Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Route 62 Between Montagu and Barrydale, 6720 Barrydale, South Africa – Excellent location – show map
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.
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 58 000 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 9.6 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Free WiFi
- Room service
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
Property practices
Categories:
See what guests loved the most:
- BarnardUnited States of America“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.”
- JohnUnited States of America“Great stay. Staff phenomenal. Game rides life changing. Food excellent. Loved it.”
- MartinSwitzerland“We where in the Dwyka „Tents“ —- while tent is a most probably the wrong name here. Our tented room was absolutely wonderful. We had enough space in all aspects of our stay. We literally skipped the morning game drive on our last day to enjoy the...”
Area info
Restaurants1 Restaurant On Site
- Restaurant #1
- CuisineAfrican • European
- AmbienceFamily-friendly • Traditional
- Dietary optionsHalal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
Amenities of Sanbona Wildlife ReserveGreat facilities! Review score, 9.7
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Free WiFi
- Room service
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Slippers
- Private Bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bathtub
- Shower
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Landmark view
- Mountain view
- View
- Outdoor fireplace
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun deck
- 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
- Playground
- Sitting area
- Desk
- Telephone
- Fruit
- Wine/ChampagneAdditional charge
- Kid-friendly buffet
- Kids' meals
- Special diet meals (on request)
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
- Accessible parking
- Invoice provided
- Private check-in/out
- Concierge
- 24-hour front desk
- Outdoor play equipment for kids
- 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
- Safe
- 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
- Open all year
- Pool with view
- Shallow end
- Pool/Beach towels
- Beach chairs/Loungers
- 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
- Beach umbrellas
- Beach chairs/Loungers
- MassageAdditional charge
- SaunaAdditional charge
- Afrikaans
- English
- Xhosa
- Zulu
Cancellation/
prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
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
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.
Cash is not accepted Sanbona Wildlife Reserve accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.
The fine printMust-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.
Conservation Levy:
o A daily conservation levy of (R175.00 for arrivals from 01 May 2023) 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 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.
FAQs about Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
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Room options at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve include:
- Double
- Tent
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is 14.3 miles from the center of Barrydale. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
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Yes, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is popular with guests booking family stays.
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):
- Sauna
- Massage
- Hiking
- 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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Check-in at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is from 1:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.
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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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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has 1 restaurant:
- Restaurant #1
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Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.
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The prices at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.