Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

5.0 star property

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View all photos for Dwyka Tented Lodge 1

Dwyka Tented Lodge 1 | Balcony view

Dwyka Tented Lodge 1

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 65 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Tilney Manor

Tilney Manor | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Tilney Manor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 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)
  • Valley view
  • 57 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

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About this property

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

An outdoor pool, a restaurant and spa services are available at this lodge. Free full breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, concierge services and dry cleaning.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers 27 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and complimentary bottles of water. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Beds feature premium bedding. Business-friendly amenities include desks, safes and telephones. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath and a rainfall showerhead. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, slippers and designer toiletries. Additionally, rooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.
Guests can experience the thrill of a safari, and take advantage of an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages and facials.
Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. You'll find features such as free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking.
  • Free full breakfast served daily
  • Free Wi-Fi in some public areas
  • Free self-parking
  • Enjoy a bite to eat at the fine-dining restaurant
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge and tour or ticket assistance
  • On-site recreation includes a playground
  • 18.8 miles (30.3 km) from Wilderbraam Berry Estate and 27.2 miles (43.8 km) from South Africa's Peace Pagoda
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is an all-inclusive lodge. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

There's a restaurant on site. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. An outdoor pool, spa services, and a library are also featured at the luxury Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Colonial Barrydale lodge.

Guests are served a free full breakfast daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
On-site venue – Overlooking the pool, this fine-dining restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tilney Manor Restaurant – Overlooking the pool and garden, this fine-dining restaurant specialises in African cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open daily.
On-site venue No. 3 – Overlooking the garden, this fine-dining restaurant specialises in African cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open daily.

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.

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Resort fee (May 01 – April 30): ZAR 220 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 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
To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 48 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests arriving after 6:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open on 01 September and close on 31 March.

National rating

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

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

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 150 out of 169 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 169 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 169 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 169 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 169 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great service, beautiful rooms
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Anup

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely fantastic!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sophie

Travelled with partner
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

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

Ozge

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

10/10 Excellent

Kevan, Pantymwyn Mold

Travelled with partner
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

Christopher

Travelled with partner
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

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

carlos

Travelled with family
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

Hailey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angelika

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

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Travelled with group
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

Edward Kieran

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

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

10/10 Excellent

David, SOLIHULL

Travelled with partner
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

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

Jackie

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lesley

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

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

Britta

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

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

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

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

Gustavo

Travelled with partner
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

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
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

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