Gondwana welcomes children of all ages to enjoy its natural splendor. Below are some guidelines to help you plan your stay with the little ones.

ACCOMMODATION

• Children under the age of 12 years old are accommodated with their families in Luxury Bush Villas.
• Children rates applicable for children under twelve (12), Children under six (6) stay free
• Children under the age of 6 stay free when sharing with 2 full paying adults
• Families are booked into Private Bush Villas for their comfort and convenience with additional amenities like kitchen facilities, separate en-suite bedrooms, large outdoor decks, flat screen TVs and DVD players to assist with the little ones. (Cots & rollaway beds are available)

GAME DRIVES

• Children under the age of 6 are not allowed on the standard game drives for their safety and the enjoyment of other guests.  However, the lodge team will try to make a family vehicle available for guests with younger children or an exclusive use vehicle can be rented for a surcharge (R3000 per drive/day).  These game viewers will then be able to accommodate children between the age of 2 and 6 on game drive.  Please note both of these scenarios are subject to availability and are not bookable in advance, only upon check in.

JUNIOR RANGER EXPERIENCE

• Children age 6 – 12 can join in on junior ranger experience.
• The program includes educational game drives, interactive activities, junior ranger packs and completion badges.
• The younger children’s activities will be based mainly around the lodge to stay closer to parents
• On arrival families will be informed about the Junior Ranger program and their ranger will enquire about any special requests, dietary, babysitting or otherwise.
• Children will receive a fun Ranger’s backpack and cool safari booklet to fill in throughout their stay. During game drives and other activities with their ranger, kids will be taught how to identify mammals, birds, Fynbos species, and even stars.
• They will gain a greater understanding of conservation and our precious eco systems. They will be quizzed on what they’ve learned by their ranger and receive a level 1 Junior Ranger Patch and completion certificate, as well as a picture with their ranger for their safari book.

DINING

• Children’s menu’s are available at all times. Please advise us should your children have any specific dietary requests, and we will gladly accommodate them
• If parents wish to dine in privacy, baby sitting can be arranged in the Villas with in room dining meals for Kids to enjoy

BABY SITTING

• Babysitting is available at a rate of R150.00 per hour per child.

GUIDED WALKS

• Children age 12 years and older are welcome to participate on Guided Walks

Families are booked into the Kwena Lodge Villas and Lehele Lodge Villas for their convenience (cots are available on request).
• Villa rates are per person sharing. The number of pax in a Villa x the person sharing rate is only invoiced regardless of whether Guests are accommodated in a 3 or a 4 bedroom en-suite Villa.
• Various beds in the villas can be split into a twin configuration.
• Children’s menus are available for lunch and dinner. Please do advise the Reservations Team of any specific dietary requirements so that we may accommodate them.
• If parents wish to have dinner at the lodge without their young children, babysitting and in-room dining can be arranged in the Villas.
Parents’ meals can also be delivered to the villa, though our chefs would prefer you to experience Gondwana’s cuisine first hand in the
lodge dining areas.
• Villa picnic baskets are available as a lunch or dinner alternative for families.

Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve offers 11,000 hectares of dramatic terrain with free roaming Big 5 and awe-inspiring scenery that will stir your senses. It is the perfect venue for a range of events including executive getaways, corporate functions, conferences and team building.
The reserve is about four hours drive from Cape Town or 45 minutes from George airport, making it an accessible choice for corporate functions. Despite being only 15 minutes off the N2, once you reach the reserve it will feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere – endless mountain views and green rolling hills abound, all blanketed in colourful fynbos offering well over 1000 varieties.

Facilities
The reserve boasts two luxury lodges – Kwena Lodge is a five star bush lodge with 14 stand-alone suites and Lehele Lodge is a thatched, boutique conference centre. There are 10 private bush villas on the reserve with three and four en-suite bedrooms. They can be utilised for smaller, strategic sessions or accommodate corporate team building. We can tailor make overnight, full day and half day conferencing packages to suit the needs of various kinds of corporate retreats.

