Gondwana Game Reserve
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Summary of reviewsGondwana Game Reserve offers a spectacular retreat, immersing guests in breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of nature, the reserve boasts stunning scenery, sweeping views and lush vegetation where wildlife roams freely. Just a short distance from Cape Town and near Mossel Bay, it combines accessibility with a sense of remote tranquility. The setting, complete with well-maintained accommodations and a serene, pristine environment, ensures an unforgettable experience.
The breakfast experience is mixed with many guests enjoying hearty, delicious offerings in a beautiful setting; however, the absence of a buffet can lead to longer waits and limited options.
Dinner is generally praised for its quality, variety and ambiance with options for meals by candlelight or on outdoor terraces with fire pits. While some issues like unavailable menu items and long wait times were noted, the overall dining experience is positive with the themed dinners being particularly appreciated.
Accommodation at Gondwana is highly regarded, offering luxurious and spacious rooms and villas. The Fynbos Villas and Kwena Lodge receive special acclaim for their beautiful furnishings, cleanliness and thoughtful amenities. A few minor issues were reported, such as occasional lapses in housekeeping, but these do not significantly detract from the overall positive sentiment.
Cleanliness is exemplary with well-maintained facilities and spotless guest rooms contributing to a serene and welcoming atmosphere. The staff's friendliness, attentiveness and dedication to guest satisfaction are consistently highlighted, adding to the overall positive experience.
The swimming pool area, nestled in the picturesque landscape, provides a serene spot for relaxation with stunning views and a cozy ambiance, although more lounge mattresses would improve comfort.
Guests find the beds comfortable and well-equipped with heating systems and heated blankets, ensuring a restful sleep despite a few reports of firmness and small size. The spacious rooms and luxurious atmosphere add to the appeal.
While some guests felt certain services and meals fell short of a true 5-star standard, the majority affirm that Gondwana lives up to its reputation as a high-quality, luxury retreat. The ease of spotting wildlife and the exceptional hospitality make it a noteworthy destination, offering pure luxury in decor, amenities and personalized service. Overall, Gondwana Game Reserve is highly recommended for its unique and awe-inspiring experience.
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The breakfast experience is mixed with many guests enjoying hearty, delicious offerings in a beautiful setting; however, the absence of a buffet can lead to longer waits and limited options.
Dinner is generally praised for its quality, variety and ambiance with options for meals by candlelight or on outdoor terraces with fire pits. While some issues like unavailable menu items and long wait times were noted, the overall dining experience is positive with the themed dinners being particularly appreciated.
Accommodation at Gondwana is highly regarded, offering luxurious and spacious rooms and villas. The Fynbos Villas and Kwena Lodge receive special acclaim for their beautiful furnishings, cleanliness and thoughtful amenities. A few minor issues were reported, such as occasional lapses in housekeeping, but these do not significantly detract from the overall positive sentiment.
Cleanliness is exemplary with well-maintained facilities and spotless guest rooms contributing to a serene and welcoming atmosphere. The staff's friendliness, attentiveness and dedication to guest satisfaction are consistently highlighted, adding to the overall positive experience.
The swimming pool area, nestled in the picturesque landscape, provides a serene spot for relaxation with stunning views and a cozy ambiance, although more lounge mattresses would improve comfort.
Guests find the beds comfortable and well-equipped with heating systems and heated blankets, ensuring a restful sleep despite a few reports of firmness and small size. The spacious rooms and luxurious atmosphere add to the appeal.
While some guests felt certain services and meals fell short of a true 5-star standard, the majority affirm that Gondwana lives up to its reputation as a high-quality, luxury retreat. The ease of spotting wildlife and the exceptional hospitality make it a noteworthy destination, offering pure luxury in decor, amenities and personalized service. Overall, Gondwana Game Reserve is highly recommended for its unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Lodge with Infinity Pool
Enjoy the amazing safari experience this reserve offers and then indulge in a relaxing dive in the infinity pool and become one with the natural landscape around you.
