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 9.5 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

  • Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

  • Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast Info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Buffet

  • Free Private Parking Available On Site


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Availability

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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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See what guests loved the most:

Lisad24
Monaco Monaco
This lodge stay was above and beyond our expectations! The staff were amazing and the housing and main lodge were stunning. Very well designed and decorated. Our game drive guide Marco was fantastic, always calm and organized and made things...
Omar
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
I loved everything about it, its just a bit pricey
Yury
United States United States
We really liked the accommodation, the service, the level of food and hospitality, the immersion in the safari atmosphere. 10 out of 10. Would love to return there for sure
Paul
United States United States
Staying at Dwyka teted camps in Sanbona was a super luxury safari camping experience. The staff was extremely friendly and looked after us so well. The meals were beautifully prepared and delicious. The rooms/tents were super spacious and...
Tristram
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Truly wonderful 2 night stay at Sanbona. Everything was wonderful.
Trevor
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Being located right in the heart of the game reserve - it really did take over 1 hour to reach the accommodation after checking in at the reception gate. We stayed at Gondwana Family Lodge (but only one family present) 5* PLUS accomodation....
Dominique
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Helpful friendly staff, stunning interiors, so many animals, incredible experiences, our guide Janri was excellent. So pampered, we felt so taken care of. Can highly recommend
Claudia
Germany Germany
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers phenomenal wildlife sightings—a true wilderness experience, made even more special thanks to our guide Adrien. A big thank you to him! An unforgettable adventure. The accommodations are of the highest standard, and...
Vassilios
United States United States
Animal rides were great and our guide Nicole was awesome
Elizabeth
United Kingdom United Kingdom
This was the best stay we’ve ever had, it was more expensive than we’ve ever paid for a holiday before, but worth every penny. Our ranger was superb, the staff at the hotel spot on, everyone was so pleasant and helpful. I can’t recommend enough. ...

Area info

Restaurants

1 Restaurant On Site
Restaurant #1
  • Cuisine
    African • European
  • Ambience
    Family-friendly • Traditional
  • Dietary options
    Halal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Great facilities! Review score, 9.7

Most popular amenities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Restaurant
  • Spa and wellness center
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
  • Bar

House rules

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

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

0 - 3 years
Crib upon request
Free

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.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
VisaMastercardCash

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

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.

FAQs about Sanbona Wildlife Reserve