Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Expert Review: Cape Town Big 5 Safari 2025
Are you looking for the best malaria-free Big 5 safari park near Cape Town?
Then you’re going to want to read this review. At 620 km², Sanbona is the biggest private reserve I’d been to in all my years of travelling in Africa.
The wide-open feel of this free-roaming reserve is amazing. I had some incredible wildlife sightings!
🦁 Contact Go2Africa to set up your unforgettable trip from Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve!
The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is only a 3-hour drive from Cape Town city centre, but it offers a gentle, real Big 5 experience. It’s one of the largest private reserves in South Africa and is home to rare white lions, and over 3,500-year-old rock art.
It’s stunning.
The reserve is one of the few non-profit reserves in Africa and is heavily focused on conservation, which I love. While you’re here you can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris, and more great activities.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Review
Where the Reserve is Located
Address: R62 Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a beautiful, premier wildlife conservation area. It’s in the same province as Cape Town – Western Cape, in the Little Karoo region near the pretty little town of Montagu.
Montagu is in the Langeberg mountains and is best known for its hot springs, orchards, and vineyards. AND for its proximity to Sabona Wildlife Reserve, just 47 km to the east.
In a nutshell, Sanbona is a unique wilderness experience that blends conservation, adventure, and luxury. All in one spectacular package, just a few hours east of Cape Town.
And due to its location in a part of South Africa that’s away from typical malaria zones, the park is considered malaria-free.
What to Expect When You Get Here
When I arrived at Sanbona, it was an enormous, sun-drenched golden grassland. The Warmwaterberg Mountains rose up in the background. It’s a spectacular place.
There are 3 different accommodations at Sanbona: the Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor. You can also add on a walking safari at the more rugged Sanbona Explorer Camp.
I chose Dwyka. I love a tent when I’m in Africa, though it’s not usually this luxurious. Each tent has its own heated plunge pool, deck, a large bathtub, and a shower.
Each of the options is very thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, keeping the focus on the natural environment. And every lodge provides a distinct experience.
Choose from family-centred, modern African elegance to secluded settings that highlight the solitude and beauty of the Little Karoo.
Sanbora Wildlife Reserve Activities
Games drives
Like any activity that revolves around wild animals, you just can’t count on them. I was lucky on some of my game drives at Sanbona and saw most of the Big 5 – elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, and buffalos.
Only one leopard, though, those elusive beauties!
There’s no guarantee that you’ll see everything every time, but your chances are good. Sanbona is known for its diverse wildlife populations and extensive conservation efforts.
You won’t see large herds here, but everything is completely wild. The animals aren’t fed, they hunt (or graze or browse…), which makes me happy.
Desert and southwestern black rhinos, as well as cheetahs, have been reintroduced in the area. The reserve also boasts a genetically diverse population of Cape Mountain zebras.
Sanbona is home to the Little 5, too. These are the leopard tortoise, the elephant shrew, the rhinoceros beetle, the buffalo weaver bird, and the antlion. No guarantee on the Ugly 5 though!
The open safari vehicle is comfortable, and the guides know everything about the area and the animals.
* You should be aware that littles under 4 years old aren’t permitted on game drives, but childcare is available.
Bush Walks
The guided wilderness walks at Sanbona are my favourite activity. It’s a fantastic way to get up close to the plants, smaller creatures, and birds in the unique Little Karoo ecosystem.
The focus is on conservation and having a genuine wilderness experience. The guides can also tell you all about the local ecology, conservation efforts, and the history of the reserve.
The bush walks are tailored to the fitness levels and interests of the guests, so they’re accessible to a wide range of ages. But keep in mind that, for safety reasons, kids under the age of 14 years are not permitted on the walks.
The one issue I had was that the bush walk guides were armed. Smart, I know, and common on many bush walks in Africa – there are predators out there.
But I always feel like an animal could get shot just because I decided to take a walk.
Of course, this would never happen unless there was absolutely no choice – it’s just a quirk of mine.
Naturally, the safety of the guests is their number one priority. The guides are awesome, well-trained, and super-knowledgeable.
They can not only track and spot wildlife with spooky accuracy but also keep everyone safe and comfortable.
More activities
The reserve is home to 3,500-year-old Khoi-Khoi and San rock art, and tours of these creations are available. You can also go bird watching – now, don’t roll your eyes!
I never gave birds a second thought, either, until I travelled to South Africa. The birdlife here is fascinating!
Giant birds, colourful birds, tiny birds, ugly and pretty birds. I’m afraid I didn’t have time for a dedicated birding tour at Sanbona, but if you do, go.
But even if you don’t, you’ll see some pretty fantastic birds around.
Photography is a no-brainer – there’s so much to take pictures of! And please, don’t forget to look up at night. The star gazing is unreal.
If you’ve never seen the Milky Way, well, hang onto your hat!
The Relaxation Retreat (aka. The Spa)
This is one of the best massages I’ve ever had. You can also choose a foot massage, a facial, or a full body scrub. I even heard stories of a sauna and steam room at the other lodges on-site. Just blissful.
