Gondwana Private Game Reserve: Kwena Villas

Just four-and-a-half hours from Cape Town and 25km from Mossel Bay – on the famously scenic Garden Route – Gondwana Private Game Reserve is a fynbos-filled paradise where abundant wildlife meets five-star hospitality. The result is a lush and luxurious escape that offers guests the opportunity to relax, enjoy the great outdoors and experience the Big Five.

The reserve is home to two lodges – the culturally immersive Kwena Lodge and the child-friendly Lehele Family Lodge – and one exclusive-use private villa, Ulubisi House. With interconnected dining, reception, lounge and bar areas – all leading out to expansive outdoor decks overlooking the Reserve and a large waterhole – Lehele Family Lodge boasts seven private villas, each with three or four-bedrooms.

Kwena Lodge comprises an open plan lounge and bar area, two elegant dining rooms with fireplaces and thatched roofs, an alfresco dining experience on the deck overlooking two waterholes, and a sparkling infinity pool, not to mention 14 supremely well-appointed two-sleeper suites and 11 exclusive villas (also with three or four bedrooms each).

Good to know
Gondwana’s Junior Ranger Programme is a wonderful way to keep kids entertained while deepening their love for nature. An experienced ranger will teach them how to identify mammals, birds, fynbos species and even celestial bodies, giving them a profound appreciation for conservation – and, of course, lifelong memories.

THE LODGINGS

With ample privacy and space for families and friends, each Kwena Villa boasts three or four bedrooms, an open-plan design, a seamlessly integrated lounge, kitchen and dining area, an expansive wraparound deck with a braai and breathtaking mountain and valley views. You may even spot passing wildlife, including elephants, antelopes and, if you’re lucky, Gondwana’s pride of lions.

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 3 or 4 bedrooms with king or twin beds, seating areas, fireplaces and private deck areas
• 3 or 4 ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers, deep baths and double sinks
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor + outdoor living

• Complimentary WiFi
• Open-plan, double-volume lounge, kitchen and dining area
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Wood-burning fireplace
• Smart TV with Netflix
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Wraparound deck with outdoor dining area and built-in braai
• Sun loungers

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Game drives
• Bokkie drives
• Guided fynbos bush walk
• Junior Ranger Programme
• Spa treatments
• Sunbathing
• Star-gazing
• Swimming in the communal infinity pool
• Communal poolside bar
• Communal lounge and bar area
• Communal dining deck overlooking two waterholes
• 2 communal dining rooms with fireplaces

In the area

• Sand-boarding
• Ski-boating
• Deep sea fishing
• The world’s longest zipline
• Sky-diving
• Point of Human Origins
• Helicopter flips
• Shark cage diving
• Wine-tasting
• SAPREC Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre