Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

One of the true joys of Sanbona is the freedom to do nothing at all in absolute luxury. But for those who choose to venture beyond the comfort of the Lodge, a world of new experiences awaits… Game Drives, Nature Walks, Birdwatching, Star Gazing, Rock Art, Rock Formations & Features, Fauna & Flora and Spa Treatments are just some of the options.

Game Drives

Traverse the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open Landcruisers. During the drive, be it in the early morning or for sundowners, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen.

Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karoo.

Birdwatching

For the avid birdwatcher, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is home to more than 200 species.

There is a very healthy population of raptors to be seen including African Fish Eagles, breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles and regular sightings of Black Harrier.

Interesting birds on the Reserve include the Cinnamonbreasted Warbler only seen in the early light of dawn. The Booted Eagle in the pale form breed well on the Reserve, while the Southern Grey Tit intrigues one with its 13 different calls. The Namaqua Sandgrouse travels up to 80kms in search of water, collecting droplets in its breast feathers, flying back to the nest to give the moisture to its chicks. Blackwinged Stilts can be viewed foraging in and around water areas.

Due to the unobtrusiveness of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the birds are at ease, affording one with good viewing.

Relaxation Retreat

Awaken your senses and allow us to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Inspired by surrounding nature and elements that guide us, our selection of body and beauty treatments cater for both men and women.We strive forquality, excellence and distinction in all we do.

The Relaxation Retreats at Sanbona overlook ancient rock formations and undulating mountains and plains. While the rejuvenating forces of nature cradle you, we deliver a range of world-class treatments and holistic modalities to balance and energise your being. Step into the privacy of our tranquil retreats – let the gentle atmosphere envelop and embrace you.

Sanbona Boat Safari

The Sanbona boat safari experience adds to the many other unique experiences on offer in this Karoo wilderness reserve.

The boat is called, Peregrine, named after the Peregrine Falcon, which is a bird of prey in the falcon family. Peregrine takes guests on a ‘water safari’ on the impressive Bellair Dam situated in the middle of this vast reserve in order to reach what has been, up to now, unchartered territory. It presents guests with a new experience and perspective of the Big 5 wildlife, marine and birdlife.

Peregrine is able to navigate through even shallow waters and offer access to most areas of the dam. It seats 12 guests in utter style while they enjoy either an early morning or a sunset cruise, which forms part of a game drive, weather permitting.

One of the highlights on the boat safari is to possibly get up close to a pod of hippo, which can be spotted bathing in the dam.

The Bellair Dam was built almost 100 years ago and bird watching is incredibly prolific as more than 40 species of birdlife flock to the dam alone. Guests get a chance to see the ‘newly built’ dam wall and on a hot summer’s day swim whilst enjoying vistas that are only found in the Karoo.

Peregrine can also be booked for sole use, at an additional cost, for guests that may be celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or honeymoon or simply to enjoy some private time on the dam during their stay.

Flora & Fauna

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has about 600 species of plants and it is intriguing to know that various species are flowering at different times throughout the year, although some more prolific between August and September.

Approximately half of the reserve used to be livestock and agricultural farms and all aspects of farming have been systematically removed. There are various floral kingdoms that make up the Reserve. These include Acacia Thickets, Nama, Karoo, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo and Central Mountain Fynbos. Succulents are especially varied and fascinating with names like Baby’s Bottoms, Ostrich Toes and Pig’s Ears.

Animals that roamed the area freely living amongst the San but were eradicated have been reintroduced. The Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros as well as various other species such as Gemsbok, Springbok, Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Black Wildebeest and Zebra can all be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Ant bear, Brown Hyena, Grey Rhebuck, Steenbuck, Klipspringer, Grysbok and Common Duiker continue to thrive.

Nature Walks

Discover the spirit of the Little Karoo on foot and see the many treasures on the Reserve.

An optional walk with the guidance of a ranger can be arranged to cater for individual needs. From gentle strolls, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the indigenous fauna and flora, to challenging trails discovering isolated vistas, reveal the beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Be it a gentle walk, or challenging trail to a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its invigorating bliss and then returning to your lodge for a scrumptious meal, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has all of this and much more to offer.

Photography

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a photographer’s dream.

Due to the perfect light conditions, during the twilight hours of sunrise and sunset it is advisable to use 100 ASA film for exquisite photographic opportunities. A 100 – 300 lens is a good choice.

Macro photography is also incredible to capture close-ups of the smaller species.

Rock Art

The San people of Africa roamed the area for thousands of years until 100 years ago.
The /Xam tribe, the nomadic hunter-gatherers living in harmony with nature realised then that man and nature together is sustainable.

There are 7 recorded sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, however many more can be found. Rock art sites date back to more than 3500 years and depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. During their travels, members of the group would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions and guidance. This medicine man or woman would ensure the well being of the tribe, protecting them from evil and sickness, predicting the future and ensuring good hunting and rains. Certain animals such as the Praying Mantis and the Eland were honoured and revered and were considered to have great spiritual powers.

These experiences of the Shaman were depicted to the tribe in the form of the rock art seen today. The various sites that were chosen were also very symbolic, the rock depicting the medium between the different realms the Shaman had travelled in his trancelike state. Ingredients used for the paint consisted of animal blood, urine, plant sap, egg and water, the protein from blood or egg having the ability to preserve the art that exists today.

The only evidence that remains of these little people is the delicate rock art found on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, their indelible footprints left of their presence in this vast landscape for generations to come.

Rock Formations & Features

Sheer humbleness is experienced beneath the massive examples of Cape folded mountains and thick veins of quartz, displaying rock features of incredible grandeur formed by the earths tempestuous past more than 350 million years ago. Continental collisions, the submergence of the earth’s crust and the cataclysmic influence of the oceans have all contributed to the magnificent landscapes of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

The geology of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve consists of sedimentary sandstones, mudstones and siltstones from the Devonian era. This period was the beginning of life on earth and trace fossils of various marine invertebrates have been found.

Qualified rangers offer fascinating insight into the secrets that the rocks unfold, bearing stories of distant times of the land that time forgot – rocks progressively eroded and weathered to become the life bearing soil of the Klein Karoo.

Stargazing in the Karoo

One of the most spectacular wonders to be seen in the Karoo is the night sky and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the ideal location to experience it. Free from light pollution, it offers some of the finest stargazing in Southern Africa and is an ideal activity for all guests to enjoy.

In summer, Orion takes pride of place alongside Taurus the bull and Pleiades, the 7 sisters, but as winter comes around, one can witness Scorpius, with the red giant star Antares at its heart and the distinctive Southern Cross. These are just a few of the awe inspiring constellations on show.

For inexperienced or professional astronomers, sit back and enjoy the large and small Magellanic Clouds, which are neighbouring dwarf galaxies, or the deep space features that can be viewed with the telescopes provided at each lodge, such as the Orion and Carina Nebulas and not forgetting Tuc47, a brilliant star cluster.

Star gazing is done at the lodges and can also be incorporated on night drives, although the winter months may be colder, they offer even better viewing as heat and dust are greatly reduced in the atmosphere, offering a clearer sky. Should guests be fortunate enough to stay at Sanbona during a celestial event such as meteor shower, the Sanbona experience will be made extra special.

Stargazing is ideal for children to enjoy, and guides are happy to spend time explaining the uniqueness of the Karoo night sky, which can be a wonderful educational experience for younger guests taking full advantage of the Kids on Safari programme.