Boutique-style Lodge
Luxury Lodge
Lodge with Swimming Pool
Infinity Pool Panoramic View Pool Outdoor Pool
Lodge with Free Wi-Fi
5-Star Lodge
Lodge with Outdoor Pool
Lodge with Panoramic View Pool
Guest Reviews
Nestled in the breathtaking Gondwana Game Reserve, the location of the lodge offers a sensational experience right in the heart of nature. The stunning scenery, majestic sweeping views and lush vegetation provide a mesmerizing backdrop, where wildlife roams freely, even venturing near the villas. With its well-maintained accommodations and beautifully laid-out premises, the setting of the reserve is nothing short of dreamlike.
The epic beauty of the landscape greeting visitors as they drive into Gate 1 sets the tone for the entire stay. The magnificent safaris, rich in scenery and abundant wildlife, complement the accommodation's serene and natural ambiance. Surrounded by the pristine environment, the villas offer a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in nature.
This private reserve, located a short distance from Cape Town and near Mossel Bay, balances remoteness with accessibility. Its extensive and beautifully situated premises might require navigating longer distances within the reserve, but this minor inconvenience is offset by the sheer beauty and tranquility of the location.
The resort provides a remarkable safari experience with carefully enforced safety measures ensuring a worry-free stay. Guests can expect to enjoy excellent service, superb food and astonishing game drives amid the rich and beautiful surroundings.
Every aspect of the location—from the amazing views to the magical ambiance—promises a unique and unforgettable experience. The pristine environment and careful attention to detail make the Gondwana Game Reserve a truly spectacular destination worth every euro spent.
Gondwana Game Reserve offers a breakfast experience with mixed reviews. Guests who enjoyed their mornings often highlighted the hearty and plentiful offerings, describing the food as sensational and very delicious. The setting adds to the experience with some guests mentioning sightings of zebras during breakfast, enhancing the unique atmosphere.
On the upside, the breakfast includes a variety of options that cater well to different tastes, including fussy eaters and the overall quality of food is praised as excellent. The reserve’s full-board option ensures that guests are well-fed throughout the day, from morning coffee to dinner, making it a comprehensive dining experience.
However, a few drawbacks were noted. The absence of a buffet style led to longer waits, sometimes up to 45 minutes and the limited selection left some wanting more variety. Additionally, the service at breakfast has been described as less than satisfactory by some with occasional overcrowding contributing to the delays.
Overall, while the breakfast has its high points with delicious, hearty and varied options in a beautiful setting, the service and selection might not meet everyone’s expectations.
Dining at Gondwana Game Reserve presents a mixed but largely positive experience. Many guests found the food excellent, citing delicious meals and an option to have food delivered directly to their lodges. Breakfast and dinner were highlighted as very good with some guests specifically complimenting the chef and the variety offered, including vegan options.
The ambiance is also noteworthy with some guests savoring dinner by candlelight in a boma or enjoying meals on an outdoor terrace with fire pits. The three-course dinner and great catering before and during safaris were particularly appreciated. Additionally, the restaurant setting itself received praise for its pleasant atmosphere.
However, some guests encountered issues such as unavailable items on the menu, long waiting times and improperly served courses. A few noted that the food did not always meet expectations with some dishes being served cold or considered average and overpriced. Limited dinner options and repetitive menus were other points of concern.
Overall, while there were a few criticisms regarding specific dishes and service efficiency, most guests enjoyed their dining experiences, especially the themed dinners and the quality of breakfast and lunch offerings.
Located in an awe-inspiring setting, Gondwana Game Reserve offers accommodation that truly stands out. Guests rave about the breathtaking location and luxurious quality of the various rooms and villas. Whether staying in a bush villa or the sequestered Kwena Lodge, the attention to detail is apparent. The Fynbos Villas in particular received high praise for their exceptional spaciousness, capable of accommodating large groups comfortably while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. These villas are beautifully furnished, chic and well-equipped, making them one of the best holiday accommodations for many.