Gondwana Game Reserve’s Lehele Lodge is the ideal venue for you, whether you are holding a large corporate function, a small conference, or an executive breakaway.  Lehele boasts experienced staff who will not only tailor-make your function but will also handle all the logistics from the décor, media needs, office support, catering and guest entertainment to all the little extras that will make the event unforgettable such as game drives in the Big 5 reserve, wine tastings, 4×4 driving course, or a bush picnic or braai.

The contemporary conference centre boasts:

• A large wooden table that is five metres long and can seat 20 delegates boardroom style
• Break away areas (in and outdoors with tables and chairs)
• A hi-definition data projector – Please advise before arrival if this is needed.
• Custom sized white projector screen- Please advise before arrival if this is needed.
• High clarity sound system including microphone
• A 54 inch flat screen TV
• Floor to ceiling glass folding doors leading onto an outdoor deck with black-out curtains
• Apple Mac flat screen computer
• Wireless internet connectivity
• Back of house office support
• Ceiling fans in all areas
• Two fireplaces

Numerous activities for corporate team building events are on offer, including:

• Game drives in open Land Rovers with expert field guides
• Mountain biking and fishing in the 1000 hectare walking area
• Africology spa treatments
• Wine tasting with local experts sampling the many splendid Cape wines
• A Junior Ranger Experience for families.

The Garden Route hosts many nearby attractions including:

• Golf at Pinnacle Point (20 minutes from the reserve) or Mossel Bay golf course, Fancourt and Oubaai in George (45 minutes)
• Deep sea fishing, shark cage diving and sunset cruises from Mossel Bay Harbour (30 minutes from the reserve)
• The charming coastal towns of Mossel Bay and Knysna, as well as their swimming and surfing beaches, offer a range of activities for corporate events.
• Contact us today to find out how we make corporate functions memorable and easy to plan.

SEATING CONFIGURATIONS
LOCATION    VIEWS    USE    CAPACITY

• Lehele Lodge :   Cinema Style 40 Pax
•                          School Room 30 Pax
•                          Boardroom    18 Pax  

 
There is also ample space for break away areas as well as exhibition space.

WESTERN CAPE FUNCTIONS VENUE

Gondwana Game Reserve’s Lehele Lodge is the ideal boutique functions venue for you, whether you are holding a large African wedding, a corporate conference, or an executive breakaway.

Lehele boasts experienced staff who will not only tailor-make your function but will also handle all the logistics from the décor, media needs, office support, catering and guest entertainment to all the little extras that will make the event unforgettable such as game drives in the Big 5 reserve, wine tastings, 4×4 driving course, or a bush picnic or braai.

With its cool organic style and warm African flavours, Lehele Lodge is ideal for high-end functions and comprises of an interconnected luxury lounge, boutique bar, library and flexible dining area where conference facilities are offered as well as back of house offices for any administrative needs. The outdoor areas include an infinity pool, boma deck area, which has been nicknamed “the party pit”, and ample outdoor seating for meals and sun downers. The lodge offers all modern conveniences such as wireless Internet access, cellular reception, built-in sound system and multi-media capabilities.

The contemporary conference centre boasts:

•  A large wooden 5 meter long table seating 18 delegates boardroom style
•  Break away areas (indoor and out with tables and chairs)
•  State of the art technology including hi-definition data projector
•  Custom sized white projector screen
•  High clarity sound system including microphone
•  54 inch flat screen TV
•  Floor to ceiling glass folding doors leading onto outdoor deck with black-out curtains
•  2 x Apple Mac Flat Screen computers
•  Wireless internet connectivity
•  Back of house office support
• Ceiling Fans in all areas
• 2 x fireplaces

Amenities

• Nearby five-star Lehele Lodge serves gourmet meals and shows sports on big screen TV at the bar. It also boasts a library with computers and an internet connection, as well as expansive outdoor areas featuring an infinity pool overlooking one of Gondwana’s beautiful valleys.
• Enjoy an afternoon game drive or fynbos walk with one of our expert guides.
• 1000 hectare protected area available for hiking, fishing and mountain biking.

