Gondwana Lehele Lodge and Ulubisi House (Garden Route)
Gondwana Private Game Reserve’s child-friendly Lehele Lodge and Ulubisi House warmly welcomes families with children of all ages. With a focus on creating an enchanting safari experience for children, it offers immersive activities, including game drives and the popular Junior Ranger Program. We believe the safari experience isn’t just about spotting animals; it’s about forging unforgettable family memories. Exploring the wonders of nature together on safari not only strengthens family bonds but also instills a deep appreciation for wildlife and the environment in our little ones.
The Gondwana Lehele Lodge central area has a cool, organic style with warm African flavors. Featuring interconnected dining, lounge, and bar areas that lead out to decks overlooking the reserve and a waterhole, framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Families staying at Lehele Lodge and Ulubisi House are accommodated in Gondwana’s remotely situated family villas. Ideal for those seeking comfort and privacy. Lehele Lodge and Ulubisi House accommodate families and children of all ages.
Gondwana Lehele Family Villas
Gondwana’s Lehele Family Villas offer all the comforts of home, ideal for families and groups. The villas are remotely located away from Lehele Lodge with total privacy to enjoy the beautiful Cape environment and passing wildlife. There are 3 and 4 bedroom spacious villas at Lehele Lodge with double-volume lounge and dining areas and a wood burning fireplace. All opening onto a wraparound deck with magnificent valley and mountain views.
The Lehele Family Villas are located from 15-30 minute driving time from Lehele Lodge. A scenic drive through Gondwana’s Big 5 Reserve. Guests may self-drive to and from Lehele Lodge for meals, game drives and activities. Or opt for rates including onsite transfers. The rates are on a full board basis with 2 game drives a day (Junior Ranger Program for children from 4 – 12).
Children aged 3 to 12 are welcome on game drives, while those under 3 can enjoy alternative activities. Babysitting in your Lehele Family villa is available at an additional cost and needs to be pre booked to avoid disappointment. Children’s menus are available at all times at Lehele Lodge.
VillaLehele Villas interior
Gondwana Ulubisi House
Ulubisi House is an exclusive 500m2 3 en suite bedroom private villa with your own field guide, chef, and butler. 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.
The open plan living area leads to a deck with a pool and hot tub overlooking the reserve. Offering 180-degree views of grass plains, fynbos covered hills, and the Outeniqua Mountains. The spacious bedrooms can be king or twin set up. The en suite bathrooms have a rain shower, deep bath, double sinks, an outdoor shower and a private deck.
Nestled within the reserve’s protected walking area for endangered species, Ulubisi House accommodates up to six adults or four adults and four children. Fully staffed and with a personalized itinerary, it is ideal for families or friends seeking a ‘home away from home’ experience. With privacy only occasionally interrupted by wildlife visitors enjoying a drink from the private pool and Jacuzzi from the expansive deck.
Uubisi House exterior
Gondwana Lehele Lodge and Ulubisi House Activities
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 our 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.
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. The Black Harrier is the rarest endemic Raptor in Southern Africa. Several nesting sites have been established on Gondwana Reserve.
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
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 Lehele Lodge and Ulubisi House Accommodation Rates
Gondwana Lehele Lodge Villa Rates (per person sharing)
Self Drive
Onsite Transfers Included
1st October 2025 – 30th April 2026
R8 925
R9 470
1st May – 30th September 2026
R6 610
R7 010
1st October 2026 – 30th April 2027
R10 000
R10 610
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.
Ulubisi House Rates
Villa rate per night
1st October 2025 – 30th April 2026
R82 430
1st May – 30th September 2026
R60 700
1st October 2026 – 30th April 2027
R93 130
Ulubisi House rates include:
Luxury exclusive-use villa accommodation
Private field guide for the duration of your stay with a 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.
