• The Reserve is a 45-minute drive from George Airport, and
  a scenic 4-hour drive from Cape Town Airport.
• Gondwana is a Private Game Reserve
• 11,000-hectare (26,000 acre) Private Game Park offers a
  distinctive and luxurious malaria-free Safari Holiday destination
• Various accommodation types available
• Free-roaming Big 5 Safari Animals (lion, buffalo, elephant,
  rhino, and leopard)
• Over 1 000 species of Fynbos in the reserve
• In-house botanist
• Themed team-builidng activities available
• Over 200 bird species
• The lodge supports upliftment proects for schools relating to 
  conservation initiatives
• Knowledgable game rangers
• Over 15 species of antelope can be found on the reserve
  including kudu, eland, bontebok, waterbuck, sable, grey
  reebok and many more.
• Gondwana is home to 17 carnivore species ranging from the
  small grey mongoose and small-spotted genet to medium-sized
  species such as the caracal and bat-eared fox, to the very
  large and powerful lion.
• Half and Full Board packages available to suit your needs
• 24 hour daily anti-poaching units
• The rhinos are tagged for monitoring and to ensure their safety
• Only 2 vehicles per sighting to enhance your game viewing 
  experience 
• Breeding projects for endangered species
• 1 200 hectare Protected Endangered Species Area. The entire
  area is fenced from dangerous game.
• 2 Catch and relase bass fishing dams in the Protected
  Endangered Species Area

On the Reserve we offer 2 options for group exclusivity for incentive groups and functions as part of an overnight itinerary.

• Lehele Lodge: which can accommodate a minimum of 50 guests and a maximum of 60 guests.

LEHELE LODGE

With its cool organic style and warm African flavors, the centrally located Lehele Lodge is a spectacular location to take in the magnificent Cape landscape. This intimate lodge comprises of interconnected dining, reception, lounge, and bar areas, all leading out to expansive outdoor decks overlooking the Reserve and a large waterhole in Lehele Valley with a dramatic mountain backdrop.
The luxury facilities include an infinity pool and firepit area, an open-plan lounge, library, and bar area with a large double sided wood burning fireplace as well as an elegant indoor dining area cozied by a fireplace to enjoy the beautifully prepared homemade safari cuisine.
With its ample outdoor seating, Lehele Lodge is the ultimate watering hole for a sundowner after an exhilarating game drive.
Guest staying at Lehele Lodge are accommodated at the luxurious, remotely situated Lehele Lodge Villas.
Deluxe accommodation is offered in spacious Villas (3 and 4 en-suite bedrooms) which are privately situated with awe-inspiring views from your expansive deck.

 

The Western Cape offers a high level of endemism in unique floristic settings

42 of South Africa’s 53 endemic bird species occur in the Western Cape

Bird watching in the Western Cape
For the avid birdwatcher, there is no other area in Africa like the Western Cape that offers such a high level of endemism in such an accessible setting. The province is well known among international and local birders alike for the remarkable array of birds that is found here and nowhere else in the world: a staggering 42 of South Africa’s 53 endemic bird species occur in the Western Cape.

The region offers a diverse range of habitats and is home to approximately 300 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for Garden Route bird watching. The close proximity of the coastline and the Southern Capes Great Wetlands allows for species such as the endangered African Black Oyster catcher along with many other sought after pelagic species.

Birding on Gondwana
The reserve supports healthy populations of sought after endemics such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Protea Seedeater, and Black Harrier.

Gondwana is also home to our special annual migrants, the Amur falcon, Alpine Swift and European White Stork.

The reserve’s landscape comprises of open grass plains and plateaus, wetlands, fynbos and renosterveld hills, riverine and sub-tropical thicket valleys and cliff faces. The array of vegetation types allows for a variety of bird species. Denhams Bustard, Blue Crane, African Fish eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, Ostrich, Secretary bird, Jackal Buzzard, African Stone Chat, Cape Grassbird, Malachite Sunbird, Amethyst Sunbird, Black crowned night heron, and Bokmakierie are all prominent species on the reserve.

