Sanbona Private Game Reserve

Introduction

Nestled at the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve celebrates the spirit of the San people who once roaned this distinctive area. Sanbona and the spirit of the San people welcome you. More than 54 000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous flora and fauna, rock formations and rock art make this a destination not to be missed.

Local Area Information

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is home to free ranging white lions and big game and is situated approximately 3 hours from Cape Town between Montague and Barrydale. Sanbona is situated in typical karoo surroundings and has about 650 species of plants that flower at different times throughout the year. Cape folded mountains & thick veins of quartz display rock features of incredible grandeur. 54 000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous fauna and flora, rock formations and rock art make this a destination not to be missed.

Accommodation

Tilney Manor, dating back to 1898, has six luxuriously appointed rooms. Comfortable lounges with fireplaces for winter nights, private verandas, romantic freestanding baths and carefully sheltered outdoor showers are just a few of the pleasures that guests can enjoy. More modern comforts include air-conditioning, satellite television, private bars and tea and coffee making facilities. The fully equipped Spa offers guests the opportunity to recover from the rigors of the outside world and restore their sense of inner harmony.

Khanni Lodge is an idyllic Klein Karoo summer house, with wrap-around verandas, high lime-washed ceilings and exposed beams providing a feeling of cool, airy space. From the verandah and rim-flow swimming pool guests can watch animals visiting the watering hole to drink, and the private verandas of the lodge's four spacious suites offer exquisite views of the surrounding landscape. Khanni Lodge provides guests with an enchanting choice of settings in which to relax - from the airy dining room and cozy lounge with its fireplace, to the outdoor dining patio and barbeque facilities.

Facilities

Comfortable lounges with fireplaces for winter nights, private verandas, romantic freestanding baths and carefully sheltered outdoor showers. More modern comforts include air-conditioning, satellite television, private bars and tea and coffee making facilities. The fully equipped Spa offers guests the opportunity to recover from the rigors of the outside world and restore their sense of inner harmony.

Game Drives

Traverse the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open landrovers. During the drive, be it in the early morning or for sundowners, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen. Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karoo.

Nature Walks

Discover the spirit of the Little Karoo on foot and see the little things of the Reserve through the eyes of the San!

With the guidance of your experienced ranger, early morning walking trails to greet the day have been developed to cater for individual needs. From gentle strolls, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the indigenous fauna and flora, to challenging trails discovering isolated vistas, reveal the beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Be it a gentle or challenging trail or a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its watery and invigorating bliss or returning to your lodge for a scrumptious breakfast, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has all of this and much more to offer.

Spa

At Sanbona Wellness Centre our aim is to awaken your senses and to rejuvenate not only the body but also the mind and the soul. Body - by performing a range of treatments from head to toe that leaves you feeling energized and revived. Mind - making you forget about the stress of everyday life, at least for an hour or two... Soul - Taking you to a higher level of consciousness, restoring inner harmony and the balancing of vital life force energy.

Situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo, nature and its elements create a surrounding atmosphere of complete peace and tranquility. All treatment rooms have access to the beautiful views of mountains and raw, unspoiled earth. Sliding doors let the outdoors in along with fresh "Karoo air" while soft white curtains gently blow in the breeze as the therapist's touch soothes any aches and pains.

The Spa is fitted with sauna and steam room facilities as well as a hydro bath to further enhance the relaxation experience.

At the spa we make use of only the best Aromatic skin and body products, Decleor.

At Sanbona wellness centre every treatment is a special one...

Pamper Protect Perfect.

Photography

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a photographers dream. Due to the perfect light conditions, during the twilight hours of sunrise and sunset it is advisable to use 100 ASA film for exquisite photographic opportunities. A 100 - 300 lens is a good choice. Macro photography is also incredible to capture close-ups of the smaller species.

Birdwatching

For the avid birdwatcher, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is home to 160 species. There is a very healthy population of raptors to be seen including African Fish Eagles and 5 breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles.

Interesting birds on the Reserve include the Cinnamonbreasted Warbler only seen in the early light of dawn. The Booted Eagle in the pale form breed well on the Reserve, while the Southern Grey Tit intrigues one with its 13 different calls. The Namaqua Sandgrouse travels up to 80 kms in search of water, collecting droplets in its breast feathers, flying back to the nest to give the moisture to its chicks. Blackwinged Stilts can be viewed foraging in and around water areas.

Due to the unobtrusiveness of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the birds are at ease, affording one with good viewing.

Rock Formations / Features

Sheer humbleness is experienced beneath the massive examples of Cape folded mountains and thick veins of quartz, displaying rock features of incredible grandeur formed by the earths tempestuous past more than 350 million years ago. Continental collisions, the submergence of the earth's crust and the cataclysmic influence of the oceans have all contributed to the magnificent landscapes of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

The geology of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve consists of sedimentary sandstones, mudstones and siltstones from the Devonian era. This period was the beginning of life on earth and trace fossils of various marine invertebrates have been found.

Qualified rangers offer fascinating insight into the secrets that the rocks unfold, bearing stories of distant times of the land that time forgot - rocks progressively eroded and weathered to become the life bearing soil of the Klein Karoo.

Rock Art

The San people of Africa roamed the area for thousands of years until 100 years ago.
The /Xam tribe, the nomadic hunter-gatherers living in harmony with nature realised then that man and nature together is sustainable.

There are 7 Sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, rock art sites dating back to more than 3500 years depicting the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. During their travels, members of the group would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions and guidance. This medicine man or woman would ensure the well being of the tribe, protecting them from evil and sickness, predicting the future and ensuring good hunting and rains.

