Situated on the world renowned Route 62 between Montagu and Barrydale, Western Cape, South Africa, and near to iconic Cape Town, the 2014 nominated Design Capital of the World

Welcome to the malaria-free Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town to the heart of the Little Karoo, along the Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route.

At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boasts 58, 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, plus a unique boat safari.

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.

Please note that Sanbona is a private reserve and booking in advance is essential.

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.

Gondwana Famaily 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.

Dwyka Tented Lodge

Embraced by striking rock formations, Dwyka Tented Lodge epitomises an atmosphere of seclusion. Nine luxury tents, with private decks and heated Jacuzzis, are set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine. The lodge stands proudly 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.

SANBONA EXPLORER CAMP

A guided walking experience exploring the bush.

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.

Regretfully, no persons younger than 16 years are able to participate in the wilderness trail walks. Restrictions apply to persons over 60 years, please contact us for the criteria.

Activities at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

• Game drives can last over 3 hours each and are conducted twice a day in open vehicles

• Nature walks

• Bird watching

• Star gazing

• Rock art viewing

• Each lodge has its own Relaxation Retreat where various treatments can be enjoyed

Note: Walks, bird watching and rock art viewing will be combined with game drives. These activities must be mentioned when reserving accommodation and can be discussed with the ranger upon arrival.