A mere 25 minutes from Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape and four hours from Cape Town, Kwena lodge can be found on the 11 000 hectare private Gondwana Game Reserve. This is the only fynbos reserve in the world that is malaria-free and is home to free roaming Big Five game.
The elegant and luxurious Kwena Lodge is family friendly and ideally located for guests wanting both a safari and Garden Route experience. Gondwana prides itself on providing exceptional service and private, luxurious 5-star accommodation with all the comforts needed for an unforgettable stay.
The Kwena Lodge Suites is a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San circular dwelling – augmented with all the amenities of a modern Luxury Hotel. Each open plan Kwena Room is designed to connect visitors to their beautiful surroundings with 180-degree views and skylights for star gazing. At night, visitors are warmed by the indoor fireplace and relax in a deep bath upon returning from an evening Big 5 Game Drive.
The Kwena Lodge Villas have been praised as the best Family Safari Accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your own Luxury Bush Home on a Private Big 5 Game Reserve with ample indoor space and an easy-going open-plan design that leads you outdoors to take in your natural surroundings.The spacious Private Villas feature either 2,3, or 4-bedroom configurations, all with en-suite bathrooms, to accommodate your group. Located adjacent to Kwena Lodge, transfers provided to and from Lodge for meals and game drives.
The Luxury Game Lodge facilities includes a large swimming pool, a chic open-plan lounge and bar, a spa that offers rejuvenating Africology treatments, and a reception area with a curio shop.
Rangers take guests on morning and afternoon game drives to try spot the Big Five, as well as the many other creatures on the reserve. Guests can also set out on foot with field guides to learn more about the rich botanical heritage of Fynbos, one of the world’s six floral kingdoms, as well as the smaller animals who inhabit it. The Junior Ranger experience gives children an opportunity to learn more about nature under the guidance of a qualified ranger. Children will receive a fun ranger’s backpack and safari booklet to keep track of their adventures, as well as a Junior Ranger Patch and certificate after completing their ‘training’.
Garden route activities can all be arranged with Gondwana staff, and include golf, surfing, wine tasting, deep sea fishing, shark cage diving, and paragliding.
While home to the Big Five, the reserve provides sanctuary to endangered species, including the cheetah, Cape mountain zebra, and the rare black rhinoceros. Great effort has been made to re-introduce key species such as hippo and giraffe back into the area, which makes for fantastic game viewing. More than ten species of antelope can be found at Gondwana, including kudu, eland, gemsbok, bontebok, and Grey Reebok. The diverse habitats of the reserve make it a popular birding destination. Species spotted include the Denham’s bustard, Blue Crane, African fish eagle, Verreauxs' eagle, Ostrich, Secretary bird, Jackal buzzard, African Stonechat, Cape Grassbird, Malachite Sunbird, Black-crowned night heron, and Bokmakierie. The reserve is home to a healthy population of endemics such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Protea Seedeater, and Black Harrier.
Kwena Lodge is ideal for solo explorers, couples and families looking for a luxury safari getaway.
Accommodation, all meals, and twice daily game drives
November 7, 2024
Keith Chideme is fantastic!
If you’re looking for someone to help you plan the trip of a lifetime, look no further than Keith Chideme. Keith has been nothing short of extraordinary in helping me create a month-long dream trip to South Africa for myself and 11 family members. His patience, kindness, and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process have been remarkable. Keith went above and beyond, engaging in countless conversations to make sure every detail of our six-destination itinerary was just right. He worked tirelessly to balance my budget with my desire for an unforgettable experience, finding deals and creative solutions that I would never have managed on my own. His dedication and expertise gave me complete confidence that this trip will be everything I’ve dreamed of and more. One of my favorite aspects of working with Keith was the personal touch he brought to every interaction. Whether through voice messages, phone calls, or texts, he was always patient, thorough, and thoughtful in explaining every aspect of the itinerary. I never once felt rushed or overlooked—he truly cared about making this trip perfect for us. I can’t imagine planning this trip without Keith. Knowing he has my back has been such a comfort, and I feel completely at ease knowing we are in such capable hands. My entire family is incredibly excited about this incredible adventure, and I know I’ll be contacting Keith for all my future travel plans. He is an absolute gem and a true professional. Thank you, Keith, for everything!
October 25, 2024
Keith was amazing
Keith was amazing! We spent a lot of time on the phone and he was so helpful to curate the perfect honeymoon for my husband and I. Thank you Keith!
October 25, 2024
My travel consultant was Keith Chideme…
My travel consultant was Keith Chideme and he was great to work with. Keith was always available to answer questions and very responsive. My trip was easy to book and pay through safari.com and everything worked out perfectly. I would use them again in future.
Nov 21, 2024
Heleen was great
Heleen was meticulous with our requirements and recomendations. We changed a number of times so it was a bit awkward but nothing too much for her. Its not easy booking from abroad but we received all the information we needed and actual booking and payment was simple
Nov 20, 2024
Outstanding Experience! (Cape Town, Sabi Sands, Vic Falls)
After attempting to book this trip myself (a couple coming from the US), I gave up and reached out to Sara from Safari.com. I told Sara what I was thinking and by the next day she had created several wonderful itineraries! Based on her suggestions, we personalized the itineraries and within 7 days I was booked and all set!! Sara was available at all times (before, during, and after the trip). We are currently heading home and we are so happy with all the bookings Sara created for us! Everything went flawlessly. Her 3rd parties for tours and transfers were perfect (always early, professional, knowledgeable, and kind). The hotel acknowledged our anniversary thanks to Sara. We stayed at the Victoria & Alfred hotel in Cape Town, then off to Dulini Moya in Sabi Sands, and finally Victoria Falls Island Treehouse in Zimbabwe. I highly recommend all of them. Tell Sara what you envision your experience to be and your budget and she will make it happen!! Her knowledge was so helpful in assisting us to choose the perfect itinerary. It was comforting that she kept in touch while we were traveling throughout Africa. I feel so lucky to have had Sara arrange this trip and will certainly request her expertise again in the future!! You won’t have to worry about anything because she is on top of it all. Do not hesitate!! Book with Sara from Safari.com!
Nov 19, 2024
A massive thank you to Anja
A massive thank you to Anja, she helped us with everything and super quick with responding on WhatsApp - really looking forward to the Safari 🙏🏼🙌🏼 great service thanks!
Nov 18, 2024
Shann was Wonderful!
Shann was fantastic and very helpful with booking a very last minute trip!
Nov 17, 2024
Mel made this very easy.
From our initial enquiry to booking the trip, Mel responded very quickly and provided several options allowing us to choose the right package for us. Looking forward to experiencing it now.
Nov 16, 2024
Planning has been made quick and easy…
Planning has been made quick and easy with Shann! We can’t wait to get to Africa!
Nov 15, 2024
Great service and knowledge
Great service and knowledge
Nov 15, 2024
Responsive
Responsive, knowledgeable, professional, patient, friendly and courteous, more than expected.
Nov 14, 2024
Incredibly helpful and experienced agent Anja
Anja was incredibly helpful and organized the most beautiful safari for us at a small lodge and also arranged our transport. She always responded within minutes no matter the day and took time for all my questions. I will recommend anyone who is looking for a premium experience to get in contact with Anja! Thanks for everything!