The Credentials
Imagine waking up to a herd of impala grazing in the fields in front of you, elephants walking majestically across the hill, like silhouettes in the morning sun. At the magical game reserve of Gondwana, you can see all of this and more. Located on South Africa’s iconic Garden Route, near George, Gondwana is a must-see for anyone travelling to this beautiful country. Think sunrise game drives followed by a long breakfast, cycles through the park (if you’re daring enough), and a relaxing afternoon of poolside bathing. Come evening, get ready for game drive no. 2, and enjoy sundowners looking over the valley before heading back to the lodge for a sensational three-course meal.
Sleep
Guests can choose to stay in luxury 5-star lodges or in one of the family homes, located in a remote area of the game reserve. In a group of family and friends, I imagine the latter would be more appropriate. But if you’re in an intimate group of two, the lodges are the way to go. Each of the 14 open-plan suites is nestled into the valley, with spectacular 180-degree views. Like thatched huts they stand, with a spacious inside, reminiscent of a grand bedroom yet it has a luxury ‘glamping’ feel.
The bed takes centre stage in the room, with views of the night sky above, captured through a small ceiling window. Floors and walls are left neutral, their natural stone creating a comforting ambience. The room is made cosy with colourful rugs, a rustic fireplace, lamps, and beautiful artwork. The bathroom is more of a wet room, with an open shower and a large bathtub. The best part is that there’s a huge window overlooking the valley – no one can see in, but you can see out. Run a hot bath, add some bubbles, grab a glass of wine, and enjoy the sound of nature.
Dine
There’s only one place to dine on the game reserve, and that’s at the restaurant, located by the reception and right next to the lodges. If you stay in the houses further away you’re more than welcome to join, but bear in mind you’ll have to drive to get there.
Guests can choose from half or full board. We had full board. This means breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner – all drinks were additional.
Breakfast is served after the first game drive of the day, although guests are given a quick 6am coffee and a rusk (a twice-baked, delicious biscuit), before heading out. Once back at the lodge, take your pick from a variety of freshly made dishes like Eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs on toast, loaded omelette, fresh pastries and bread, a selection of cheeses and meats, and of course a full English for those who desire it. I’m a creature of habit: yoghurt, granola and fresh fruit to start, followed by poached eggs on toast with avocado, alongside a pot of fresh Rooibos tea. After an early start, it’s nice to take your time over breakfast and enjoy the morning sunshine.
The lunch and dinner menu changes every couple of days, with the lunch menu offering a variety of options, from burgers to fish, quesadillas, and salads. Knowing a three-course dinner was coming in the evening, I would always keep it light at lunch. My favourite was the tofu, watermelon and seaweed salad – fresh and delicious. And don’t forget the glass of Cederberg rose to wash it down.
With the evening game drive taking you until sunset, dinner is usually a little later. But don’t worry, there’s afternoon tea served before you head out, as well as sundowners and snacks, during the game drive. If you’re full board – like us – you can treat yourself to a three-course meal – which we did. There are 3-4 options to choose from for each course, usually one meat, one fish, and one vegan dish. Some of the wonderful dishes available when we dined included: charred garlic prawns with cilantro butter, wildebeest tartare with truffle zest, BBQ salmon on a bed of quinoa with bok choy and beurre blanc, and a traditional Eland and Wagyu Potjie – if you haven’t tried one of these, you must. It’s like a meaty, delicious, slow-cooked stew, served with rice and warm bread, although there are many versions of it. Desserts ranged from sweet apple crumble to zesty lemon meringue cheesecake, and indulgent chocolate mud pie – we had the latter. Perfectly baked, with a melting middle, and served with a raspberry coulis, which cut through the rich molten chocolate.
Out and About
When you go to Gondwana, you stay at Gondwana. You can choose how many game drives you do, but I highly recommend four: two in the morning, and two in the evening. This will give you the chance to see as many animals as possible. We were lucky enough to get up close to the lions on our first morning game drive, and on every single one, we saw the elephants and even rhinos! The drivers are full of knowledge, and really make the experience, sharing everything they know about the native animals of South Africa.
In between game drives guests can either relax by the pool, treat themselves to some downtime at the spa, or head over to another side of the reserve, where the more dangerous animals aren’t allowed to roam, and go for a run, walk or cycle. We took out bikes and ended up cycling past giraffes, zebras and impala – it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Most people who visit Gondwana are doing so on their trip of the Garden Route – a 200km drive via George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and culminating in the Tsitsikamma Forest. Each stop offers a little insight into this wonderful country and is worth taking the time to plan properly before your visit.
The Crowd
Gondwana is for everyone: families, friends, and couples – although not too young children, as each game drive is anything from 2-3 hours. People come from all over the world to visit Gondwana, but it’s also favoured by South Africans too, which shows just how special it is.
The Worst Thing
You’re in a game reserve, so bugs aplenty are to be expected. But in the lodges, there’s no air conditioning, so it’s best to sleep with the windows open. However, this meant many a grasshopper decided to jump on us in the night. For me, this wasn’t a huge issue, as I love to hear the sounds of nature but I can’t say my friend had the same view…
The best thing
The whole experience at Gondwana was one I will never forget; seeing the animals roam in their natural habitat, learning about how they interact with one another, and watching it unfold before my eyes. Topped off with evening drinks overlooking the valley, as the sun sets – it really doesn’t get any better.
The Details
There are a variety of different stays you can do at Gondwana, and the accommodation you choose will depend on the one you pick. The Kwena Lodge stay we did was brilliant, and bigger families or groups can do the same but stay in the luxury Fynbos Villas or Bush Villas. Those who really want to really get stuck in can choose to do the 3 or 5-day tented experience, staying in an eco-friendly, solar-powered, stylish tented camp, set in a protected Fynbos valley in the heart of the game reserve – think luxury glamping. Oh, and there’s a pool too. What makes this experience different is that participants will be involved in wildlife and veld management, learn important bush skills and interpretation, and simply enjoy a behind the scenes view of a Big Five private game reserve. Finally, guests can also do a trail walking experience, covering 7-10k each day for three days, staying in different glamping accommodations each night.
The Details
Gondwana Game Reserve
R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale, 6505
021-555-0807
reservations@gondwanagr.co.za
www.gondwanagr.co.za
