Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the hidden gem of the Little Karoo. A short two and a half hours drive form Cape Town, between Montagu and Barrydale, and yes, you can definitely taste wine en-route in the Robertson Wine Valley.
Sanbona is 54 000 hectares in size, so to try and comprehend how big that actually is, is exceedingly difficult. The contrasting landscapes of towering mountains and open plains make for the most magical and spiritual experience around. It is deathly quite and often the only sounds you will hear are those of the wildlife around you, the distant roar of a male lion, the trumpet of an elephant or the tittering of one of the 160 bird species.
Rock formations and Bushman paintings transport you back in time to the era of the famed San people, and the impressive Fynbos and Flora species are a must to see during the months of August, September and October.
Sanbona has two beautiful lodges, Tilney Manor that has 6 rooms and Khanni Lodge that has 4 rooms. Tilney Manor is full of grace and elegance of the colonial era and Khanni Lodge has its own natural watering hole and makes for fantastic game viewing. A spa and treatment room is available at Tilney for guests to enjoy in between game drives, an absolute must to compliment the 5 star experience.
Although not your typical Big 5 experience in the bush, Sanbona does boast the Big 5 and has one even better, White Lions. These magnificent creatures are quite something to behold with their piercing blue eyes and white fur. These are the only free roaming self-sustained White Lions in South Africa so if these animals are the only ones you see, you are privileged.
Sanbona will always hold a very special place in my heart as this is where my husband proposed to me. In the death of winter, snuggled around our roaring fire in our room with champagne, he popped the question. We were treated like royalty for the next two days and were surprised by champagne in the bush on our morning game drive, surrounded by the watchful and inquisitive eyes of giraffe.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is offering a fantastic special at the moment until 30 September. Stay 2 nights at either one of the lodges and receive 3 free nights at any one of The Last Word Retreats in Cape Town. The perfect way to explore Cape Town and have a wildlife experience at the same time. To find out more visit www.thelastword.co.za
Candice focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
Steve Bolnick is recognized as one of southern Africa’s outstanding safari guides. He grew-up with a deep love for the African bush and has spent the past 29 years living and guiding in southern Africa.
Lisa Griggs writes about the hidden vineyards and the undiscovered cultivars in the Western Cape.
Nicky Coenen looks for the secret hideaways and hidden gems in Cape Town and surrounds.
Steve Robertson tracks the off the beaten track action happening around Cape Town.
Fred Roed looks for the undiscovered coffee spots in the Western Cape and rates them.
Peter has worked in the wine and spirits industry for over 40 years and is an appreciator of fine things.