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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Discover a peaceful oasis with breathtaking mountain views, exceptional hospitality, outdoor pool relaxation, and safari adventures awaiting.

Choose dates to view prices

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers a serene mountain getaway with excellent wildlife viewing. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, African cuisine at three restaurants, free WiFi, and a firepit. Visitors consistently praise the attentive staff.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is NZ$3,102
includes taxes & fees
15 Feb - 16 Feb

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Dwyka Tented Lodge 1

Dwyka Tented Lodge 1 | Balcony view

Dwyka Tented Lodge 1

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Heating
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
  • Mountain view
  • 65 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Tilney Manor

Tilney Manor

Tilney Manor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • Mountain view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Gondwana Lodge 1

Gondwana Lodge 1 | View from room

Gondwana Lodge 1

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
  • Valley view
  • 57 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds
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About the area

Located in Barrydale, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is in the mountains and in a national park. Wilderbraam Berry Estate and Swellendam Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Warmwaterberg Nature Reserve and Duiwelsbos Waterfall. Visit our Barrydale travel guide
View more Lodges in Barrydale
Map
R62 between Montagu and Barrydale, Barrydale, Western Cape, 6720

What's nearby

  • Montagu Nature Garden
    35 min drive - 55.8 km
  • South Africa's Peace Pagoda
    38 min drive - 54.6 km
  • Montagu Village Market
    38 min drive - 57.9 km
  • Barrydale Labyrinth
    40 min drive - 55.3 km
  • Montagu Hot Springs
    41 min drive - 60.6 km

Restaurants

  • Joubert-Tradauw
    21 min drive
  • Akkerboom Farm Stall
    14 min drive
  • Karoo Saloon
    18 min drive

About this property

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Boutique all-inclusive 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 massage or a facial. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. 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, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self-parking
  • A safari, a 24-hour front desk and a vegetable garden
  • Tour/ticket information, game drive on-site and a front desk safe
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offer comforts, such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as perks, such as air conditioning and bathrobes.
More amenities include:
  • Recycling and LED light bulbs
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/cupboards and electric kettles

All-inclusive details

This lodge is all-inclusive. On-site food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

All à la carte meals and snacks included

Activities and facilities/equipment

All on-site activities and use of facilities and equipment are included.

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

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

Restaurants on site

  • 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 lift
  • 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

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • 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 and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cots (infant beds) are not available

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

As of 2 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve on 15 Feb 2026 start from NZ$3,062.71, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Yes, the property is all-inclusive.

Where is Sanbona Wildlife Reserve located?

Situated in a national park, this all-inclusive lodge is 18.8 mi (30.3 km) from Wilderbraam Berry Estate and within 32 miles (52 km) of South Africa's Peace Pagoda and Barrydale Labyrinth. Montagu Nature Garden and Montagu Museum are also within 32 miles (52 km).

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Reviews

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 139 out of 157 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 157 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 157 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 157 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 157 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible stay, everything from food to staff to safari was amazing. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic stay
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Absolutely faultless from start to finish. We had the best experience possible thanks to the wonderful team at Tilney Manor and Jordan, our amazing guide. Jordan went to every effort to make our game drives as intersting and as tailored as possible. His knowledge and skills are brilliant. Thank you Sanbona for the memories that will last a lifetime.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Britta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning property in an amazing setting!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

christy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

60th Birthday trip

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

10/10 Excellent

Freddie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A truly wonderful place.

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 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

First Safari!

The property is amazing, eco friendly, 10 star comfort, and food. Friendly and supportive staff. The cottages are incredible!, clean, large super comfortable quarters! very spacious. The Location is spectacular with incredible views. The safari excursions are fabulous. The Guides are great. Our guide Nicole was fabulous, friendly and informative. This is the way to safari!!! Its a must for everyone, especially families! You'll remember this forever!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gustavo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful Experience

This was our first safari experienced in Africa and loved every minute. We loved the whole ethos of Sanbona .... they are creating a wildlife reserve that is a true representation of the semi-arid Little Karoo. There may not be as many animals here as on other large-scale reserves further east but we were privileged to see many species, including witnessing lions chasing an Eiland through the gorge. Our guide, Ryan, was wonderful ... SO knowledgeable, calm, funny and totally passionate about the animals and the whole ecology of the reserve; their ethos surrounding sustainability is outstanding. The scenery is both vast & beautiful. Rooms were extremely comfortable, service from all staff excellent; we felt valued as guests, particularly regarding the "extras" we received as celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary; a big "thank you" for that. One small area of disappointment was that the food was a little lacking at times, in comparison to other venues we have stayed on our trip. We would return in a heartbeat!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at Sanbona was truly magical. From the moment we arrived at the main entrance up to the moment of exit we were treated to wonderful hospitality, service and awesome wildlife viewing experiences. We stayed in Tilney Manor for 3 nights and during that time enjoyed 5 safari drives. Although on the drives we had very cold windy conditions this was a small price to pay to be able to see elephants, giraffes, black rhinos, lions, kudu, eland, klipspringer, oryx, springbok, baboons and even cheetah. All of this was sandwiched between superb meals and wonderful service from staff that make you feel part of the family. We were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and were treated to extra special touches to recognise this. By staying for 3 nights we were able to skip one safari drive and enjoy the spa facility and the accommodation to the full. All of the staff were exceptional including the staff at the welcome lodge and transfer drivers - one of whom stopped for us to view some Zebra that we encountered as he was transferring us for our departure. This made the day for another group travelling with us as the Zebra was the only animal they hadn’t seen!! Such service and experiences provided by a non profit organisation dedicated to conservation and rejuvenation of the area. What more could you ask. You simply must go!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Unforgettable experience

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 Excellent

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stay here....you won't be disappointed!!

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 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highlight of our trip

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

10/10 Excellent

Nels Kristian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great two night stay at Sabona.

We had a great 2 night stay at Sabona Wildlife Reserve. Especially our game tour guide Nicole gave us three fantastic game drives. She was able to answer any question re. the animals and the plants in the park. Luckely we saw the BIG FIVE. The rooms had comfortable beds, a large balcony with perfect wievs of the surrounding area. Overall the staff was helpful and friendly. The restaurant offered a perfect breakfast and the dinner on the first evening had a good choice of meals. 2.nd evening dinner unfortunately gave us no choice. Overall we had a very good stay at Sabona Wildlife Reserve. Nels Kristian Denmark
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sophie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about our stay at Tilney Manor was fabulous. The staff, the beautiful room, the terrace, the pool and the visiting wildlife! Breakfast, lunch and dinner were plentiful and superb. But most of all, the safari drives were unforgettable. Our guide, Rigchter was knowledgable, so enthusiastic and the wildlife we experienced was incredible.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ozge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing vacation highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nadja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really love that Place
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angelika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exceptional Hospitality
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room and guides were excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were all very helpful and friendly. Accommodation was fabulous and the whole experience great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Oliver

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This place is amazing. Did not want to leave!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024