Sanbona: Gondwana Family Lodge

The Western Cape’s answer to a luxe safari experience, here wildlife roam free in over 58 000 hectares of wilderness below the purple folds of the Warmwaterberg mountains. You come here for Big Five-spotting, wide-open savannah, indigenous flora, birdlife and tranquillity, plus the luxury of five-star service and privacy. While the two daily nature drives are the main event, you can fill your days with wilderness walks, visits to ancient rock-art sites, spa treatments and guided stargazing excursions.

The malaria-free reserve offers a choice of three lodges; Gondwana is best-suited for a stylish family getaway. Its 12 suites have a distinct African-safari aesthetic, and each has its own private balcony boasting unhindered views of the endless plains. There are no room keys (though you can latch your door for privacy when you’re inside), which speaks to the safety and remoteness of the setting.
The lodge buildings feature a communal lounge with a fireplace and satellite TV, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a children’s playroom and a relaxation retreat.

THE LODGINGS

The thatched lodge has a total of 12 suites. Interleading rooms and sleeper couches for larger families can be arranged.

Indoor living

• King-size bed and sleeper couch
• Ensuite bathroom with a shower, free-standing bath, and twin basins
• Fully stocked mini-bar
• Tea- and coffee-making facilities
• Electronic safe
• Complimentary wifi
• International dial telephone
• Shared lounge with fireplace and satellite television in the main building
• Indoor and outdoor dining areas
• Relaxation retreat with a steam room
• Children’s playroom with television

Outdoor living

• Private deck overlooking the Anysberg Mountains and Bellair Dam
• Reserve-facing pool and shaded terrace
• Communal boma and outdoor braai
• Outdoor play area for children

Good to know

All meals, a limited selection of house beers, wines and soft drinks, on-drive snacks and drinks, nature walks and two daily nature drives are included.

THINGS TO DO

• Two daily game drives – in addition to the Big 5, smaller game roam the plains, including rarely seen aardvarks, caracals, brown hyenas and riverine rabbits
• Guided nature walks to identify birds, insects, plants and animals
• Guided visits to ancient Khoi-San rock-art sites
• Guided stargazing (it is Karoo big-sky country, after all)
• A Relaxation Retreat with a steam room for pampering treatments
• Relax in and around the pool
• Eco-Explorers programme of activities for children, plus complimentary child-minding available throughout the day.