Game Drives conducted in open Land Rovers

• Morning and evening safaris are included in your stay with gourmet breakfast treats in the morning or delicious h’or derves and sundowners in the evenings
• Day visitors can also book morning or evening drives with or without a bush meal (brunch or dinner) – snacks and drinks included

Horse Back Safaris

• Horse Back Safaris on Gondwana’s specially bred Shire cross trail horses – “gentle giants”
• Overnight guests are welcome to alternate their game drive with a horse ride in the reserve’s 1000 hectare walking area
• Day visitors can also book morning or evening rides with or without a bush meal (brunch or dinner) in the reserve’s 1000 hectare walking area

Bird Watching

• Gondwana has over 300 species of birds in its general region, many of which are endemic and only found in this part of South Africa, such as the Cape Sugarbird and Orange Breasted Sunbird
• Frequent sightings of endangered Black Harriers on the reserve are a real treat for bird enthusiasts

Guided Nature Trails and Fynbos Walks

• Walk unnoticed with your game ranger into close proximity to black rhino and elephants and truly appreciate these spectacular animals
• Walk with our Fynbos experts and enjoy one of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms, Gondwana being the smallest and richest per area unit in the world.

Situated 60km west of George and only 30km from Mossel Bay on the Indian Ocean, Gondwana Game Reserve´s setting in the idyllic Garden Route is easily accessible by car.

• hours drive from Cape Town
• 3 hours from the Cape Winelands
• 45 minutes from George International airport
• Daily domestic flights to and from George Airport to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban international airports
• Private plane charters can be arranged to George or Mossel Bay airports
• Helicopter transfers can be arranged directly to the game reserve

Lehele Lodge Western Cape Functions Venue

Lehele boasts experienced staff who will not only tailor-make your function but will also handle all the logistics from the décor, media needs, office support, catering and guest entertainment to all the little extras that will make the event unforgettable such as game drives in the Big 5 reserve, wine tastings, 4×4 driving course, or a bush picnic or braai.

With its cool organic style and warm African flavours, Lehele Lodge is ideal for high-end functions and comprises of an interconnected luxury lounge, boutique bar, library and flexible dining area where conference facilities are offered as well as back of house offices for any administrative needs. The outdoor areas include an infinity pool, boma deck area, which has been nicknamed “the party pit”, and ample outdoor seating for meals and sun downers. The lodge offers all modern conveniences such as wireless Internet access, cellular reception, built-in sound system and multi-media capabilities.

The contemporary conference centre boasts:

• Large wooden 5 meter long table seating 18 delegates boardroom style
• Break away areas (indoor and out with tables and chairs)
• State of the art technology including hi-definition data projector
• Custom sized white projector screen
• High clarity sound system including microphone
• 54 inch flat screen TV
• Floor to ceiling glass folding doors leading onto outdoor deck with black-out curtains
• 2 x Apple Mac Flat Screen computers
• Wireless internet connectivity
• Back of house office support
• Ceiling Fans in all areas
• 2 x fireplaces

Try a golf safari for something a little different – Gondwana has preferred golf rates with Pinnacle Point as well as most of the other top Garden Route courses and we are happy to book your round, provide transfers or package golf rounds into your rate if you would like to play golf instead of joining one of the daily game drives.

The Garden Route has become a Mecca for golfing enthusiasts from all over the world, all in search of top class golf safari packages. The courses are not only top rated but have a visual aura that leaves most golfers spellbound.  Golf in the Western Cape has never looked this good – some of the Garden Route golf courses have been developed along seaside cliffs, like the astounding Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay or the remarkable Pezula in Knysna. Other excellent opportunities for spectacular golfing include the stunning mountainside Fancourt in George and Simola in Knysna.

Gondwana’s nearest golf course is Pinnacle Point (20 minute drive), an 18 hole championship course designed by well-known South African golf course architect Peter Matkovich who opened it with Top Irish Tour Golf Professional Darren Clarke in November 2006.

