Projects » Conserving Cape Leopard, Waterbear

The facility was established to provide dedicated assistance with information and data collection to partnered conservation areas to enable the best decisions for the welfare of the animals. This program is a unique and professional experience for individuals who want to make a true impact on wildlife conservation.

Gondwana Private Game Reserve provides Safari Lodge Accommodation and an authentic African Safari Experience close to Cape Town. Less than a four-hour drive from Cape Town International Airport, along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, the 11,000-hectare (26,000 acre) Private Game Park offers a distinctive and luxurious malaria-free safari destination with free-roaming Big 5 Safari Animals (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard). Herds of wildlife including eland, giraffe, hippo, cheetah and zebra can be seen on the majestic landscape with awe-inspiring views of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains in every direction. Indigenous Fynbos vegetation cloaks the undulating valleys, adding vivid colour and interest to a Big 5 Game Viewing and wilderness experience. This Exclusive Safari Park offers guests attentive service, wholesome African Cuisine, inspiring interiors, expert Game Rangers, and an array of activities.

Tented Bush Camp

Your base during the program will be in our eco-friendly tented camp set in a protected valley blanketed in Fynbos in the heart of the game reserve. The camp facilities include 5 large, comfortable twin or double share tents set on raised decks each with an ensuite bathroom and covered deck area (2 additional tents are for staff). All meals are provided in the recreational communal tent area which includes kitchen, lounge, dining, and covered deck areas, as well as an outdoor dining boma. Relaxation area with hammocks and pool is also available

All meals are included.

Transfers to the reserve are not included but can be arranged by Worldwide Experience.

Your cell phone will automatically switch on to the South African Vodacom or MTN-service if you have international roaming activated. Alternatively you can purchase a South African SIM for your mobile phone or an international calling card.
Internet Access:
If you require internet access at the camps, you can arrange this for a small cost with the camp manager. On our weekly town trip you will also have the opportunities for internet access at the internet café in town to check your emails and do bookings

As a Garden Route Game Reserve, Gondwana shares the region’s idyllic climate, second most moderate in the world next to Hawaii according to the Guinness Book of World Records, with average temperatures between 13°C / 55°F in June, and 19°C / 66°F in January. The game reserve’s warm, Malaria-free climate offers exceptional year-round Game Viewing while you enjoy a Luxury African Safari Experience.

World-class tourist facilities and Garden Route attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep include Championship Golf Courses at Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Oubaai and Fancourt, great swimming and surfing beaches that offer a variety of activities, and the attractive coastal towns of Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay that each offer unique cultural and natural highlights and a range of things to do.

Knysna and Cape Town are regularly heralded as the Top Tourist Destinations in South Africa, by both International Travel Awards, and by visitors, through organizations such as TripAdvisor.

5 Night or 3 Night Program (Thursday arrival)

Accommodation in remote tented bush camp in the heart of the reserve

All Food

All linen and towels

Daily Housekeeping Service

All activities and Game drives

All travel within the reserve

All training for assistance with our research

24 hour emergency contact

(Please note that this is adjusted for family groups)

Bush Skills and Interpretation

Bush skills are an ancient art. Participants will learn much of this art and use it in their day to day activities while on Gondwana:

Track/spoor identification

Antelope and bird identification

Tree identification

Fynbos identification

Map Utilization (road, contour, aerial Google maps & GPS navigation)

Approaching wildlife by vehicle and on foot

Basic survival skills

Learning to make a shelter, fire, fishing rod, and compass

Learn how to forage and fish

Celestial identification and navigation

Veld Management

Erosion control

Roads

Erosion sites

Participation in eradication of alien vegetation (Black Wattle, Port Jackson)

The encroachment of alien vegetation on Gondwana is one of the reserves’ greatest environmental threats.

Gondwana has embarked on one of the largest environmental rehabilitation programs in the region. Participants have the opportunity to learn more about the vegetation, and to participate in the eradication of the targeted species.

Assessment of Productivity of Water systems within the reserve

 General Maintenance

Road maintenance

Boma Maintenance

Community Work

Gondwana is closely associated to the local community. When opportunities allow participants will have an opportunity to interact with the community and participate in:

Community kids programs – whereby groups of school children are brought to the reserve and participate in conservation and environmental education days with lots of fun activities

Community adult development programs