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Named after 'Gondwanaland' which is the original landmass from which Africa was formed, the setting of Gondwana Game Reserve conjures up images of what this original untouched land may have looked like. It is possible that the Outeniqua Mountains themselves were created during the break up of Gondwanaland and the resultant outpourings of molten lava. Many different plant and animal species existed on Gondwanaland, and although it is believed that none of those continue to exist today, looking at the rich abundance of fauna and flora species found at Gondwana Game Reserve, today's Gondwana returns the origins of Africa to the Western Cape.
The terrain is open grassland, undulating valleys and indigenous Fynbos which will be conserved to remain in its natural state. A section of the land resembles the Ngorogoro Crater and has been dubbed the 'Little Crater', which will no doubt offer excellent game viewing opportunities. 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 habitat loss, however will indirectly benefit from Gondwana's holistic veld management. The Big Five will be introduced before the opening of the first lodge in 2008, and the initial release of approximately 1 000 head of game has commenced.
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