Sample Relaxing Rascals

LOCATION sets Mosaic apart from all others, with Walker Bay next door. From Lagoon Lodge, hop onto an open 4x4 vehicle and discover fynbos, birds and the pristine Walker Bay Beach and Nature Reserve and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the ocean. Canapes and beverages are enjoyed while watching for sights of fascinating marine life.

Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the shelter of Walker Bay to court, mate and calf. Whales can be viewed from the top of sand dunes while sipping a favorite drink. September through November is the height of whale season.

Guided quad-bike tours will take you exploring through fynbos clad hills, lagoon wetlands and spotting fantastic birds. Ride along the edge of the lagoon or up to high points on Mosaic with 360-degree views of the ocean, lagoon, and mountains. Mosaic's professional guides make the intricacies of creation come alive.

Board the "Lady Stanford" from the shores of Stanford on the Kleinr River for an excursion among water birds and the towering Overberg Mountains. Drinks and snacks are enjoyed while cruising.

Glide in a kayak on the lagoon to encounter the stunning blue cranes and water birds in the natural wetland at Mosaic, which is a proclaimed bird sanctuary. Or kayak to the mouth of the lagoon to the beautiful white sand of Grotto Beach.

Mosaic is a place to focus on wellness of mind, body and soul, so we can live our lives to the fullest and savor all that is good. It is a place to be surrounded by awe inspiring creation; discover nature; breath fresh air; engage in healthy activities; strengthen ourselves with healthy food; and be rejuvenated at the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa.

We exclusively use high quality, natural spa products from African origins. They are packed with botanical extracts, antioxidants and omega oils that nourish our skin and stimulate our sense of smell. Facials are done with the premium Elemis products and the Elemis BIOTEC machine for the smoothest skin results.

Spa treatments can be indoors our outdoors under a private lush canopy of milkwood leaves overlooking the lagoon, where you can also enjoy a hot invigorating outdoor shower. Soft music and sounds of birds ease you into relaxation as our excellent therapist pampers you. Indulge in the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa experience where you will be nurtured into a wellness state of mind.

The Cape Floral Kingdom is a true wonder of the world, having the richest density of plant species on earth ∙ 8,600 with almost 6,000 occurring nowhere else on earth. Fynbos, Afrikaans for “fine bush”, is the unique type of vegetation that formed millions of years ago from ashes of drought-stressed forests. You will be guided along the lagoon edge and wetlands to discover intricate plant-animal relationships and the importance of conserving this unique floral kingdom.

Whether bird watching from a private deck or on a guided walk or quad bike trip, the birds at Mosaic delight enthusiasts. Over 140 bird species are home to Mosaic. Water birds along the shoreline are as numerous as the species that are found on fynbos covered limestone ridges. Blue cranes nest in the bird sanctuary at Lagoon Lodge, flamingos traverse the lagoon is mass, pied kingfishers can be watched hunting for food and owls are spotted day and night. Check out our full list of birds.

Just down the coast from Mosaic lies one of the most important archeological heritage sites in the Western Cape, Klipgat Cave. This cave system was formed millions of years ago and it is believed was occupied by humans up to 70,000 years ago. The KhoiKhoi people occupied this cave system and lived on shellfish and animals in the area at that time. The cave can be toured and an 8 km beach walk can be enjoyed along with sundowners on the beach and 4x4 trip back to Mosaic.

Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the southern tip of Africa to court, mate and calf. Walker Bay is the best place in the world to view these enormous mammals. This trip takes you by boat in search of the Marine Big 5: Whales, Great White Shark, African penguin, Cape Fur Seal, and dolphin.

Learn about the circle of marine life on this boat trip, that takes you to Shark Alley, between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. Great Whites are viewed from the boat and in a secure cage just under the surface of the water. The experience of being eye-to-eye with these large creatures is simply thrilling!

Flying over Walker Bay gives you one of the world’s most spectacular views of mountains, white sand beaches, dunes and marine life. From the air, you can comprehend the massive size of the Southern Right Whales and hopefully catch a glimpse of a calf learning to lob-tail or breach. Awesome scenic flights are available through out the year.

Our guided or self-guided walks take you on trails through the beautiful indigenous fynbos flora. On the one side of our 600ha property we have awesome views of the Indian Ocean that can surprise you with whales, dolphins or seals. Its pristine golden sandy beaches stretch out to the distance.

On the rest of the farm looks over the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains and borders the Swartvlei Wilderness Wetland area. You’ll have a good chance to see some of the general game that roam freely: eland, zebra, bushbuck or waterbuck

Book a 4×4 Fynbos Nature Drive with our experienced guides. You climb onto a 4×4 game-viewing vehicle and enjoy a drive through the 600ha fynbos property. Our guides love to share their knowledge of the beautiful indigenous fynbos vegetation with all its medicinal, aromatic and herbal qualities. In the verdant Garden Route, the fynbos grows in abundance all around us. Fynbos is a distinctive part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest but most abundant and diverse Floral Kingdoms in the world.