On the Reserve we offer 2 options for group exclusivity for incentive groups, conferencing, and functions as part of an overnight itinerary.

Lehele Lodge: which can accommodate a minimum of 46 guests and a maximum of 60 guests .

For conferencing, all standard equipment and meals will be provided as part of the conferencing package:
• Tea and coffee throughout the conference, mid-morning snack, lunch platters, afternoon tea.
• Equipment: Data projector and screen, 54” flat screen TV, Hi def sound system including microphone,
• Uncapped Wifi, notepad and pen
• Break away areas and office support is available

LEHELE LODGE

With its cool organic style and warm African flavors, the centrally located Lehele Lodge is a spectacular location to take in the magnificent Cape landscape. This intimate lodge comprises of interconnected dining, reception, lounge, and bar areas, all leading out to expansive outdoor decks overlooking the Reserve and a large waterhole in Lehele Valley with a dramatic mountain backdrop. The luxury facilities include an infinity pool and firepit area, an open-plan lounge, library, and bar area with a large double sided wood burning fireplace as well as an elegant indoor dining area cozied by a fireplace to enjoy the beautifully prepared homemade safari cuisine. With its ample outdoor seating, Lehele Lodge is the ultimate watering hole for a sundowner after an exhilarating game drive. Guest staying at Lehele Lodge are accommodated at the luxurious, remotely situated Lehele Lodge Villas.

Deluxe accommodation is offered in spacious Villas (3 and 4 en-suite bedrooms) which are privately situated with awe-inspiring views from your expansive deck.

What is Fynbos?

Fynbos is neither a type of Protea nor a single kind of bush. It is the term given to a collection of plants that are dominated by shrubs and comprises of species belonging to Southern Africa’s southwestern and southern regions adjacent to the coast.

Three shrubland types can be broadly categorized as belonging to the fynbos region. These are: true fynbos, renosterveld and strandveld

Fynbos grows on sandy, infertile soils, poor in nutrients, that are not suitable for agricultural crops. Fynbos is dominated by restios, ericas, proteas and bulbs.

Renosterveld, a shrubland, grows on relatively rich soils; hence, most of it, especially on the coastal forelands, has been ploughed for wheat and other artificial pastures. Due to excessive exploitation from agriculture Renosterveld is critically endangered and only small fragments remain.

Strandveld also a shrubland, grows in alkaline sands along the dry coasts of the region. Shrubs, small trees and succulents dominate the vegetation type. Because of its succulent nature, this shrubland rarely burns.

A Threatened Species

67% of South Africa’s threatened plants occur in the fynbos biome. This is due to the limited distribution of the species. 596 fynbos species only occur in one place, such as a single mountain top peak, valley or wetland.

Habitat loss is historically the single largest cause of species extinction in Fynbos & Renosterveld.

Cape Sugar birds

Cape Sugar birds are one of the the most important bird pollinators of fynbos proteas. Fynbos is home to three specialist nectivorous birds: the orange breasted sunbird, the malachite sunbird and the lesser double-collared sunbird.

Fire & Fynbos

It is no exaggeration to say that without fire there would be no fynbos!
Fynbos and Renosterveld can survive fire in three main ways:
· Resprout after fire – “sprouters”
· Protect their seed from fire – “non sprouters”
· Evade fire by growing in rocky places – “evaders”

The best way for seed to be protected against fire is for it to be underground. Special fleshy attachments on the seeds of certain species encourage ants to carry them underground into their nests.

Geology & Soils

Fynbos soils are infertile due to the nutrient deficient rocks from which they derive. The dominant rocks associated with these poor soils are quartzite and sandstone. Most fynbos soils are whitish, acidic sands (having a low PH) that are both shallow and rocky.

