About Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve provides the perfect safari break for Cape Town visitors and residents. Less than a four-hour drive away along South Africa’s popular Garden Route or 45 minutes from George Airport, the 11,000-hectare (26,000 acre) private game reserve offers a distinctive and luxurious Big Five safari. Indigenous Fynbos vegetation cloaks the undulating valleys, adding vivid colour and interest to a malaria-free wilderness experience with awe inspiring views of the Langeberg Mountains wherever you look.
Deluxe accommodation for couples is offered in Kwena lodge, a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling. 14 open plan suites are nestled into the spectacular surrounds with 180-degree views, sky lights for star gazing, clay pot fireplaces and deep baths to keep you warm upon return from an evening game drive. Family or group accommodation is ideally provided in 12 spacious bush villas (3 and 4 bedrooms) which are privately situated with awe-inspiring views from your expansive deck.
World-class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep include championship golf courses, great swimming and surfing beaches and the attractive coastal towns. This exclusive reserve offers guests attentive service, superb cuisine, inspiring interiors, expert game rangers, and an array of activities including game drives, cycling, fishing and the popular Junior Ranger program.
Herds of eland, gemsbok, red hartebeest, bontebok and springbok have been re-introduced as well as the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and rare black rhino. More recently hippo and cheetah have joined the lion, elephant and buffalo populations.
The unique and eye-catching Xhosa-styled Kwena Lodge is the highlight of your stay. Thatched beehive huts with chic and spacious interiors dotted on the hillside, each open-plan suite has clay pot fire places, deep baths, sky lights for star gazing and a patio to enjoy the panoramic view. After a day's safari in a Landrover, on foot or on horseback return to a boma barbeque or elegant lodge dinner.
Fynbos Camp Villas offer a luxury self-catering or catered option ideal for families or groups with en-suite bedrooms, spacious lounge and expansive viewing deck. With sweeping views and organic style, the nearby Lehele Lodge is a separate venue for weddings and conferences.
Day visitors and children welcome | Conferences and Weddings | Self-catering rates on request | Massage treatments by arrangement
Perfect For
Adventure
Big 5
Birding
Cycling
Fishing
Flora
Golf
Gourmet
Hiking
History & Culture
Leisure
Nature
Relaxation
Star Gazing
Wildlife
Wine
Accept Credit Cards
Activity Desk
Air conditioner
Baby Sitting
Bar
Barbeque Facilities
Children Friendly
Communal Dining
Conference Centre
Eco Friendly
Guided Tours
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Kiddies Club
Malaria Free
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
Spa
Vegetarian
24-hour Security
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Baby Sitting
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Private Vehicle (Available)
On Site
Big 5
Bird Watching
Fine Dining
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Game Walks
Gourmet Picnic
Massages
Safaris
Walks (Guided)
Off Site
Adrenaline Activities
Beach
Big 5
Boat Cruises
Boating
Child Friendly Activities
Cultural Tours
Cycling
Deep Sea Fishing
Fishing
Game Drives
General Sightseeing
Golf
Helicopter Rides
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Hiking
Historical Tours
Horse Riding
Hot Air Ballooning
Jet Skis
Marine Adventures
Museums
Quad Biking
Rock Climbing
Sailing
Sea Kayaking
Surfing
Water Skiing
Windsurfing
Wine Tasting
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Guest Impressions
Gondwana
"Our stay at Gondwana in the Kwena Huts were magical! Everything about the place exceeded our expectations. The game viewing was top; the food was delicious; the huts and facilities at Kwena Lodge were beautiful; and the staff were super friendly.It''s also so much more convenient for us to get to from Cape Town. Travelling all the way to Kruger Park for example will take 2 long and exhausting days return. We''d definitely love to go back. :)"
- Ute
Gondwana Game Reserve
"An absolutely top notch resort in every way: service, accommodation, food, location, game viewing and conservation, facilities. Loved every minute and hated to leave."
- Lang6
Beautiful lodges
"The lodges have been very well equipped with beautiful view from the bed and also the bath tub into nature! Beside that we enjoyed the fireplace in our room very much. The service at Gondwana was very kind and our ranger was very experienced and sympathic! We can fully recommend this game reserve."
- Marion Weissenbach from Germany
Feedback
"Gondwana was brilliant. The welcome from the first security gate was very good. Our car and suitcases were attended to, and we were welcomed and shown to our hut. The hut was superb. Very large and well furnished with beautiful views out over the bush. A large comfortable bed with a ceiling window to enable star gazing. Very comfortable and spacious. The food was extremely good. Good size portions and tasty and imaginative menus and choices. The restaurant staff were friendly, discreet and very professional. The ranger and the game drives were very good too. The ranger was prompt in meetings us, departing etc. and very caring of our needs. His explanation of the wildlife and fauna was clear and informative. Everything was of a high standard and the staff are outstanding. I would highly recommend."
- Val from United Kingdom
feedback
"Excellent..."
- Anonymous from France
Verified Historical Feedback • Portfolio Collection
Accommodation Options
Kwena Lodge Suites
A modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling. Each open plan suite is nestled into its spectacular surrounds,
Spacious Bedroom opens to a spacious bathroom with a deep bath, enclosed walk-in shower and toilet and a pair of basins
Option of either Twin or King Size beds available on request
Each suite is approximately 70m² (755ft²) in size
Ideally suited for couples.
Kwena Lodge Luxury Suite
A modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling. Each open plan suite is nestled into its spectacular surrounds,
Spacious Bedroom, cozy seating area with fireplace, opens to a spacious bathroom with a deep bath, indoor/outdoor showers, double vanity and enclosed toilet.
