Gondwana Private Game Reserve is a Big Five Fynbos reserve within the critically endangered Cape Floral Kingdom. For over 20 years, we have focused on safeguarding, rewilding, and restoring endangered habitats and wildlife across three biodiversity hotspots, benefitting both nature and nearby communities.
Located less than a four-hour drive from Cape Town International Airport, along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, Gondwana spans 11,000 hectares (26,000 acres) and offers a malaria-free, authentic Big Five safari experience.
Our exclusive lodges cater to discerning travellers seeking authentic, responsible connections with nature. By staying with us, you actively contribute to the restoration and rewilding of our planet. This is your invitation to immerse yourself in the journey of expanding this magical landscape and restoring its biodiversity.
Gondwana offers a variety of accommodation options, from romantic private suites to spacious family villas. All full-board rates include two game drives daily. Additional activities include guided Fynbos bush walks, Bokkie drives, and Africology spa treatments.
Kwena Lodge offers a luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling, featuring 14 open-plan Kwena Suites with 180-degree mountain views. It caters to guests aged 12 and over, with an infinity pool and a nearby waterhole where wildlife can often be seen. Families and groups visiting Kwena Lodge can stay in our spacious, privately situated Kwena Villas, with stunning views of the Outeniqua Mountains. The villas feature three or four ensuite bedrooms, an open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen area, as well as expansive sun decks.
Gondwana’s child-friendly Lehele Lodge warmly welcomes families with children of all ages. Designed to create an enchanting safari experience for children, Lehele Lodge offers immersive activities, including game drives and the popular Junior Ranger Programme. The lodge has a cool, organic style with warm African flavours, featuring interconnected dining, lounge, and bar areas that lead out to decks overlooking the reserve and a waterhole, framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Families staying at Lehele Lodge are accommodated in Gondwana’s remotely situated Lehele Family Villas, ideal for those seeking comfort and privacy. These spacious three- and four-ensuite-bedroom villas feature double-volume lounge and dining areas with wood-burning fireplaces, all opening onto a wraparound deck with magnificent views. Children aged 3 to 12 are welcome on game drives, while those under 3 can enjoy alternative activities. Guests may self-drive to and from Lehele Lodge (a 10 km drive through the Big Five Reserve, taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes) or opt for rates including onsite transfers.
Gondwana’s Ulubisi House is an exclusive private villa with your own field guide, chef, and butler, offering 180-degree views of grass plains, fynbos-covered hills, and the Outeniqua Mountains. Nestled within the reserve’s 1,000-hectare protected walking area for endangered species, Ulubisi House accommodates up to six adults or four adults and four children. Fully staffed and with a personalised itinerary, it is ideal for families or friends seeking a home-away-from-home experience, with privacy only occasionally interrupted by wildlife visitors enjoying a drink from the pool.
By choosing to stay at Gondwana, you are not just visiting; you are helping to protect and restore the Cape’s precious biodiversity while creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most unique landscapes. Game drives only applicable to in-house guests.
Additional Information
- Kwena Lodge only accommodates children over the age of 12 years.
- Lehele Lodge and Ulubisi House: accommodate families and children of all ages.
- Children’s menus are available at all times at Lehele Lodge.
- Please advise us, should your children have any specific dietary requests.
- Babysitting in your Lehele Family villa is available at an additional cost and needs to be pre-booked to avoid disappointment.
- Children under the age of 3 are not permitted on scheduled Big Five Game Drives for safety reasons.
- Gondwana offers private game vehicles for families with children under 3 to be able to do game drives at an additional cost and subject to availability. The availability of private vehicles can only be confirmed 48hours prior to your arrival.
Conservation Fees
Conservation fees are charged additionally per adult per stay and per child per stay.
Please note Conservation Fees apply and are not included in online or quoted rates.
The conservation levy guests pay is vital in helping Gondwana protect its endangered flora and fauna through its anti-poaching unit and training facility as well as ongoing conservation programs to strengthen our biodiversity.
