Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa
Gondwana Game Reserve
Rewilded fynbos reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa
Opened
2008
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Resort Luxe LocalOutside the door
Rewilded fynbos reserve
The reserve restored thousands of hectares of livestock pastures to nature, where guests track free-roaming wildlife across indigenous fynbos valleys.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Big Five safari drives and guided mountain bike trails across rolling fynbos valleys.
Notable
Potjies and Cape game seasoned with indigenous botanicals from the surrounding fynbos.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Kwena Lodge, a collection of modern huts, or the solar-powered tented camp, where you can glamp among the fynbos.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The reserve sits beneath the Outeniqua Mountains along the Garden Route, thirty minutes inland from the coast at Mossel Bay.
1 of 7
The rooms
Stand-alone Kwena Suites take inspiration from traditional Khoi-San dwellings, with curved thatched roofs and private decks overlooking the valley.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The rim-flow pool sits along timber decking, looking directly out over wildlife waterholes and the fynbos valley.
At the table
Veranda tables look out toward the Outeniqua Mountains. Inside, circular fireplaces warm evening dinners served with Western Cape wines.
How it began
Mark and Wendy Rutherfoord acquired former sheep pastures in 2003, naming the rewilded reserve after the prehistoric southern supercontinent.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.