities that are available include bass fishing (children 4 years and older are welcome), bird watching and mountain biking. Please make bike reservations in advance to ensure availability.
Babysitting services and a laundry service are available (additional cost).
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in all guest rooms and lodge areas.
Credit cards are accepted.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on guided nature walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided nature walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