Garden Route golf courses in the Western Cape:

Mossel Bay

• Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort
• Mossel Bay Golf Club

George

• Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate
• George Golf Club
• Oubaai Golf Club
• Kingswood Golf Estate

Knysna

• Simola Golf & Country Estate
• Pezula Resort Hotel
• Knysna Golf Club

Experience the ultimate in serene relaxation, explore the game of golf in Western Cape splendour and indulge in a Garden Route golf safari with Gondwana today.

World-class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep include championship golf courses at Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Oubaai and Fancourt, great swimming and surfing beaches and the attractive coastal towns of Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. This particular South African game reserve is located 30 minutes outside of Mossel Bay on the Indian Ocean with top amenities such as beautiful beaches, top seaside golf courses, deep seas fishing, Shark cage diving and private hospitals and restaurants. The Garden Route is known as the Garden of Eden; the area is one of the most visually spectacular tourism destinations in the world with mountains and ocean wherever you look.

Gondwana’s bush villas are the ideal private getaway to explore the Garden Route while on safari.

Day trips to many of the nearby attractions are easy from the game reserve. A morning round of golf at Pinnacle Point golf course can be followed by a sunset game drive, after lunch and a nap of course! Gondwana has negotiated preferred golf rates at all the local courses.

Golfing: green on ocean

A fantastic self-drive itinerary would include:

• 2-3 nights in Cape Town – pick up rental car in city and drive to Winelands
• 2 nights in the Cape Winelands (45 minute drive from the city center)
• 3 nights at Gondwana (3.5 hours from the winelands)
• 2-3 nights in Knysna (1.5 hour drive from the game reserve)
• Depart George airport and return rental car (1 hour drive from Knysna)

The Area:

The Garden Route, Western Cape

The Western Cape is located on the south west coast of South Africa where theAtlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area is anchored by Cape Town, a thriving urban center popular with residents and tourists alike.

The increasingly popular Garden Route is a 160 mile stretch along the coast 4 hours east of Cape Town running from the coastal town of Mossel Bay to the beach vacation destination of Plettenberg Bay. The area is sought after as a prime tourism destination and highly desirable location for leisure investment. It is a nature’s wonderland, boasting some of South Africa’s most beautiful, unspoilt beaches, temperate, inviting waters, as well the majestic Swartberg, Langeberg, and Outeniqua Mountain Ranges. Green rolling hills are abundant covered in stunning Fynbos vegetation, unique to this part of the world, drawing indigenous birdlife.

Now acclaimed as a golfing mecca, the Garden Route boasts many of South Africa’s top-rated golf courses and golf estate developments, with ± 26 golf courses in the area, many of which are oceanside. The most popular being the Links at Fancourt, home to the 2004 President’s Cup, Pinnale Point with a dramatic Darren Clarke ocean cliff design Oubaai Golf Estate, Ernie Els personal course, and Pezula, arguably one of the most stunning courses and estates in the world.

The Location: Mossel Bay

Situated approximately midway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the coastal town of Mossel Bay is considered the gateway to The Garden Route and the Klein Karoo. It is popular for its mild and consistent climate, warm waters and its North facing location on the sea, one of the few in the world.

Additional distances to Mossel Bay from:

• Cape Town International Airport : 392km (3.5 hours drive 45 min flight)
• Johannesburg International Airport :1 234km (10 hours drive 1 hr 45 min. flight)
• Durban International Airport :1 306km (12 hours drive 2 hr flight)
• George Domestic Airport : 40km (20 min drive)
• Mossel Bay local Airport : 20km (10 min drive)

*There are daily domestic flights to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to George Airport. There are also major flight charter companies situated at George airport.

Overlooking a beautiful Indian Ocean bay with North facing beaches, Mossel Bay is a year round resort town boasting one of the best climates in the world, only second to Hawaii as recorded in The Guinness Book of World Records. Thousands of holidaymakers, both South Africans and internationals, flock to the dazzling beaches every year to enjoy this wonderful climate and year-round activities, like golf and whale watching, fantastic surfing, as well as the many nearby attractions.

Today, with over 65,000 inhabitants and excellent road, rail, sea and air links comparable to any in South Africa, as well as a harbor which meets the growing demands of the fishing fleet and the Petrol SA project, Mossel Bay is a thriving, vibrant town.