Certain animals such as the Praying Mantis and the Eland were honoured and revered and were considered to have great spiritual powers. These experiences of the Shaman were depicted to the tribe in the form of the rock art seen today. The various sites that were chosen were also very symbolic, the rock depicting the medium between the different realms the Shaman had travelled in his trancelike state. Ingredients used for the paint consisted of animal blood, urine, plant sap, egg and water, the protein from blood or egg having the ability to preserve the art that exists today.

Trout Fishing

The only evidence that remains of these little people is the delicate rock art found on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, their indelible footprints left of their presence in this vast landscape for generations to come.

Located adjacent to Sanbona Wildlfe Reserve and enveloped by the picturesque Langeberg mountains, lies the trophy dam of Bo Vlakte Trout Farm. Well stocked with Bass, Rainbow and the rare Golden Trout, one can experience fly-fishing of this quarry.

Together with experienced guides, spend the day working the various spots on the dam, with the possibility of trout of trophy size.

A 2-man rowboat as well as limited tackle is available for hire. Tuition is on hand on request. Trips can be pre-booked or made on arrival at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Stargazing

With the absence of artificial light, the stargazing at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is phenomenal and amongst the best in Southern Africa. In a designated area, free from light, with telescopic aid and knowledgeable guides, interpretations are given about the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Romantic stories of gods and goddesses banished to the heavens are woven into astronomical facts.
Depending on the time of year, Venus, the Goddess of love will greet you at dawn or dusk, while Sirius, the brightest star in our heavens keeps a constant vigil. The Lord of the Rings, Saturn, the God of War, Mars, and the Sky God, Uranus, are some of the planets that can be viewed with the naked eye, depending on the time of year.

How better to end a blissful day at Sanbona than to sit reflecting under the star-studded canopy of African skies, the vastness of infinite galaxies stretching before one.

Conferencing

Be it a high-powered break for executive decision-making or an incentive getaway, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers a venue with a difference. A private Boardroom for 12 delegates with standard audio-visual and conference equipment is available at Tilney Manor.

Directions

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is situated approximately 3 hours from Cape Town between Montague and Barrydale. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is situated approximately 3 hours drive, a scenic 270 km from Cape Town. Travel on the N1 from Cape Town in the direction of Paarl. Continuing on the N1 travel through the Huguenot Tunnel. A tollgate controls this tunnel. Alternatively, the scenic Du Toits Kloof Pass can be taken. The first town is Worcester set in the Breede River valley. Taking the second turnoff to the right into the town itself, the N1 is left and the interesting and quaint Route 62 or R62 is taken. Follow the signs to the picturesque town of Robertson and the next town is Ashton. Travel on through the Montagu Pass to the historical town of Montagu. Continue for approximately 43 km and turn left at “Die Vlakte” and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve signs. The main entrance to Sanbona Wildlife Reseve is 7km where guests will be welcomed. From the main gate, it is a further 25km to the oasis of Tilney Manor.

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 with overnight guests are welcome. Prior arrangements must be made with Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Management

Activities

Natures Drives, Nature Walks, Photography, Birdwatching, Flora & Fauna, Rock formations & features, Rock Art, Troutfishing, Horseriding, Wellness Centre, Stargazing, Conferencing.

Children's Policy
Information is being updated - please check back shortly.

Unique Features
Free ranging White Lions.

20 000 hectares of unspoilt Karoo offering exquisite views. The sheer expanse of the open valleys, 650 plant species, 160 bird species, rock faces, rock art and variety of wildlife make this a destination not to be missed.

Rates

Terms and Conditions

50% of fee if cancelled less than 14 days prior to arrival.
100% of fee if cancelled less than 7 days prior to arrival.
BANKING DETAILS
Standard Bank - Branch code: 05-02-13
Account: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Account number: 082 220 239
We do not accept cheques unless prior arrangement has been made with management
Please fax bank transfer slip to reservations. (Fax No: +27 (0)28 572 1361)

GROUP BOOKING POLICY
• This policy applies to bookings of 8 or more people.
• A 50% non-refundable deposit is payable 60 days prior to arrival.
• A 100% non-refundable payment 30 days prior to arrival.

CONDITIONS
• To confirm a booking, full pre-payment must be made to secure the reservation.
• Reservations will be released automatically if no payment is made within the specified period.

• The reserve is unable to accommodate more than 2 adults per room.
• No pets are allowed on the Reserve property.
• Please advise Reservations in advance of Wellness Centre treatments for the day of arrival in order to avoid disappointment.
• Please advise Reservations of any special dietary requirements or special occasions (anniversary, birthday, etc.).

CREDIT CARDS
Amex, Master, Diners and Visa cards are accepted at the Reserve.

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE
- Rooms may be occupied from 2pm onwards on date of arrival. Lunch is included on the day of arrival and not on day of departure.
• Should you not be able to attend lunch on the day of arrival, please inform reservations accordingly.
• Rooms must please be vacated by 11h00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.
• Subject to availability, day room rates are available upon request.

TRANSFERS
• These can be arranged on request at an extra charge.
• All transfers are handled by accredited car hire companies.

WHAT TO TAKE
• Sanbona is MALARIA FREE - no tablets/syrup needed.
• Walking shoes, sun hats, sunglasses, sun protection cream.
• Cameras and binoculars.
• Warm clothing - anoraks/jackets, gloves and scarves (for winter) for game drives.
• Light clothing and swimming costumes for summer.

CONFERENCES
Conference facilities are available on request.
PRIVATE LANDING STRIP (Bellair Dam)
Caution – game and telephone line
+B17ompacted gravel
Co-ordinates 33 43 24 South; 20 36 55 East

Click here to make a reservation