World-class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep

Day trips to many of the nearby attractions are easy from Gondwana 

Location
World-class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep include championship golf courses at Pinnacle Point Estate (declared South Africa & Africa’s Best Golf Course 2022 by the leading authority that recognises & rewards excellence in the golf tourism industry, the World Golf Awards), 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.

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.

Self Drive Ideas
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 centre)
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)

Attractions
Sand Boarding – 30.1 km
Ski Boating – 30.1 km
Deep Sea Fishing – 30.1 km
The Worlds Longest Zipline – 30.1 km
Sky Diving – 33.5 km
Point of Human Origin – 27.6 km
Helicopter Flips – 30.6 km
Shark Cage Diving – 29.7 km
Jakkalsvlei Private Wine Cellar – 16.3 km
Reed Valley Wine Farm – 16.3 km
SAPREC Penguine Sanctuary – 16.3km
Golfing Mecca
Pinnacle Point – 27,4km (27min drive)
Oubaai – 68,9km (53min drive)
Fancourt – 70,6km (54min drive)
Simola – 130,3km (1hr 37mins drive)
Pezula – 135,4km (1hr 34mins drive)
Goose Valley – 162,7km (2hr 50mins drive)
Fynbos Golf and Country Estate – 260,9km (3hr 12mins drive)
St Francis Links – 322,1 (3hr 47mins drive)

Africa’s most beautiful, unspoilt beaches, temperate, inviting waters, as well the majestic Swartberg, Langeberg, and Outeniqua Mountain Ranges. 

The Garden Route
The Western Cape is located on the south west coast of South Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.  The area is anchored by Cape Town, a thriving urban center popular with residents and tourists alike.  Trip Advisor named Cape Town the # 1 tourism destination in the world in 2011.

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, Pinnacle 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.

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.

Mossel bay
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 harbour which meets the growing demands of the fishing fleet and the Petrol SA project, Mossel Bay is a thriving, vibrant town.

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

Explore the beauty and intricacies of Fynbos first hand.

Guided bush walks and hiking on Gondwana
Activities on Gondwana are under the escort of experienced field guides who know the bush and its secrets intimately. Their passion for sharing experiences is enthralling, particularly the rich botanical heritage of Fynbos. Fynbos is one of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms, the smallest yet richest of the kingdoms. Similar to wild flowers Fynbos creates a tapestry of colour and ongoing interest as it is ever changing. So come and experience the authentic Garden Route hiking trails.

In a nutshell
Walks are conducted in the 1200 hectare Protected Endangered Species Area. The entire area is fenced from dangerous game.
Includes 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.

Pricing
Validity: 01/05/2022 – 30/04/2023

R 250 per adult (No children under 6)
Walk is Approx. 2 hours

What is this all about

The Junior Ranger Programme is complimentary for all children staying with 2 paying adults on a full or half board package.

The program includes educational family game drives, interactive activities with a dedicated Junior Ranger Field Guide such as fishing and tracking, as well as a fun Ranger’s backpack and cool custom 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 leave Gondwana with a greater understanding of conservation and our precious eco system all while having a safari holiday they will never forget!

Children’s Policy

• Families are accommodated into Private Villas Families are accommodated into Private Villas (Fynbos Villas or Bush Villas) for their comfort and convenience. Cots and highchairs are available on request.
• Children under the age of 6 stay free when sharing with 2 full paying adults. Children under the age of 12 stay for 50% of the adult rate.
• For safety reasons, children under the age of 2 years are not permitted on game drives.
• Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on game drives with other guests. We try to accommodate young families with children under 6 together on game drives subject to availability.
• Gondwana offers private game vehicles (R3000 per day or R1500 per drive) subject to availability and only confirmed / guaranteed 48 hours prior to your stay.
• Children’s menus are available at all times. Please advise us should your children have any specific dietary requests.
• Child minding can be arranged in the Villas during meal times or game drives times @ R150 per hour. In room dining can be arranged.
• A complimentary Junior Ranger experience is available for children staying with adults on a full or half board package.

Enjoy game viewing of endangered species while breaking a sweat in the saddle
An activity the whole family can enjoy!

