Gondwana Game Reserve
Where Free‑Roaming Big Five Meet Garden Route Wild Luxury.South Africa
Gondwana sits along the Garden Route (near Mossel Bay) and was the first private game reserve developed on the southern coast.
The reserve is known for rewilding former farmland — animals reintroduced include antelope species, Cape mountain zebra, and there have been cheetahs relocated there.
Offers a different vibe than arid-Karoo reserves: more fynbos, coastal adjacent environment, and a mix of safari + nature + landscapes that are typical of the Garden Route.
Great for travellers wanting both wildlife and a more diverse natural setting — especially if you plan to explore the Garden Route.
🛏️ Room Types
Kwena Lodge Suites
- Stand‑alone safari suites for up to 2 adults with king or twin beds (can be split).
- Open‑plan 75 m² layout with thatch roof, views, deep bath, rain shower, private patio.
- Adults only (no children under 12).
Kwena Luxury Suites
- Similar to Kwena Suites but with fireplace, indoor & outdoor showers, private sun deck.
- Also for up to 2 adults (no children under 12).
Kwena Lodge Villas
- 3‑ and 4‑bedroom villas ideal for families or groups.
- Spacious open plan lounge, kitchen, dining, fireplace & large deck with valley/mountain views.
Lehele Family Villas / Lehele Lodge
- Child‑friendly full‑service villas connected to Lehele Lodge.
- Located ~10 km from main lodge; families self‑drive or arrange transfers.
- Children welcome; Junior Ranger Programme included.
Ulubisi House
- Exclusive private villa with 3 ensuite bedrooms.
- Comes with private chef, butler, field guide, game viewer & all local beverages included.
Black Rhino Villa
- Private luxury villa for up to 6 guests with private chef & field guide.
- All meals and local drinks included (excludes premium drinks like French champagne).
- Full Board package is standard: breakfast, lunch & dinner included (except Ulubisi/Black Rhino which are all‑inclusive with meals & local drinks).
- Shared dining at lodge indoor & outdoor dining rooms, fireplaces, alfresco decks overlooking waterholes.
- Tea, coffee, bottled & filtered water provided in suites/villas.
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks generally excluded from most packages unless noted (Ulubisi & Black Rhino include local drinks; premium drinks excluded).
- Bar and lounge areas for guests.
Experience guided Big 5 game drives in open safari vehicles, led by expert field guides who help you spot lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards and other wildlife in their natural Cape fynbos habitat. Included with full board stays; private game drives are also available at extra cost.
👦 2. Junior Ranger ProgrammeA complimentary, interactive programme for children (ages ~4+), where kids learn about tracking, identifying mammals, birds, fynbos species and more with a dedicated ranger, complete with a safari booklet and backpack.
🐐 3. Bokkie DrivesFamily‑friendly, non‑predator drives ideal for young children (departing from Lehele Reception). These shorter drives focus on gentle wildlife viewing and are designed for families with kids.
🌿 4. Guided Fynbos Bush WalkA guided walking safari through Gondwana’s fynbos floral kingdom and protected species areas. You’ll explore on foot with a field guide to learn about local flora and endangered wildlife like Cape mountain zebra and bontebok.
💆 5. Tented Bush SpaRelax with safari‑style spa treatments in a specially‑set tented bush spa environment—perfect for a restorative break between activities. (Bookings recommended.)
🌊 6. Garden Route AttractionsWhile not an in‑reserve activity, the reserve can help you explore nearby Garden Route attractions, including beaches, golf courses, scenic towns (e.g., Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay) and outdoor adventures along this spectacular stretch of coastline.
🐾 7. Wildlife & Flora InterpretationGuided experiences and interpretive learning opportunities help you engage with Gondwana’s rich wildlife — from free‑roaming Big 5 to fynbos plant species — deepening appreciation of the reserve’s biodiversity.
🏖 Facilities
Kwena Lodge & Kwena Luxury Suites- Infinity pool & outdoor pool‑side bar
- Indoor & outdoor dining + licensed bar/lounge
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout
- Spa with treatment rooms (extra cost)
- Private patios with loungers
- Large open‑plan living, kitchen & dining area with BBQ deck
- Expansive wraparound deck with valley/mountain views
- Free Wi‑Fi & fireplaces
- Fully equipped bedrooms with en‑suite bathrooms
- Twice‑daily housekeeping
- Infinity pool & firepit lounge
- Indoor dining with fireplace + outdoor lounge seating
- Free Wi‑Fi
- Junior Ranger kids’ programme
- Self‑drive access to game drives (or transfer option)
- chef, butler & field guide included
- Pool & Jacuzzi with panoramic views
- All meals + local beverages included
- Wi‑Fi & DSTV
- Private bush walk & biking experiences
- Private chef & field guide with game vehicle
- All meals & most drinks included
- Premium Wi‑Fi & DSTV
- Guided walks & Junior Ranger experience
- Spacious luxury living areas with valley views
Included in Room Rate
- Full Board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) standard stays.
- Two game drives daily.
- Complimentary tea/coffee, filtered & bottled water.
- Wi‑Fi, housekeeping & turn‑down service.
- Junior Ranger, mountain biking & fynbos walks in select villa packages.
Excluded from Room Rate
- Beverages/alcoholic drinks (except Ulubisi & Black Rhino local drinks).
- Spa treatments & premium experiences.
- Transfers to/from resort/airport (extra).
- Conservation levy (added to booking; guests pay separately).
No M.I.C.E. Options available