Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Where wilderness meets luxury in the heart of the Karoo.South Africa
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is one of the Western Cape’s premier private game reserves, located along the scenic Route 62 in the Little Karoo, just over three hours from Cape Town. Spanning more than 58,000 hectares, it offers a vast, untouched wilderness where the Big Five roam freely across rugged mountains, wide plains, and ancient riverbeds. As a malaria-free destination, it’s ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers seeking an authentic safari without the health hassle. Sanbona also sets itself apart with a strong focus on conservation and eco-tourism, preserving rare wildlife and the fragile fynbos ecosystem that surrounds it.
Beyond traditional game drives, guests can explore the reserve through guided bush walks, stargazing under pitch-black skies, and visits to centuries-old San rock art sites. Luxurious lodges and tented camps are thoughtfully spaced across the reserve, offering both seclusion and comfort, with panoramic views and fine dining included. Whether you’re tracking lions at sunrise, sipping wine on a deck overlooking the plains, or learning about indigenous plants with expert guides, Sanbona blends wild adventure with serene relaxation in one of South Africa’s most breathtaking and off-the-radar safari regions.
- Dwyka Tented Lodge:– Romantic and secluded luxury tents set in a dry Karoo ravine, perfect for couples seeking privacy and wilderness views.
- Gondwana Family Lodge:– A family‑friendly thatched lodge overlooking dam and mountains, blending modern comfort with bush‑style adventure.
- Tilney Manor:- Elegant Cape Georgian‑style manor offering tranquil, classic safari charm with sweeping views of the surrounding plains.
- 9 luxury tents, each with a private deck, heated plunge pool, and en-suite bathroom. Romantic, secluded, and designed for adult guests (no children under 16).
- Thatched family lodge featuring interconnecting rooms, ideal for families or groups. Rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and the setup caters for children of all ages.
- 6 spacious open-plan suites with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas, designed for guests seeking peace, luxury, and views of the Karoo.
1. Dwyka Tented Lodge
- Stylish communal lounge and dining area with indoor dining, expansive wooden decks for al fresco meals, and a boma for traditional dining under the stars.
2.Gondwana Family Lodge
- Relaxed indoor and outdoor dining with views of the dam and mountains, offering family-friendly meals.
3.Tilney Manor
- Refined indoor and outdoor dining with Karoo cuisine, luxurious lounges, and sweeping mountain views.
🎉 Activities
- Nature Drives
- Nature Walks
- Relaxation Retreat
- Stargazing
- Photography
- Rock Art
- Flora and Fauna
- Eco-Explorers
- Bird Watching
🏖 Facilities Across Sanbona Lodges
🔥 Comfort & Climate
- Air conditioning
- Underfloor heating
- Fireplaces in lounges and/or rooms
- Comfort cooling/heating systems
🛁 Bathroom & Private Amenities
- En-suite bathrooms with showers, twin basins, and freestanding baths
- His and hers outdoor showers (Tilney Manor)
- Outdoor showers (Dwyka & Tilney)
🍷 In-Room Features
- Private mini bar
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Electronic safe
- International dial telephone
- Private decks or verandas (some with heated plunge pools)
🍽️ Dining & Social Spaces
- Open-air dining bomas
- Indoor and outdoor dining areas
- Wine cellar (Dwyka)
- Signature heritage lounge (Tilney)
🎁 Additional Facilities
- Gift boutique
- Wi-Fi
- Television with satellite channels (in lounges)
- Exercise room (Tilney)
💆♀️ Wellness
Relaxation Retreats with:
- 2 therapy rooms (Dwyka)
- Steam room (Gondwana)
- Steam room & sauna (Tilney)
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Features (Gondwana Lodge)
- Children’s indoor playroom with TV
- Outdoor play area for children
- Outdoor pool with shallow area
Included in the room Rates
- Accommodation in your chosen lodge
- Two daily nature/game drives with expert guides
- Guided wilderness walks
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- A limited selection of house beers, wines and soft drinks
- On‑drive snacks and beverages
- Internal reserve transfers between the welcome lounge and the lodge
- Tourism levy and VAT
Excluded fron the room rate
- Daily community levy (often charged separately)
- Premium alcoholic beverages (above house selection)
Discretionary gratuities / tips - Personal expenses (spa treatments, boutique purchases, phone calls, etc.)
- Optional extras such as special tours, helicopter flights, private transfers, or external transport
