Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Route 62 Between Montagu and Barrydale, 6720 Barrydale, South Africa – Excellent location - show map
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
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 62 000 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
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Free WiFi
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Bar
Categories:
Guests who stayed here loved
- SteveUnited Kingdom“It far exceeded our expectations, it’s very well run , nicely luxurious, excellent staff and we had some good game drives and were fortunate to see a Cheetah, there are only 3 on the property ( bigger than Singapore) no lion sightings which was a...”
- SimonUnited Kingdom“Superb location in beautiful scenery. Rooms were enormous and stunning. Wished we had longer to simply sit and enjoy the view. Food was excellent and the game drives fun.”
- StewartUnited Kingdom“Absolutely fantastic place to relax and see the animals. Staff and facilities were excellent. Food was brilliant. Room with a view felt like we were the only people there. And the outside hot shower while looking at the stars will always be a...”
- RogerIreland“Jay Dee was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, and provided lots of interesting information. We were pleased to note we were indirectly supporting measures to help nature conservation. The highlight was seeing a cheetah at it's kill from 6...”
- AAnna-lisaGermany“We had very pleasant 3 days at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. We felt very privileged to have the daily game drives with Josh; to see and become part of his enthusiasm, being able of discovering this beautiful surrounding with its wildlife is a...”
- ElizmaUnited States“With very little time with our international guests to take them on a true South African Wildlife experience we had limited options close to Cape Town - Sanbona was PERFECT! From beginning to end it was an incredible experience with friendly...”
- AideenUnited Kingdom“The staff at the lodge and the guide were exceptional”
- AlejandraUnited Kingdom“The 4 of us loved Sanbona. The highlight of the holiday. 3 perfect nights. The place, the staff, the views, the safaris, the service was fabulous. Our tented suite was just amazing. Marco was a great guide and we had a fabulous time.”
- ChloeUnited Kingdom“Everything - the staff were amazing, the lodge was gorgeous, it was a once in a lifetime experience.”
- StefanGermany“Fantastic location in very nice surrounding of rocky viws”
Property surroundings
Restaurants1 restaurant on site
- Restaurant #1
- CuisineAfrican • European
- AmbianceFamily friendly • Traditional
- Dietary optionsHalal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
Facilities of Sanbona Wildlife ReserveGreat facilities! Review score, 9.7
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Free WiFi
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Bar
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Landmark view
- Mountain view
- View
- Outdoor fireplace
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun terrace
- Patio
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
- Tour or class about local culture
- Walking tours
- Game drives
- Kids' club
- Hiking
- Children's playground
- Seating Area
- Desk
- Telephone
- Fruits
- Wine/champagneAdditional charge
- Kid-friendly buffet
- Kid meals
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
- Accessible parking
- Invoice provided
- Private check-in/check-out
- Concierge service
- 24-hour front desk
- Kids' outdoor play equipment
- Indoor play area
- Board games/puzzles
- Board games/puzzles
- Babysitting/child servicesAdditional charge
- Daily housekeeping
- Ironing serviceAdditional charge
- LaundryAdditional charge
- Fax/photocopyingAdditional charge
- Meeting/banquet facilitiesAdditional charge
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
- Shuttle serviceAdditional charge
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Electric blankets
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Wake-up service
- Heating
- Laptop safe
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttleAdditional charge
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Open all year
- Pool with view
- Shallow end
- Pool/beach towels
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Full body massage
- Hand massage
- Head massage
- Couples massage
- Foot massage
- Neck massage
- Back massage
- Spa/wellness packages
- Steam room
- Spa facilities
- Body scrub
- Body treatments
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Facial treatments
- Beauty Services
- Sun umbrellas
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- MassageAdditional charge
- SaunaAdditional charge
- Afrikaans
- English
- Xhosa
- Zulu
House rulesSanbona Wildlife Reserve takes special requests - add in the next step!
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 printNeed-to-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 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.
Conservation 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 conservation 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.
Legal information
FAQs about Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
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Room options at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve include:
- Double
- Tent
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Check-in at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is from 13:00, and check-out is until 12:00.
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):
- Sauna
- Massage
- Hiking
- Children's playground
- Kids' club
- Back massage
- Swimming Pool
- Head massage
- Beauty Services
- Foot massage
- Walking tours
- Full body massage
- Facial treatments
- Neck massage
- Game drives
- Hand massage
- Manicure
- Couples massage
- Tour or class about local culture
- Pedicure
- Body treatments
- Body scrub
- Spa facilities
- Steam room
- Spa/wellness packages
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Guests staying at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 10.0).
Breakfast option(s) include:
- Continental
- Full English/Irish
- Buffet
- À la carte
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Yes, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is popular with guests booking family stays.
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Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has 1 restaurant:
- Restaurant #1
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The prices at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is 14.3 miles from the centre of Barrydale. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.