Discover the rugged beauty of the Big 5 Sanbona Wildlife Reserve on this excellent value-for-money Cape Town Safari in South Africa.
Encounter an exciting array of wild animals, birds, and small creatures in the Sanbona game reserve which hosts Africa's Big Five (leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and lions). Enjoy personalized attention from experienced game rangers as you explore this 58 000-hectare wildlife reserve on game drives and guided nature walks. Stay at one of three luxury safari lodges in Sabona Wildlife Reserve. Choose from Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor - each offering its own unique South African safari experience.
Your Sanbona safari includes two game drives or nature walks a day, delicious Karoo cuisine at charming onsite restaurants, scenic sundowners, snacks, and drinks on your game drives, and more. Experience all of this, only a few hours away from Cape Town in one carefully designed itinerary that makes for an unforgettable safari adventure!
__large.jpg "Nesting Secretarybird at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve")
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.
The next two days are all about experiencing nature and its wild inhabitants. Your 4-day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona includes a sunrise and sunset game drive or bush walk per day.
Sanbona is home to the Big 5 of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) so keep an eye out for these iconic animals. 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 specialty in the Sanbona game reserve. The reserve features numerous walking trails suited to different 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.
Wake up early this morning to greet the African bush at dawn. This morning you set off on a final exploration of the South African bush, looking out for animals and birds in the wild landscape of Sanbona.
After your last foray into the wilderness return to your selected lodge for a sumptuous breakfast. Then it's time to pack up and say goodbye to the peace and tranquility of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. You are transferred back to the welcome lounge in the game reserve where your shuttle collects you. The shuttle then transfers you back to the beautiful city of Cape Town bringing your Sanbona wildlife adventure to a close.
Sanbona is one of South Africa’s premier eco-tourism destinations and largest private game reserves. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is located in the heart of the Little Karoo, near the town of Montagu on the famous Route 62. The reserve is nestled between the majestic Swartberg and Warmwaterberg Mountains, boasting beautiful landscapes and remarkable geological formations. The Sanbona game reserve covers 58,000 hectares of wilderness and is home to an array of wildlife, including the Big Five of Africa.
At Sanbona, visitors can embark on guided game drives and nature walks to encounter its diverse wildlife. From playful meerkats to majestic elands, Sanbona’s fauna is supported by an array of conservation initiatives. With the help of dedicated rangers, the reserve is carefully managed for ecological integrity and sustainable development. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve features four lodges offering a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to self-catering chalets. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape or a more adventurous experience, Sanbona has something special for you. You can indulge in spa treatments or stargaze under Karoo night skies while your kids enjoy fun-filled activities like animal tracking and bushcraft lessons. Sanbona is not just about nature exploration; guests can also participate in meaningful cultural activities at the nearby San or Khomani Bushmen villages to learn more about the heritage of this unique region. There is also a range of specialist tours available that explore various aspects of Sanbona’s natural and cultural history. Whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, Sanbona offers a unique adventure.
On this 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.
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, 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 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.
The Tilney Manor lodge is for guests over the age of 12 which makes it a super 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.
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.
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