Kwena Lodge in the Gondwana Reserve is a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San “hut”. Each stand alone suite at Kwena Lodge is nestled into its spectacular natural surroundings with 180-degree views of the spectacular mountainous landscape and passing wildlife.

Their name derives itself from Gondwana Land, the landmass that existed 240 million years ago. 

The Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains that the reserve looks upon are the last visible evidence of the former Gondwana Land after the continent split to how we know it today.

In paleogeography, Gondwana, originally Gondwanaland, is the name given to the more southerly of two supercontinents which were part of the Pangaea supercontinent that existed from approximately 510 to 180 million years ago.

The spacious lodge facilities include a large infinity pool, chic open-plan lounge and bar, with dining offered in beautiful indoor and outdoor settings including an elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces, an outdoor thatched modern dining space overlooking two waterholes, or in the outdoor African boma.

Suites

Kwena Lodge Suites

Kwena Lodge offers guests 14 privately situated spacious, double-volume bedroom suites. They offer sky lights for stargazing, fireplaces and deep baths to keep you warm upon return from an evening game drive. 

Kwena Lodge Villas

Accommodation at Kwena Lodge also includes the 7 Luxury Villas, which offer total privacy and spaciousness to groups particularly families with children. 

The deluxe three and four bedroom villas feature an open plan lounge with kitchen and dining room all opening onto a wraparound deck with magnificent valley and mountain views. 

Numerous packages to suit your family’s needs and budget are on offer including fully inclusive of all your meals and game drives or a bed and breakfast and daily game drive package.

Dining

Guests are treated to boma brunches, fun family picnics, evening barbecues and scenic sundowner spots.

Safari

Gondwana Game Reserve is the only free roaming Big 5 private wildlife reserve in the Southern Cape. Gondwana and is home to lion, white rhino, eland, red hartebeest, endangered Cape Mountain Zebra, springbok, kudu, hippo and Cape buffalo to name a few. Gondwana is also home to the Southern most elephant herds in the world. Gondwana’s elephants are the Southernmost located elephant herd in the world and the first to have been re-established in a Fynbos and Renosterveld region. 

Their expert field guides reveal Africa’s wildlife to Gondwana’s guests in a Cape Fynbos environment; a truly unique safari experience! Exhilarating encounters on game drive with endangered species like the Cape Mountain Zebra and Rhinoceros will provide lasting memories.

Over 15 species of antelope can be found on the reserve including kudu, eland, bontebok, waterbuck, sable, grey reebok and many more. The free roaming Big 5 species also keep things interesting with many visits to the lodge from the elephants and lions! 

Gondwana is 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.

Gondwana’s Endangered and Protected Species Area is 1000 ha and home to the endangered Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and Sable. Guests can also enjoy informative Fynbos walks with their field guide and explore the diversity of our fynbos plants, as well as endemic birdlife that occurs nowhere else in the world, such as the Black Harrier and Orange Breasted Sunbird.

The vastness of Gondwana, coupled with the area’s excellent climate and terrain, make the reserve well suited to multiple species of game which are frequently seen by guests.

Gondwana’s wildlife population is thriving, with numerous offspring from zebra, eland, wildebeest and Red Hartebeest, in particular. 

Game Drives are conducted in open game viewers by Gondwana’s expert field guides. They share their knowledge and passion for the beautiful reserve and reveal its beauty and its secrets. Offering you unique memorable experiences with nature that you will never forget.

Game Drives are included in your stay on all of Gondwana’s packages. Each game drive includes a beverage and snack on drive and Afternoon Tea prior to evening Game drive.