Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: Rock Art + Authentic Wildlife Experiences near Cape Town

A mere three or so hours along the eminently drivable Route 62 lies Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – a secluded sanctuary where wildlife roam free in over 58 000 hectares of sacred wilderness. Found below the purple folds of the Warmwaterberg Mountains, this malaria-free wildlife reserve in the heart of the Little Karoo is the Western Cape’s answer to a luxe safari experience; its off-the-radar setting provides the type of privacy and discretion that makes the rest of the world seem irrelevant.

Guests have the option of staying at Dwyka Tented Lodge (for a special occasion or romantic getaway), Tilney Manor (currently closed) and Gondwana Family Lodge (for a stylish getaway that’ll satisfy kids and grown-ups alike). There’s also Explorer Camp: a two-day walking safari with tented accommodation, designed for those seeking an immersive escape in nature.

Here are five reasons to book your stay:

1. Ancient rock art

One of the lesser-hyped highlights of a visit to Sanbona is a visit to the ancient rock art, which dates back 3 500 years, and depicts the lives, customs and beliefs of the San and Khoikhoi tribes who live here. Their story is a tragic one, having been driven off their land and displaced by European settlers.

There are seven recorded viewing sites within Sanbona – all of which offer a fascinating and unforgettable glimpse into an almost-forgotten national heritage.

The San paintings mainly depict animals, people and beings, and are done in a darker red colour due to the ochre they used. The Khoikhoi paintings are more symbolic in style and more orange in hue. Paint was made from ochre, calcrete, animal blood, animal fat, plant sap, and ostrich eggs, which they ground to a paste.

What’s striking is the beautifully symbiotic relationship these ancient people had with their environment.

2. The Big (+ Little) 5

Elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo and lion all call the wild Karoo plains of Sanbona home. As do some lesser-known species that aren’t exactly larger than life, but are extremely special in their own right! Keep your eyes peeled for the Little 5, namely the elephant shrew, buffalo weaver bird, rhinoceros beetle, leopard tortoise and antlion! Whether you’re here to witness the ground-rumbling roar of the king of the jungle, or you’re equally content being ensconced in endless nature surrounded by creatures great and small, Sanbona has it all.

3. It’s close enough for comfort

While it’s no secret that our country has more than its fair share of game reserves, the best-known ones are to be found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. Sanbona, on the other hand, is a mere three-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town and matches its far-flung counterparts in terms of authenticity (and luxury). Big Five-spotting, wide-open savannahs, indigenous flora, birdlife and the feeling of being a million miles from civilisation.

4. Conservation comes first

As a nonprofit company, all funds generated by tourism are allocated to conservation projects and the expansion of protected areas. The reserve is home to more than 600 types of flora spread over its 58 000 hectares, providing sufficient space and ecological diversity for the survival (and conservation) of the highly elusive riverine rabbit, the 13th most endangered mammal in the world.

5. Spa treatments, stargazing, wilderness walks + more

While the two daily game drives are the main event and, naturally, what most visitors look forward to, Sanbona promises more than game viewing. Birdwatching, stargazing, botanical and guided bush walks, and visits to ancient rock-art sites within the reserve are all part and parcel of your stay.

There’s also a spa, whose Relaxation Retreat menu offers a range of therapies and treatments, including a steam room where guests can unwind after an action-packed day on safari.

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 (only at Gondwana Family Lodge)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes, free
Where to find it Route 62, between Montagu and Barrydale
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