The Food
Each of the accommodation options has its own dining room, and the food is good and plentiful. The wonderful staff is more than willing to accommodate preferences and health restrictions.
Dwyka is home to a very lovely wine cellar.
Children’s Activities
Not having kids myself, I can only tell you what I learned about what you can do with yours at the reserve.
First, Sanbona does offer child care if you’d like to go on a game drive and you have kids too young to come along (<5 yrs).
And if you’re staying at the Gondwana Family Lodge, they also have a program called Eco-Explorers. Your 4-and-unders can go on short trail walks through the lodge gardens, do arts and crafts, and have fun while the grown-ups explore.
The History of Sanbona
The history of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a pretty inspiring story. Of transformation, conservation, and dedication to preserving South Africa’s natural heritage.
Initially, the land that’s now Sanbona was used for agricultural purposes – crops and livestock. The idea for a private nature reserve, originally named the Cape Wildlife Reserve, began in 1998.
The area was expanded, and Sanbona’s rewilding efforts began. The intent was to create a self-sustaining ecosystem similar to what the area might have looked like 300 years ago.
This included the reintroduction of the Big Five and other species significant to the area’s biodiversity. Over the years Sanbona has become a haven for wildlife.
You can see things like the critically endangered riverine rabbit, desert and southwestern black rhinos after nearly 200 years of local extinction, and cheetahs.
It’s actually the first protected area in the Western Cape to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild.
I know I tend to go on about this, but the reserve’s focus on conservation is admirable. By 2020, their commitment to conservation was further solidified.
This was when it was rezoned from agricultural to conservation use and registered as a non-profit company. This ensured that it could continue to serve as a biodiversity centre for future generations.
How great is that?!
Pros & Cons of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
All in all, here are my impressions of Sanbona.
Pros
- Sanbona is the most beautiful reserve so close to Cape Town, with the best wildlife experiences
- there are great options, even a lodge geared toward families, all fairly small.
- the reserve respects its animals, and conservation is a priority
- it is wheelchair/disabled accessible
- malaria-free
Cons
- there are no budget options here
- due to its size and history, there are no large herds of animals at Sanbona
- that’s it!
Getting to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve from Cape Town
There are a couple of options when it comes to getting to the reserve.
1. I recommend my go-to for all things safari – Go2Africa, just because they know everything about everything. They will work with you to make sure you’re getting just what you want.
Go2Africa will arrange everything from your stay at the reserve to your transportation from Cape Town. It just doesn’t get easier. Go to their website to arrange your trip to Sanbona.
2. You can also rent a car and drive there yourself. It’s actually a great opportunity to explore South Africa’s Wine Route – the world’s longest wine route, Route 62.
It’ll take you through beautiful landscapes, pretty towns, and vineyards, of course. If you love a road trip, then this might be your best way to go. You can visit wine estates, taste the local cuisine, and discover small towns along the way.
I would definitely recommend allowing yourself some extra travel time to fully enjoy what Route 62 has to offer. There are farm stalls, antique shops, wine cellars, and not to mention quaint roadside restaurants to stop at.
I like to rent through Discovery Cars when I travel. They’ll show you local rental places as well as big companies, so you get the best choices and can support local.
More to Do Around Sanbona
While you’re in the beautiful area, I hope you have some time to do a bit of exploring. There are some things to do outside of the reserve that are worth your time.
- Wellington, for instance, is known for its berry farm. Take a guided tour if you like, or pick your own strawberries, youngberries, raspberries, or Cape gooseberries.
- The R60 past Worcester lets you see the colourful Nuy Valley, a hidden gem for wine lovers.
- In the town of Robertson, you can enjoy a wine safari experience or a coffee break at Strictly Coffee.
- Ashton is another good spot, home to Platform 62. Here you can taste and buy a wide range of local wines and spirits.
- If you’re interested in a detour, La Montanara has a unique cheese and wine pairing experience.
- Montagu has some historic charm and an art district. There are activities like vintage car tours and cycling, and ample opportunities for nature walks and hiking.
The Cogmanskloof Hiking Trail in Montagu is a popular choice, with gorgeous views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
- If you go as far as Barrydale, Diesel & Crème has legendary milkshakes. It’s also got some unique cafes, artisanal shops, and art galleries to wander through.
Summing It Up: Sanbona Wilderness Reserve Expert Review
If you’re hoping to find an incredible wildlife experience close to Cape Town – you’ve got it! Sanbona Wildlife Reserve will give you that genuine feeling of spotting wildlife in the bush.
You can even sit outside and listen to them at night. Nothing will make you want to stay up all night than being afraid you’ll miss hearing something in the dark. Hippos sound beautiful when the sun goes down. Or is that just me who thinks so?
Happy travels!
Read more about South Africa!
➵ Is Cape Town Dangerous? Plus Expert Safety Tips for 2025
➵ 31 Fun Facts About Cape Town: Unlocking Its Secrets
➵ Exploring Africa: Incredible Victoria Falls Tours from Cape Town
➵ 39 Amazing Facts About Kruger National Park You Never Knew
