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| Gondwana Game Reserve, nr Mossel Bay |
Gondwana Game Reserve is one of the first and most authentic Big Five reserves on the Cape's Garden Route.
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Location:
Garden Route
Type:
Nature Reserve
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Price Range:
Prime R2000 - R5000 pps
Atmosphere:
- Tranquil
- Elegant
- Relaxed
- Eco
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Guest Rating:
Official Grading:
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About
Gondwana Game Reserve lies about 30 km to the north-west of Mossel Bay on South Africa's famed Garden Route
In the Western Cape, it's one of the first, and ony authentic Big Five private game reserves, due to its size. It's spread over 10 000-hectares with a variety of open grasslands, indigenous fynbos and valleys. It's overlooked by the towering Swartberg mountains to the north, and the majestic Outeniquas to the south. In a class of its own, Gondwana is within easy reach of all the beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses and breath-taking scenery of the Garden Route, yet is just a 4 hours drive from Cape Town ... or a 45 min drive from George airport.
Another two serious plusses for Gondwana are a) it's mild and near-perfect weather all year long and b) there's no malaria in the area!
Their dedicated team of conservationalists and rangers (led by Mark Rutherfoord) have done an excellent job of re-introducing many species that have not been seen in these areas for aeons: like the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant). The reserve has growing numbers of grey rhebok, kudu, red hartebeest, springbok, elend and the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It's also a bird-watcher's paradise with over 300 species of birds identified, many of
which are endemic such as
the Cape Sugarbird and the Orange Breasted Sunbird. Safaris are conducted in open game-viewing vehicles. Popular horse-back safaris are also offered in a fenced-off area of the reserve.
Fynbos Camp was the first lodge to open and the new Royal Kraal complex with it's unique Khoi-San-inspired design provides
guests with a 360° view of the surroundings as well as star-gazing through
the glass ceiling from bed at night.
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Contact Details
Contact Person:
Russell Smith
Email: reservations@gondwanagr.co.za
Website: http://www.gondwanagr.co.za
Cellphone:
Phone:
+27 44 889-0287
Fax:
+27 44 889-0001
Street:
30 kms from Mossel Bay
City:
near Mossel Bay
State:
Western Cape
Country:
South Africa
Directions
Directions: From Cape Town
Distance: approximately 380kms, 4.5 hours
- Exit the city onto the N2 highway
- Travel on the N2 highway towards George/Mossel Bay - you will be on the N2 for the majority of the trip
- Take
a left turn at ( R327) the Herbertsdale/Mossdustria road just before
the Petroport and Engen One-Stop- NOTE – Do not turn at the first
Herbertsdale turn off the N2, wait until R327.
- Travel on the tar road (R327) for 14.5 kilometres
- Turn Right at the Heuningklip sign (Gondwana sign also visible)
- Go over the cattle grid and keep right at the fork in the road
- Follow the road until the Gondwana Game Reserve entrance is visible (3kms from fork
- Check in with security who will radio for you to be collected
- Park your car at security
From George Airport
Distance: Approximately 75 kms, 45 minutes
- From the airport, turn right
- Follow this road until you reach the turnoff for the N2 highway to Mossel Bay
- Turn onto the N2 highway and travel to Mossel Bay
- Do not take any turnoffs into Mossel Bay but remain on N2 to Cape Town
- A
little way past the Engen One Stop and the Petro port turn right on
(R327) to Herbertsdale/Mossdustria (57.5km from George Airport)
- Travel on this road for 14.5kms - cross over the railway line and stay on the road
- @ 14.5kms - Turn right at the Heuningklip sign (Gondwana sign also visible)
- Follow the fork in the road to the right and the Gondwana entrance gate will be on this road (3.2km)
- Park behind the entrance gate at security and they will contact someone to collect you
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Facilities
The public facilities include rock pools, a boma area, a lounge and bar, restaurant and reference library.
It's Gondwana's mission to offer excellent service, attention to detail, comfortable
accommodation and value for money in a world-class environment.
Meals
All meals are fully catered.
