Gondwana Private Game Reserve - Found-Travel, Mossel-Bay, Garden-Route

Gondwana Private Game Reserve - Found-Travel, Mossel-Bay, Garden-Route

Gondwana Game Reserve provides the perfect safari break for Cape Town visitors. Less than a four-hour drive away along South Africa’s popular Garden Route, the 11,000-hectare (26,000 acre) private game reserve offers a distinctive and luxurious malaria-free safari experience.  

Indigenous Fynbos vegetation cloaks the undulating valleys, adding vivid colour and interest to a Big Five wilderness experience with awe inspiring views of the Langeberg Mountains wherever you look. This exclusive reserve offers guests attentive service, superb cuisine, inspiring interiors, expert game rangers, and an array of activities including horseback safaris.  The reserve is easily accessible through George Domestic Airport, a 45-minute drive from the reserve (transfers provided) with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town International airports.

Kwena Lodge offers guests 14 stand alone bedrooms designed with a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San “hut”.  The spacious lodge facilities include a large infinity pool, chic open-plan lounge and bar, with food and beverage services offered in an elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces or in the outdoor boma.

For Families, the Private Bush Villas, offer total privacy and spaciousness. The deluxe three and four bedroom villas feature an open plan lounge with kitchen and dining room all opening onto a wraparound deck with magnificent valley and mountain views.   The villas can also be utilized on a luxury self-catering basis with a la carte meals and game drives available for those who want a longer stay and the flexibility to enjoy the surrounding Garden Route, its activities and attractions.

The-Point-Hotel-Mossel-Bay

Mossel-Bay-Hotels

If you're looking for a sea front hotel in Mossel Bay look no further, this hotel offers 52 sea facing rooms all en-suite and within a stones throw from the rocks and sea. Rooms are spacious, offer DSTV, tea and coffee making facilities and a balcony with table and chairs.

I was tired after my road trip from Cape Town, so I sat on the balcony of my hotel room, took in the sea air and closed my eyes for 10 minutes to the sound of the waves, beautiful.

The-Point-Hotel is very well located, parking is easy and a selection of restaurants are available within easy walking distance of the hotel. I chose to eat a fillet steak at the hotel restaurant, which was very good. Walking is a pleasure along the sea front and for those who like a good hike, the footpath along the rocks is a must. (Starts at entrance to Khoi-san cave and runs for 15km along cliff tops). 

The Point Hotel’s restaurant will provide you with a sumptuous breakfast firstly with dishes available from the buffet and/or a full English, should you chose a hearty breakfast, served to your table. Try and get a table by the window if you can, to continue soaking up the view. 

Mossel Bay always reminds me of a UK seaside town, you'll find the people extremely friendly and helpful, willing to answer any questions you may have, at any time. Look out for the rock dassies who enjoy sunning themselves on the rocks and which can be seen from your balcony.

For those travelers who plan on swimming or bathing in the sea, the tidal pool in front of the hotel provides a great spot, offering warm water, but be aware of waves crashing over rocks from time to time. 

Take a look at The-Point-Hotel’s page on Found Travel for your perfect sea- side hotel.

By Paul Paley at Found Travel

Buffelsdrift-Game-Lodge-Oudtshoorn

Buffelsdrift-Game-Lodge-Oudtshoorn 

Straight from tar road to game lodge is very rare these days in South Africa. With my car still clean from a wash the previous day, I arrived at Buffelsdrift, simply an oasis set in the middle of the desert and only a short drive from Oudtshoorn. 

25 tented suites offer air con, large beds, a mini bar and a view of a magnificent waterhole. After a long drive you may wish to sit on your viewing deck and watch the bird life and bathing hippo or refresh yourself in the outside shower. The suites also offer a safe, hairdryer, telephone and tea and coffee facilities. 9 of the suites are located by the water hole and the remainder with a horizon view, so you will need to select which best suits you on Buffelsdrift’s website.

Within the lodge you can also experience elephants, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and over 200 bird species. Your bush safari is offered on an open top game vehicle, which is available to both residents and day visitors at various times during each day, so have your camera ready! Your highly trained game ranger/driver will fill you in on details about the reserve and stop at various points along the drive to provide information on what you see as well as answer any questions you may have. 

I was very happy to see the rhino, elephant and an array of birdlife during my 2 hour long drive and the view from high up on the reserve is something not to be missed. 

The restaurant is also located next to the water hole and provides a wide selection of meat and vegetarian dishes and selection of locally produced wines. I recommend the ostrich fillet washed down with a nice glass of red.

Take a look at Buffelsdrift’s page on Found Travel and make a booking now for an unforgettable experience in the Klein Karoo!

