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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge with free breakfast and spa services

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Photo gallery for Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Gondwana Lodge 1 | Terrace/patio
Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
Dwyka Tented Lodge 1 | Balcony view
Exterior
Reception

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • All inclusive
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Spa

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Gondwana Lodge 1

Gondwana Lodge 1 | View from room

Gondwana Lodge 1

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Designer toiletries
Deep soaking bathtub
Hair dryer
  • 57 sq m
  • Valley view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Tilney Manor

Tilney Manor | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Tilney Manor

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Designer toiletries
  • 60 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Dwyka Tented Lodge 1

Dwyka Tented Lodge 1 | Balcony view

Dwyka Tented Lodge 1

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Heating
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Designer toiletries
Deep soaking bathtub
  • 65 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

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Front of property

Mont Eco Game Reserve

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 5 reviews
Mont Eco Game Reserve

About the neighborhood

Map
R62 between Montagu and Barrydale, Barrydale, Western Cape, 6720

What's nearby

  • Wilderbraam Berry Estate - 36 min drive - 22.6 miles
  • Montagu Golf Club - 44 min drive - 35.2 miles
  • South Africa's Peace Pagoda - 46 min drive - 33.9 miles
  • Barrydale Labyrinth - 47 min drive - 34.4 miles
  • Montagu Hot Springs - 49 min drive - 37.5 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Joubert-Tradauw - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Karoo Saloon - ‬18 min drive

About this property

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Luxury boutique lodge in the mountains
Free full breakfast, game and wildlife viewing, and a terrace are just a few of the amenities provided at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a deep-tissue massage or a facial. The on-site restaurant, Gondwana Family Lodge Res, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and pool views. Free WiFi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a firepit and a garden.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • A seasonal outdoor pool with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • A safari, a front-desk safe, and a banquet hall
  • A 24-hour front desk, game drive on site, and outdoor furniture
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve boast comforts such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as perks like air conditioning and bathrobes.
More amenities include:
  • Recycling and LED light bulbs
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and electric kettles

All inclusive details

All-inclusive room rates at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

All à la carte meals and snacks included

Activities and facilities/equipment

All onsite activities and use of facilities and equipment are included.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Dwyka Tented Lodge Rest
  • Gondwana Family Lodge Res
  • Tilney Manor Restaurant

Things to do

  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Safari
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • In the mountains
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • 3 buildings
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2001
  • Colonial architecture
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Resort fee (May 01 - April 30): ZAR 190 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
The seasonal pool will be open from September 01 to March 31

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Barrydale
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Lodge Barrydale
bona Wildlife Reserve Barryda
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Lodge
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Barrydale
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Lodge Barrydale
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Lodge
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Barrydale
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Lodge Barrydale

Frequently asked questions

Does Sanbona Wildlife Reserve have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Sanbona Wildlife Reserve pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Some rate plans available at this lodge are all-inclusive.

Where is Sanbona Wildlife Reserve located?

Situated in a national park, this luxury lodge is 7.8 mi (12.6 km) from Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and within 32 mi (52 km) of Wilderbraam Berry Estate and South Africa's Peace Pagoda. Barrydale Labyrinth and Montagu Nature Garden are also within 32 mi (52 km).

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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 126 out of 144 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 144 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 144 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 144 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 144 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10

Really love that Place
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10

Exceptional Hospitality
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

Room and guides were excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10

Sanbona was amazing! They are very focused on the conservation of plants and animals, but manage to do this while offering the utmost luxury! We loved our stay at Sanbona!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

The best hotel ever stay. I could not say enough how much I enjoy this hotel, staffs are so kind , food is exceptional excellent !! Strongly recommend to stay two nights or more. Will definitely come back !
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10

Stunning property in an amazing setting!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10

Sanbona is truly a magical place. The Dwyka Tented Lodge is so wonderfully crafted that you did really feel that you are the only people there. The game drives/guides are fantastic and knowledgable about all the animals and the area itself. The staff at the reserve are second to none and we could not rate than higher. We had the most wonderful time and can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10

This was a very unique holiday break for 2 days. The service and facilities was excellent and all of the staff were wonderful. Our game reserve guide Jaylee Pietersen, who was very knowledgeable and courteous. It made our wedding anniversary a very memorable experience. Thank for a lovely stay and would recommend to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10

Staff were all very helpful and friendly. Accommodation was fabulous and the whole experience great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10

The most amazing experience our guide Marco was so well versed with all the animals.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10

Excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

This place is amazing. Did not want to leave!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10

Wonderful Experience !
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10

Wonderful experience! Stayed at Tilney Manor - room was exceptional. Food outstanding and staff warm and welcoming! Our safari guide (Adrian) went out of his way to find the animals we were interested in seeing and was very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. We appreciate the philosophy of the reserve and the good work they’re doing. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

An exceptional safari experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10

This was an amazing experience, the beautiful tented lodge, the game drives with Josh, the landscape, the excellent service an attention to detail. Looking forward to returning in the not so distant future.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10

I have never gone on a safari and Sanbona exceeded my expectations! The staff was very friendly and the rooms were gorgeous. I would recommend our safari guide Josh to anyone. He was very knowledgeable. I would definitely come back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10

Staff was excellent. Cannot say enough about them. Everyone is friendly and goes above and beyond from the moment you get there. The guides are great and knowledgeable. The property and room/tent is beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10

This was an excellent experience - authentic and unspoiled, but with all the creature comforts at the lodge. The accommodation was luxurious! We got a great amount of time 'in vehicle' and saw lots of animals in their natural habitat. Would hugely reccomend.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10

Stayed in Tilney Manor which was adult only. Very well organised - food excellent with a different choice every lunch and evening meal. Room was large with bath, shower and outdoor shower. Very comfy bed. Alarm call each morning to be ready for the morning game drive at 6.30am. Excellent all round - can not fault them.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

Fabulous experience. Accommodation 1st class. Staff exceptional.

10/10

An amazing experience from start to finish, every aspect of the stay was special and the attention detail was superb. In addition, the safari itself was wonderful, Josh our guide/ranger was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. This will be an experience that we will always remember. Mike and Michelle
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10

My husband and I had the most memorable experience at Sanbona. There are truly no words to describe how much we enjoyed our time at the reserve. The service at the lodge was impeccable, the room was gorgeous, and our guide on the game drives was extremely knowledgable. Even more, Sanbona is clearly committed to sustainability. I cannot recommend Sanbona enough!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10

An absolute amazing stay from beginning to end!! We stayed in one of the tents and it was absolutely gorgeous!! The service was top notch and a big thank you to Julio who took such good care of us in the dining room! The Safari's were incredible with Josh as our guide. He had such passion and was so interesting and knowledgeable. My only regret was that we were only there for one night. This was definitely one of the main highlights on our 3 week vacation in south Africa!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10

This was without doubt the best part of our two week stay in the Cape Area. We stayed in the Tilney Manor part of the reserve in one of the best rooms we have ever stayed in. There were only 6 couples in the Tilney Manor so it was very personalised service. The staff including the guides were excellent as was the food. We were only there two nights but packed in so much. We did four drives in the Game reserve and got very close to a host of animals. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023