Gondwana Game Reserve

George, Garden Route

Virgin rating

Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Bush Villa at Gondwana Game Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Bush Villa
Bush Villa
Bush Villa
Bush Villa
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Kwena Lodge
Bush Villa at Gondwana Game Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Fynbos Villa
Bush Villa
Bush Villa
Bush Villa
Bush Villa

The hotel

Gondwana is the only fynbos reserve in the world that’s home to the Big Five as well as species such as the Cape mountain zebra, bontebok and red hartebeest. But what’s a fynbos we hear you ask? Well, it literally means ‘fine bush’ and this fynbos is one of the world’s 6 floral kingdoms, perhaps even the finest of them all! You can enjoy guided walks through the incredible flora and fauna, getting close to nature and marvelling at how beautiful it is. Bird watchers too are in for a treat. This part of the Western Cape is home to 42 of South Africa’s 53 endemic bird species – binoculars at the ready we think! Game drives go out every morning and afternoon, enjoy breakfast as the sun rises or drinks as the sun sets. Elegant lodge meals are also a highlight.  Alternatively, join everyone round the campfire for a barbecue, swapping tales of what you’ve seen and experienced that day. Golfers can enjoy preferred tee rates at local courses or treat yourself to a massage at the spa. There’s also a brilliant Junior Ranger Experience which really brings the bush to life for young children.

Amenities

  • Golf
  • Babysitting service
  • Safari
  • Laundry Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Set in 11,000 hectares, 25 minutes from the charming coastal town of Mossel Bay and a 4-hour drive from Cape Town. Transfer time from George Airport: 45 minutes. 

Hotel information

Choice of lodges available. Kwena Lodge includes a large infinity pool, chic open-plan lounge and bar, indoor/outdoor dining, spa and an outdoor African boma. There are 14 open-plan bedrooms, all with thatched roofs, mountain views, fireplace, tea station and bar fridge, safe and 1 king-size bed, or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Half Board option: includes dinner, breakfast, afternoon tea and afternoon game drive with drinks and snacks. Complimentary mountain biking.

Full Board option: includes 3 meals and afternoon tea. 2 game drives per day, with snacks and beverages.

Private Villas, Fynbos Villas and Bush Villas, feature either 2, 3, or 4-bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Fynbos Villas are located next to Kwena Lodge and Bush Villas are located 5-10 km from Kwena Lodge and require you self drive to the lodge for meals and game drives.

Meals are served in the lodge or at the outdoor boma. Bush breakfasts, sundowners and picnics available. Daily game drives. Junior Ranger Programme (educational family game drives and interactive activities). Tented bush spa*. Complimentary mountain bikes. Guided bush walks*. Hiking*. Complimentary WiFi.

Please note: Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on game drives. A private vehicle can be booked for R2500 per day for a private game drive for children under 6 and their parents. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted to have dinner in the restaurant; they are welcome for breakfast and lunch.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1278)
  • Very good (253)
  • Average (93)
  • Poor (32)
  • Terrible (16)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Best Safari Experience

Nov 21, 2023 ramaneats

We had the best 3 days of our entire South Africa trip at Gondwana. We stayed in a 4-bedroom villa around 15 mins away from the main Lodge - this journey really wasn't a problem. We had our own car but most of the time we asked the porters to drive (as we did see a lot of animals en route!!) All game drives were exceptional and we couldn't have… Read more
We had the best 3 days of our entire South Africa trip at Gondwana. We stayed in a 4-bedroom villa around 15 mins away from the main Lodge - this journey really wasn't a problem. We had our own car but most of the time we asked the porters to drive (as we did see a lot of animals en route!!) All game drives were exceptional and we couldn't have had a better ranger - he was incredibly knowledgable and always made sure we got the best shot/got as much time out with the animals as possible. We saw 4 of the Big 5 which was incredible considering this was our first ever safari trip! We got lovely sundowner drinks with stunning sunset views. All meals were exceptional and we were blown away at how amazing they were. Service was quite relaxed (slow at times) but this wasn't a massive issue as you really want to make most of the time relaxing. The villa itself was stunning and we could have easily stayed another day or so just relaxing in the property and using the lodge pool. Couldn't recommend this place enough - 4 hour drive from Cape Town honestly feels like nothing once you get there! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous game drives

