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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge with free breakfast and spa services

Photo gallery for Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Gondwana Lodge 1 | Terrace/patio
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; pool views
1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe
Exterior
Reception

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • All-inclusive
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa

Explore the area

Map
R62 between Montagu and Barrydale, Barrydale, Western Cape, 6720
  • Bontebok National Park
  • Drostdy Museum
  • Dutch Reformed Church Swellendam

Room options

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
Designer toiletries
Deep-soaking bath
  • 57 sq m
  • Valley view
  • 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
Designer toiletries
  • 60 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

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
Designer toiletries
  • 65 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

About the area

Barrydale

A luxury stay in Barrydale awaits you at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. You'll be 12.6 km (7.8 mi) from Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and 30.3 km (18.8 mi) from Wilderbraam Berry Estate. Highlights at this boutique lodge include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free daily breakfast. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages and facials. The fine-dining restaurant, Gondwana Family Lodge Res, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the seasonal outdoor swimming pool and pool loungers as well as access to a safari and a wildlife and game drive. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights in the vicinity of this 5-property class Barrydale lodge include Duiwelsbos Waterfall and Swellendam Hiking Trail.
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What's nearby

  • Montagu Museum - 44 min drive - 56.9 km
  • Hick's Art Gallery - 45 min drive - 56.9 km
  • South Africa's Peace Pagoda - 46 min drive - 54.6 km
  • Barrydale Labyrinth - 47 min drive - 55.3 km
  • Montagu Hot Springs - 49 min drive - 60.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Joubert-Tradauw - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Karoo Saloon - ‬18 min drive

About this property

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Luxury lodge with free breakfast and spa services
Some rates at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. 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.

  • 1 floor
  • 27 guestrooms or units
  • 3 buildings
  • Built in 2001
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Dining venue
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 pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages and facials.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu

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4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 5 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

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

Restaurants on site

  • Dwyka Tented Lodge Rest
  • Gondwana Family Lodge Res
  • 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Resort fee (May 01 – April 30): ZAR 190 per person, per night

We've listed 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. 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. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Yep, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like facials as well as deep-tissue massages.

Does Sanbona Wildlife Reserve have a pool?

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has a seasonal outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella. The pool is open from September 01 to March 31.

What makes Sanbona Wildlife Reserve a romantic place to stay?

Garden-view dining, plus deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Sanbona Wildlife Reserve serve breakfast?

Sure does, free full breakfast is offered daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

No, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve's onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Check-in begins at noon. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

No, pets are not allowed.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 126 out of 144 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 144 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 144 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 144 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 144 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Fiona

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

wang fung

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful Experience !
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Food not 5 star
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

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

8/10 Good

Saroj

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gerald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An amazing experience from start to finish, every aspect of the stay was special and the attention detail was superb. In addition, the safari itself was wonderful, Josh our guide/ranger was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. This will be an experience that we will always remember. Mike and Michelle
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023