If you’re in Cape Town and wish to experience a high-quality safari but have limited time, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers an excellent option nearby. Located in the Klein Karoo region, Sanbona is about a three-hour drive from Cape Town, along a scenic and easily navigable route. Like the rest of southern South Africa, this area is malaria-free, making it a safe and convenient choice for a safari adventure.

The Western Cape also offers other unique wildlife experiences. Close to Cape Town, you can meet charming penguins or snorkel with seals for a memorable encounter. In the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus—approximately 130 km from Cape Town—you can enjoy incredible whale-watching. These majestic giants, measuring 16–18 metres and weighing 70–80 tonnes, visit Walker Bay regularly between June and November to nurse their calves.

For those seeking even more excitement, Gansbaai is located just 30–40 minutes from Hermanus and is the starting point for thrilling great white shark safaris as well as encounters with other shark species.

This combination of land and marine safari experiences makes the Western Cape a truly diverse and remarkable destination.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is located in the Little Karoo, along the scenic Route 62, approximately three hours by car from Cape Town. Covering 58,000 hectares, Sanbona is renowned for its endemic flora and fauna, the rare white lions, and ancient 3,500-year-old rock art, making it an exceptionally unique destination. At Sanbona, you have the opportunity to encounter the majestic Big 5 in a setting that prioritises conservation and exclusivity. The reserve does not allow day visitors or self-drive safaris, ensuring a more intimate and undisturbed wildlife experience.

Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge

Encircled by dramatic rock formations in a horseshoe-shaped ravine within Klein Karoo, the exclusive Sanbona Dwyka Luxury Tented Lodge offers a unique wilderness experience. This awe-inspiring landscape is both grand and serene, making it a haven of beauty and tranquility.

The lodge features nine luxurious, Scandinavian-inspired tented suites, combining light furnishings and airy fabrics for a clean, sophisticated look. Each suite includes a well-appointed bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, as well as a private deck with a jacuzzi for soaking in the views.

The spacious lounge continues the lodge’s elegant theme, while the acclaimed kitchen serves delectable meals in the restaurant, your suite, the bush, or the lodge’s inviting boma. Facilities include a large pool, an exclusive bar, a spa, a boutique, and an impressive wine cellar.

Activities include twice-daily jeep safaris, bush walks, and unique excursions such as visits to 3,500-year-old San rock art sites. Known for its romantic appeal, Dwyka is one of the premier destinations in the Western Cape.

Children aged 16 and older are welcome.

Tilney Manor

The classic Tilney Manor offers a haven of understated luxury with its six spacious open-plan suites. The elegant interiors showcase a modern African-inspired design, blending earthy tones with vibrant accents to create a serene yet stylish atmosphere. Each suite features a private veranda with breathtaking views of the stunning natural landscape. Equipped with every imaginable comfort, the suites include air conditioning, a fireplace, a minibar, indoor and outdoor double showers, and a luxurious bathtub, ensuring an indulgent retreat.

The lodge’s lounge area complements the suites with its seamless blend of sophistication and relaxation. Highlights include a magnificent rim-flow pool, a steam room, a cosy fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and an upscale boutique offering curated selections to enhance your stay.

Beyond the twice-daily jeep safaris, Tilney Manor invites guests to experience bush walks for a closer connection to the wilderness. Guests can also enjoy unique excursions, such as visits to the world-renowned 3,500-year-old San rock paintings, providing a window into ancient history and culture.

Children aged 12 and older are welcome at Tilney Manor.

Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge

The delightful Gondwana Family Lodge is the ultimate family-friendly retreat, thoughtfully designed to cater to guests of all ages. The lodge features twelve spacious and comfortable suites, each exuding a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic with bright modern furnishings and vibrant accent colours. The combination of light fabrics, contemporary furniture, and bold hues creates a fresh, stylish, and welcoming atmosphere.

The lodge’s lounge area is both expansive and meticulously designed, providing ample space for families to relax together. Gondwana’s renowned kitchen is celebrated for its ability to create delicious meals that appeal to both adults and children alike. The lodge boasts a wealth of family-focused amenities, including an indoor and outdoor play area, a TV room with children’s programming, a children’s safari programme, babysitting services, and a large pool with a shallow section for little ones. Parents can unwind on family-sized lounge beds, while additional facilities such as a steam room and a well-stocked boutique ensure a well-rounded stay.

Children of all ages are welcome at Gondwana Family Lodge.

Sanbona Explorer Camp

The adventurous Explorer Camp offers a truly unique and intimate safari experience, catering exclusively to six guests. This mobile camp, open on weekends from October to April, is specially designed for those seeking the thrill of walking safaris. It’s perfect for adventurous travellers who value quality and an authentic connection to nature.

Accommodation is provided in spacious canvas tents, each comfortably accommodating up to two guests. The tents are thoughtfully positioned close enough for a sense of community, yet with sufficient space to maintain privacy and tranquillity. Designed with the discerning adventurer in mind, Explorer Camp combines the excitement of exploration with understated comfort, offering an experience that feels both immersive and exclusive.

Guests will enjoy guided walking safaris led by expert trackers, offering the opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot, experience the thrill of tracking wildlife, and truly connect with the African bush. Evening meals are prepared over the fire, creating a warm and communal atmosphere as stories of the day’s adventures are shared under the stars.

Children aged 16 and older are welcome at Explorer Camp.

Curated Add-On I

Enhance your exclusive Western Cape safari journey with a truly unparalleled train experience. Begin or end your adventure aboard a moving masterpiece of timeless elegance and unmatched luxury. The world-famous Rovos Rail and the iconic Blue Train offer journeys spanning 2 to 15 days, seamlessly blending with our spectacular safari destinations. Let yourself be captivated by the grandeur of this enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reach out to us for all the details!

Curated Add-On II

Cape Town and its surroundings are a world-renowned haven for gourmet experiences. Combine your journey to this iconic city with a luxury tour filled with indulgence. Let us guide you to the ultimate wine and culinary adventure, where every moment is a feast for the senses. Contact Safari Collection to learn more and start planning your unforgettable getaway.