OCTOBER – APRIL
Full board basis

• Lunch 13:00-14:00
• Check in to room 14:00
• High Tea 16:00
• Afternoon game drive 16:30
• Dinner from 18:30-21:30
• Morning Game Drive 6:00
• Breakfast from 08:30-10:30
• Departure 10:00

Half board basis

• Lunch 13:00-14:00 – Not included in the package booked (additional cost)
• Check in to room 14:00
• High Tea 16:00
• Afternoon game drive 16:30
• Dinner from 18:30-21:30
• Morning Game Drive 6:00 – Not included in the package booked (additional cost)
• Breakfast from 08:30-10:30
• Departure 10:00

MAY – SEPTEMBER
Full Board basis

• Lunch 13:00-14:00
• Check in to room 14:00
• High Tea 15:30
• Afternoon game drive 16:00
• Dinner from 18:30-21:30
• Morning Game Drive 6:30
• Breakfast from 08:30-10:30
• Departure 10:00

Half Board basis

• Lunch 13:00-14:00 – Not included in the package booked (additional cost)
• Check in to room 14:00
• High Tea 15:30
• Afternoon game drive 16:00
• Dinner from 18:30-21:30
• Morning Game Drive 6:30 – Not included in the package booked (additional cost)
• Breakfast from 08:30-10:30
• Departure 10:00

NATURE ACTIVITIES AMIDST A BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPE

Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve offers an exclusive and spectacular natural setting with numerous nature activities on offer in the reserve, as well as nearby Garden Route activities.

Take a guided nature walk through 1000 different species of fynbos in the Gondwana Reserve. Get out your binoculars and tick off some of the 300 indigenous and 30 endemic bird species found in Gondwana.  Sip on a sundowner on an evening game drive with your significant other and view our Big Five amongst a magnificent Cape floral setting.

Moms and dads can enjoy a fun game drive with the kids while they learn about the botanical heritage of the flora and enjoy the many animal species and how to track them in the Junior Ranger Program. For those parents who need some down time, enjoy a relaxing few hours at Gondwana Nature Reserve’s Spa while your children are entertained by our expert Field Guides. These types of Western Cape safari activities serve as an enlightening experience that inspires an appreciation for nature from a young age.

Take a short drive down to experience top Garden Route activities like golf at Pinnacle Point or Fancourt.  Alternatively relax on the beach or grab your surfboard and experience some of South Africa’s best swimming and surfing beaches in the warm Indian Ocean waters of Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.  For a getaway filled with nature activities that are sure to both unwind and beguile, book with Gondwana Game Reserve today.

Enjoy a relaxing and indulgent Spa treatment in African style at Gondwana Spa resort garden route .

Gondwana’s Spa offers a full treatment menu utilizing the luxurious Africology product range which makes use of South Africa’s indigenous plants. Treatments can be in the double volume treatment room or open air for a truly “au natural” experience. 

Spoil yourself during your luxurious stay at Gondwana.

GENERAL

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Camera

CLOTHING

Bring a little of everything for hot and cold as the reserve is near to the sea and the ocean can blow in quick changing weather – prepare for warm, sunny days and cool evenings/mornings depending on time of year.

• Warm jacket and jerseys, layers for night time in open game viewers
• Long sleeves and Pants
• Short sleeves and Shorts
• Natural coloured clothing (white clothing is not ideal for game drives – most visible to animals)
• Closed toe walking shoes – terrain is uneven and Fynbos can be scratchy
• High heels with narrow heel do not do well in the bush, Flip flops fine for around room
• Bathing suit

Please note
• All rates are inclusive of VAT at 15%.
• All rates are per person per activity.
• Conservation levies per person per stay not included.
• Reserve your activities prior to arrival to avoid disappointment.