The accommodation options are diverse yet consistently superb, from large, luxurious 4-bedroom villas to stylishly furnished, clean and comfortable eco-tents. The Kwena Lodge is particularly noted for its private, serene environment and well-appointed interiors. The huts offer unique features including bathrooms with stunning views, large comfortable beds and private terraces, enhancing the feeling of a luxurious retreat in nature.
Guests consistently find the rooms and villas both spacious and extremely clean with functioning amenities like reliable Wi-Fi and stylish furnishing adding to the overall comfort. The lodges not only boast beautiful designs but also provide a very clean and welcoming environment. The combination of stunning views, high-quality furnishings, well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities ensures that the accommodation at Gondwana Game Reserve is both luxurious and comfortable.
While there were a few mentions of minor issues such as villa transfers not always working out and occasional lapses in housekeeping, the overall sentiment towards the accommodation remains overwhelmingly positive. The harmonious blend of luxury, privacy and natural beauty makes the accommodation at Gondwana Game Reserve a remarkable experience, leaving guests in awe and eager to return.
Gondwana Game Reserve offers a range of sleeping experiences that are generally met with favorable reviews from guests. A recurring highlight is the comfort of the beds. Equipped with heating systems and heated blankets, they provide a cozy sanctuary, particularly appealing during cooler periods. Reviews frequently describe the beds as large and comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. While a few guests noted that some mattresses were rather firm and a bit small for their liking, the overall sentiment remains positive. The spacious rooms and the addition of such features add to the overall appeal, ensuring a pleasant stay despite some minor points regarding the villas' outdated feel and an absence of mosquito nets.
Gondwana Game Reserve shines with its exceptional cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. The property is beautifully expansive, teeming with wildlife right from the moment of arrival. The Eco Camp is particularly noted for its well-managed operations, maintaining a spotless environment throughout.
Guest rooms are consistently described as very clean, cozy and imbued with thoughtful touches. The main lodge and villas are no exception with cleanliness being a recurring highlight, making for an unparalleled, luxurious stay. Common areas are kept impeccably clean, reinforcing the serene and welcoming atmosphere of the entire camp.
The friendly and attentive staff contribute significantly to the positive experience, ensuring that all areas are tidy and well-equipped. While the facility itself is praised for its beauty and upkeep, visitors should be prepared for the rapid temperature drops in the evenings, as early morning excursions start as early as 5:30 AM.
Despite one minor issue with a flooding bathroom, the general sentiment gravitates towards a clean, well-organized and exceptionally maintained property, securing its status as an exemplary destination for nature and luxury lovers alike.
The reviews of Gondwana Game Reserve highlight the exceptional quality of the staff's service. Guests consistently describe the staff as incredibly friendly, super helpful and notably attentive. Many visitors praised the attentive and welcoming nature of the entire team, including the guides and game drivers who were both knowledgeable and supportive. The general sentiment underscores the staff's dedication with numerous mentions of their ability to accommodate any needs and fulfill every wish.
While most reviews lauded the hospitality and service, a few felt there was room for improvement in making guests feel more at home. However, these instances were overwhelmed by the positive feedback emphasizing the staff's friendliness and professionalism.
Overall, the staff at Gondwana Game Reserve are commended for their exceptional service, warm hospitality and unwavering dedication to ensuring every guest has a remarkable experience.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Gondwana Game Reserve, the swimming pool area emerges as a favored retreat for guests looking to unwind after exhilarating morning game drives. The pool, described as cozy and accompanied by a bar, stands out as a serene spot for relaxation between adventures. Guests praise the thoughtful design of the pool area, which is part of a reception, pool and restaurant zone that offers stunning views over a valley. The lodge itself is noted for its aesthetic appeal with the property earning accolades for its beauty.
Visitors consistently highlight the pool's loveliness and delightful ambiance. Even those who couldn't use the pool due to inclement weather expressed regret, suggesting it would be a fantastic spot to enjoy in the sunshine. However, some guests noted a minor drawback with the scarcity of lounge mattresses for the sunbeds.
