Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - Considered the Western Capes Premier Wildlife Destination!
The malaria-free Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is around a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town in the heart of the Little Karoo, along Route 62 the worlds longest wine route.
At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boasts 54,000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, wide-open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3,500 years.
More than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it is the vastness of the landscape, the alluring stillness and isolation amid raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique.
Sanbona is also an ongoing conservation project that aims to restore the ecological balance in a landscape formed during cataclysmic times 350 million years ago. As part of our conservation efforts, we have reintroduced animals that once roamed the area freely, but were eradicated due to farming. The Big 5 and various other species such as the rare riverine rabbit,jackal, caracal, aardvark, brown hyena, gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, eland, kudu and zebra can now all be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Accommodation at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve:
Dwyka Tented Lodge Secluded Luxury. Embraced by striking rock formations, Dwyka Tented Lodge epitomises an atmosphere of seclusion. Nine luxury tents, with private decks and heated jacuzzi`s are set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine. The lodge stands proud upon the beautifully weathered landscape reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Khoisan hunter-gatherers who once roamed this land. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul at the Relaxation Retreat, which offers an extensive menu of treatments and therapies. Dine alfresco in the boma or unwind in the communal lounge.
Tilney Manor Tranquility amidst a secluded oasis. Breath-taking views of the undulating mountains and landscape embrace the historical Tilney Manor in a refuge of peace and tranquility. The Manor offers six spacious open-plan suites leading on to private verandas. Guest experiences include authentic Karoo cuisine, luxurious lounges and a rim flow pool. Indulge your senses at the Relaxation Retreat that boasts a steam room and sauna while witnessing a pure African spectacle a Karoo sunset.
Gondwana Family Lodge The ideal setting for a family getaway. With views of the magnificent Anysberg Mountains and overlooking the Bellair Dam, Gondwana Lodge is the perfect sanctuary for family, friends and groups. This spacious thatched lodge offers guests a sense of modern comfort with a touch of bush authenticity. Interconnecting rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas and a child-friendly pool cater for guests of all ages plus the Kids on Safari programme offers educational and recreational wildlife experiences. A Relaxation Retreat with an extensive menu of therapies and treatments, including a steam room offers a serene ending to a fun-filled day.
Rates are inclusive of three meals per day, two game drives per day, bush walks, game drive beverages and non-alcoholic beverages, VAT and tourism levy.
Activities:
Take it all in when you visit Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. We encourage our guests to jump at the opportunity to discover everything the Little Karoo has to offer in terms of fauna, flora and majestic landscapes.
You will traverse this wild landscape with a qualified ranger in a comfortable open land cruiser. During the drive, either in the early morning or at sunset, numerous species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen.
The entire reserve offers an array of nature walks, hiking and wilderness trails for you to explore. Well-informed and experienced rangers can indicate points of interest while divulging important and interesting information about the area.
One of the great wonders to experience at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the night sky. Free from light and city pollution, the Klein Karoo offers some of the finest stargazing in Southern Africa and is an ideal activity for all guests to enjoy.
Clothing and Accessories:
Clothing in neutral colours that is light in weight, but warm – bright coloured clothing must be avoided as this can deter wildlife.
Health and Climate:
South Africa enjoys a warm climate year-round. For the duration of the colder months, (April – September) you can expect temperatures that range from 7 – 22°C. During the warmer months (October – March), temperatures range from 16 – 36°C. Rainfall is generally low and scarce, averaging only 2 or 3 days per month.
Rooms and Units Available:
Dwyka Tented Lodge
Embraced by striking rock formations, a luxury tent epitomises an atmosphere of seclusion with private decks and heated jacuzzis, set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine. Can be set as king or twin.
Amount of similar units: 9
Sleeps 2 Adults
Gondwana Family Lodge
Spacious thatched lodge presents guests with a sense of modern comfort with a touch of bush authenticity. Selected room interconnecting offering a perfect sanctuary for family, friends or groups. Child-friendly lodge.
Amount of similar units: 12
Sleeps 2 Adults
and 1 child
Tilney Manor
Spacious open plan king/twin suite exemplifying the historic and colonial elegance of the manor with private veranda and breathtaking views of the undulating mountains and landscape. A refuge of peace and tranquility.
Amount of similar units: 6
Sleeps 2 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Babies Children under 12 Elderly Honeymoon Couples Airport Shuttle Service Babysitting Service Laundry Service Ironing Service Limited Room Service Special Meals on Request Conference facilities
Wedding facilities Wine Tasting Team Building Bar on the Premises Dining room Restaurant Jacuzzi Sauna Spa Cots available Curio Shop
Fireplace on the Premises Garden Library Internet Access Parking (off-street - open) Tourism Information Desk Wi-Fi Afrikaans English Xhosa / Zulu Communal Television
Communal Satellite TV Games Room Hiking / Walking Trails Playground Swimming Pool No Pets Allowed Nature Hiking Birdwatching Safaries
Cancellation Policy:
If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total.
Directions:
FROM CAPE TOWN An easy 3 hour drive, approximately 270 kms from Cape Town. On commencement of the journey, travel on the N1 from Cape Town in the direction of Paarl; continuing on the N1 travel through the Huguenot Tunnel. A tollgate controls this tunnel. A tollgate fee is payable at the tunnel.
The first town is Worcester set in the Breede River Valley. Taking the second turnoff to the right into Worcester, you leave the N1 and the Route 62 (R62) is taken. Follow the signs to the town of Robertson. Once through Robertson, the next town is Ashton. Travel on through Krogmanskloof and Montagu. Continue for approximately 43 km and turn left at Die Vlakte and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve sign. Please be advised that the road changes from tar to gravel and the recommended speed limit from there on is 60 km per hour. The main entrance to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is 7 km where guests will be welcomed.
From the main gate, it is a further 45 minutes to Tilney Manor, 65 minutes to Dwyka Tented Lodge and 55 minutes to Gondwana Lodge. Please follow the relevant signs in the reserve. The recommended speed limit is 40 km per hour. Do not exit your vehicle. Predators roam free.
The main gate closes at 18h00, should your arrival time be later, please advice prior to arrival in order to make arrangements. A daily transfer from the main gate to your lodge is available on request, and must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Arriving guests Pick-up from main gate at 12h30 - arrive at Tilney 13h15, at Gondwana 13h25, at Dwyka 13h35 Pick-up from main gate at 16h00 - arrive at Tilney 16h45, at Gondwana 16h55, at Dwyka 17h05 (these guests will not be able to join the afternoon game drive)
Departing guests Pick-up from Dwyka Tented Lodge at 11h00, Gondwana Lodge at 11h20, Tilney Manor at 11h35 - arrive at the main gate 12h15 PLEASE NOTE: All times are estimated and subject to road conditions and vehicle types.
BY AIR Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is equipped with a private landing strip near the Bellair Dam. Air charters can be arranged with registered charter companies or private aircraft with overnight guests are welcome. Prior arrangements must be made with Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Management
