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Experience world-class service at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is an authentic and contrasting natural space, conveniently located along Route 62, a mere 3.5 hours from Cape Town in the arid Little Karoo. The reserves aims to create balance where critically important ecosystems, endangered wildlife, and flora can prosper. Positioned in a convergence zone of varied biodiversity hotspots of succulent Karoo and fynbos biomes, this 64 000 hectare of big, Karoo sky country offers breath-taking sceneries that will transport you to a place where time stands still and nature takes centre stage. Enjoy an authentic desert-style escape without compromising on any modern-day comforts. Sanbona offers three different luxury accommodation options, each with their own distinctive style and appeal. Dwyka Tented Lodge is opulent, positioned under some nesting Verreaux’s eagles. Tilney Manor was designed in true Cape Georgian style, it is perfect for guests in need of an exclusive Karoo experience. Gondwana Family Lodge is the perfect family retreat complimented with a tailored kids Eco-Explorers programme. Nature drives, walking safaris, rock art and star gazing complete an exciting safari option very close to Cape Town.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Spa and wellness centre
- Room service
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Bar
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Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Racheal
United Kingdom“We had a truly wonderful stay at Sanbona. The staff were so welcoming and went out of their way to make sure we had a special time. The room in Tilney Manor was very luxurious and the food was very good. By far the highlight, of course, is the...” - Michael
South Africa“Very nice choice for breakfast and all you can eat. Every effort made to make the breakfast area cozy.” - Nicholas United Kingdom“High end and spacious rooms and incredible game drives We saw a lion, elephants, cheetah, giraffes, black rhinos etc. wonderful ranger.”
- Seb
Spain“Absolutely brilliant! We were also very lucky to travel in off season and had for one night the lodge all to ourselves. So peaceful and quiet!” - Janine
Switzerland“The food was very nice as well as the staff. The game drives are superb.” - Magnus United Kingdom“Incredible accommodation, staff were very friendly and helpful and the game drives were fantastic. Our guide (Ethan) was knowledgeable, passionate and brilliant.”
- Lee-ann South Africa“The guide was so informative. The bush drives were great. The bedrooms were spacious, comfortable and clean.”
- Jane
Australia“An amazing experience - food, staff, spa, and of course the animals were all amazing” 
Liz United Kingdom“We had the time of our lives here. Worth every penny.”- William United Kingdom“The food with the exception of the curry ( see below) was excellent ,as was the accomodation. Staff were friendly .”
Property surroundings
Restaurants
- Restaurant #1
- CuisineAfrican • European
- AmbianceFamily friendly • Traditional
- Dietary optionsHalal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
House rules
Child policies
Children of any age are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.
Cot and extra bed policies
The number of cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.
There are no extra beds available at this property.
All cots are subject to availability.
The fine print
Arriving guests:
The main gate closes at 18h00. Guests arriving outside reception opening hours are kindly requested to inform the hotel in advance. Contact details can be found on the booking confirmation. A daily transfer service from the main gate to your lodge is available on request, and must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Early pick-up from the main gate takes place at 12h30. The shuttle service arrives to Tilney at 13h15, to Gondwana at 13h25, and to Dwyka at 13h35.
An afternoon pick-up from the Welcome Lounge takes place at 16h00. The shuttle service arrives to Tilney at 16h45, to Gondwana at 16h55, and to Dwyka at 17h05. Please note these guests will not be able to join the afternoon game drive.
Departing guests:
Pick-up takes place from Dwyka Tented Lodge at 11h00, Gondwana Lodge at 11h20, and Tilney Manor at 11h35. The estimated arrival time at the Welcome Lounge is 12h15.
. Please note all times are subject to road conditions and vehicle types.
Arriving 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. Prior arrangements must be made with Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Management. This may be done using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.
Arriving by car from Cape Town:
Follow the N1 from Cape Town in the direction of Paarl. Drive through the Huguenot Tunnel. A tollgate fee is payable at the tunnel. The first town is Worcester set in the Breede River Valley. Take the second right turnoff into Worcester, leave the N1 and take Route 62. Follow the signs to Robertson. After Robertson, the next town is Ashton. Travel on through Krogmanskloof and Montagu. Continue for approximately 43 km and turn left at the 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 away.
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.
Activity restrictions:
- Children under 4 years of age are not permitted on game drives.
- Children under 14 years of age are not permitted on wilderness walks.
Community Levy:
o A daily community levy of (R190.00per person for arrivals from 01 May 2024) and (R200 per person from 01 May 2025) will be implemented for all arrivals, children between the ages of 4- 11 years will be levied at 50% (half) of the adult rate.
o The community levy will be charged on the final invoice to the guest and must be settled on departure.
o This levy is not included in the above-mentioned rates.
o The purpose of the guest conservation levy is to support the intense and ongoing conservation efforts on the reserve and support provided to local communities.
Our rates are inclusive of 2 Daily Nature Drives, Guided Wilderness walks, all Meals, Limited selection of house beers and wines, all on-drive snacks and beverages, internal reserve transfers between the lodges and welcome lounge.
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.
