Gondwana Private Game Reserve: Ulubisi House

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

Nestled in the reserve’s 1000-hectare protected walking area, Ulubisi House has it all: three luxurious guest suites, an extensive deck area with a pool and jacuzzi/hot tub, 180-degree views of the game-dotted plains and – best of all – its own butler, chef and field guide.

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 3 luxurious guest suites with open-plan bathrooms
• 3 ensuite bathrooms with a deep bath and rain shower
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor living

• Complimentary WiFi
• Open-plan lounge and dining area
• Wood-burning fireplace
• TV with DSTV
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Premium specialty coffee maker
• Private butler

Outdoor living

• Expansive deck with sun loungers
• Private pool and jacuzzi
• Outdoor dining area and braai
• Private field guide

Catering

• Private chef

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 pool
• Lounging in the hot tub
• Mountain-biking (six adult bikes and two children’s provided)
• Trail-running

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