Attractions
Guided game walks
Game drives in open 4x4
Horse-back safaris
Fynbos walks
Birding
Accommodation
No. of rooms:
36
Pricing:
Prime R2000 - R5000 pps
Children Policy:
Children welcome with previsos
Usual Guests:
- Honeymooners
- Families
- Singles
- Independent travellers
- Nature Lovers
- Birdwatchers
- Golfers
- Mature
Best time to visit:
All year you can enjoy a comfortable climate - in fact, the Guinness Book
of Records proclaimed Mossel Bay & its surrounds to have one of the most moderate climates in the world, second only to Hawaii. It's neither too hot, not too cold, and there's generally a gentle sea-breeze blowing.
Summer months are between October and
April and winter months are between May and September. All seasons offer great game-viewing and enjoyable temperatures, although winter months offer special rates.
What to pack:
Binoculars
camera
good walking shoes (closed)
sunhat
Warm jacket for cool evening and morning drives
Long pants and shorts
Natural coloured clothing
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Swimming gear
Fascination of nature's magnificence
Atmosphere:
- Tranquil
- Elegant
- Relaxed
- Eco
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Why visit
Gondwana Game Reserve
Best Features:
Mild climate - doesn't get as hot & sticky as reserves in other areas - more pleasurable for those unused to hot climates.
No malaria.
Knowledgeable, caring staff
Ethos of active conservation and promoting sustainability
Bear In Mind:
Far from the madding crowds, malls and night clubs. Raw, fascinating nature.
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Things to Do and See
Morning & afternoon game drives in open vehicles Gourmet breakfasts treats Sundowners with delicious appetisers
Horse-Back Safaris on Gondwana’s specially-bred Shire cross trail horses – “gentle giants”
Bird Watching - frequent sightings of endangered Black Harriers are a treat
Guided Nature Trails with armed & knowledgeable rangers Fynbos Walks with floral experts in the smallest & richest per area unit in the world
Nearby activities: Golf
at one of the many renowned courses : Pinnacle Point.
Pezula. Simola, Fancourt, George, Oubaai ...
Day trips to the historical towns of Mossel Bay, scenic Knysna and beautiful Plettenberg Bay
Lovely beaches & water sports at Mossel Bay’s Point and Diaz beaches.
Adventure activities eg shark cage-diving, abseiling and helicopter rides. |
Low season
| 01 April 2009 to 31 August 2009 (Winter rates apply) |
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Per Person Sharing per Night |
Single |
| Superior Room |
R2 550.00 |
R3 315.00 |
| Deluxe Suite |
R3 060.00 |
R3 978.00 |
The above rates include:
- Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast
- All teas and coffees
- All local beverages
- Accommodation
- 2 Game Drives
- Sundowners
- 14% VAT
Mid season
01 September 2009 to 31 October 2009 |
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Per Person Sharing
per Night |
Single |
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Superior Room
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R3 000.00
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R3 900.00
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Deluxe Suite
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R3 600.00
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R4 680.00
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The above rates include:
- Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast
- All teas and coffees
- All local beverages
- Accommodation
- 2 Game Drives
- Sundowners
- 14% VAT
Peak season
To be advised
Specials
Children between 3 and 10 years old at half price. Children under 3 no
charge and only permitted on drives with special permission.
| GUIDELINES FOR BOOKINGS FOR CHILDREN
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- Children under twelve (12) years old must be booked with parents into a suite with the spare bedroom upstairs.
- If parents do not want children under twelve (12) years old to sleep upstairs, a rollaway bed or a cot may be added to the
main suite, to a total of one rollaway bed and one cot.
- This is dependent on availability as well as the occupants of the adjoining Deluxe Room which may be let separately
- Babysitting is available for children under seven (7) years old at a rate of R125.00 per hour.
- Children from seven (7) years old may join the normal game drives with other guests
- Children under seven (7) years old may only be taken on a private game drive on a separate game vehicle
at a cost of R1200.00 per vehicle (subject to availability)
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Terms & Cond
Terms & Conditions
All reservations to be paid in full to secure, by bank deposit or credit card. Enquire at time of booking for any specials or concessions.
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Accommodation 
