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Elephants by Gondwana lodge in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

3 Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Tour Length3 days
Priced from pps $863 R16200 £691 806 A$1320 C$1180 NZ$1452 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 10 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Cape Town, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge
  • Transport Game Viewing Vehicle / Microbus
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino, Wildlife Conservation Experience & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Embark on an unforgettable Cape Town Safari in South Africa at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, home to Africa's Big Five (leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and lions).

With over 58,000 hectares of wilderness to explore, you'll encounter a fascinating variety of wildlife, birds, and small creatures, guided by knowledgeable game rangers on personalized game drives and nature walks. Enjoy a luxurious stay at one of three safari lodges, each offering its own unique South African safari experience. Your short Sanbona safari includes 4x4 game drives or bush walks, as well as delightful Karoo cuisine, and snacks and drinks on your game drives.

Book your trip now and create unforgettable memories on your safari adventure - all, within easy driving distance of Cape Town.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - South Africa

At the start of this Big 5 Cape Town Safari, you are collected from your pre-tour accommodation in the city bowl area of Cape Town. From the Mother City, as Cape Town is fondly known, you are transferred to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, outside Montagu. The Sanbona game reserve is located in the Little Karoo on Route 62. This scenic 3.5-hour drive takes you along the famous route 62, the longest wine route in the world.

Arriving at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve you are taken to a central lounge in the game reserve. Then you are transferred to the safari lodge you selected (from a choice of three) for your Cape Town Safari. All-in-all it should take about 4.5 hours to travel from Cape Town to your selected lodge in Sanbona game reserve.

After settling in at your Sanbona lodge you meet up with a Sanbona guide who helps design a customized safari program for you. Then you'll embark on your first wildlife adventure. Set off on either a game drive or a bush walk with one of the experienced Sanbona game rangers as the afternoon fades.

  • Meals: Dinner
  • Travel: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
  • Accommodation: Sanbona Safari Lodge (Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, or Tilney Manor)

Day 2: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - South Africa

Spend a full day experiencing the South African wilderness and its diverse inhabitants. Your 3-day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve includes a sunrise and sunset game drive or bush walk on day two.

The Big 5 of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) roam freely here. Other wildlife you may spot in the Sanbona game reserve includes cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, giraffes, and Cape mountain zebras. An impressive array of antelopes is commonly seen here too, including kudus, gemsbok, springbok, hartebeests, and, elands.

On your guided game drives you'll spend about three hours exploring the two biomes found in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. This 58000-hectare game reserve hosts a multitude of habitats, that support a wide variety of animals, birds, and other creatures. Game drives are conducted in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles designed for game viewing. On morning game drives you'll stop in a scenic spot to enjoy a hot beverage of your choice, and on the sunset game drives, you'll pause for sundowner drinks and snacks in the bush.

Nature walks are a real highlight of Sanbona safaris. The game reserve features plenty of walking trails catering to various levels of fitness. These guided bush walks are however restricted to guests over the age of 14 years due to the presence of large predators in the wildlife reserve. Your guide tailors your nature walks to your needs and interests to match your activity level and ensure you get the most out of your time in the bush.

The guides at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve are all qualified game rangers with a passion for conservation. As you explore your experienced guide shares interesting facts and insights with you. You are encouraged to ask your knowledgeable guide questions to be answered in full color and detail.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: Game Drives in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
  • Accommodation: Sanbona Safari Lodge (Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, or Tilney Manor)

Day 3: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve to Cape Town - South Africa

Wake up before sunrise this morning to savor one more daybreak in the South African bush. Early this morning you'll embark on a final game-viewing adventure in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Your friendly guide will take you in search of animals and birds in the wild landscape on foot or on a game drive.

Then you'll return to your selected Sanbona lodge for a sumptuous breakfast. After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to the tranquil bush and transfer back to the welcome lounge in the game reserve. Then the shuttle collects you and transfers you back to the picturesque city of Cape Town. Arriving in the city you are dropped off at your post-safari accommodation where your Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve concludes.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Travel: 3.5 to 4.5 hours

About Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, located near Montagu on the famous Route 62, is a leading eco-tourism destination in South Africa. Covering 58,000 hectares, it is one of the country's largest private game reserves, home to an array of wildlife including the Big Five. Every guest's stay contributes to Sanbona's conservation work, and visitors can see firsthand the positive difference their visit makes.