Game Drives
• Each drive includes beverage and snack on drive and Afternoon Tea prior to afternoon Game drive.
• Minimum of 2 persons per Game Drive, maximum of 10.
Tented Bush SPA
• Located at Kwena Lodge with 2 treatment rooms.
• Utilises Africology products. Treatments range from facials, body wraps, waxing, massage, manicures and pedicures.
• Kiddies treatments on offer: facials, massage, manicure and pedicures.
• Lehele Lodge also has 2x mobile Spa’s – our therapists pamper you in the privacy of your own Villa.
Guided Fynbos Walking Experience
• Walks are conducted in the 1200 hectare Protected Endangered Species Area. The entire area is fenced from dangerous game.
• Includes 1x soft beverage.
• No children under the age of 12 years old permitted on guided walks with a maximum of 6 persons – excluding guide.
• Our Fynbos biome is unique and spectacular to walk through, guests will be introduced to the fascinating plants and their life cycles, as
well as endemic birds and animals that reside in the fynbos areas on Gondwana.
Mountain Bikes
• COMPLIMENTARY OFFERING.
• Located in the 1200 hectare Protected Endangered Species Area. The entire area is fenced from dangerous game.
• We offer 4 routes starting from the activity shed where the bikes are housed:
o Red Route – Novice rider 7.44km’s
o Blue Route – Novice rider 8.62km’s
o Green Route – Advanced rider 10.4km’s
o Orange Route – Advanced rider 12.4km’s
• Please make bike reservations in advance to ensure availability.
• Unguided rides on demarcated routes for a maximum of 6 adult riders and 2 children, (6 adult bikes and 2 children’s bikes).
• Detailed activity map available with all the routes demarcated.
The Junior Ranger Programme
• see children’s policy pg 3

Gondwana Game Reserve offers an exclusive and spectacular African safari setting for your special day. The private reserve boasts two beautiful lodge venues with luxury amenities, attentive service, stylish contemporary interiors, and gourmet cuisine. Gondwana offers a romantic and tranquil experience where your guests can enjoy a weekend safari itinerary including luxury lodge and villa accommodation, delicious African meals, Africology spa treatments and exhilarating game drives experiencing herds of antelope and free roaming Big 5 game.

The Reserve delivers an authentic Safari destination accessibly, making it easy for your guests to attend whether by car from Cape Town or by plane into George Airport. We guarantee a memorable occasion and will customize every element to make it a special one-of- a- kind event.
• A weekend wedding itinerary can be planned and facilitated by your appointed Wedding Planner. Should you require a Wedding Planner we are able to assist with a list of preferred suppliers.
• For weddings of 60 pax or more, the bride and groom receive 2 nights complimentary luxury accommodation.
 

Kwena Lodge has 2 Honeymoon Suites.
Our Honeymoon package includes:
• Accommodation in Honeymoon Suite at Kwena Lodge
• Private dining / bush picnic or outdoor dinner for 2 pax (weather dependent)
• Complimentary sparkling wine on arrival
• Fresh Fynbos flower arrangement
• Complimentary neck, back and shoulder massage to the value of R350 for her and him
• Daily romantic turndowns

Wedding Ceremony Venues
Both Lehele Lodge and Kwena Lodge offer elegant safari lodge venues with expansive indoor and outdoor facilities and panoramic views of the magnificent landscape. You also have the option of an intimate Bush Ceremony Venue remotely located in the Reserve.

Kwena Lodge
Ceremony: The Ceremony can be held on the Boma Deck or in the separate lounge space for an indoor option.
Reception: Kwena Lodge facilities include three separate buildings connected by pathways including a chic open-plan lounge and bar, an elegant and romantic dining room around 2 open fireplaces, and a reception area. Facilities also include a large infinity pool area, tented bush spa and outdoor boma dining area all overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains and passing wildlife.
Capacity: Seats 60 guests indoors

Bush Venue
Ceremony: The Ceremony can be set up remotely in the Reserve with or without a tent.
Reception: For the ultimate safari wedding your ceremony and reception can be situated in the Reserve using Bedouin tents overlooking the dramatic scenery.
Capacity: will vary depending on tent chosen.
Ulubisi House Ceremony
Ceremony: The Ceremony can be set up at the beautiful and private
Ulubisi House for wedding couples who want their ceremony separate from their wedding venue and not located in the Reserve. This is subject to availability.
Capacity: Seats 40 guests