The Big 5 and any other wildlife living on or passing through this Fynbos-rich reserve are free to roam right up to your accommodation here at Gondwana. So if you like your wildlife interactions up close and personal, this is the place to pick.

Stay here too if you want your children – whatever their age – to enjoy your safari experience with you, as the Lehele Villas area of the reserve is designed for the very youngest guests, from babes in arms to adventurous toddlers and school-age safari enthusiasts.

It's all located on the Garden Route, about 25km from Mossel Bay and a four hour drive from Cape Town. You’ll be staying within the endangered Cape Floral Kingdom, which means that as well as a good chance of seeing the coveted Big Five, you could set eyes on rarities such as cheetah, black rhino and zebra. Game drives, bush walks, hikes and bike trails are all on the activities menu too, whichever type of accommodation you choose. And here are your options:

Kwena Suites

You’re sure to agree that there’s no place like dome when you stay in one of these 14 distinctively shaped suites arranged around the main communal lodge. Inspired by the homes built by ancient nomadic tribes who once roamed this area of South Africa, the thatched, dome-shaped suites combine traditional cosiness with modern comforts.

Whichever suite you stay in, from your private deck area you’ll have a view of two waterholes that attract all kinds of wildlife, as well as a backdrop of a mountain landscape to enjoy. Choose to watch and wonder while sitting in the sun or seek shade on the double lounger.

The interior design is open plan, so your bedroom and lounge area are as one, with a wood-burning fireplace ready to be stoked up if you need it. Beds can be arranged as a kingsize double or twins, with all suites offering a seating area by the fire, a separate space for dressing and free Wi-Fi that’s sure to appeal to today’s digital nomads.

Bathing happens in an extra deep bath from which you get views you’re unlikely to experience from your tub back home.  A rain shower and twin wash basins provide other areas for freshening up.

Kwena Villas

Seven villas await, next to the main lodge, with either three or four bedrooms – plenty of room to accommodate families and groups of friends in privacy (children need to be 12 or older to stay here).  Each bedroom has a kingsize bed or two twins as you prefer, plus a fireplace, seating area and a private deck. There’s plenty of storage space for your clothes and other belongings too.

The living area, kitchen and dining room share the same open space, so when it’s time to cook, eat and relax you can do it together. Each villa has a wraparound deck so you can explore your valley and mountain surroundings from all angles. You’re also assured of a great view of the smart TV from the various comfy seating options in the living area.

Lehele Villas

This is the family friendly area of the reserve, so if you’re wanting to bring younger guests on safari with you, book here. It’s worth noting that this complex is located about 10km from the main Kwena Lodge where meals are served, and you’ll need your own 4x4 to get to and from the communal facilities as the scenic drive is a bit bumpy in places (great fun for the young ones) – or you can book transfers there and back as part of your safari holiday package.

Each of the villas has either three or four ensuite bedrooms, plus a lounge and dining area, and wraparound walkway. Younger guests can enrol in a Junior Ranger programme of activities to keep them entertained and to give the grown-ups some time to themselves. Babysitting services are also available.

Ulubisi House

You can exclusively book this luxury home set within a 1000 hectare private area of the reserve. It sleeps either 6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children in three luxurious suites with attached bathrooms. You’ll all be looked after by a dedicated team comprising a butler, chef and field guide, so time inside the house and out exploring your surroundings is wonderfully relaxing.

Views from the villa are Panoramic with a capital P, giving you a 180º vista of the plains, hills and mountains, and the wildlife that live there and pass through. Your private pool and hot tub are surrounded by a large deck area which is great for wildlife spotting, book reading and general relaxing.

Contribute to conservation

Wherever you stay at Gondwana, part of the fee you pay is a conservation levy that helps fund the anti-poaching team, training facilities and various projects designed to protect the area’s wildlife and strengthen its diversity.

Here to share

You will also have access to the shared facilities at the main Kwena Lodge, which include:

• Large infinity swimming pool
• African-style spa
• Boma dining area
• Buffet-style breakfast and meals in lodge dining room
• Cosy bar area