Overview:
Experience an exciting safari in Cape Town, South Africa, at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, which hosts Africa’s Big Five: leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and lions.
Spanning over 58,000 hectares of wildness, you will observe an intriguing array of wildlife, avifauna, and diminutive critters, accompanied by expert game rangers during tailored game drives and nature excursions. Experience an opulent stay at one of three safari lodges, each providing a distinct South African safari adventure. Your brief Sanbona safari covers 4×4 game drives or bush walks, accompanied by exquisite Karoo cuisine, as well as refreshments and snacks during your game drives.
Reserve your journey now and make indelible memories throughout your safari expedition, all conveniently located within driving distance of Cape Town.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa
At the commencement of this Big 5 Cape Town Safari, you will be retrieved from your pre-tour lodging in the city bowl region of Cape Town. You will be transferred from Cape Town, affectionately referred to as the Mother City, to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, just outside Montagu. The Sanbona Game Reserve is situated in the Little Karoo along Route 62. This picturesque 3.5-hour journey traverses the renowned Route 62, the longest wine route globally.
Upon arrival at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, you are escorted to a central lounge within the reserve. You will then be transferred to the safari lodge of your choosing from three options for your Cape Town Safari. The journey from Cape Town to your chosen lodge in Sanbona Game Reserve is estimated to take approximately 4.5 hours.
Upon arriving at your Sanbona lodge, you will meet with a Sanbona guide who will assist in creating a tailored safari itinerary for you. Subsequently, you will commence your inaugural wildlife expedition. Embark on a game drive or a bush walk with an experienced Sanbona game ranger as the afternoon wanes.
Repast: Evening Meal
Duration of 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
Dedicate a whole day to exploring the South African wilderness and its varied fauna. Your three-day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve features a sunrise and sunset wildlife drive or bush walk on the second day.
The Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) traverse this area freely. Additional species that may be observed in the Sanbona Game Reserve comprises cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, giraffes, and Cape mountain zebras. A remarkable variety of antelopes is frequently observed here, including kudus, gemsbok, springbok, hartebeests, and elands.
During your guided game drives, you will dedicate around three hours to exploring the two biomes present in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. This 58,000-hectare game reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems that sustain a broad array of fauna, avifauna, and other organisms. Game drives are executed in open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles specifically engineered for wildlife observation. During morning game drives, you will halt at a picturesque location to savor a hot beverage of your preference, while on sunset game drives, you will take a break for sundowner drinks and munchies in the wilderness.
Nature walks are a significant highlight of Sanbona safaris. The game reserve offers numerous walking pathways suitable for different fitness levels. These guided bush treks are restricted to participants aged 14 and older due to the presence of huge predators in the wildlife reserve. Your guide customizes your nature walks according to your preferences and activity level to maximize your experience in the wilderness.
The guides at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve are all certified game rangers dedicated to conservation. While you explore, your knowledgeable guide imparts intriguing facts and perspectives. You are urged to pose inquiries to your informed guide for comprehensive and detailed responses.
Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Expeditions: Safari Excursions at 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
Awaken prior to dawn this morning to relish another sunrise in the South African wilderness. This morning, you will commence a concluding game-viewing expedition at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Your amiable guide will accompany you in pursuit of wildlife and avifauna in the natural terrain, either on foot or via a game drive.
You will then return to your chosen Sanbona lodge for an exquisite brunch. Following breakfast, it is time to depart from the serene bush and return to the reception area of the wildlife reserve. The shuttle retrieves you and transports you back to the scenic metropolis of Cape Town. Upon arrival in the city, you are deposited to your post-safari lodging, marking the conclusion of your Big 5 Cape Town Safari in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Repast: Breakfast
Duration of travel: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Concerning Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, situated near Montagu along the renowned Route 62, is a premier eco-tourism destination in South Africa. Spanning 58,000 hectares, it ranks among the nation’s largest private game reserves, harboring a diverse range of animals, including the Big Five. Each guest’s visit supports Sanbona’s conservation efforts, allowing guests to witness the beneficial impact of their presence.
Sanbona’s guided game drives and nature walks provide an opportunity to observe its varied species, bolstered by numerous conservation projects. The reserve is meticulously administered to ensure ecological integrity and sustainable development. Sanbona comprises four lodges, providing diverse lodging choices and specialized activities, such as spa treatments, stargazing, and rock art excursions. Sanbona is an ideal spot for a memorable safari experience in Cape Town, whether you choose a tranquil retreat or an adventurous family vacation.
Sanbona Safari Lodge Lodging
During your Big 5 Cape Town Safari, you may select from three of the four lodges within Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The three lodging options are Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor.
Each Sanbona lodge includes two daily safari activities, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and drinks during game drives, and internal reserve shuttles between the resort and welcome lounge. The tour rates also encompass a tourism levy and VAT.
Dwyka Tented Lodge located in Sanbona
This secluded retreat is located in a parched ravine characterized by striking rock formations and difficult terrain. This opulent Sanbona resort is the perfect selection for a romantic retreat or for visitors seeking a more intimate safari experience. Sanbona Lodge is only for adults. No individuals under the age of 16 are allowed entry.
Dwyka Tented Lodge comprises nine opulent tents, each equipped with individual decks and hot plunge pools, providing expansive vistas of the surrounding terrain. Each tent includes en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Each room is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, tea & coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and a safe. Guests may partake in many included activities, including guided game drives, guided hikes, San rock art excursions, and sundowners. Dwyka features an expansive salon and dining space, complemented by wooden viewing terraces and an outdoor boma area. The restaurant offers exquisite cuisine crafted from local products, while specialty beverages are available in the bar or lounge, where afternoon teas are served daily. A pool with breathtaking views enhances this extraordinary safari retreat experience.
Gondwana Family Lodge located in Sanbona
Gondwana Family Lodge in Sanbona is an ideal locale for families, friends, and small gatherings. Gondwana Family Lodge offers breathtaking vistas of the Bellair Dam and the Anysberg Mountains, together with convenient access to exhilarating adventure activities inside the Sanbona game reserve. This is a five-star safari lodge providing exceptional amenities. The amenities comprise an outdoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, a spa, and an open-air boma. The Gondwana lodge includes a comprehensive library equipped with board games suitable for families. The modern farmhouse comprises 12 expansive suites, each with individual patios. Multiple accommodation options are available, including interconnecting rooms for families with young children.
Children aged four and under may stay at no charge, while reduced rates are available for older children, rendering it a cost-effective choice. The lodge provides a distinctive children’s safari program designed to ensure a secure and informative experience. Moreover, childcare services are provided during game drives and during the day, allowing parents to unwind with the assurance that their children are in secure care.
Tilney Manor located near Sanbona
Tilney Manor lodge accommodates guests aged 12 and beyond, making it an excellent choice for mature tourists, couples, and families with teenagers. Situated amidst the serene Karoo mountains, Tilney Manor is a sanctuary of tranquility. The medieval manor house comprises six expansive open-plan suites that extend onto private verandas. These en-suite accommodations feature indoor and outdoor showers, a freestanding bathtub, and dual basins. Guests encounter genuine South African food, a rim-flow pool, and inviting areas to relax and appreciate nature. This opulent lodge features a spa offering indulgent treatments, including a steam room and sauna. This luxurious safari lodge features an expansive lounge with a fireplace, alongside both indoor and outdoor eating facilities.