The lodges, particularly Kwena Lodge, are highlighted as being gorgeous, contributing to an amazing safari experience. The overall design, including the restaurant, pool and outdoor areas, encapsulate the wonderful blend of comfort and nature that defines Gondwana Game Reserve.
Gondwana Game Reserve, often touted as a 5-star destination, offers an intriguing mix of experiences that have garnered varied feedback from guests. The resort is praised for its stunning, beautifully managed environment and stylish accommodations. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service and top-notch lodges, describing their stays as fantastic and the overall experience as amazing. The quality of the hospitality, including rooms and dining, has left many visitors deeply satisfied.
However, the resort is not without its criticisms. Some guests felt that certain aspects, such as the meals and general service, did not fully meet the 5-star standard they expected, especially considering the prices. While the food was described as good, it sometimes fell slightly short of the premium expectations. Additionally, there were concerns about the enforcement of the adults-only policy, as some visitors noted the presence of children, which reportedly detracted from the exclusive ambiance.
Nonetheless, the ease of spotting wildlife within the reserve is a significant draw, often surpassing experiences in larger national parks. Despite some areas of improvement, many reviews affirm that Gondwana Game Reserve lives up to its reputation as a high-quality retreat, urging others to experience it at least once.
Gondwana Game Reserve offers an unforgettable luxury experience. Despite some opinions on pricing, the majority of reviews highlight exceptional accommodations and food. Described as a five-star and super luxurious resort, it boasts spacious, stylish and clean lodgings, including incredibly luxurious villas and eco-tents. Guests appreciate the pure luxury in its decor, amenities and twice-a-day housekeeping services. The well-equipped facilities, gourmet meals and the personal touch of having your own cook and service in the house contribute to an experience of sheer extravagance. The stylish atmosphere and beautiful design details are frequently mentioned, making it an amazing, highly recommended choice for a luxury vacation.
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Location
The epic beauty of the landscape greeting visitors as they drive into Gate 1 sets the tone for the entire stay. The magnificent safaris, rich in scenery and abundant wildlife, complement the accommodation's serene and natural ambiance. Surrounded by the pristine environment, the villas offer a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in nature.
This private reserve, located a short distance from Cape Town and near Mossel Bay, balances remoteness with accessibility. Its extensive and beautifully situated premises might require navigating longer distances within the reserve, but this minor inconvenience is offset by the sheer beauty and tranquility of the location.
The resort provides a remarkable safari experience with carefully enforced safety measures ensuring a worry-free stay. Guests can expect to enjoy excellent service, superb food and astonishing game drives amid the rich and beautiful surroundings.
Every aspect of the location—from the amazing views to the magical ambiance—promises a unique and unforgettable experience. The pristine environment and careful attention to detail make the Gondwana Game Reserve a truly spectacular destination worth every euro spent.
Breakfast
On the upside, the breakfast includes a variety of options that cater well to different tastes, including fussy eaters and the overall quality of food is praised as excellent. The reserve’s full-board option ensures that guests are well-fed throughout the day, from morning coffee to dinner, making it a comprehensive dining experience.
However, a few drawbacks were noted. The absence of a buffet style led to longer waits, sometimes up to 45 minutes and the limited selection left some wanting more variety. Additionally, the service at breakfast has been described as less than satisfactory by some with occasional overcrowding contributing to the delays.
Overall, while the breakfast has its high points with delicious, hearty and varied options in a beautiful setting, the service and selection might not meet everyone’s expectations.
Dinner
The ambiance is also noteworthy with some guests savoring dinner by candlelight in a boma or enjoying meals on an outdoor terrace with fire pits. The three-course dinner and great catering before and during safaris were particularly appreciated. Additionally, the restaurant setting itself received praise for its pleasant atmosphere.
