Gondwana Kwena Lodge and Black Rhino House (Garden Route)

Gondwana Kwena Lodge and Black Rhino House are in the 11,000 hectare (26,000 acres) malaria free Gondwana Private Game Reserve. Located less than a four hour drive from Cape Town International Airport, along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route. This is a Big Five Fynbos safari reserve within the critically endangered Cape Floral Kingdom. For over 20 years, Gondwana have focused on safeguarding, rewilding, and restoring endangered habitats and wildlife across three biodiversity hot spots. Benefiting both nature and nearby communities.

The lodge features expansive facilities, including an open plan lounge and bar area. Dining options abound in various beautiful indoor and outdoor settings. With two elegant dining rooms situated around fireplaces beneath thatched roofs, and an alfresco dining experience on the striking dining deck overlooking two waterholes. In addition to these amenities, the lodge boasts an infinity pool surrounded by private pool lounging areas, an outdoor poolside bar with comfortable seating and lounge spaces, a curated curio shop, and a spa. The spa, set at a distance, comprises two treatment rooms offering a selection of deluxe spa treatments.

World class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep include championship golf courses like Pinnacle Point and Fancourt, great swimming and surfing beaches and attractive coastal towns.

Skip to Gondwana Kwena Lodge and Villa Rates or Black Rhino House

Gondwana Kwena Lodge Accommodation

Both Kwena Suites and Luxury Suites are ideal for couples looking for a romantic spoil. Both have the option of either Twin or King Size beds.

Kwena Lodge accommodates children over the age of 12 years.

Kwena Lodge Suites

There are 10 open plan suites at Kwena Lodge. They have a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling. Each open plan suite boasts a spacious bedroom opens to a bathroom with a deep bath, a pair of basins, enclosed walk-in shower and a toilet. Unwind under the outdoor shaded deck area of your suite enjoying breathtaking views of two waterholes and a mountainous landscape.

Each suite is approximately 70m² (755ft²) in size.

Kwena Lodge Luxury Suites

Kwena Lodge provides an exclusive experience with 4 well appointed, privately situated luxury bedroom suites. The Kwena Luxury Suites dome-shaped thatched structures, draw inspiration from the nomadic dwellings constructed by the San tribes millennia ago. Each open plan suite has a spacious bedroom, cozy seating area with fireplace, a spacious bathroom with a deep bath, indoor/outdoor showers, double vanity and an enclosed toilet.

Each suite is approximately 75m² (807ft²) in size.

Kwena Villas

Kwena Lodge also has three and four bedroom exclusive-use villas of approximately 350m2 – to 460 m2. All en suite bedrooms have king or twin beds, a seating areas, a fireplace and private deck areas. The bathrooms all have walk-in showers, deep baths, and a double sink.

Each villa ensures absolute privacy and ample space for groups of friends or families with kids 12 and over. They boast an open plan design, seamlessly integrating a lounge, kitchen, and dining area. The highlight is the expansive wraparound deck, which provides breathtaking views of the valley and mountains.

Black Rhino House

Black Rhino is a private villa with your own Field Guide & Chef. Timelessly elegant and deeply inviting, Black Rhino offers a private sanctuary to gather with loved ones and immerse yourself in a truly authentic Cape safari experience.

Embraced by 180 degree views of the majestic Outeniqua mountain range, Black Rhino is poised above a vast valley blanketed in fynbos. This exclusive villa accommodates up to six guests and is fully serviced with its own chef and private field guide. Your time here unfolds entirely to your rhythm, creating the ease and comfort of a second home in the wild.

Ideal for families or friends seeking tranquillity and connection, the only interruptions to your privacy are the graceful wild visitors wandering through the valley below. As day gives way to night, the villa becomes a sanctuary for unforgettable sunsets. Where the sun melts behind the furthest peaks and the light softens into twilight, awakening the magic of the African night.

