Traverse the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open landrovers.

During the drive, be it in the early morning or for sundowners, various species of plants, animals and birds can be seen.

Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karoo. Returning to the Lodge, nocturnal animals can seldom be seen.

With the guidance of your experienced ranger, early morning walking trails to greet the day have been developed 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 or challenging trail or a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its watery and invigorating bliss or returning to your lodge for a scrumptious breakfast, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has all of this and much more to offer.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a photographers 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.

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 80 kms 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.

The Reserve, approximately half of which consisted of livestock and agricultural farms, is steadily being restored to its natural state by using veld rehabilitation methods and the reintroduction of indigenous plants and animals which can take 100 years to occur. All aspects of farming are systematically being removed. There are 5 floral kingdoms that make up the Reserve. 1: Plantae 2: Animalia 3; Manera 4: Protisa 5; Lichen. (Acacia thickets, central mountain rhenosterveld are veld types, Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Fynbos are biomes in the plant kingdoms.) 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 will be reintroduced. The Big 5 will be phased in over time.

They are Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros as well as various other species such as Gemsbok, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Bontebok and Zebra will be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Antbear, Brown Hyena, Grey Reebuck, Steenbok, Klipspringers, Grysbok and Common Duiker.

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 Little Karoo.

7 Sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, rock art sites dating back to more than 3500 years are found depicting 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 traveled 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.

A 2-man rowboat as well as limited tackle is available for hire. Tuition is on hand on request. Trips can be pre-booked or made on arrival at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

The spirited and comfortable Arabian horses, bred for extreme climatic conditions and endurance, are ideally suited to the vast plains, rugged hills and steep canyons of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Riding briskly, some 40 km can be covered. The luxury of Tilney Manor and the Wellness Centre provides the perfect environment for relaxation after the challenging time in the saddle.

Half day and full day horse trail packages are presently available during your stay at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. All trails need to be pre-booked when making your reservation, as limited space is available. These trails are suitable for experienced riders only.

Relax, rejuvenate and be pampered! One of the major features at Tilney Manor is the fully equipped Wellness Centre, where East meets West in interesting blends of specialized massage therapies and treatments. From the eclectic Jamu massage designed to increase blood circulation and release muscle tension to the sensuous Javanese Lulur Spa ritual that exfoliates, polishes and pampers, peaceful oblivion is achieved. Hydro-therapy treatments include a Hydro-bath with intense jets of water to promote blood circulation and finally the steam room and sauna with scented eucalyptus oils to enhance respiration. Special package treatments are tailor-made to one's individual needs. Only the finest Decléor products are used.

See Sanbona Wildlife Reserve from a bird's eye view! With the impressive 8-man balloon taking to the air at the first light of dawn, the silence is broken with the explosive thrust of burners, the rustle of fabric flapping in the breeze and the anticipation of lift off.

Drift gracefully over valleys, mountains and plains while taking in the sheer expanse and panoramic vistas of the Reserve before you while spotting game from the air. Celebrate the freedom of the experience with a scrumptious Champagne breakfast on the ground.

The prominent Orion's Belt, also known as the three Kings, forms part of the Constellation of Orion, the tragic lover and great hunter who in turn is hunting Taurus, the bull. Orions faithful hound, Canis Major, guards the hare, Lepus lying slain at Orio's feet.

The navigational Southern Cross displays its magnificent facets such as the indescent Jewel Box, the Coal Sack and it's two pointers, Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri.

Depending on the time of year, Venus, the Goddess of love will greet you at dawn or dusk, while Sirius, the brightest star in our heavens keeps a constant vigil. The Lord of the Rings Saturn, the God of War Mars and the Sky God Uranus are some of the planets that can be viewed with the naked eye, depending on the time of year.

How better to end a blissful day at Sanbona than to sit reflecting under the star-studded canopy of African skies, the vastness of infinite galaxies stretching before one.