Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
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About this property
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 center stage. Enjoy an authentic desert-style escape without compromising on any modern-day comforts. Sanbona offers three different luxury accommodations 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 program. Nature drives, walking safaris, rock art and star gazing complete an exciting safari option very close to Cape Town.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular amenities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Spa
- Free Wifi
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
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Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Alzaabi
United Arab Emirates
“Everything from staff, facilities, food and luxury was just amazing.” - Hamdan
United Arab Emirates
“We had a fantastic stay at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and always made sure we were comfortable. The food was delicious, with a great variety of options and the flexibility to customize meals to our...” - Julia
United Kingdom
“The staff and the location were amazing Especially Chris and Ricardo” - Olivia
United States
“Beautiful accommodations, great food and hospitality and the game drives were amazing. We did 4 game drives total and saw lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and many more!” - Nicole
United States
“The entire experience is 5 stars. The small lodges make it feel very personal and intimate. Our drives only had 5 people on a 9/10 passenger vehicle making it very comfortable. The food and drinks were great. The rooms were very clean and...” - Julieanne
Ireland
“The rooms are so luxurious and spacious. Super staff!” - Susan
Canada
“Incredibly fabulous stay in the middle of nowhere with an amazing opportunity to see African animals thriving in a conscientious reserve with a superb and knowledgeable guide.” - Fares
Saudi Arabia
“Amazing and friendly staff, property and food are amazing and highly recommended.” - Barnard
United States
“The service, the accommodations, the food, and ultimately the wildlife safari drives and guide were outstanding. Everything we wanted to see and more made the perfect 3 day experience a vacation to remember.” - John
United States
“Great stay. Staff phenomenal. Game rides life changing. Food excellent. Loved it.”
Area info
Restaurants
- Restaurant #1
- CuisineAfrican • European
- AmbienceFamily-friendly • Traditional
- Dietary optionsHalal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
Amenities of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Most popular amenities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Spa
- Free Wifi
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bathtub
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Landmark view
- Mountain view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor fireplace
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun deck
- Patio
- Balcony
- Terrace
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Room Amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Activities
- Tour or class about local culture
- Walking tours
- Game drives
- Kids' club
- Playground
Living Area
- Sitting area
- Desk
Media & Technology
- Telephone
Food & Drink
- Fruit
- Wine/ChampagneAdditional charge
- Kid-friendly buffet
- Kids' meals
- Special diet meals (on request)
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
InternetWifi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
ParkingFree private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
- Accessible parking
Front Desk Services
- Invoice provided
- Private check-in/out
Entertainment & Family Services
- Outdoor play equipment for kids
- Indoor play area
- Board games/Puzzles
- Board games/puzzles
- Babysitting/Child servicesAdditional charge
Cleaning Services
- Daily housekeeping
- Ironing serviceAdditional charge
- LaundryAdditional charge
Safety & security
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- 24-hour security
- Safe
General
- Shuttle serviceAdditional charge
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Electric blankets
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Smoke-free property
- Wake-up service
- Heating
- Laptop safe
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttleAdditional charge
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
Outdoor swimming poolFree!
- Open all year
- Pool with view
- Shallow end
- Pool/Beach towels
- Beach chairs/Loungers
Spa
- Full-body massage
- Head massage
- Neck massage
- Back massage
- Spa/Wellness packages
- Spa facilities
- Facial treatments
- Beauty services
- Beach umbrellas
- Beach chairs/Loungers
- MassageAdditional charge
- Spa
Languages Spoken
- Afrikaans
- English
- Xhosa
- Zulu
House rules
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
The number of cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.
There are no extra beds available at this property.
All cribs 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 27 mi 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 37 mi per hour. The main entrance to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is 4.3 mi 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 25 mi 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 ID 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 of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.