By Paul Paley at Found Travel

Waterkloof-Guest-House-Swellendam

Waterkloof Guest House is located approximately 32kms from the small town of Swellendam, near to the N2’s Garden Route. It offers the chance to experience life on a working ostrich farm. If you’re lucky, as I was, owner and farmer Hannes will show you how he farms ostrich. You can help collect eggs and see chicks hatch, which is a must, especially for children. We watched around 10 chicks punch through their hard egg-shells before being assisted, by Hannes, to see the outside world for the first time.

The farm has been in the family for seven generations and provides very comfortable country style 4 star accommodation, literally in the middle of nowhere. Four rooms offer different styles all with en-suite, tea trays and private entrances.

No bright lights invade the night sky, allowing a stunning display of stars and with the help of the free Wi-Fi, I was able to use my Ipad for pinpointing various stars and planets from the garden.

The daytime view is also spectacular, especially in springtime, with vast fields of flowers providing a picture perfect setting. Ostrich can be seen moving through the fields and then silhouetted against the setting sun, which is a perfect opportunity for budding photographers.

On those hot summer days the pool allows you to cool off and Hanne’s wife Christine cooks the most amazing home cooked cuisine, which is served by the pool on hot summer days. We had, you guessed it, ostrich and merino lamb for main, stunning!

On cooler days both breakfast and dinner is served in the main house, which contains various family heirlooms. You can relax here, with a glass of wine and meet other guests in the communal lounge.

Ostrich leather goods such as bags, purses and wallets are available for purchase on the farm, in various styles 

and colours.

See Waterkloof Guest House, Swellendam on Found’s website.  

A link is provided to their own website for bookings and to Tripadvisor for comments.


by Paul Paley - Found Travel

Olive-Garden-Country-Lodge–Robertson

Cold Play live from Rio bellowed from the car as I made my way onto the N1 from Cape Town. The sunroof was open and I was feeling good to be heading out of the city bound for Robertson. As I entered the Klein Karoo, as if timed to perfection, Cold Play finished and Buddha Bar came on, perfect for the remainder of the drive, as I took in the scenery. 

Olive Garden is 9km from Robertson and boasts 5 luxury cottages, two suites, a pool and a welcome like no other. Not only are you greeted by a warm reception from the owners but a welcome of pure beauty as your eyes pan around the rolling hills. Once I was shown to my suite, I immediately sat on the patio, in the evening sun, to soak up the sounds of the countryside. No music, just the sounds of a variety of birds and a gentle breeze. 

They time it well at Olive Garden, as the sun disappeared behind a mountain, I came back into the suite to a knock at the door. A welcome drink, snacks and of course, you guessed it, olives. So while munching on the olives I decided to start this article, I couldn’t feel more relaxed. Olive garden grows amazing olives and sells olive oil in beautifully designed packaging.

My suite was very well designed with a bamboo ceiling, a large double bed, sofa, patio area with comfortable seating, flat screen TV (although I won’t be using it) and as if that wasn’t enough to be getting on with, a stunning shower and Jacuzzi bath! I also had my eye on the fireplace, which was already set, all I had to do was light it, which I planned to do after dinner. 

Dinner is a must at the on-site restaurant and it’s in walking distance from all the cottages. Chef and sommelier, Fernand Van Wassenhove, prepares dinner, which can be washed down with a variety of red and white wines. He only uses freshly picked herbs, vegetables and fruit, which are organically grown and will certainly get your taste buds going. 

After the perfect dinner and great night sleep, I woke up, showered and had a full breakfast offered by the owner Gina. The birds were out in force and the setting was truly magical. 

Olive Garden not only has great accommodation and good food, but also provides walking trails from the site. You can do a great many things in the area including horse riding, river rafting and taste the famous Robertson wines at local vineyards. 

Contact Olive Garden through Found Travel and book early! 

Marataba–Waterberg-South Africa

Marataba Safari Company is around 3½ hours drive from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport or for those who wish to fly-in, this can be arranged by prior arrangement. Marataba offers spectacular panoramic scenery and a haven in which to see the Big 5. 15 Tented suites offer air con, the finest cotton sheets and an artistically designed African stone finish. 

We opted to drive from the airport, with the feeling of wilderness becoming ever more evident the closer you get to the lodge. Animals such as warthog and springbok are visible as you drive along the final dirt road to the gate. A relaxation area is available at the gate, where you have a chance to cool off with a drink and complete the registration form, before continuing the last 20 minute drive within the concession. 

On arrival you are welcomed by the staff and shown to your tented suite. Try and arrive lunchtime, so you can experience a game drive that day, unfortunately we were a little late, but I was not complaining as it was a chance to chill out on our own bush deck, taking in the beautiful Waterberg Mountain range. 

During the early evening, we joined other guests as they arrived from their experience for drinks around a fire, listening to what they had seen. Marataba operates in the heart of the Bushveld, offering a chance to see the big 5 and most of the large mammals synonymous with the African Bush including, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah and buffalo. Warthog can often be seen within the camp grounds, regularly mowing the grass by the pool, but don’t worry, they are quite safe and run away as soon as you approach them. 

