2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Reviews of Gondwana Game Reserve

5 out of 5
Gondwana Game Reserve
Heuningkip Farm, R327, Mossel Bay, Western Cape

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 127 out of 159 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 159 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 159 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 159 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 159 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

JEREMY

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

rashid

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
محمية ولا اروع
محمية جميلة جدا الاكل مقبول نوعا ما الموظفين ممتازين سائق سيارة السفاري محترم وذو خبرة
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tanja

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
World Class Venue - please two things to be done
World Class place, front of house top drawer and the Guide we had Clavin was a perfect host - the variation of animals was stunning, the Lodge we had was out of a postcard movie BUT some very easy things would make it a 12/10 experience - we waited ridiculously for a drink when arriving and even longer for food - seldom have i paid so much for accommodation to be so so so so cold in the Lodge....just could not get it warm and people stayed in bed with a blanket on - insane and meant we did nto utilise the wonderful space on offer
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

nourah

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Late check in after 3 and the room wasn’t cleaned and room dining its take life time to arrive after 2 hours off ordering food even when they know i have kid with t me ! And its wasn’t safe place we have been sornden by elephants and we where in our car no one tell as instructions out informed us what to do we think its was safe place but really last day i was soooooo scared and I think elephants will attack my family we go speed in our car then when i ask for guidance for take us outside i realize that I should wait the elephants until they walk alone and go far .. so we got lucky!!!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Julie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyable Stay
Gondwana was a different game reserve to our first one that we also done on our trip, the reserve is quite open so the plus side with that is that you see so many animals, we got to see lions after hearing them in the bushes eating there catch. We stayed in a 3 bedroom villa which was huge perfect for families. The game drives were great they get up very close to the animals. We enjoyed our stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

natalie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional!
Our first safari experience which was made especially fantastic by the staff and location. Special mention to Hennie our safari guide who went above and beyond to search for lions for us on tbe last day. An exceptional place doing exceptional work.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Innis

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best ever
It is an INCREDIBLE place! The staff are beyond professional and friendly!! It was the best ever holiday experience of this type. Do yourself a favour and just go! We stayed 5 days, I think 3-4 days are enough. Also go halfboard, slightly cheaper. Full board is just way too much food.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Ray

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful location and scenery. The game drives were awesome Food was good but restaurant service was terrible.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Reserve with great opportunities to spot animals. Game drives and our ranger superb. Service at the restaurant and the food quality mediocre at the best (orders missed, chaotic evening bbq, 1 hours wait to have a breakfast etc). This is not acceptable for the price we paid This place has a huge potential if they get the issues with restaurant solved.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

liezel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall wonderful experience. Staff was not overly friendly

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.

8/10 Good

Aldo

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lucilla

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Oliver

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just an incredible experience from start to finish. There was nothing I could fault or would change. Can't wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An amazing stay, beautiful surroundings, abundant game, lovely food and great service. Everyone went out of their way to accommodate us, especially with a young child. Megan was an awesome driver and guide, very patient and informative. Overall, a magical experience and we have been on 6 previous safaris, this was by far the best. Our only complaint was the lack of air conditioning or even fans in our villa. It made sleeping well impossible and should be addressed. They could not locate fans and it is a hot climate with few windows that would open. Doors could not be left open due to free roaming wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marko

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very nice place to spend time for a day or two watching the animals in the forest in addition to the calm and nature, the staff are very excellent, the best time to visit them is during the summer when the temperatures are moderate and enjoy watching the animals during that time and enjoy the game drive.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Dean Pitt - GM on Jul 22, 2021
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback, I will ensure our Team gets to see this. We trust we will see you again in the future Have a wonderful day further

10/10 Excellent

Axel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome luxury Safari
Great game lodge that is in driving distance from Cape Town. All big 5 can be seen free roaming at the reserve. Zebras were roaming right in front of our window one day. Incredible experience. We had Henning as our guide and he tried to find all the animals for us on the game drives. Sadly we were out of luck to spot the 🦁.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from Pris on Feb 23, 2021
We are delighted that you have enjoyed your stay!

10/10 Excellent

Kristel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Highly recommend!
Wow, I want to go back. Absolutely amazing place, people and service.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Two nights at Gondwana...A wonderful experience
We stayed in one of the Kwena huts which was very fitting as part of the game reserve experience. The hut was enclosed, so reasonably private, and overlooked two water holes. We saw a group of Cape Buffalos wander down to one of the water holes, munching on the vegetation on route. There were a three hour drive in the morning and evening. The reserve is vast but we saw plenty of wildlife thanks to our guide, Patrick’s, endeavours. Unfortunately, the lions were hiding on our drives, but others had seen them. Watching animals in their own free to wander environment was wonderful to see. We spent two nights at the reserve and enjoyed every minute
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
Response from Priscilla on Mar 28, 2020
Thank you, we are delighted that you have enjoyed your stay! We look forward to welcoming you back to Gondwana Game Reserve in the near future.

