Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is recognised as one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned nature reserves. It stretches across 62 000 hectares of the wide, open plains of the Klein Karoo and is situated close to the town of Montagu. Known as the Western-Cape’s premier wildlife destination, Sanbona is the ideal safari getaway close to Cape Town, a scenic three hour’ drive via Worcester and Robertson along Route 62.
Offering an authentic safari experience in a malaria-free area, Sanbona presents the choice of three different lodges and camps, which are individually operated to offer a variety of wilderness experiences. These range from romantic breakaways for couples, a tranquil Karoo retreat manor style house and to a family-friendly lodge with specialized children’s activities.

Each of the Sanbona lodges offer delicious and wholesome farm-style Karoo cuisine, comfortable lounge and relaxation areas, and pool decks with swimming pools. Spa treatments are available at each lodge with the Relaxation Retreat menu presenting a range of body therapies and skin treatments for a serene ending to an action-packed day on safari.

Dwyka Tented Lodge:
Embraced by striking rock formations, Dwyka Tented Lodge is set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine framed by the beautifully weathered landscape. The secluded tented lodge boasts stylish, modern interiors and spacious lounge and dining areas, which includes a boma for romantic dinners under the stars. Each of the nine luxury tents has its own private deck and heated plunge pools to epitomise the romance of a pioneering wilderness adventure. Dwyka is the perfect honeymoon or anniversary destination, guaranteed to leave couples with precious memories for years to come.

Tilney Manor:
Breath-taking views of the undulating mountains and landscape embrace the historical Tilney Manor. A refuge of peace and tranquility, 12 guests only are accommodated in six spacious open-plan suites, each with a private veranda. The elegant lodge is the ideal destination for longer stays and is a popular wellness safari destination. Here guests may explore the rich history of this ancient land, relax in luxurious lounges or soak up the sun next to the rim-flow pool, before indulging in spa treatments at the Relaxation Retreat and steam room.

Gondwana Family Lodge:
Offering a family-safari in style, Gondwana Family Lodge has 12 suites where children of all ages are welcome. Facilities include a kids’ TV lounge, indoor and outdoor play areas and a child-friendly swimming pool. With mountain views the spacious thatched lodge overlooks the dam and is ideal for groups of friends and families travelling together. Inter-leading rooms are available and all suites come with a comfortable sleeper couch to accommodate a child.

The Sanbona Eco-Explorers programme at Gondwana offers interesting educational and thrilling recreational wildlife experiences for the young ones. Welcome Packs include the Sanbona Activity Book filled with educational and interactive activities to teach children in a fun way about the wildlife in the reserve. Children four years and older are welcome on game drives with their parents, while the Interpretive trail takes children of all ages through the gardens to learn about important plants and animals on the reserve. Other activities include arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, entertaining and educational children’s books, and documentary DVD’s on various conservation topics and animals. Babysitting service are available, as well as entertaining animated movies to keep children occupied while parents enjoy some quality time together.

Sanbona is a sanctuary for indigenous flora and fauna, including the Big 5, but it is the vastness of the landscape and the alluring isolation amid the raw beauty and boundless plains which sets it apart. Under the stewardship of non-profit conservation organisation the Sanbona Nature and Wilderness Reserve NPC, Sanbona is a pioneer of conservation, reserve development and eco-tourism. Sustainability and responsible utilisation are the cornerstones of all lodge operations.