Kwena Lodge and Black Rhino Activities

Gondwana is located at the convergence of three critically endangered biodiversity hotspots. The Cape Floristic, Succulent Karoo, and Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany regions. As a wildlife reserve showcasing the big five, nestled within the bio diverse Fynbos and Renosterveld ecosystems, it stands as a ‘one of a kind’ destination.

Gondwana is home to the southernmost free roaming elephants, marking a significant milestone with the birth of the first calf in the region in over 150 years.

The Black Harrier is the rarest endemic raptor in Southern Africa, with a global population estimated to be between 1000 to 2000 individuals. Each year, breeding pairs of these harriers can be observed on the reserve.

Scientists estimate that fewer than 8,000 African cheetahs are living in the wild today. Gondwana achieved a significant milestone in the Southern Cape by welcoming the first cheetah cubs born on the Reserve in an open system.

Gondwana is the first reserve in the southern Cape to successfully reintroduce free-roaming lions into a Fynbos habitat. Additionally, brown hyenas and leopards have naturally returned to the refuge of the reserve without human assistance.

Game Drives

Embark on captivating game drives in open game viewers twice daily (lasting approximately 3 hours each). All are led by skilled field guides dedicated to providing you with an immersive experience. These expert guides not only share their profound knowledge and passion for this magnificent reserve but also unveil its hidden treasures. Offering you unforgettable encounters with nature. Departure times for game drives are adjusted seasonally. Ensuring optimal opportunities for witnessing the diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

On safari, you will witness the astounding transformation of the landscape over the last two decades. What was once overgrazed farmland has now been restored. The journey embarked upon with the reintroduction of native herbivore populations, including eland, red hartebeest, and Cape mountain zebra. It reached its pinnacle with the triumphant return of the iconic Cape buffalo, white rhinoceros*, African elephant, and lion. Two decades of unwavering conservation endeavors bore fruit as indigenous wildlife like leopard, brown hyena, aardwolf, and black-backed jackal. Along with the majestic Cape vulture, naturally reclaimed their place within the reserve.

*A healthy breeding population of white rhino. With black rhino being introduced soon.

Gondwana is now home to 17 carnivore species ranging from the small grey mongoose and small-spotted genet. To medium sized species such as the caracal and bat-eared fox. To the very large and powerful lion.

Birding

For the avid birdwatcher, there is no other area in Africa like the Western Cape that offers such a high level of endemism in such an accessible setting. The province is well known for the remarkable array of birds that is found here and nowhere else in the world. A staggering 42 of South Africa’s 53 endemic bird species occur in the Western Cape. The region offers a diverse range of habitats and is home to approximately 300 species of birds. Making it an ideal destination for Garden Route bird watching.

The reserve supports healthy populations of sought after endemics such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Protea Seedeater, and Black Harrier. Gondwana’s landscape comprises of open grass plains and plateaus, wetlands, rolling fynbos, renosterveld hills, riverine and sub-tropical thicket valleys and cliff faces. The array of vegetation types allows for a variety of bird species. Denhams Bustard, Blue Crane, African Fish eagle, Verreaux’s eagle Ostrich, Secretary bird, Jackal Buzzard, African Stone Chat, Cape Grassbird, Malachite Sunbird, Black crowned night heron, and Bokmakierie are all prominent species on the reserve.

The close proximity of the coastline and the Southern Capes Great Wetlands allows for species such as the endangered African Black Oyster catcher along with many other sought after pelagic species.

Guided Fynbos Bush Walk

Fynbos is endemic to the Western Cape region and exists nowhere else in the world. Designated as a World Heritage Site, this region boasts over one third of South Africa’s plant species. Despite occupying less than 6% of the country’s total area.

Embark on an adventure through the 1200 hectare Protected and Endangered Species Area. Where safety is paramount with a protective fence keeping dangerous game at bay. Your experience includes a brief game drive to this exclusive area. On foot, encounter the majesty of this Fynbos Floral Kingdom. Plants have been identified here that are found nowhere else in the world. Over 50 of these species are threatened with extinction.

As well as endangered species such as the Cape Mountain Zebra and Bontebok, contributing to the conservation efforts for these rare and precious creatures.

