Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Gondwana Private Game Reserve is a private reserve on the Garden Route where you can see the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — on guided game drives. The reserve is set in the Western Cape’s fynbos landscape, a unique vegetation type found only in this part of South Africa.

You stay in lodges and villas designed for couples, families, or small groups. The Kwena Lodge has suites with mountain views, while the Lehele Lodge offers family villas set further apart. Each villa has its own deck and open-plan living area.

Game drives go out twice daily, in the early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active. Rangers track wildlife by spoor and radio sightings to other vehicles, so you often get close to the animals. The reserve also offers guided walks through the fynbos, where you can learn about the plants and smaller wildlife.

Families with children can join the Junior Ranger Programme, which includes activities and educational game drives designed for younger guests. The programme gives children a chance to learn about the reserve’s wildlife in a way that keeps them engaged.

The reserve is about four and a half hours by car from Cape Town, making it an option for those who want a safari without traveling far from the city.