Gondwana Private Game Reserve: A magical luxury safari close to Cape Town!!
Want to come stay at this magical safari paradise? Email me for special rates through my Adventurelust Trip Planning & On-Call Travel Buddy package and let’s get you a saweeeett discount!
Each safari is unique and brings something new and special, and each has its own perks! If what you are looking for is a luxurious safari experience with amazing staff and delicious food, surrounded by peace and serenity beautiful natural surroundings… *within driving distance of Cape Town* (that’s a big one)… Gondwana Private Game Reserve is calling your name!!
Located just outside of Mossel Bay on the Garden Route, about a 4-4.5 hour drive from Cape Town, Gondwana transports you into safari paradise. I have to say, i knew Gondwana would be nice (i mean hello it is a 5 star lodge), but upon arrival my expectations were immediately exceeded. The setting is STUN NING. Mountains in the distance, rolling hills, gorgeous fynbos vegetation and even forests, which are such unique backdrops to see the wildlife against. I stayed in one of the domed huts at Kwena Lodge, and they are absolutely gorgeous. I was OBSESSED with that bathtub. think i had 3 baths in the 2 days i was there. like there are few things in life i appreciate more than a bath in the bush.
On the property, the infinity pool is freaking epic — i need to come back in the summer, especially when the ellies are coming for a drink!! The lodge, bar, and boma area are such a vibe, the refined African luxurious decor and layout is flawless. As i said in one of my Instagram Stories: Gondwana, you are doing everything right.
The staff was on top of their game, from the valet upon entry to the attentive kitchen and service staff to our ranger Q, who is awesome. i’ve had a lot of guides and can be quite um picky, but Q was super knowledgeable and his energy was ideal, respecting the guests’ wishes and giving time and space to enjoy the animals while still providing unique info — including some fun facts i didn’t know, like how impalas get goosebumps (“chicken skin” as you south africans call it) and how if we were stranded in the bush we can just follow those monkeys and eat what they eat. He just knew a lot and wasn’t annoying about it, which i appreciated!! :D
We had some lovely animal encounters, including some close-up time with the ellies (including the biggest bull i think i’ve ever seen?!?!), seeing the lions on the move at night was super epic, we had a lovely chill giraffe encounter and some others even joined us during a coffee stop! and on my last morning game drive, the sky was so magical. it’s always just a treat to be on game drives, out in the bush, focussing on nothing but nature and the animals. nature and wildlife therapy is a real thing.
The landscapes were what really took my breath away at Gondwana — i mean, have you ever???
Gondwana has a variety of other accommodation offerings, many of them family-friendly, including bush villas, fynbos villas, Ulubisi House, Tented Eco Camp, and even a Pioneer Trail 3-night walking safari which i am hoping to come back and experience!! They offer full board and half board experiences, and these include complimentary bikes which you can go ride around the 1,000-hectare protected area, which is home to more rare and harmless species. The remaining 10,000 hectares are free reign for the predators like lions as well as dangerous animals like ellies and buffalo.
For more insights about Gondwana so we can design the perfect trip for you at a discounted rate, email me at kellie@adventurelust.travel! Thank you Gondwana for this magical experience!!!