Talking of warthog, this appeared on the menu for dinner that evening and after initially turning my nose up, to something I had never experienced before, I was pleasantly surprised. It was like a fillet steak but with a little more organic flavour, very appetising indeed and cooked to perfection. 

As you would expect from a top 5 star game lodge, all your drives, meals and soft drinks are included in your rate and the meals really are something to look forward to. Always amazes me to experience fine dining in the middle of the bush, something you never forget.  

The morning game drive times will differ, depending on the time of year that you go, but for us in early spring, it was very cool so make sure you are fully prepared. Our morning drive gave us the opportunity of seeing plenty of Zebra, rhino and one of my favourites, giraffe. 

After a tasty lunch, facing the Waterberg mountain range, you have the chance of relaxing in the sun, swimming in the pool and reading a book from the selection in the library, before your next drive. 

During the afternoon drive the guide heard a roar and said it’s a leopard. So we strategically made our way over to where the noise came from and then it was up to him to find the leopard, as the roar had stopped. I was a little nervous when he got out the vehicle to inspect footprints, I had visions of me prizing open the jaws of the leopard from the guide, fortunately the hunt continued in the safety of the vehicle, as we continued, so no heroism was required. Suddenly the leopard appeared, marking his territory as though we were thin air and not seen, amazing. We followed the leopard slowly for a good 20 minutes as he marked many trees before disappearing in the thick bush. Quite an experience, certainly one to brag about over dinner. 

Even though guests just sit in the safari vehicle and do little else, it’s amazing how tired you feel. If I mentioned what they do in your suite to help you unwind, that would spoil it, so you’ll just have to find out for yourself. 

My recommendation is at least two nights at Marataba, 3 if you can afford the time. Our 2 nights just didn’t seem enough and I was ready for more. 

To make an enquiry you will find a link through to Marataba, from their page within Found Portfolio, or call 044 501 1111, email res@hunterhotels.com

Found Travel Portfolio - Marataba  

Milkwood Bay-Knysna

Knysna is a natural heaven of thriving, indigenous forests, gentle lakes and golden beaches. This small town nestles on the banks of a breathtakingly pretty lagoon, now a protected marine reserve that is home to the extraordinary sea horse and over 200 species of fish. 

Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide a continuous opportunity for leisure and outdoor exploration. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafés beckon with charm and hospitality.

When you arrive you feel the sense of calm and beauty and realise why Knysna is one of the most visited small towns in South Africa.

I spent a night at Milkwood-Knysna situated on the Knysna Heads, which offers paramount views of the lagoon. Milkwood Bay is part of a trio of properties, which lie on the same estate and include Under Milkwood and Sonomara.
The staff greeted me with warm smiles and presented me with a welcome drink.


It was winter so the fire was crackling and there was no rush to venture to my room, so I sat in the communal lounge, admiring the truly amazing views.

Milkwood Bay offers various rooms individually decorated to provide comfort and style.
The under floor heating is provided in every room, which penetrated through the carpet of Ivory Bay, to provide such a cosy feel. Floor to ceiling glass offered me a truly breathtaking view from every angle, including the large bed, which faces the lagoon. En suite bathrooms are tiled with marble and TV, satellite and telephones are all included.

The breakfast was a feast, which certainly prepares you for any adventures you have planned in Knysna. You have a choice of how you want your eggs and if you simply require something small, it will be provided. Should you just want to take it easy after breakfast, relaxation by the pool is a perfect spot.

The resorts Under Milkwood accommodation are timber log cabins, which remind me of havens in the French Alps. Places where you stop for a break from skiing to relax and drink gluvine. They are all very well designed on the shores of the lagoon situated amongst the Milkwood trees.


Each chalet has two bedrooms, a twin and a double room, a fully equipped kitchen with all the modern conveniences such as microwave, fridge/freezer, stove, TV and Le Creuset cookware. Each chalet has its own sundeck and BBQ facilities, and is serviced daily.




Sonomara is a Self-Contained, Self Catering Villa which offers the discerning guest a combination of comfortable spacious living and breathtaking views over the scenic Knysna lagoon. There are a total of 5 spacious bedrooms. Three rooms offer indoor - outdoor flow, to either private balconies or garden access. Two master bedroom's situated on the 1st and ground floors offer en suite bathrooms.

The remaining bedrooms are furnished with three single, two single and one double bed respectively.

Whatever you decide to do in and around Knysna, from the veritable Garden of Eden, which is home to the only forest elephant in South Africa, the rare Pansy Shell, to viewing a plethora of waterfowl and forest birds, dolphins and visiting whales, Milkwood Resort will offer you a truly unforgettable experience.

By Paul Paley

For enquiries and reservations Milkwood within Found Travel Portfolio