Book a tandem paragliding flight to take off at the well-known Gerickes Point Lookout close to the lodge. This has 120m high cliffs going down to the magnificent beaches of the Indian Ocean. You’ll glide with an experienced pilot on the thermals to give you 360 degree views of the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains, Swartvlei Wetland Area and surrounds.

See as far as Mossel Bay in the west and Buffalo Bay to the east. Look for whales, seals and dolphins in the ocean as well as birds of prey in the skies around you.

Adrenaline boosting, exhilarating and exciting and on the doorstep of Fynbos on Sea!

Visit the protea farm on our estate for an insight into how proteas grow and get farmed commercially.

We recommend adding our Sundowner experience to our 4×4 nature drive. stop at the magnificent Gerickes Point view point for some snacks and drinks. Try to spot Southern White and Humpback whales in season (July to November). Or seals and dolphins in the summer months.

Traverse the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open Landcruisers. During the drive, be it in the early morning or for sundowners, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen.

Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karoo.

Discover the spirit of the Little Karoo on foot and see the many treasures on the Reserve.

An optional walk with the guidance of a ranger can be arranged to cater for individual needs. From gentle strolls, taking in the breath-taking beauty of the indigenous fauna and flora, to challenging trails discovering isolated vistas, reveal the beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Be it a gentle walk, or challenging trail to a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its invigorating bliss and then returning to your lodge for a scrumptious meal, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has all of this and much more to offer.

At our Relaxation Retreats, Mother Nature is brought indoors for indulgent pampering. Our body range draws on properties from the world famous indigenous “Fynbos” plant kingdom, eliminating toxins, soothing the soul and rejuvenating the body.

The Relaxation Retreats at Sanbona overlook ancient rock formations and undulating mountains and plains. While the rejuvenating forces of nature cradle you, we deliver a range of world-class treatments and holistic modalities to balance and energise your being. Step into the privacy of our tranquil retreats – let the gentle atmosphere envelop and embrace your body, mind and soul ...

Upon arrival at Sanbona, kids can expect to have the time of their life through our Eco-Explorers packages. With exciting activities planned, interactive welcome packs and even child minding services on request, mom and dad won’t have to worry about a thing.

Outdoor Activities for Children

While kids under 4 years old are not permitted on game drives, there are a host of exciting adventures that await your little ones and mom and dad too, such as:

Interpretive trail – This takes your kids through the garden of Gondwana, to learn about animals on the reserve as well as their tracks, important plants, and more.
Sanbona Activity Book – An educational, fun and interactive book, teaching children about the wildlife at Sanbona while also encouraging them to get involved with everyone as they often require the ranger’s assistance to answer some of the questions.

Indoor Activities for Children

Should the weather not be in our favour, it doesn’t matter because Gondwana Family Lodge is prepared to accommodate the unpredictable Western Cape climate through:

Arts and crafts
Puzzles of varying sizes and difficulties covering a broad age range
Documentary DVD’s on various conservation topics and animals as well as animated movies
Entertaining and educational children’s books
A selection of fun board games

With the absence of artificial light, the stargazing at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is phenomenal and amongst the best in Southern Africa.

Interpretations about the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere are given by knowledgeable guides. Romantic stories of gods and goddesses banished to the heavens are woven into astronomical facts and unfolds before one’s eyes. Discover the ancient myths of the stories told by the San about their visions of the stars.

How better to end a blissful day at Sanbona but to sit reflecting under the star studded-canopy of African skies, the vastness of infinite galaxies stretching before one.

The San people of Africa roamed the area for thousands of years until 100 years ago.
The /Xam tribe, the nomadic hunter-gatherers living in harmony with nature realised then that man and nature together is sustainable.

There are 7 recorded sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, however many more can be found. Rock art sites date back to more than 3500 years and depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. During their travels, members of the group would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions and guidance. This medicine man or woman would ensure the well being of the tribe, protecting them from evil and sickness, predicting the future and ensuring good hunting and rains. Certain animals such as the Praying Mantis and the Eland were honoured and revered and were considered to have great spiritual powers.

The only evidence that remains of these little people is the delicate rock art found on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, their indelible footprints left of their presence in this vast landscape for generations to come.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has about 600 species of plants and it is intriguing to know that various species are flowering at different times throughout the year, although some more prolific between August and September.

Approximately half of the reserve used to be livestock and agricultural farms and all aspects of farming are systematically being removed. There are various floral kingdoms that make up the Reserve. These include Acacia Thickets, Nama, Karoo, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo and Central Mountain Fynbos. Succulents are especially varied and fascinating with names like Baby’s Bottoms, Ostrich Toes and Pig’s Ears.

Animals that roamed the area freely living amongst the San but were eradicated are being reintroduced. The Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros as well as various other species such as Gemsbok, Springbok, Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Black Wildebeest and Zebra will be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Ant bear, Brown Hyena, Grey Rhebuck, Steenbuck, Klipspringer, Grysbok and Common Duiker continue to thrive.