Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the premier game reserve in the Western Cape, is an idyllic retreat that allows guests to recover from the stresses and strains of the outside world. A visit to Sanbona integrates the traditional gamewatching safari with a journey that revitalizes the mind, body and soul. The name Sanbona was inspired by the region's original inhabitants, the San, who lived by the guiding principle of preserving the natural beauty and peace of the area - a principle that still applies today.

Sanbona's 54 000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains nestle at the foot of the Warmwaterberg mountains in the heart of South Africa's Little Karoo, a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town. Specialist guiding is a key element of this unforgettable experience and allows guests to gain the most from their visit, whether this means catching a glimpse of the Big Five, learning about South Africa's birdlife or discovering the indigenous vegetation.

Sanbona offers opportunities for star gazing, birdwatching and trout fishing and also has a Wellness Centre and conference facilities. Sanbona's first white lion pride is now free to roam in a 3 500-hectare area with a variety of other naturally occurring species. These five cats are part of a long-term programme to reintroduce white lions back into the wild where they belong.

At the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo between Montagu and Barrydale, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is 54 000 hectares of mountains and plains, indigenous fauna and flora, and incredible rock formations. Sanbona is the first privately owned wildlife reserve in the Western Cape to have free roaming Big Five. Specialist guiding is a key element in providing a memorable experience. You will find that Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a true representative of the philosophy of the Mantis Collection - taking care of the small things in life.

Tilney Manor has six luxuriously appointed rooms. This exclusivity ensures that guests can experience personal service and world-class cuisine in an atmosphere of privacy and tranquillity. Comfortable lounges with fireplaces for winter nights, private verandahs, romantic freestanding baths and carefully sheltered outdoor showers are just a few of the pleasures that guests can enjoy. More modern comforts include air-conditioning, satellite television, private bars and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Khanni Lodge Sanbona's second lodge, Khanni, is named after the San word for eland - a magnificent antelope revered by the San as ruler of the animal kingdom. Tucked away in a secluded valley overlooking a natural waterhole, Khanni Lodge is an idyllic Little Karoo summer house with wrap-around verandahs, high lime-washed ceilings and exposed beams that provide a feeling of cool, airy space. From the verandah and rim-flow swimming pool guests can watch animals visiting the waterhole to drink.