Gondwana Game Reserve

Kwena Lodge offers guests 14 stand-alone bedrooms designed with a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San “hut”. Each open plan suite is nestled into its spectacular surrounds with 180-degree views of the spectacular mountains and Fynbos scenery, sky lights for star gazing, fireplaces and deep baths to keep you warm upon return from an evening game drive.

The spacious lodge facilities include a large infinity pool, chic open- plan lounge and bar, with dining offered in beautiful indoor and outdoor settings including an elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces, a covered veranda overlooking two waterholes, or in the outdoor boma. Guests are treated to surprise bush breakfasts, fun family picnics, evening barbecues and scenic sundowner spots.

Accommodation at Gondwana also includes the 16 Bush Villas and Fynbos Villas, which offer total privacy and spaciousness to groups particularly families with children. The deluxe three and four bedroom villas feature an open plan lounge with kitchen and dining room all opening onto a wraparound deck with magnificent valley and mountain views.

Numerous packages to suit your family’s needs and budget are on offer including fully inclusive of all your meals and game drives or a bed and breakfast and daily game drive package.

Gondwana has added a new ultra-luxe lodge to its portfolio which represents the most exclusive accommodation offering on the reserve. Breathtakingly stylish and sophisticated, yet refreshingly simple, Ulubisi House provides the ideal venue to reconnect with friends and family and to share an exciting safari adventure in the Western Cape’s leading private game reserve.

With 180-degree views of grass plains dotted with game, fynbos-covered rolling hills and the Outeniqua mountain range, Ulubisi House is tucked away in the reserve’s 1000-hectare protected walking area for endangered species. Sleeping either 8 adults or 6 adults and 4 children, the property comes with a full complement of staff, including its own butler, chef and field guide.

The timetable runs to guest’s guilt-free whim and they will instantly feel as though this is their second home. Ideal for friends or families seeking peaceful, quality time together, the privacy is only interrupted by the numerous wild visitors that drop in regularly for a drink from the swimming pool.

Gondwana’s Eco Camp offers guests a tangible and authentic wildlife conservation experience, making it a holiday with a difference! The itinerary sees guests participating in wildlife and veld management, learning important bush skills and interpretation, all while enjoying a Big 5 safari experience.

This new offering has filled a gap in the safari market letting guests get a behind-the-scenes understanding of the conservation work that happens on a game reserve while still enjoying a relaxing and enriching holiday in nature.

Beyond the wildlife experiences, the tented camp itself is anything but average – the tents are modern, eco- friendly and very comfortable. Each of the five tents, set on elevated decks overlooking a grass-covered riverbed, provides single or double accommodation, with its own en-suite bathroom facility and covered deck.

A wooden walkway over the riverbed links the accommodation to a main tent, which houses the lounge, dining spaces and kitchen area as well as a nearby relaxation area with a pool and hammocks. The entire camp runs on solar power and sources its water from a nearby perennial spring.

Gondwana’s Pioneer Trail is the ultimate slack packing adventure! Offered for those keen on an exciting three night walking trail traversing through the private, Big five, 11 000 hectare, malaria free game reserve.

The trail takes you to three remote tented camp locations with two full days of hiking. Your expert trail guides will intimately expose you to the Reserve’s unique biodiversity and eco systems while experiencing the Big Five and multiple species of antelope on foot. Luxuriously appointed tents with claw foot tubs and outdoor showers await you when you arrive as well as beautifully prepared food and your warm and friendly Pioneer Trails Team!

At a Glance

All meals and drinks included
Free roaming Big 5
Malaria-free area
Sleep 8 people maximum in 4 ensuite bedroom tents
Private staff dedicated to your trail

Accommodation

Gondwana’s Pioneer Trail is the ultimate slack packing adventure where your belongings are moved daily between the three camps, allowing you to experience the dramatic Fynbos landscape with only a light day pack.

Each exclusive camp is comprised of four bedroom tents with en-suite bathrooms including a claw foot tub and outdoor shower, sleeping a maximum of eight guests. Homemade African inspired meals are catered for you with cold beverages on tap. You literally need to “just bring your boots” and the Pioneer

Trail team will do the rest. It has been said there is no better way to experience nature and wildlife than on foot.

Camp facilities also included lounge and dining tents and an outdoor boma and campfire area. The dedicated staff team includes a camp assistant, housekeeper and two qualified and armed Trail Guides.

Trail Detail

• The trail traverses the 11 000 hectare, free roaming big five game reserve under the escort of two armed and qualified trail guides
• Approximately 10 kilometres of walking per day. (approximately 6hrs of walking a day) 
• Exclusive remote footpaths and game trails requiring medium exertion
• Daily packed lunches and tea and water breaks throughout the trail
• Luggage and valuables can be stowed at Lehele Lodge for guests that have more belongings with them then they need for the trail.

Requirements

• 16 years of age and above
• Physically capable of walking 6 hours a day
• Set departure days: Monday and Thursday with 3 night stay
• The Trail runs in the summer season only from October through April