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

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.

All Inclusive of: 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 (267)
  • Very good (36)
  • Average (14)
  • Poor (3)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Dream with wonderful cast of characters

Mar 10, 2019 dlcyh Prince Rupert, Canada

My wife and I stayed here for 3 days and could not have enjoyed our time more. The staff and venue outstanding the lodge (swanky tents) were gorgeous and luxurious as well. The animals are completely wild as this is not a bunch of caged sad animals in some sad excuse for a petting zoo. You experience the animals in their natural state guided by… Read more
My wife and I stayed here for 3 days and could not have enjoyed our time more. The staff and venue outstanding the lodge (swanky tents) were gorgeous and luxurious as well. The animals are completely wild as this is not a bunch of caged sad animals in some sad excuse for a petting zoo. You experience the animals in their natural state guided by exceptionally committed and passionate staff. Out guide, Jordan had answers to any question that came up and was the perfect person to explain the world we were in while there. Really though, everything about this place was a learning experience and the staff made us feel like family. Do not hesitate to go to this magical place and leave happy in the knowledge that it is all non-profit with any proceeds going right back into the preservation and quality of life for these stunning animals that deserve the dignity they are afforded at Sanbona. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating a fantastic experience

Mar 9, 2019 jackie w Cobham, Surrey

It is a lovely reserve. And Brenda, our guide for our stay, was fantastic. Totally passionate about her country and her subject, and polite in her silence even to an awful racist rant from one of the guests (not British I'm delighted to say). We were treated to an amazing stargazing lesson by Brenda. She told us how to navigate using the… Read more
It is a lovely reserve. And Brenda, our guide for our stay, was fantastic. Totally passionate about her country and her subject, and polite in her silence even to an awful racist rant from one of the guests (not British I'm delighted to say). We were treated to an amazing stargazing lesson by Brenda. She told us how to navigate using the southern cross. We were incredibly fortunate to see a young male cheetah stalking 4 Oryx. He took out one of them, and although we saw a lot of thrashing, I'm glad I didn't see the actual kill. We were then asked by one of her fellow guides (who had a gun) whether we would like to walk up to the cheetah, who would be recovering from the exertion of the kill. We did, and it was the most amazing experience. We were 20 metres away from the cheetah. He recovered and came out to drag the Oryx into the shade. I got it all on video.....amazing!! Sundowners in the little Karoo - beautiful sunsets. And early morning drives - beautiful sunrises. The food at Sanbona is excellent, as are all the staff. Breakfast, lunch and dinner all fantastic. We relied a lot on the laundry service, as we were living out of a suitcase. It was excellent and inexpensive. All in all an amazing experience Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great experience with great staff

Feb 22, 2019 stevieSG25 Singapore, Singapore

We stayed at Sanbona for 2 nights in February. We had a great time and 2 nights was certainly enough time for us to see some of the main animals, however we wished we had booked a 3rd night to see a few more. I think 1 night may Be a little too short but if you are lucky enough you could still have an amazing time. Staff and game Drivers are… Read more
We stayed at Sanbona for 2 nights in February. We had a great time and 2 nights was certainly enough time for us to see some of the main animals, however we wished we had booked a 3rd night to see a few more. I think 1 night may Be a little too short but if you are lucky enough you could still have an amazing time. Staff and game Drivers are fantastic, could not fault them Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful experience

Feb 20, 2019 Storkorpen Pitea, Sweden

We have visited a lot of reserves and national parks in Africa. Sanbona I different compared to our previous experiences. The vegetation is low so the animals you see are often good sightings. The reserve is not crowded and a maximum of two cars at the same time when animals was found. We stayed three nights at the White Lion Lodge and it was well… Read more
We have visited a lot of reserves and national parks in Africa. Sanbona I different compared to our previous experiences. The vegetation is low so the animals you see are often good sightings. The reserve is not crowded and a maximum of two cars at the same time when animals was found. We stayed three nights at the White Lion Lodge and it was well worth the money. Excellent lodging, food, service and guiding. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Superb experience at Sanbona Explorer Camp

Feb 2, 2019 follers2015 Virginia Water, United Kingdom

This Explorer Camp is not the one to visit if your safari mission is solely to see the Big Five. However, it has just provided my husband and myself with what is the most informative and fun safari experience we could possibly wish for (and we have stayed at other camps). Trekking on foot for five-and-a-half hours in the company of a select… Read more
This Explorer Camp is not the one to visit if your safari mission is solely to see the Big Five. However, it has just provided my husband and myself with what is the most informative and fun safari experience we could possibly wish for (and we have stayed at other camps). Trekking on foot for five-and-a-half hours in the company of a select group of eight including led by the truly expert Danie was truly enjoyable and gave us a very real insight into this amazing little Karoo landscape and its flora and fauna - including rhino, zebra, various antelope, giraffe, elephant, hippo and, of course, Sanbona's famous white lion. Our guide's mission was to allow us to experience this whilst ensuring that the animals and even plants were not disturbed by our presence - a refreshing change from many other safaris. Conservation is the principal concern of this camp and they do it excellently. Read less