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 (280)
  • Very good (36)
  • Average (14)
  • Poor (3)
  • Terrible (2)
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!!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating OMG! I didn't want to leave

Nov 5, 2019 Tracy483 Waldron, United Kingdom

After a long drive to Sanbona it was all very worthwhile. From the time we entered the reserve gates we knew it was going to be something special. We chose to stay at the Dwyka tented lodge which is located in a small canyon and consists of 9 'tents' which I would use in the looses of terms! Each tent was superbly appointed with an enormous… Read more
After a long drive to Sanbona it was all very worthwhile. From the time we entered the reserve gates we knew it was going to be something special. We chose to stay at the Dwyka tented lodge which is located in a small canyon and consists of 9 'tents' which I would use in the looses of terms! Each tent was superbly appointed with an enormous bed, tea/coffee and home made biscuits, an enormous wet room with drench shower and free standing bath. There was a large decked area with sunbeds and private jacuzzi. A super place to relax in and watch the stars and listen to the wildlife. The decor was sumptuous and in keeping with the neutral colours of the landscape. The lodge was a short stroll away from our tent (No1), where you find the restaurant, bar and outside seating area. All the staff are very friendly and very attentive. Thank you Madre for looking after us and making us feel welcome. The chef Richardo came into the restaurant every evening and asked us if we had enjoyed our meal and was there anything he could do. Nice touch. Our game drive guide, Jordan was excellent - passionate about conservation, knowledgable and good fun. His tenacity found us the white lions and cheetah. Be prepared to be speechless at the landscape and vistas. Our overall of this reserve was outstanding - we felt like a family and it was difficult to leave and join the real world. We left with so many fabulous memories and a longing to return. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Topclass hosts Beautiful Lodge

Oct 28, 2019 SKLymington Lymington,Hants

A very special place where the welfare of the wild animals is paramount Very small groups of visitors and disturbance of animals in their own environment is minimal If you want to see the Big 5 close up then stick to a commercial safari park This is 58000 hectares of rough tracks in beautiful country and the animals as you sight them are a bonus… Read more
A very special place where the welfare of the wild animals is paramount Very small groups of visitors and disturbance of animals in their own environment is minimal If you want to see the Big 5 close up then stick to a commercial safari park This is 58000 hectares of rough tracks in beautiful country and the animals as you sight them are a bonus Dress up warm for the drives. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stunning place in remote location

Oct 25, 2019 JuniGreenTraveller Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Stunning place in very remote location. The team and facilities at Dwyka Tented Lodge are excellent. The Lodges are spacious, well equipped and very comfortable. The jacuzzi is great after the morning game drive! Our Ranger Nico was very knowledgable and knew where to go to spot the various wildlife. This is a non-profit place and so worth the… Read more
Stunning place in very remote location. The team and facilities at Dwyka Tented Lodge are excellent. The Lodges are spacious, well equipped and very comfortable. The jacuzzi is great after the morning game drive! Our Ranger Nico was very knowledgable and knew where to go to spot the various wildlife. This is a non-profit place and so worth the money! Good selection of wine too. We used the Retreat and had a massage - Toya was really good. Truly memorable, highly recommended! Some tips: ask for Lodge 1 for glorious view of the valley. Make sure you arrive by 14:30 so that you can join the afternoon game drive (we arrived at 16:30 and missed it). Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lifetime Best

Oct 18, 2019 JerryW784 Portland, Oregon

Our three days at Dykwa “Tent” Lodge were a lifetime unique experience. The “tents” are luxurious suites with deck and hot tub. Sitting on the deck in the early morning watching the day lighten is an absolutely magical experience. The house staff is exceptional. Marco, our ranger, is a talented professional and a true believer, and his passion for… Read more
Our three days at Dykwa “Tent” Lodge were a lifetime unique experience. The “tents” are luxurious suites with deck and hot tub. Sitting on the deck in the early morning watching the day lighten is an absolutely magical experience. The house staff is exceptional. Marco, our ranger, is a talented professional and a true believer, and his passion for the place and its animals will be with us for a very long time. The central lodge is perfect and it was a great place to wTch the Rugby World Cup with new friends from all over the world. We will be talking about Sanbona for years! Read less