10/10 Excellent

Val, Charlotte, NC

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an incredible game drive and location. It is about 4 hours from Cape Town. The daily views are incredible. They have lots of animals and they go out of their way to show you all of them. The game drive staff are very knowledgeable and the game drives are very very interesting. Would highly recommend!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020
Response from GM on Mar 15, 2020
Thank you so much for your great feedback. I will ensure I share this with my Team. We look forward to seeing you again in the future Yours Sincerely Dean Pitt General Manager

10/10 Excellent

BAJ

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful game reserve with lots of animals and wonderful fijnbos scenery. This is not "a zoo" where numerous cars cue for the elephant or lion, they have a clear policy about exclusivity and respect for the animals and environment. The Fijnbos cottage was luxurious and well equipped. Please note you can enjoy lunch at the restaurant on your day of arrival (check in at 14 pm) so don't grab something on your way to the lodge. Although the food and service at the restaurant is good, I expected a bit more. Several wines were not available, the braai at the cottage is rather limited in the choice of dishes and ingredients. However, our main reason for booking Gondwana was enjoying nature and wildlife and that was a promise they kept
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from GM on Mar 9, 2020
Thank you SO much for thew wonderful feedback. It is always great to get this type of positive response. I will definitely ensure my entire Team get to see this. and I really hope we get to see you again in the future. Yours Sincerely Dean Pitt General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Sarah, Boston, Ma

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highlight of our trip. Staying in the kwena lodges is key. Beautiful setting, staff, and experience
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from GM on Feb 18, 2020
Thank you so much for this great feedback. I will ensure my Team gets to see this Have a brilliant day further and I trust we will see you again. Yours Sincerely Dean Pitt General Manager

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
The hotel and the staff were good except that they have lost one of our bags contains important personality such as a laptop. They moved our luggage to the room, so we reported to the front desk that one of our bags was missing. They said they checked with all the guests to see if they have the bag delivered to them by mistake, but as they told me they did not find anything. Also, they said they checked with the one who brought our luggage to the room but ignored seeing the missing bag. The staff started to blame the pervious hotel even we were sure that the bag was with us when we checked-in this hotel. The next morning, staff were concern about that issue, and they took a written statement about what happened. We then checked-out of the reserve and go from there sadly. About one hour later, they called me saying that they have found the bag. We were nearby and told the one who called me to meet him at the gate of the reserve despite the fact that he offered to meet us at the main road. When we go to the gate we found the bag with the security there. He did not know anything about the incident when we asked him how did they find the bag and how did such a thing happened. Unfortunately, they did not explain to us how did they find it. They did not even apologized for such a horrible action. I really recommend anyone who plan to stay in this reserve is to KEEP YOUR EYES ON YOUR STUFF. Also, if you are in romantic or relaxation time I suggest you to find another great reserves.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Dean Pitt - General Manager on Nov 7, 2019
Good day Sir, thank you for your feedback and I apologise for the inconvenience of the bag that went missing. It was an honest mistake at at no stage did anyone try and take it. We have a fantastic record here at Gondwana. It was unfortunately misplaced in one of the vehicles and that vehicle was not checked. I am really happy we found it and managed to get hold of and get the bag back to you. Once again my apologies, take care Yours Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from D.Pitt - GM on Aug 21, 2019
Thank you so much for the great scores - We appreciate this very much Yours Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Dean Pitt - GM on Aug 13, 2019
Thank you so much !!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Gondwana Game Reserve is paradise and very suitable for family and/or couples.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Dean Pitt - GM on Aug 13, 2019
Thank you very much for your feedback

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beehive bungalows are spacious and well appointed although the lighting in the bathroom could be brighter. Staff are excellent especially Vital who is outstanding ! The food is delicious as well as plentiful and varied. Game Ranger Lizanne was most knowledgeable and generous with her stops for photos. The terrain is unusual for a Game Reserve in that the flora is a feast for the eyes.... anyone who has not seen South African wild flowers in bloom will be bowled over!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from Dean Pitt - GM on May 15, 2019
Thank you so much for your very kind words. I will ensure my Team gets to see this , and I hope we get to see you again in the future Yours Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gondwana provided excellent guided safari's (two per day) with knowledgeable staff. Very relaxing when not on safari, since we could sit in front of our individual "hut" and admire the landscape. No distractions from TV! Warning: Since lions prowl around the accommodation huts, do NOT venture outside once escorted to your hut. On our first night lions were present at the accommodation, which can be a bit scary, although no holiday makers have died at the resort to my knowledge. Also, be warned that there is at least 4km of non-tarmac roads which are okay for 4 x 4s but require great care with normal cars. If you follow the sat nav then you add a further 5km of dirt roads!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from Dean - General Manager on May 15, 2019
Thank you much. Your feedback is great. Yes, we have never had an incident with any guests and animals. We take great care to ensure all safety is followed. Thank you once again

