When you arrive at Gondwana, it will be all too easy to become immersed in the beauty of this reserve. This is a place where nature reigns supreme! This is a haven for some who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. While others come for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This post will help you prepare for your African safari trip so that it will be an unforgettable experience! Cheers to you and to making memories in Africa!
My trip was booked through TBA Escapes which is an all-female travel tour company for adventurous women. Book your own trip, or better yet have someone else do it for you! Click on the TBA Escapes link above in yellow for more details.
When you think of Africa, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely an African safari. This is a trip into the animal kingdom and is an experience like no other. It’s definitely something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime! You won’t be able to turn down this authentic African safari experience and it is just a one-hour drive from Cape Town! If you plan to spend a few days in Cape Town before this safari trip, check out my Cape Town blog post here.
What to expect on an African Safari at Gondwana Game Reserve:
An encounter with the Gondwana Game Reserve will leave you feeling like a Queen of the jungle. You can expect several enjoyable day drives to explore this luxurious safari area and to see all of its elephants, rhino, buffalo, and lions! You can’t help but get excited as you wake up and join the daily search for animals on the reserve. It is such an adventure that never gets old! You have a team of expert guides who know the reserve like it’s their own house with all its nooks and crannies. You’re never alone when you go on one of the drives because these guides are there every step of the way. Yes, you even get an up close and personal experience with the animals of Africa! How cool is that?
Sunsets on African Safari
The sunsets that you will see on this reserve are nothing short of spectacular! Watching the sunset while drinking a Savanna Cider is a must here! Watch out you may see a lion. Hehe!
Accommodations
Gondwana is eco-friendly; they are aimed at reducing its potential impact on the environment while helping to introduce endangered species. They also created water sources, so they can be completely self-dependent! Check out the Gondwana Conservation Foundation for more information.
You can glamp in a beautiful eco-hut, the new luxury tents, or villas. With so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find something that will work for your needs.
We stayed in a luxurious, 2368 square foot 3 bedroom villa. This villa was built to provide guests with an authentic African experience. It is set next door to the main lodge and is a thatched roof home with a spacious living room. It’s made complete by featuring a fireplace and large glass doors that open out onto one of many decks, offering stunning views in every direction! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing couples getaway or an exciting solo vacation, there’s something in their selection that will suit your needs. I promise!
When I opened my eyes in the morning, it was always exciting to see what animals would be outside my window that day. It’s so cool to be able to look out at all these animals right through the glass and not just on TV or online! This could be your view if you stay here!
Packages
Food and game drive packages are available. Check out what they have to offer here. Keep in mind what I write below when selecting your game day drives.
How many days should you stay?
I think staying two nights is more than enough time to enjoy this amazing protected area. On our first day, we arrived in the early afternoon and had a game drive that evening. The second day was just as beautiful with two more drives; one in the morning and one in the evening! We also got an opportunity to go on one last drive in the morning before leaving on our final day. It did take 4 drives before we were able to see the lions! Thankfully, our guides finally spotted them the morning before we were supposed to leave. They were mating by the fence. I understand… I would want privacy too during intimacy. Let’s just say the lions were worth the wait! What beautiful creatures!
The lions were so close that I could have reached out and touched them. My heart was racing as they got closer and closer. It is very important that you stay still and silent while they pass by so you don’t startle them. I want to tell you that it was an amazing experience, but really no words can describe how wonderful this moment felt! I never thought I would personally get to experience something like this. We truly live in an amazing world!
Are children allowed on the reserve?
“Children of all ages are welcome on Gondwana…
For safety reasons, children under the age of 2 years are not permitted on game drives. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on game drives with other guests.” For more information click here.
Do they have internet on an African Safari?
Yes, the main lodge area and the villas have internet. My phone often had service on the reserve, which is surprising considering how big it is.
Food on African Safari
The Gondwana Lodge is a one-of-a-kind place, from their delicious and colorful food to the beautiful views they have on the property. It’s hard not to be excited about your stay here when you wake up to this coffee in the morning.
This special setup below is for TBA Escapes guests only. Now, this is the VIP way to watch a sunset! My mouth is watering just looking at this delicious setup!
What are the seasonal months in South Africa?
Make sure you keep the African seasons in mind when booking your trip:
Summer: December- March
Fall: April- May
Winter: June- August
Spring: September- November
Conclusion
If you’re planning on going on an African safari, it’s important that you do your research and prepare yourself for the experience. There are many different parks and reserves to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. By doing your homework ahead of time, you can make sure that you select the right park for you and ensure that your trip is as amazing as possible. I hope this post has helped get you excited about your upcoming safari and I look forward to reading your comments below!
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