Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: Luxury Safari Lodges & Camp near Cape Town

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:

Sanbona is a vast 58,000 hectare wildlife reserve situated in the heart of the little Karoo 3 hours from Cape Town. The reserve offers an impressive and diverse collection of wildlife, 650 plant and 216 bird species as well as superb guided walking in a big five area, ancient rock art sites and impressive stargazing.
Immerse yourself in a landscape where the wildlife and natural landscape leave you truly captivated and transformed. Take a journey to the Western Cape’s Premier Wildlife Destination, more than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it’s the vastness of the landscape and alluring stillness that makes Sanbona unforgettable.
Explore a wilderness sanctuary in the Western Cape while staying at your choice of three 5 star luxurious lodges or a back-to-nature Explorer Camp adventure, each of which is surrounded by ancient folded mountains and endless vistas.
As well as tracking and viewing the wildlife within the reserve on game drives, on walking safaris as well as boat safaris, the other real attraction is the stark, inspiring scenery for which the Karoo is rightly famous.
The hospitality, meals and facilities at all Sanbona lodges is impeccable.

EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE

We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.

ACTIVITIES:

Game Drives

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. Sanbona boasts an impressive collection of succulents and wildlife, including, elephant, lion, cheetah, buffalo and numerous antelope species, which are all free roaming within this privately owned 58,000 hectare reserve.

Boat Safari

The Sanbona boat safari takes you down the Ballair dam to view the wildlife and the 40 different bird species which call this dam their home.

Birdwatching

There are more than 200 species of bird. There is a very healthy population of raptors to be seen including African Fish Eagles, breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles and regular sightings of Black Harrier.

Rock Art

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 realized then that man and nature together is sustainable.

Nature Walks

There is an array of walks and trails for you to enjoy. Well-informed and experienced rangers can indicate points of interest while divulging important and interesting information about the area.

Stargazing

With the absence of artificial light, the Klein Karoo offers some of the finest stargazing in Southern Africa and is an ideal activity for all guests to enjoy.

Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation

Call: +852 9465 4577

Email: travel@theluxevoyager.com

OVERVIEW

At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo lies the unique safari destination of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Three Luxury Lodges and an adventurous Explorer Camp nestle in 58,000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains and wide-open plains. Take a 3 hour scenic drive from Cape Town to the heart of the Little Karoo, along the Route 62, to an unforgettable, malaria-free private game reserve. Experience a huge diversity of indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3,500 years, plus a unique boat safari and thrilling game drives. Conservation is paramount at Sanbona and every guest contributes to preserving this wilderness for future generations. More than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it’s the vastness of the landscape, the alluring stillness and isolation amid raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique.

Tilney Manor offers privacy, tranquillity & breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains & plains. This historical Manor is a lush oasis within carefully laid out indigenous gardens. The eco-friendly Dwyka Tented Lodge epitomises secluded luxury and is set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine and concealed by striking rock formations. Overlooking the Bellair Dam, and resembling a typical thatched Karoo homestead, Gondwana Lodge is perfect for families. Children of all ages are entertained with the exciting Kids on Safari programme. Explorer Camp offers an authentic walking adventure to explore the Karoo while boasting a true camping experience by sleeping in mobile luxurious tents around a camp-fire. The camp is located within a beautifully shaded thicket in the heart of the reserve.

ROOMS

Explore a wilderness sanctuary in the Western Cape while staying at your choice of three luxurious lodges or a back-to-nature Explorer Camp adventure, each of which is surrounded by ancient folded mountains and endless vistas. Our luxury lodges operate independently, each of which being fully staffed with their own management team, chef brigade, hosts and hostesses and experienced field guides. Weather permitting, dinner arrangements alternate between the in and outdoor facilities. Each option at Sanbona offers a unique and enriching experience under the African sky. For an exciting experience and adventure, choose the luxury lodge that best suits your travelling needs.

Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Room

Tilney Manor

Breath-taking views of the undulating mountains and landscape embrace the historical Tilney Manor in a refuge of peace and tranquillity. 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.

Dwyka Tented Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Room

Dwyka Tented Lodge

Opulent and romantic Dwyka Tented Lodge is embraced by striking rock formations and set in the horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine that is framed by a beautifully weathered landscape. The spacious lounge and dining areas boast stylish, modern interiors, wooden decks that make the most of the glorious setting and a boma for dining under the stars. The accommodation is luxurious and private. Each of the nine luxury tents has an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with a Jacuzzi to epitomises the romance of a pioneering wilderness adventure.

Gondwana Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Room

Gondwana Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Bathroom

Gondwana Family Lodge

With views of the magnificent Anysberg Mountains and overlooking the Bellair Dam, Gondwana Family 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.

This is the ideal family lodge. You can find a child-friendly pool, a play area and even join in the children activities that the reserve is planning. The lodge is spacious enough for a whole family with luxurious rooms and a luxurious bathroom. In the middle of the wilderness, you will find this lodge that is perfect for a family of all ages.

Explorer Camp

This seasonal camp offers adventurous guests an authentic walking experience to explore the Karoo while sleeping in luxury tents and enjoying evenings around a campfire. The camp is located along a beautifully shaded riverbed and qualified guides enhance birding, cultural and natural history experiences with opportunities to encounter the Big 5. The Explorer Camp operates during the summer months (October – April) and each wilderness trail takes two days to complete, with departures each Friday.

The Explorer Camp takes you far away from the lodge. It is a two day experience where you will go deep into the wildlife reserve and you will be accompanied by an experienced ranger. On this 2 day experience you will stay out in the wild in luxury tents that are completely off the grid with no electricity or any customs of everyday life. The explorer camp is an adventure that will give you the opportunity to be one with nature, the wildlife and what surrounds.

DINING

Tea or coffee is served in the lounge first thing to help you wake up for your early morning game drive. A full breakfast follows, including fresh fruits, cereals, and eggs and bacon cooked to order. Lunch is a leisurely buffet of cooked and cold meats, salads, cheeses and, for dessert; cakes, tarts or fruit. Dinner at each lodge is a mouthwatering preparation of local produce – “traditional Karoo with a wild twist” to quote a guest. Menus include the famous Karoo lamb and a chance to try various game meats. If staying for more than 1 night, one dinner will always be an outdoor braai (BBQ) – weather dependent of course!