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We LOVE Gondwana. From check in, to the game drives, to our lodge and our WONDERFUL guide, Felix, and of course the animals, Gondwana blew expectations out of the park. Will definitely return. We had such a magical and unforgettable adventure. Our guide, Felix, was super knowledgeable and has an innate passion for animals. We loved everything about Gondwana!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Dean Pitt - General Manager on May 1, 2019
Thank you so much for your wonderful compliments. It was an absolute pleasure looking after you and I trust we will see you again in the future Yours Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

luiz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
the best
The best game reserve i have been to so far and i have been to many. well worth it .Guides are fantastic and informative
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Dean Pitt - General Manager on Apr 1, 2019
Thank you so much for uyour wonderful compliment. I will ensure that my Team is given the accolade Thank you !

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
There for just one night, so the drives were the priority. Excellent guide for both drives.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from Dean Pitt, General Manager on Feb 5, 2019
Thank you so much for the great comments. It is always an honour to receive wonderful feedback. I trust I will see you again in the future. Yours Sincerely

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from GM on Dec 27, 2018
Good day, thank you very much for the great score from your recent stay with us. I will ensure this is passed onto my Team. Take care

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Response from GM on Dec 10, 2018
It is always great to receive top scores from our guests. Thank you very much Yours Sincerely Dean Pitt General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Priscilla on Sep 19, 2018
Good Morning Thank you for your feedback, we appreciate it!

6/10 Okay

John, Belgium

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
beautiful villa's with 'commercial' animal viewing
Great place for relaxing in absolutely beautiful villa's. We got to see many animals in the 'wild'. It is rather small with the advantage you likely will see elephants, giraf, dino, etc. The presence of a power plant, fences, solar panels and the lights of MosselBay far away bothered me.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful experience for all the family
Amazing safari experience - scenery , wildlife accommodation and food all breath taking. A special mention for our guide Abi who was knowledgeable enthusiastic and absolutely wonderful with our 10 year old twins. Thoroughly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely game park & accommodation
Enjoyed the facilities & food. But disappointed with the viewing of animals. Didn't see some as it was too late to find them & others by the time we got to them it was too dark to photograph them. Should be taken to see the big 5 first & miscellaneous ones later if time permits. Also we were not advised about the conservation levy until we were checking out. This should be stated at the time of booking that it is an additional charge.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Kerry, Atlanta,ga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome game reserve
My family had a great time and we saw all the animals so close . It was definitely worth it. One of the better game reserves.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Nora, washington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Magical escape
Being here for two days was an incredibly relaxing escape. Beautiful views, great food, and very nice staff. Stayed at the Fynbos villas which were very spacious and comfortable.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great safari experience
For safari lovers I would recommendtwo nights .. expensive but great .. the atmosphere is unique and staff are excellent.. food is good .. rooms has some insects but this is safari.. the games are good but number of animals was slightly less than I expected but still amazing

10/10 Excellent

Dave, Prince George BC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gondwana was a first class experience. The staff were exceptionally friendly and energetic and all the facilities exceeded our (high) expectations. Tour guides were knowledgeable and the food in the restaurant was excellent.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very unique experience.
Very classy and cool spot, only compliant was lack of active options onsite. We got a little cramped after two days.

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very high quality facilities and accommodation
We have been on many Game Reserves and this one certainly had the opportunity to be the best of all. The lodge facilities and room were the best we have ever experienced. New facilities, great quality fittings, and outstanding in every way. The only let down was the quality of the food. Not as good as it should have been for a facility of this quality. #Staff were lovely and wildlife happy to turn out and be photographed.

10/10 Excellent

peter, chicago, IL, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
rustic but comfortable.
game park was great and Delicious, our guide, was very knowledgeable

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Pieter, Strand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gondwana Bliss
We wanted to visit a game reserve but we didn't want to travel too far so we decided to search for a local western cape game reserve. We found Gondwana Game Reserve and wow what a experience. From being greeted at gate one till we left we enjoyed every minute. It's still good to see there are people taking their jobs very serious and going the extra mile for their guests. The game drives were just amazing and very informative (thank you Delicious!). I will highly recommend Gondwana Game Reserve and we hope to be back soon...