Due to open in mid-2008, Gondwana Game Reserve has commenced with the initial release of approximately 1 000 head of game onto the 7 200ha reserve located in the Garden Route of the Western Cape, 15km west of Mossel Bay.

The 58km perimeter game fence has already been completed, and the first phase of species introduced includes Springbok, Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok as well as breeding herds of Kudu and the rare and endangered Cape Mountain Zebra.

This species is truly indigenous to this area, as their smaller hooves make them more suitable to the mountainous terrain.

In addition, there are over 100 naturally occurring Grey Rheebok on the reserve which have flourished since the wildlife rehabilitation programmes were initiated.

Cape Buffalo and rhinoceros will be introduced in early 2007, followed by the rest of the Big Five before opening.

Hospitality developers Red Carpet Leisure and partners Mark and Wendy Rutherford envisage Gondwana to be the first truly authentic Big Five safari destination in the Garden Route based on the size and carrying capacity of the reserve allowing for free ranging predators.

Gondwana's location against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains has a remote feel yet is easily accessible to the Garden Route's beaches and golf courses and is only 3.5 hours from Cape Town.

The terrain consists of open grassland, undulating valleys and indigenous Fynbos not found anywhere else in the world.

A variety of flowers bloom throughout the year creating a continuously varying and striking landscape, attracting many endemic species such as the Cape sugar bird and the orange breasted sunbird.

Most of the butterfly species found in the Western Cape are highly specific to the Fynbos vegetation and the insects associated with it (the myrmecophilous relationship "love of ants").

They are under severe threat due to habit loss, however will indirectly benefit from Gondwana's holistic veld management.

The first lodge at Gondwana will be called Fynbos Camp and is expected to open in 2008.

Luxury accommodation will consist of 25 superior rooms and 10 deluxe suites overlooking two waterholes and across a valley onto the Outeniqua Mountains.

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