Mountain Biking on Gondwana
Gondwana offers 4 demarcated mountain biking routes situated in the Reserve’s 1200 hectare protected and endangered species area. The trails are for unguided rides on demarcated routes for a maximum 8 riders – 6 adults and 2 children. The routes are graded from intermediate to advanced. We have complimentary mountain bikes with helmets for use in this area. Please enquire at Reception as regards making a booking and receiving a map of the trails.

Bicycles
We have 8 Mountain Bikes and helmets available for Guests to use. These are all made by Giant, and 6 of the bikes are 29-inch bikes (bigger wheel than the conventional 26inch), we also have 2 x 24 inch Kids bikes (up to 12 years can ride). Bike hire is free of charge for guests staying at Gondwana.

All of the bikes are housed in the Activity Shed, which is situated in the Protected area, just off the Milkwood road (There is signage from the Red Rocks gate to the activity shed.)

Routes are as follows
Red Route – 7.44km – Novice Rating

This route is on Reserve dirt roads, and great for the whole family to enjoy. 

Blue Route – 8.62km – Intermediate Rating

This route has a short bit of Reserve Roads in the beginning and the end, and then goes on to Jeep Tracks, then a long decent down the valley, some loose areas, then climbs back up towards the Milkwood Roads. A good fitness level is required as there is a good 2,5km of climbing as well as some technical sections, so previous experience is essential.

Green Route – 10.4km – Advanced Rating

This route follows the Blue Route on the descent and then halfway on the climb out of the valley, it turns left and drops down and then runs along the hills and has a very steep climb. This route is definitely for more experienced riders. 

Orange Route – 2km loop off the Green Route so 12,4km – Advanced Rating

This is off the green route and is an advanced loop with some steep climbs and then joins back onto the green route. Again, for Experienced and fit riders.

* All of the Mountain Bike Routes can also be used for trail running.

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 at Lehele Lodge, a beautiful venue with luxury amenities, attentive service, stylish contemporary interiors, and gourmet cuisine. Your guests can experience and enjoy a weekend safari itinerary including luxury villa accommodation, delicious African meals and exhilarating game drives through Gondwana’s free roaming Big 5, Fynbos wonderland.

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.

• We can host a minimum of 50 maximum 70 guests at Lehele Lodge from May to September. Please note that this venue is a self-drive option and there is a minimum requirement of a 3 night stay for wedding celebrations
• A 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 adults or more, the bride and groom receive 2 nights complimentary luxury accommodation.

Kwena Lodge has 1 Honeymoon Suite.
The Honeymoon package includes:

• Accommodation in a Honeymoon Suite at Kwena Lodge
• Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine in room
• Fresh Fynbos flower arrangement
• Complimentary R200 voucher to be used at the Spa for the couple for any treatment

Wedding Ceremony Venues to reserve exclusively

Kwena Lodge
Ceremony: The Ceremony can be held on the dining deck or on the pool deck area, dependent on number of Guests.
Reception: Kwena Lodge facilities include two separate restaurants connected by wooden walkways, a modern African lounge and bar, warm and inviting dining rooms set around 2 open fireplaces, and a cool outdoor thatched dining space taking in the magnificent surrounds. Facilities also include a large infinity pool lounge area with pool pods, pool bar, lounge and dining area and tented bush spa overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains and passing wildlife.
Capacity: Seats 70 guests indoors in 2 restaurants or 70 guests outdoors if a Bedouin tent is hired.

Lehele Lodge
Ceremony: The Ceremony can be held alongside the outdoor infinity pool area or on the dramatic viewing deck overlooking the valley below.
Reception: With its cool organic style and warm African flavours, Lehele Lodge is comprised of interconnected dining, reception, lounge and bar areas all leading out to expansive outdoor decks overlooking the Reserve.
Capacity: Seats 70 guests

Bush / Game Reserve 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 and at an additional cost.
Capacity: Seats 40 guests