Sanbona: Back to Nature on a Route 62 Road Trip

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is less than four hours’ drive from Cape Town, the main route taking in a section of Route 62. So why not turn your visit into a mini road trip? (Top tip: Save Robertson for the journey back.)

On the road

Heading out on the N1 past Paarl, the neighbouring Winelands town of Wellington has a small wine route, with farms close to each other. Once you get to Worcester, the R60 winds past the scenic Nuy Valley (another gem-rich, off-the-beaten-track wine region). Turning right off Nuy Road will take you onto the road to Saggy Stone Brewery.

In Robertson, the best option for visiting wine farms is to take the hop-on-hop-off Wine Valley Safari (in an open-air vehicle). For a caffeine fix, Strictly Coffee is a stylish deli that also serves meals and fab milkshakes (crème brûlée, anyone?). If you’re keen to chill a while, head down the R317 to Viljoensdrift winery for a boat cruise on the Breede River.

Next up is Ashton, home to Platform 62 (look for the steam engine on the main road) – here you can taste and buy over 750 locally produced wines from, along with the Klein Karoo’s famed brandies and a fantastic range of artisanal spirits.

If there’s time for a detour, head down the R60 (in the direction of Swellendam) to visit La Montanara, a specialist cheesemonger (where a wine pairing is offered), quaint Mardouw Olives for a tasting, and Greenlands Farm Table for a bite – or at least its exciting ice creams (chenin blanc and lemon, grenache and raspberry, gorgonzola and honey!).

Back in Ashton, the Route R62 (proper) passes through the rugged Kogmanskloof (there’s a viewpoint for great photos), before heading into historic Montagu. Don’t miss The Pastry Place (for delectable patisseries), Fijn Botanicals (for fynbos-oil body products) and the “art district” (centred around the KWV Gallery, Ibis Gallery, Hicks Gallery and Belinda Hewer Studio). Swap your car for a vintage cadillac with chauffeur to take you on a tour around town or to one of the wine estates (American Dream Cars is based at the Montagu Country Hotel), or go sightseeing for an hour on one of Flying Feet’s artist-decorated Dutch bicycles.

From Montagu, it’s a 58km drive to Sanbona’s gates. (Ice-treat enthusiasts might want to travel a  little further down the R62 to Diesel & Crème in Barrydale, whose milkshakes are the stuff of legends.)

On the reserve

Tucked into the majestic Warmwaterberg, this 58 000-hectare malaria-free reserve is the Western Cape’s answer to an exclusive, Big Five safari experience. Guests have the option of staying at Gondwana Family Lodge (for a stylish getaway that’ll satisfy kids and grown-ups alike), or Dwyka Tented Lodge (for a special occasion or romantic getaway). Tilney Manor and The Explorer Camp are currently closed (the latter will reopen in October 2022).

Gondwana’s 12 stylish suites have a distinct African-safari aesthetic and unhindered views of the plains from their private terraces. The lodge has a swimming pool and communal boma for fireside dinners.

While the two daily game drives are the main event, Sanbona promises more than the Big Five. There are guided bush walks, ancient rock-art sites, sundowner boat cruises, birdwatching, stargazing and a spa. The Kids on Safari programme offers younger family members a range of exciting activities that are educational too.

With all of this and more, it’s no wonder Sanbona is considered the Cape’s premier wildlife destination.

Distance from CT 3.5 hours
Child friendly? Yes (at Gondwana Family Lodge)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes, free
Where to find it Route 62, between Montagu and Barrydale
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