Gondwana Family Lodge

Situated at the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo, Sanbona celebrates the spirit of the San people who once roamed this distinctive area.

Only 3 hours from Cape Town, Sanbona boasts 62,000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous flora and fauna, rock formations and rock art.

One of the true joys of Sanbona is the freedom to do nothing at all in absolute luxury. But for those who choose to venture beyond the comfort of the luxury lodge accommodation, a world of new experiences awaits.

Elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, cheetah and a large variety of antelope are often spotted on game drives, but the unique draw of Sanbona is the opportunity to spot the free roaming white lions - one of the very few places in the world where you can enjoy this. Guests can also enjoy a boat safari, in search of hippos and birds such as fish eagles, grey herons and Egyptian geese.

Gondwana Lodge offers endless views over the plains of Bellair Dam and onto Anysberg mountains. Children of all ages will are entertained with the exciting 'Kids on Safari' programme,

All the 12 suites have indoor showers, a private patio/balcony, air-conditioning or comfort cooling/heating, and a comfortable sleeper couch which can accommodate one child. Interleading rooms are also available for larger families.

Main guest facilities at Gondwana Lodge include a bar/lounge with fire place, a dining area, a relaxation retreat with 2 therapy rooms and a steam room, a gift boutique, a swimming pool with a shallow area, a children's playroom with TV, and an open air boma.

Rates Include

2 daily nature drives; guided wilderness walks; the Conservation and Tourism Levy; all meals; light snacks and beverages on game drives; limited selection of house beers and wines (excluding premium brands); and internal reserve transfers between lodge and Welcome Centre are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates on request. Child minding facilities are available at an additional cost for children younger than 4 years as they are too young to join game drives.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

No children under the age of 14 years are permitted to join the wilderness walks.

The authentic safari experience at Gondwana Family Lodge is for the whole family, and is open to children of all ages. It includes the Sanbona Kids on Safari programme, with activities such as an evening scorpion hunt and storytelling around the fire with a marshmallow barbecue, inspired by African folk tales.

The Sanbona Kids on Safari programme was designed to offer education and recreational wildlife experiences to guarantee an unforgettable safari experience, even for the little ones. A skull garden and interpretive trail take children through the gardens to learn about important plants and animals on the reserve.

Two daily game drives are included, along with a family picnic - and children under 4 years old, who may not be accommodated on the game drive, will have complimentary child-minding in the kiddies’ play area during game drive hours.

Guided wilderness walks are also on offer for adults and children older than 16, allowing them to explore some of the vast reserve, which is home to the Big Five.

Other activities include arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, educational children’s books, documentary DVDs on various conservation topics and animals, as well as entertaining animation movies.

There is also a kids’ TV lounge, as well as safe indoor and outdoor play areas with a child-friendly swimming pool.

Guest Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 based on 2 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Cape Town: Travel on the N1 from Cape Town in the direction of Paarl; continuing on the N1 travel through the Huguenot Tunnel. A tollgate controls this tunnel. A tollgate fee is payable at the tunnel.

The first town is Worcester set in the Breede River Valley. Taking the second turnoff to the right into Worcester, you leave the N1 and the Route 60 (R60) is taken. Follow the signs to the town of Robertson. Once through Robertson, the next town is Ashton. The R60 becomes the R62 in Ashton.

Travel on through Krogmanskloof and Montagu. Continue for approximately 43 km and turn left at “Die Vlakte” and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve sign.  Please be advised that the road changes from tar to gravel and the recommended speed limit from there on is 60 km per hour. The main entrance to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is 7 km.

From the main gate, it is a further 15 km to the Welcome Lounge where you will be welcomed.  It is then a further 55 minutes to Gondwana Lodge. Please follow the relevant signs in the reserve. The recommended speed limit is 40 km per hour. A daily transfer from the Welcome Lounge to your lodge is available on
request, and must be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the Welcome Lounge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE:  The main gate closes at 18:00, should your arrival time be later, please advise prior to arrival in order to make arrangements.

Guests that make use of the complimentary transfer from the Welcome Lodge at Sanbona, should aim to pass through the main gate around 12 noon to be in time for the transfer which leaves the welcome lounge at 12.30. The welcome lounge offers refreshments and secure parking facilities.

General Information For Guests

Suites can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults sharing with 1 child, in a king or twin bedded configuration.

6 suites are located on the ground floor with private deck and 6 suites are located on the second level with private balcony/viewing platform.

All rooms have sleeper couches which can sleep one child under the age of 12 years Four pairs of rooms are interleading.

Each suite features an en-suite bathroom, shower,twin basins and free standing bath, a private minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, electronic safe, international dial telephone, air-conditioning, and under floor heating.

The lodge has Wi-Fi, a Relaxation Retreat with steam room and a gift boutique. There is also a children's playroom with TV, outdoor play area for children, and an outdoor pool with a shallow area, and a main lounge with a fireplace and TV with satellite channels.

A daily transfer from the Welcome Lounge to the lodge is available on request, and must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. For arriving guests, the first pick-up from the Welcome Lounge is at 12:30 and you will arrive at Gondwana at 13:25 OR the second pick-up from the Welcome Lounge is at 16:00 and you arrive at Gondwana at 16:55 (but you will not be able to join the afternoon game drive). For departing guests you will be picked up from Gondwana at 11:20 and you will arrive at the Welcome Lounge at 12:15.

Interactive nature drives, lasting up to 4 hours, take place at sunrise and sunset. You are guided by your Field Guide in an open game viewing vehicle and you are asked to share any particular interests with your Guide who will try to incorporate these into your nature drive. On nature drives guests will enjoy a sundowner drink at sunset and coffee/tea at sunrise. No persons under the age of 4 years are permitted to join nature drives.

Qualified walking guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of tracking, bird, insect, plant and animal dropping identification. Kindly ensure to request this activity prior to arrival (via your Travel Butlers consultant) as wilderness walks are subject to the availability of qualified guides.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

No children under the age of 14 years are permitted to join the wilderness walks.

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