Option of either Twin or King Size beds available on request
Each suite is approximately 75m² (807ft²) in size
Ideally suited for couples.
4 Bedroom Lehele Lodge Villa
Family Villas is remotely located and Guests are required to self-drive 5-12 minutes drive to and from the Lodge for meals and activities. To include transfers at an additional cost on reserve please contact reservations.
Ulubisi House
Gondwana has an ultra-luxe lodge 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.
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 6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children, the property comes with a full complement of staff, including its own butler, chef and field guide. 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.
Lehele 3 Bedroom Villa
Family Villas is remotely located and Guests are required to self-drive 5-15 minutes drive to and from the Lodge for meals and activities. To include transfers at an additional cost on reserve please contact reservations.
Kwena 4 Bedroom Villa
Each spacious luxury villa offers total privacy to families and groups. The deluxe four bedroom en-suite villas feature an open plan lounge with kitchen and dining room all opening onto a wraparound outdoor deck with magnificent mountain & valley views.
Kwena 3 Bedroom Villa
Each spacious luxury villa offers total privacy to families and groups. The deluxe three bedroom en-suite villas feature an open plan lounge with kitchen and dining room all opening onto a wraparound outdoor deck with magnificent mountain & valley views.
Dining & Cuisine
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge has 3 dining area's (2 Indoor and 1 Outdoor) plus a Boma / Deck area.
Guests are treated to African boma breakfasts, scenic veranda lunches, elegant 3 course set menu evening meals, romantic picnics, and scenic sundowner spots as the sun dips behind the mountains.
Our delicious homemade cuisine is served in a variety of locations indoors and out to best enjoy Gondwana’s spectacular setting. Our wine list comprises of fantastic South African wines from the Western Cape area, with food and wine pairings suggested nightly as part of the menu.
Guests are highly recommended to advise of any dietary requirements and/or allergies at the reservations stage.
Children’s menus are provided for lunch and dinner.
Lehele Lodge Restaurant
Lehele Lodge has one intimate dining area overlooking a beautiful valley and watering hole. The Lodge also has a wrap around deck and a viewing deck for one to dine on on warm mornings and evenings.
Guests are treated to scenic veranda breakfasts and lunches, and elegant 3 course set menu evening meals, romantic picnics and scenic sundowner spots as the sun dips behind the mountains.
Our delicious homemade cuisine is served enjoying the spectacular setting. Our wine list comprises of fantastic South African wines from the Western Cape area, with food and wine pairings suggested nightly as part of the menu.
Guests are highly recommended to advise of any dietary requirements and/or allergies at the reservations stage.
Children’s menus are provided for lunch and dinner.
Standard Room Amenities
Balcony / Deck
Bath Towels
Bath
Bed Linen
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Dressing Gowns
Drinking Water Filtration System
Electrical Outlets
Fireplace
Fridge
Fridge/Freezer
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Service (Available)
Pure Cotton Linen
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Verandah
At a Glance
-
Rating:
★★★★★
- Rooms: 39
- Check In: 13:00
- Check Out: 10:30
- Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
Portfolio Expert Review
"My lasting impression of Gondwana was the passionate conservation ethic that runs through the entire team. Mark and his team are continuously restoring and conserving 11 000 hectares of land, while providing an exceptional safari experience. The Big Five roam free in rolling fynbos-covered hills and beautiful deep valleys, less than 400km from Cape Town. I loved the Kwena huts and the way they settle so softly into the environment. The personal service and attention to detail was exceptional, and as my daughter Indi said, “We were treated like Kings and Queens for two full days”."
— Ian, CEO. Entrepreneur. Father. Action-man
Verified Visit
From the Archives
We've proudly represented Gondwana Game Reserve since 2010. Here is a nostalgic look at their entry from our 2017 Printed Guide Book.
GAME RESERVE - NEAR MOSSEL BAY
"Located on the Garden Route four hours from Cape Town, enjoy a distinctive, malaria-free and luxurious safari experience. Set on 11 000ha, it is the only authentic, free-roaming Big Five game reserve in the southern Cape. Attentive service, superb cuisine and exhilarating wildlife encounters in a vast fynbos wonderland await. Unwind at Kwena Lodge, a modern twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling, or choose an elegant Bush Villa, ideal for families. Kids love the Junior Ranger Experience. Gondwana's Tented Eco Camp provides an intimate, hands-on conservation experience for guests. The ultra-luxe Ulubisi House is the reserve's new private lodge with its own personal chef, eld guide and butler. World-class tourism attractions on Gondwana's doorstep include championship golf courses, charming coastal towns and great swimming and sur ng beaches. Full Board to B&B packages available including game drives | Treatments available at the Bush spa | B&B and Daily Game Drive."
Vintage Portfolio Collection • 2017 Edition
Downloads
Other / General
- 2021_covid_safety_protocols.pdf
- 2021_gondwanamapspecieslist_-_email.pdf
- 2021_garden_route_golf_circuit_.png
- ggr_map_layout.pdf
Fact Sheet
- 2021_gondwana-fact-sheet-kwena-lodge.pdf
- 2021_gondwana-fact-sheet-villas.pdf
- 2021_gondwana-fact-sheet-ulubisihouse.pdf
Conferencing
- 2021_gondwana-fact-sheet-lehele-lodge.pdf
- 2021_gondwana-fact-sheet-lehele-lodge-leisure.pdf
- 2021_gondwana-fact-sheet-dining-email.pdf
Activities
Spa
Weddings
Experience Gondwana Game Reserve
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