Sanbona's guided game drives and nature walks offer an opportunity to encounter its diverse wildlife, supported by an array of conservation initiatives. The reserve is carefully managed for ecological integrity and sustainable development. Sanbona features four lodges, offering a range of accommodation options and specialist activities, including spa treatments, stargazing, and rock art tours. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or an adventurous family holiday, Sanbona is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Cape Town Safari adventure.

Sanbona Safari Lodge Accommodation

On this Big 5 Cape Town Safari, you can choose between three of the four lodges inside Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The three lodge choices are Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor.

At all of the Sanbona lodges two safari activities a day are included, along with all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and beverages on game drives, and internal reserve transfers between the lodge and welcome lounge. A tourism levy and VAT are also included in the tour prices.

Dwyka Tented Lodge in Sanbona

This intimate lodge is set in a dry ravine with dramatic rock formations and rugged landscapes. This luxurious Sanbona lodge is the ideal choice for a romantic getaway or for guests wanting a more exclusive safari experience. This Sanbona Lodge is only for grown-ups. No guests under the age of 16 years are permitted.

Dwyka Tented Lodge features nine luxury tents with private decks and heated plunge pools offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Every tent features en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and a safe complete each room’s amenities. Guests can enjoy a range of included activities such as guided game drives, guided walks, San rock art tours, and sundowners. Dwyka has a spacious lounge and dining area with wooden viewing decks and an outdoor boma area. The restaurant serves delectable cuisine made from local ingredients while specialty drinks can be enjoyed at the bar or lounge area where afternoon teas are served daily. A pool overlooking spectacular vistas completes this remarkable safari getaway experience.

Gondwana Family Lodge in Sanbona

Gondwana Family Lodge in Sanbona is a perfect destination for families, friends, and small groups. Gondwana Family Lodge provides stunning views of the Bellair Dam and the Anysberg Mountains beyond that, offering easy access to fun-filled adventure activities in the Sanbona game reserve. This is a five-star safari lodge offering world-class amenities. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor play areas, a spa, and an open-air boma. The Gondwana lodge also features a full library stocked with board games that are ideal for families. The contemporary farmhouse features 12 spacious suites with private decks. There are several room options including interleading rooms for families with younger kids.

Kids aged four and under are allowed to stay for free, and discounted prices apply for older children, making it an affordable option. The lodge offers a unique children's safari program, geared towards providing a safe and educational experience. Additionally, child minding facilities are available during game drives as well as throughout the day so parents can relax knowing their kids are in safe hands.

Tilney Manor in Sanbona

The Tilney Manor lodge is for guests over the age of 12 which makes it a great option for older travelers, couples, and families traveling with teenagers. Set against the backdrop of the tranquil Karoo mountains, Tilney Manor is an oasis of calm. The historical Manor house features six spacious open-plan suites leading onto private verandas. These en-suite rooms boast indoor and outdoor showers, a free-standing bath, and twin basins. Here guests experience authentic South African cuisine, a rim-flow pool, and comfortable spots to retreat and enjoy nature. This luxury lodge also has a spa for pampering treatments, including a steam room and sauna. This grand safari lodge has a spacious lounge with a fireplace and both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

Children under 12 are only permitted at Gondwana Family Lodge. Complimentary child minding is available in the kiddie’s entertainment area during game drives and the course of the day. 

  • Game drives are restricted to kids over the age of 4 years
  • Game walks are restricted to guests over the age of 14 years
  • Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted at Dwyka Tented Lodge 
  • Children under the age of 12 are not permitted at Tilney Manor
  • Child rates are applicable to children from 4 years up to (and including) 11 years
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+Where does the tour go to?
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Sanbona lodge accommodation (choice of 3 luxury lodges)
  • Guided game drives and bush walks
  • All meals 
  • A limited selection of house beers and wines
  • Snacks and beverages on game drives
  • Transfers between your lodge and the welcome lounge
  • Tourism levy and 15% VAT
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Return shuttle transfers from Cape Town to Sanbona (see Full Pricing Info)
  • Conservation fees: R 175 per night per adult and R 87 per night per child (4-11yrs)
  • Visas and flights
  • Travel Insurance
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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