However, some guests encountered issues such as unavailable items on the menu, long waiting times and improperly served courses. A few noted that the food did not always meet expectations with some dishes being served cold or considered average and overpriced. Limited dinner options and repetitive menus were other points of concern.
Overall, while there were a few criticisms regarding specific dishes and service efficiency, most guests enjoyed their dining experiences, especially the themed dinners and the quality of breakfast and lunch offerings.
Rooms
The accommodation options are diverse yet consistently superb, from large, luxurious 4-bedroom villas to stylishly furnished, clean and comfortable eco-tents. The Kwena Lodge is particularly noted for its private, serene environment and well-appointed interiors. The huts offer unique features including bathrooms with stunning views, large comfortable beds and private terraces, enhancing the feeling of a luxurious retreat in nature.
Guests consistently find the rooms and villas both spacious and extremely clean with functioning amenities like reliable Wi-Fi and stylish furnishing adding to the overall comfort. The lodges not only boast beautiful designs but also provide a very clean and welcoming environment. The combination of stunning views, high-quality furnishings, well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities ensures that the accommodation at Gondwana Game Reserve is both luxurious and comfortable.
While there were a few mentions of minor issues such as villa transfers not always working out and occasional lapses in housekeeping, the overall sentiment towards the accommodation remains overwhelmingly positive. The harmonious blend of luxury, privacy and natural beauty makes the accommodation at Gondwana Game Reserve a remarkable experience, leaving guests in awe and eager to return.
Beds
Cleanliness
Guest rooms are consistently described as very clean, cozy and imbued with thoughtful touches. The main lodge and villas are no exception with cleanliness being a recurring highlight, making for an unparalleled, luxurious stay. Common areas are kept impeccably clean, reinforcing the serene and welcoming atmosphere of the entire camp.
The friendly and attentive staff contribute significantly to the positive experience, ensuring that all areas are tidy and well-equipped. While the facility itself is praised for its beauty and upkeep, visitors should be prepared for the rapid temperature drops in the evenings, as early morning excursions start as early as 5:30 AM.
Despite one minor issue with a flooding bathroom, the general sentiment gravitates towards a clean, well-organized and exceptionally maintained property, securing its status as an exemplary destination for nature and luxury lovers alike.
Staff
While most reviews lauded the hospitality and service, a few felt there was room for improvement in making guests feel more at home. However, these instances were overwhelmed by the positive feedback emphasizing the staff's friendliness and professionalism.
Overall, the staff at Gondwana Game Reserve are commended for their exceptional service, warm hospitality and unwavering dedication to ensuring every guest has a remarkable experience.
Pool
Visitors consistently highlight the pool's loveliness and delightful ambiance. Even those who couldn't use the pool due to inclement weather expressed regret, suggesting it would be a fantastic spot to enjoy in the sunshine. However, some guests noted a minor drawback with the scarcity of lounge mattresses for the sunbeds.
The lodges, particularly Kwena Lodge, are highlighted as being gorgeous, contributing to an amazing safari experience. The overall design, including the restaurant, pool and outdoor areas, encapsulate the wonderful blend of comfort and nature that defines Gondwana Game Reserve.
5 Star
However, the resort is not without its criticisms. Some guests felt that certain aspects, such as the meals and general service, did not fully meet the 5-star standard they expected, especially considering the prices. While the food was described as good, it sometimes fell slightly short of the premium expectations. Additionally, there were concerns about the enforcement of the adults-only policy, as some visitors noted the presence of children, which reportedly detracted from the exclusive ambiance.
Nonetheless, the ease of spotting wildlife within the reserve is a significant draw, often surpassing experiences in larger national parks. Despite some areas of improvement, many reviews affirm that Gondwana Game Reserve lives up to its reputation as a high-quality retreat, urging others to experience it at least once.
Luxury
Yes, Gondwana Game Reserve has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Infinity Pool, Panoramic View Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Gondwana Game Reserve.
No, Gondwana Game Reserve doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Gondwana Game Reserve.
No, Gondwana Game Reserve doesn't have a gym.
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