4 Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Quick Itinerary Overview
Discover the rugged beauty of the Big 5 Sanbona Wildlife Reserve on this excellent value-for-money Cape Town Safari in South Africa. Encounter an exciting array of wild animals, birds, and small creatures in the Sanbona game reserve, which is home to Africa’s Big Five (leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and lions). Enjoy personalized attention from experienced game rangers as you explore this 58,000-hectare wildlife reserve on game drives and guided nature walks. Stay at one of three luxury safari lodges in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor—each offering its own unique South African safari experience.
Your Sanbona safari includes two game drives or nature walks per day, delicious Karoo cuisine at charming onsite restaurants, scenic sundowners, snacks, and drinks on your game drives, and more. Experience all of this, only a few hours away from Cape Town in one carefully designed itinerary that makes for an unforgettable safari adventure!
Itinerary for this Tour
Day 1: Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – South Africa
Your Big 5 Cape Town Safari begins with a collection from your pre-tour accommodation in the city bowl area of Cape Town. From the Mother City, you’ll be transferred to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, located outside Montagu. This scenic 3.5-hour drive takes you along the famous Route 62, the longest wine route in the world. Upon arrival at the reserve, you will be transferred to your chosen lodge where your safari experience begins. You will meet your guide who will help customize your safari program and set off on your first wildlife adventure, whether a game drive or a bush walk with one of the experienced Sanbona rangers as the afternoon fades.
Meals: Dinner
Travel: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Accommodation: Sanbona Safari Lodge (Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, or Tilney Manor)
Day 2 & 3: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – South Africa
The next two days are all about exploring nature and its wild inhabitants. Your 4-day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona includes a sunrise and sunset game drive or bush walk per day. Keep an eye out for the Big 5, along with cheetahs, giraffes, Cape mountain zebras, and various antelope species. Your guided game drives last about three hours, covering the two distinct biomes of the Sanbona reserve. These drives are conducted in open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles, perfect for game viewing. On morning drives, enjoy a hot beverage in a scenic spot, while on sunset drives, pause for sundowner drinks and snacks in the bush.
Sanbona’s nature walks are a specialty, with various walking trails suited to different fitness levels. These walks are restricted to guests over the age of 14 due to the presence of large predators. Your guide will tailor your walk to your interests and activity level, ensuring an enriching experience in the African bush.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: Game Drives in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Accommodation: Sanbona Safari Lodge (Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, or Tilney Manor)
Day 4: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve to Cape Town – South Africa
Wake up early for a final exploration of the South African bush. After a last game drive or walk, return to your lodge for breakfast before packing up. You will then be transferred back to Cape Town, bringing your unforgettable Sanbona safari adventure to a close.
Meals: Breakfast
Travel: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
About Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Sanbona is one of South Africa’s premier eco-tourism destinations and the largest private game reserve in the region. Located in the Little Karoo, near Montagu on Route 62, it spans 58,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big 5. The reserve offers both game drives and nature walks, led by expert guides who share insights into the region’s rich biodiversity. Sanbona also has a strong conservation focus, with various initiatives aimed at preserving its natural heritage.
For accommodation, Sanbona offers several luxury lodges, including Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor, providing a range of options to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you prefer a romantic getaway or a family-friendly experience, Sanbona provides the perfect setting for a memorable Cape Town Safari.
Sanbona Safari Lodge Accommodation
On your Cape Town Safari, choose from three exceptional lodges within the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor. All lodges include two safari activities per day, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and drinks on game drives, as well as internal transfers.
Dwyka Tented Lodge in Sanbona
Located in a dry ravine surrounded by dramatic rock formations, Dwyka Tented Lodge is ideal for a more exclusive safari experience. This lodge is for guests aged 16 and over and offers luxury tents with private decks and heated plunge pools. Activities include guided game drives, walks, and rock art tours, and the lodge features a spacious lounge, dining area, and a pool overlooking the spectacular landscape.
Gondwana Family Lodge in Sanbona
Gondwana Family Lodge is perfect for families, offering beautiful views of the Bellair Dam and Anysberg Mountains. This lodge features spacious suites with private decks, as well as a range of family-friendly amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, play areas, and a kids’ safari program. Children under 12 stay for free, with discounted rates for older children.
Tilney Manor in Sanbona
Tilney Manor is an ideal choice for guests aged 12 and over, offering a tranquil retreat with views of the Karoo mountains. The lodge features spacious suites with indoor and outdoor showers, and a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy gourmet South African cuisine, a rim-flow pool, and plenty of space for relaxation in the serene surroundings.
Child Policy
- Children under 12 are only permitted at Gondwana Family Lodge.
- Game drives are restricted to children over 4 years old, while game walks are for guests over 14 years old.
- Children under 16 are not permitted at Dwyka Tented Lodge.
- Children under 12 are not permitted at Tilney Manor.