Gondwana Game Reserve will launch a Fynbos Conservation Experience along the Garden Route this month.
Guests will have the chance to learn about the conservation of the rare and endangered Fynbos biome, in the two- to three-hour experience, which is offered between morning and evening game drives.
The experience will include a guided nature walk led by the reserve’s resident botanist, with participants assisting experts in the research they conduct in the different monitoring zones of the reserve, learning identification, monitoring parameters and geo-mapping of the thousands of Fynbos plant species found throughout. They will also see some of the plant life that blooms throughout the year, including the famous King Protea and many endemic species of birds, insects and antelope.
There are over 1 000 plant species, 118 bird species, 29 mammal species, and 21 amphibian species coexisting in the 11 000-hectare reserve.
Gondwana owner, Wendy Rutherfoord, comments: “This new experience is a complete natural progression for Gondwana. The growing popularity of our Eco Camp Conservation programme has confirmed that guests love getting a behind-the-scenes view of the conservation efforts on the Reserve. We have been inspired since day one by the Fynbos found on the Reserve; its beauty, diversity and rarity are astounding, but we needed the right individuals with the expertise and passion to help us get more of a handle on it scientifically to not only better protect it but also to better share it with our guests. By making our Fynbos conservation part of our tourism offering, it enriches our guests’ safari and makes its conservation more sustainable – a win-win.”
The activity will commence in time for ‘green season’, when Fynbos is in full bloom. Slightly cooler days are ideal for outdoor activities like easy walks, hiking or mountain biking.
From July onwards, guests will be able to witness the arrival of the migratory Southern Right Whales along the coastline of the nearby town of Mossel Bay – a 30-minute drive from Gondwana. And for golfing enthusiasts, seven championship golf courses are near the reserve.
