Eight Bells Mountain Inn - Gondwana Game Reserve

Eight Bells Mountain Inn is a hotel near Gondwana Game Reserve. 4-star rated.

Location
Gondwana Game Reserve, Western Cape & Garden Route, South Africa, Southern Africa
Type
hotel
Coordinates
-33.936190, 22.037806
Elevation
346m
Phone
+27446310000
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://eightbells.co.za/
Activities
Spa
Amenities
Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Library, Fitness

PlnrScore: 46/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

3877 species observed within 20 km, 88 mammals, 261 birds.

  • Onecolour Heath (Plantae, 302 observations)
  • Oleander-leaf Protea (Plantae, 204 observations)
  • Common Pagoda (Plantae, 158 observations)
  • Outeniqua Porcelainflower (Plantae, 154 observations)
  • Common Sunshine Conebush (Plantae, 140 observations)
  • black wattle (Plantae, 139 observations)
  • Garden Route Delta Conebush (Plantae, 115 observations)
  • Strawberry Sewejaartjie (Plantae, 114 observations)
  • Poison Starapple (Plantae, 113 observations)
  • King Protea (Plantae, 111 observations)

Best Time to Visit Eight Bells Mountain Inn

The best months to visit Eight Bells Mountain Inn are January, February, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 20.43°C, rainfall 49.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 73.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 20.45°C, rainfall 34.7mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 70.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 19.28°C, rainfall 60.6mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 16.52°C, rainfall 42.3mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 71.7%
  • May: Good, temperature 15°C, rainfall 51.6mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 69.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 14.07°C, rainfall 46.6mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 63.8%
  • July: Good, temperature 12.04°C, rainfall 33.7mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 64%
  • August: Good, temperature 12.46°C, rainfall 32.9mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 64.3%
  • September: Good, temperature 13.61°C, rainfall 38.9mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 67.9%
  • October: Good, temperature 15.83°C, rainfall 82.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 72.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 17.49°C, rainfall 43.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 68.5%
  • December: Good, temperature 18.76°C, rainfall 68.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 72.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

We're considering Eight Bells Mountain Inn for a relaxing break after a busy safari. What's the spa experience like, and is it worth booking treatments in advance?

We absolutely love the spa at Eight Bells. It's a tranquil haven, perfect for unwinding. We highly recommend booking your treatments ahead of time, especially during peak season, to ensure you get your preferred slots. The massages are particularly rejuvenating after days spent exploring.

We're planning a trip to the Garden Route and Gondwana Game Reserve. How does staying at Eight Bells Mountain Inn compare to staying directly within the reserve?

Eight Bells offers a different, yet equally rewarding, experience. While it's not inside Gondwana itself, it provides a luxurious and comfortable base with easy access. We find the lodge feels timeless and offers a wonderful sense of peace, with the added benefit of excellent spa facilities you might not find at all in-reserve lodges.

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see on a day trip to Gondwana Game Reserve when staying at Eight Bells?

Gondwana is home to the Big Five, and on a good day trip from Eight Bells, we've seen lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. While sightings are never guaranteed, the reserve is well managed for game viewing. We recommend dedicating a full day to your visit to maximize your chances and truly soak in the diverse fauna.

We're traveling in the shoulder season. Is Eight Bells Mountain Inn still a good choice, and what's the weather typically like for exploring Gondwana?

We think the shoulder seasons are fantastic for visiting Eight Bells. You'll often find fewer crowds and potentially better rates. The weather is usually pleasant, with mild temperatures perfect for game drives in Gondwana. Just pack layers, as mornings and evenings can be a bit cooler, especially with the mountain air.

Beyond game drives, what else is there to do around Eight Bells Mountain Inn, and is it a safe area for independent exploration?

Eight Bells is situated in a beautiful, safe area. We love taking leisurely walks around the property and enjoying the stunning mountain views. For more adventurous exploration, the surrounding countryside offers scenic drives and charming local towns to discover. The lodge staff are always happy to provide recommendations for safe and enjoyable excursions.

Other Safari Lodges in Gondwana Game Reserve

Parks in Western Cape & Garden Route

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa