The house
The story.
Gondwana is a 12,000-hectare private game reserve in the heart of the Garden Route, set within the rare fynbos biome. Making it a Big Five reserve in a UNESCO-recognised plant kingdom rather than the usual savannah.
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Gondwana Game Reserve
Big Five in fynbos country
A Big Five reserve near the Garden Route, combining wildlife safari with the fynbos-covered mountains and diverse landscapes of the Western Cape.
4 Lodges
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Why Gondwana Game Reserve
For travellers combining Cape Town and the Garden Route with their first safari, Gondwana is the easiest geographic fit. And the only Big Five reserve in the fynbos zone.
Big Five in the fynbos
Black Rhino Villa
Black Rhino is a private six-guest villa on Gondwana Private Game Reserve, set high above a fynbos valley with 180-degree views of the Outeniqua mountains.
Best suited for luxury seekers, families, Big Five
From, per person sharing R 11 000
Kwena Lodge
A mere 25 minutes from Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape and four hours from Cape Town, Kwena lodge can be found on the 11 000 hectare private Gondwana Game Reserve.
Best suited for Big Five, honeymooners, walking safaris
From, pps R 7 500
Lehele Lodge Villas
Lehele Family Villa is a luxurious and spacious private villa located within Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa.
Ulubisi House
Ulubisi House, an exclusive luxury villa within the Gondwana Game Reserve, offers a private and intimate safari experience, perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Best suited for Big Five
From, pps R 10 110
The journey
3-Day BIG 5 Cape Safari Getaway
3 days · complete package · From R 33 270 View itinerary
Common questions
Gondwana Game Reserve, answered.
- How far is Gondwana from Cape Town?
- Roughly four hours by road via the N2, or a one-hour flight to George Airport followed by a 45-minute transfer. Most guests drive as part of a Garden Route itinerary, stopping at Hermanus, Swellendam or Knysna along the way.
- Is Gondwana malaria-free?
- Yes. The reserve is in the Western Cape, well outside any malaria-risk area. No antimalarials are needed, making it a popular choice for families with young children.
- What wildlife will I see at Gondwana?
- All of the Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, plus fynbos specialists such as Cape mountain zebra and bontebok. The reserve also supports hippo, giraffe, cheetah and over 250 bird species.
- Which Gondwana lodge should I choose?
- Kwena Lodge for couples and families who want a shared lodge experience with a central pool. Lehele Lodge Villas for more privacy. Ulubisi House or Black Rhino Villa for exclusive use with a private guide, vehicle and chef.
- Is Gondwana suitable for children?
- Yes. Kwena Lodge welcomes children of all ages, and the exclusive-use villas are ideal for multi-generational groups. Being malaria-free removes the need for antimalarials, which simplifies travel with young ones.
- When is the best time to visit Gondwana?
- Game viewing is good year-round. The dry months from May to September concentrate wildlife around water sources. Spring (September to November) brings fynbos wildflowers and newborn animals. Summer (December to March) is warmest, with longer daylight for game drives.
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Plan your Gondwana Game Reserve safari.
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