Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - Tilney Manor

George, Garden Route

Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Gondwana Family Lodge
Gondwana Family Lodge Suite
Gondwana Family Lodge Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge
Dwyka Tented Camp Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge
Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Tilney Manor
Gondwana Family Lodge
Gondwana Family Lodge Suite
Gondwana Family Lodge Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge
Dwyka Tented Camp Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge Suite
Dwyka Tented Lodge

The hotel

The ultimate initiation into the world of South African safaris, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve brings you the 'Big Five', all your classic safari experiences, and extra encounters like visiting ancient rock art sites – and all just a few hours’ scenic drive from Cape Town, through the famous winelands. Its location makes Sanbona the go-to reserve for those wanting to mix urban adventures in Cape Town with wilderness adventures in a 58,000 hectare reserve. The malaria-free reserve offers every kind of safari experience (including game drives, boat safaris, nature walks, stargazing, and relaxation retreats) and every kind of luxury led safari sanctuary (with its secluded Dwyka Tented Lodge, set in a dry riverbed and featuring private Jacuzzis; its luxurious Tilney Manor refuge with its rim-flow pool; its seasonal Explorer Camp for wilderness wanderers; and its Gondwana Family Lodge, with its unique Kids on Safari programme).

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Safari
  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant

Where is it

The reserve is located along Route 62, half way between Cape Town and George and just beyond the Winelands. It is in a fantastic location for those self-driving Cape Town to George/Knynsa. Transfer time from Cape Town Airport: 3 hours.

Hotel information

Tilney Manor features 6 spacious open-plan suites that lead on to private verandas, air-conditioning, fireplace, en-suite bathroom with shower and freestanding bath in the centre, outdoor showers, tea/coffee-making facilities and mini-bar. Suites sleep maximum 2 adults.

Gondwana Family Lodge offers 6 suites on the ground floor with private deck and 6 suites upstairs with private balcony/viewing deck. Each of these suites have air-conditioning, underfloor heating, , and free standing bath, king-size bed or twin beds. Suites sleep maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

Full Board Plus includes: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tea/coffee, water and game-drive beverages. Daily game-drives and guided walks.

The secluded Dwyka Tented Lodge has only 9 suites, in the shape of a horseshoe. All suites have comfort cooling/heating air-conditioners, private deck with spa bath, en-suite bathroom with shower and freestanding bath, outdoor shower, king-size bed or twin beds. Suites sleep maximum 2 adults.

  • Long stay offer: stay 3 nights or more and receive a 10% discount on your accommodation costs. Valid for stays 1-30 Sep '18, 1-22 Apr '19, 24 Apr-30 Sep '19, 1-9 Apr '20 and 14-30 Apr '20.

3 luxurious lodges and back-to-nature Explorer Camp. Tilney Manor has both in/outdoor dining facilities, rim-flow swimming pool, lounge with fireplace and a Relaxation Retreat* with steam and sauna room. The family friendly Gondwana Lodge offers a Kids on Safari programme as well as indoor and outdoor play areas and a child-friendly pool. The Dwyka Tented Lodge, set in a dry Karoo ravine, features an open-air dining boma, wine cellar, lounge with fireplace and a Relaxation Retreat*. Range of safari activities available including bird watching, game-drives, nature walks, boat safaris, rock art and star gazing. Complimentary WiFi.

2 nights between 1 Sep '18-30 Apr '20.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (285)
  • Very good (36)
  • Average (14)
  • Poor (4)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE welcomes you - SANIBONANI!

Jan 27, 2020 ursulab911 Johannesburg, South Africa

Depart from Mother City, head out on the long and winding road (3 hours), ROUTE 62, voted by CNN Travel as the world’s best road trip destination. At the foot of towering Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo lies the unique safari destination of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Three Luxury Lodges and an adventurous Explorer Camp nestle in 58,… Read more
Depart from Mother City, head out on the long and winding road (3 hours), ROUTE 62, voted by CNN Travel as the world’s best road trip destination. At the foot of towering Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo lies the unique safari destination of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Three Luxury Lodges and an adventurous Explorer Camp nestle in 58, 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains and wide-open plains. Experience a huge diversity of indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3,500 years, plus a unique boat safari and thrilling game drives. Conservation is paramount at Sanbona and every guest contributes to preserving this wilderness for future generations. More than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it’s the vastness of the landscape, the alluring stillness and isolation amid raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unique

Jan 26, 2020 897SarahW897 Guernsey, United Kingdom

I chose Dwyka Tented Camp at Sanbona for 3 main reasons: accessibility from Cape Town without the need for a flight; luxury of accommodation; and ethos regarding conservation. I was delighted with my choice. It was different to other safaris I had been on in Kenya & the Kruger with a lower density of wildlife but I enjoyed it as much if not more… Read more
I chose Dwyka Tented Camp at Sanbona for 3 main reasons: accessibility from Cape Town without the need for a flight; luxury of accommodation; and ethos regarding conservation. I was delighted with my choice. It was different to other safaris I had been on in Kenya & the Kruger with a lower density of wildlife but I enjoyed it as much if not more thanks to our guide, Dylan's informative explanations about the fauna (including birds and insects) and flora. Despite the unseasonably cold, damp weather we managed to see a considerable variety of animals. My highlight was watching a mother & baby rhino walking past within a few feet of us. Sadly my daughter was unwell shortly after our arrival but the staff (Janice in particular) were wonderfully attentive and thoughtful. Fortunately she was well enough to go on the game drives on our 2nd day when everyone was enquiring after her. As there are only a maximum of 18 guests at a time, the lodge feels more like a family gathering than an hotel. Overall I was very impressed with the high quality of the accommodation, food and knowledgeable and caring staff for whom nothing seemed like too much trouble. I would recommend a 2 or even 3 night stay at this unusual and ecologically aware reserve. I hope to return one day to see the black rhinos that are soon to be introduced. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating No big five or similar!

Dec 9, 2019 sandrakC8686UE

We visited Sanbona Wildlife reserve in November 2019 for one Night and we had two occations with safari. We did not see big five or similar. The animals are to few and it is not worth money. Logde, food and staff was all very good.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Absolutely fantastic!!

Nov 23, 2019 BackPacker600394

What an experience, absolutely fantastic trip to celebrate our dads 60th. We stayed at Dwyka Tented Camp the accommodation is outstanding, with your own private hot tub. The scenery at Sanbona is absolutely breathtaking and having someone as passionate and knowledgeable as Roman helping us explore made our visit unforgettable especially seeing… Read more
What an experience, absolutely fantastic trip to celebrate our dads 60th. We stayed at Dwyka Tented Camp the accommodation is outstanding, with your own private hot tub. The scenery at Sanbona is absolutely breathtaking and having someone as passionate and knowledgeable as Roman helping us explore made our visit unforgettable especially seeing the White Lions after a lot of perseverance!! Memories we will cherish forever! All the staff made us feel at home with lots of special touches. Definitely a great experience, we just loved every second of it and we cant thank Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for our once in a lifetime experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating AMAZING

Nov 7, 2019 sineado592 Milan, Italy

husband and I stayed in the Dwyka Lodge in October. Service, accommodation and food... DIVINE! A worthy experience. Ranger Marco was fantastic and full of knowledge. We got so close to the Cheetah!!!