Nov 18, 2023 kathystacey Island of Capri, Italy

From the moment we entered the game reserve we loved every minute. Seeing zebras and Buffalo’s and springbok on our drive in was brilliant. The highlight of our trip to South Africa. The Game lodge has luxurious accommodation. Our Game drives with Abby were excellent and good fun. She was very determined to find the animals., we saw giraffes,… Read more
From the moment we entered the game reserve we loved every minute. Seeing zebras and Buffalo’s and springbok on our drive in was brilliant. The highlight of our trip to South Africa. The Game lodge has luxurious accommodation. Our Game drives with Abby were excellent and good fun. She was very determined to find the animals., we saw giraffes, hippos in and out the water. Rhinos , lions , buffalos , elephants ,spring book, zebras including a couple of baby ones and Abby’s. Use bar was an added bonus. She was vey knowledgeable and really enhanced our experience. The food was good too. They offer you a curtesy lift too and from your lodges at night. Highly recommend this game lodge Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Reserve. Poor customer care and experience

Nov 15, 2023 John A Essen, Germany

It was our first time at the reserve and our experiences was a mixed bag. The reserve and its landscape was breathtaking and the rides out with the ranger a great experience. We found the attitude of the reserve’s management cold and very transactional. There was a strange welcome to which was purely focused on signing a document that you were… Read more
It was our first time at the reserve and our experiences was a mixed bag. The reserve and its landscape was breathtaking and the rides out with the ranger a great experience. We found the attitude of the reserve’s management cold and very transactional. There was a strange welcome to which was purely focused on signing a document that you were at the reserve at you own risk and without any briefing or health and safety awareness. There was no pre-warning that an off road vehicle was required to reach our accommodation with was an over sized remote villa with no heating. It would have helpful to know all this before arrival. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Awesome safari with Austin!

Nov 11, 2023 henrypH6946KU

What an amazing trip we had at Gondwana Game Reserve! The staff were attentive and helpful, the reserve itself is picturesque and we are so happy we chose to have our first safari experience as a couple here. What we would like to highlight most is our guide Austin. He was absolutely fantastic and made our experience special and memorable. His… Read more
What an amazing trip we had at Gondwana Game Reserve! The staff were attentive and helpful, the reserve itself is picturesque and we are so happy we chose to have our first safari experience as a couple here. What we would like to highlight most is our guide Austin. He was absolutely fantastic and made our experience special and memorable. His knowledge of the reserve and the animals was superb! He was incredibly patient when answering any questions we had and we could not have asked for a better guide. My wife also felt slightly uneasy being in a game reserve but it made us feel so much more relaxed during the night that the guides were nearby to help us sleep well! Thank you to Austin and the staff at Gondwana for making our experience so memorable - we will be back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Simply the Best Experience

Oct 28, 2023 Christine J

Died and gone to heaven. All in all our best all round experience of a Safari visit. This was perfection (mind you didn’t like paying for water but that just a personal grip). The experience started with Clerissa who manages first contact with Gondwana. She is pleasant, efficient and competent and has managed this booking perfectly. Everything… Read more
Died and gone to heaven. All in all our best all round experience of a Safari visit. This was perfection (mind you didn’t like paying for water but that just a personal grip). The experience started with Clerissa who manages first contact with Gondwana. She is pleasant, efficient and competent and has managed this booking perfectly. Everything else is praiseworthy: fantastic rangers (thank you Hienrich), food and wine, housekeeping, facilities all heavenly. Also enjoy the nature and wilderness of the location. A particular noteworthy point: every ‘stop’ only allows 2 vehicles at a time. Read less