The malaria-free Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is around a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town in the heart of the Little Karoo, along Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route. At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boasts 58 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, wide-open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3 500 years.
Sanbona is also an ongoing conservation project that aims to restore the ecological balance in a landscape formed during cataclysmic times 350 million years ago. Travel through 3 different biomes, and many habitats, including the quartz fields of the succulent Karoo, a very special habitat characterized by beds of angular quartz debris and home to a flora of stunning minute succulent shrubs.
Property Facilities:
In addition to luxury accommodation, guests can enjoy the many facilities available at the lodges, namely:
*Open air dining boma's
*Outdoor pool with stunning views
*Lounge with fireplace and TV with satellite channels
*Curio shop
*Relaxation Retreat Spa
*Complimentary wireless internet
Area Information:
There are over 600 types of flora within Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Various species bloom at different times throughout the year, but, in this region, flowering occurs more prolifically between August and September.
Sanbona is at the forefront of an on-going conservation project that aims to restore the ecological balance in the area. Approximately half of the surrounding landscape used to be livestock and agricultural farms, which have since been removed which has allowed the various floral kingdoms that make up the reserve to flourish. Plant life that inhabits this region of the Western Cape includes Acacia Thickets, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo and Central Mountain Fynbos. Species of succulents are especially varied and fascinating with names like Baby’s Bottoms, Ostrich Toes and Pig’s Ears.
As part of our conservation efforts, we have reintroduced animals that once roamed the area freely, but were eradicated due to farming. The Big 5 and various other species such as gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, eland, kudu and zebra can now all be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Other animal species that continue to thrive thanks to the efforts of Sanbona include natural small game such as the jackal, caracal, duiker, aardwolf, aarvark, brown hyena, grey rhebok, steenbok, klipspringer and grysbok.
A riverine rabbit population was discovered on Sanbona in 2006, and as these animals are only known to exist in the central Karoo, they are incredibly rare.Moreover, this species of rabbit is the 13th most endangered mammal in the world. Sanbona is currently only one of two protected areas that provide riverine rabbit populations with sufficient space and diversity for their ecological processes to function naturally.
In Room Facilities:
* DWYKA TENTED LODGE:
Dwyka Tented Lodge epitomises an atmosphere of seclusion. Nine luxury tents, with private decks and heated jacuzzies are set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul at the Relaxation Retreat, or dine alfresco in the boma with a selection of beautiful wines available within our wine cellar.
* TILNEY MANOR:
Breathtaking views of the undulating mountains and landscape embrace the historical Tilney Manor in a refuge of peace and tranquillity. The Manor offers six spacious open-plan suites with their own fireplace, leading on to private verandas. Guest experiences include authentic Karoo cuisine, luxurious lounges and a rim flow pool. Indulge your senses at the Relaxation Retreat that boasts a steam room and sauna while witnessing a pure African spectacle – a Karoo sunset.
* GONDWANA FAMILY LODGE:
With views of the magnificent Anysberg Mountains and overlooking the Bellair Dam, Gondwana Lodge is the perfect sanctuary for families, friends and groups. This spacious thatched lodge offers guests a sense of modern comfort with a touch of bush authenticity. Interconnecting rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas and a child-friendly pool cater for guests of all ages plus the kids on safari programme offers educational and recreational wildlife experiences. A Relaxation Retreat with an extensive menu of therapies and treatments, including a steam room offers a serene ending to a fun-filled day.
Attractions:
Sanbona boasts an impressive collection of succulents and wildlife, including, elephant, lion, cheetah, buffalo and numerous antelope species, which are all free roaming within this privately owned 54 000 hectare reserve.
You will traverse this wild landscape with a qualified ranger in a comfortable open land cruiser. During the drive, either in the early morning or at sunset, numerous species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen.
Take it all in when you visit Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. We encourage our guests to jump at the opportunity to discover everything the Little Karoo has to offer in terms of fauna, flora and majestic landscapes.
The entire reserve offers an array of nature walks, hiking and wilderness trails for you to explore. Well-informed and experienced rangers can indicate points of interest while divulging important and interesting information about the area.
Let yourself and your family or travelling companions experience Sanbona Wildlife Reserve from a different angle. With the vast and impressive Bellair Dam situated on the property, guests can enjoy our boat safari activities, from the comfort of our spectacular vessel, The Peregrine. This tour is subject to water levels in the Bellair Dam as Sanbona is situated in a water-scarce area.
One of the great wonders to experience at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the night sky. Free from light and city pollution, the Klein Karoo offers some of the finest stargazing in Southern Africa and is an ideal activity for all guests to enjoy.
Back at the lodges, take time for yourself to enjoy our Relaxation Retreat with an extensive menu of therapies and treatments, a serene ending to a fun-filled day.