Additionally, you may also catch glimpses of Eland, Giraffe, and Sable, creating a truly immersive wildlife experience. As well as endemic birdlife that occurs nowhere else in the world. Such as the Black Harrier and Orange Breasted Sunbird.

No children under 6 and a minimum of 4 guests at an additional cost. The Fynbos Bush Walk departs from reception at 11am daily and lasts approximately 2 hours.

Junior Ranger Program at Black Rhino House

The Junior Ranger Program is complimentary for guests with children. Children receive a fun Ranger’s backpack and cool safari booklet to fill in throughout their stay. During game drives and other activities with their ranger, kids are taught how to identify mammals, birds, Fynbos species, and even stars. They gain a greater understanding of conservation and our precious Eco systems. Kids will  receive a Junior Ranger certificate and a picture with their Junior Ranger.

Gondwana Conservation Foundation

The Gondwana Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organization established to contribute to the conservation of South Africa’s threatened and endangered wildlife and vegetation. Particularly in the Southern Cape region. This is achieved through active management, training, and skills development of local communities.

How to get to Gondwana Private Game Reserve

By road: Gondwana is located off the N2 highway on the Cape Town side of Mossel Bay. It’s about a 4 hour drive from Cape Town up the scenic Garden Route. Take R327 towards Herbertsvale, and follow Gondwana signs. Alternatively, fly into George airport.

Best time to visit Gondwana

Gondwana Game Reserve is a year round safari destination. Every Season brings new wonders. Although the Cape’s rainy season is from about May to September. No matter the weather a Cape Safari will always be a magical experience!

Spring (September to November)

Weather: Springtime at Gondwana is mild. With the landscape coming alive as flowers bloom and the fynbos vegetation is at its most vibrant.

Wildlife: This is a good time for bird watching as migratory birds return. Animals are also more active, and you might spot newborns as it’s the birthing season for many species.

Best For: Photography, nature walks, and experiencing the fynbos in full bloom.

Summer (December to February)

Weather: Summer is warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from mild to high. This is the peak tourist season in South Africa, with longer days and plenty of sunshine. The Yellow pincushion comes out just in time for Christmas

Wildlife: Animals tend to be less active during the heat of the day but can be seen near water sources. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are ideal.

Best For: Family holidays, bird watching, and enjoying the reserve’s scenic beauty.

Autumn (March to May)

Weather: The weather is still warm but with cooler evenings. Autumn is generally less crowded than summer.

Wildlife: Game viewing is excellent as animals remain active, and the vegetation is still lush from the summer rains.

Best For: Tranquil game drives, bird watching, and enjoying the natural scenery without the peak season crowds.

Winter (June to August)

Weather: Winter is cooler, with occasional rain. Temperatures can drop, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Wildlife: This is one of the best times for game viewing, as the vegetation thins out. Making it easier to spot animals. Animals are more active during the day due to cooler temperatures.

Best For: Serious wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the reserve in a quieter season.

Gondwana Kwena Lodge Accommodation Rates

Single supplement rates apply in Kwena Lodge Suites for adults and children 12 years and older who request not to share accommodation.
*Kwena Lodge Villas has a minimum requirement of 3 guests.

Rates Include:
Accommodation.
2 game drives daily, breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Complimentary water, tea and coffee (including specialty coffees at breakfast).

Excludes:
Drinks,
Conservation Fees,
Spa treatments,
Transfers to the lodge.

Gondwana Black Rhino House Accommodation Rates

Black Rhino House Includes:
Luxury exclusive-use villa accommodation
Private field guide for the duration of your stay with private vehicle
Private chef for the duration of your stay
All meals and drinks including spirits, liqueurs and soft drinks. The only drinks excluded are French champagne and premium wines.
Premium specialty coffee maker
Fynbos Guided walk
Fun Junior Ranger Experience for children including custom activity book
WiFi and DSTV.

Excludes:
Conservation Fees,
Spa treatments,
Transfers to the lodge.