A luxury Big 5 safari experience near Cape Town for couples and families.
Tucked beneath the majestic Warmwaterberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo, Sanbona is the Western Cape’s ultimate safari experience. A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town takes you to this malaria-free wildlife reserve where complete immersion in 62 000 hectares of untamed nature is guaranteed.
As a registered nonprofit organisation, Sanbona has secured the reserve as a wilderness refuge for future generations.
Secret season
Autumn and winter are arguably the best time to visit Sanbona in the Little Karoo, with milder weather than the rest of the Western Cape (and far less rain and wind!). The beautiful landscapes take on a different colour palette – vibrant autumnal hues melding into winter’s softer shades, interspersed with year-round flowering of different types of fynbos and succulents. The nights get chilly (all the better for snuggling up beside a fire or enjoying hot-tub stargazing), with clear and sunny days.
Winter accommodation special
This winter, SA residents can stay in any of the accommodation for R4 000 less per person per night.
Cost From R5 550 per person sharing per night; minimum two-night stay
R 2 775 per child (4 – 11 years) per night sharing a suite with an adult
Free children 0 – 3 years
The details The rate includes all meals and soft drinks, a limited selection of house wines and beers, and two nature drives daily (with soft drinks and snacks). It excludes all other alcohol and the conservation community levy (R200 per person per day).
Valid 1 May – 31 July 2025
Gondwana
A stylish thatched lodge with 12 suites offering expansive views over the endless plains, each of Gondawana’s suites sleeps two adults and has a sleeper couch to accommodate a child. Younger guests will be in their element with the Eco-Explorers programme of activities, child-friendly swimming pool and marshmallow-roasting at night, plus there is complimentary child-minding available throughout the day.
Dwyka Tented Lodge
An adults-only camp hidden away in the horseshoe bend of a dry ravine, Dwyka is surrounded by striking rock formations that turn fiery golden-red in the evenings. Nine glamorous safari tents, complete with a heated splash pool on each deck, offer a fabulously romantic getaway for couples.
Tilney Manor
A historical Cape-Georgian property in its own remote and private location, Tilney has just six open-plan suites that open onto private terraces, plus a stately communal lounge, a beautiful rim-flow pool and indoor and outdoor dining options. It can be booked for exclusive use or by suite.
While you’re there
Of course, the two daily nature drives are what most visitors look forward to. In addition to the Big Five, smaller game roam the plains, including rarely seen aardvarks, caracals, brown hyenas and riverine rabbits. There are also guided visits to ancient Khoi-San rock-art sites, as well as nature walks, birdwatching and guided stargazing (it is Karoo big-sky country, after all).
For total unwinding, each lodge has its own Relaxation Retreat for pampering treatments, with those at Tilney Manor and Gondwana Lodge including a sauna and steam room.
You don’t want to miss out on this special for an off-the-radar bush break. So make your booking, pack your bags and head to Sanbona for a safari experience like no other.
Good to know If booking for your honeymoon or anniversary, at any time of year, you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly, a welcome platter, romantic turn-down and private bush picnic.
Toddlers (under age 4) are not permitted on nature drives and will be cared for at Gondwana Lodge by child-minders. Children under 14 years old may not do the bush walks.
Child friendly? At Gondwana Lodge; 12 years or older at Tilney Manor
Wifi? Yes
Where to find it Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Route 62, near Montagu
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