Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge

There are nine luxury tents at Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge, and all can accommodate two adults in either a king or twin configuration. The tents are modern and chic, with a muted colour scheme running throughout which draws on the colours of the land surrounding the tents. A large comfortable bed sits in the centre of the room covered in crisp white bed linen and plush pillows. Draped ceilings add a touch of cosiness and class, and soften the atmosphere of the tent.

The tents are filled with natural light through sliding glass doors which sit at the front of the tent. All the tents come with ensuite bathrooms which include twin hand-basins and a shower, with a unique outdoor shower and a spa bath on the decking, where guests can enjoy a soak in the heart of nature. The private deckings offer guests the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring, unwinding with a drink from your own mini-bar while gazing out over the sweeping surroundings or looking to the starry skies.

Guests can enjoy dinner in the main lodge or can head out to the open-air boma. Food is prepared by talented and professional chefs who cook in a variety of cuisine styles which are inspired by colours and flavours from all over Africa. Before or after dinner, guests can head to the fully stocked bar in the lounge area, to enjoy a refreshing beer, creative cocktail or glass of wine.

During the atmospheric times of sunrise or sunset, guests can head out on a nature drive in an open-air vehicle with a knowledgeable and friendly ranger. These drives will last around 3 hours and will immerse you in the wilderness of Sanbona. Driving alongside some of the magnificent animals of the reserve such as elephants and giraffes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Explore Sanbona on your own two feet for a truly immersive way to explore the reserve. With a friendly and knowledgeable guide hike through the savannah keeping an eye out for animal tracks, micro-ecosystems and animals in the near distance. Private walks can be arranged at any pace, meaning everyone is catered for.

Surrounded by ancient rock formations and sweeping savannahs reconnect with your inner peace with a relaxation retreat. Enjoy a holistic treatment to help care for your mind, body and soul, and leave the retreat feeling refreshed, reset, relaxed, and at one with nature.

Glide along the sparkling waters of the Bellair Dam on a relaxing boat safari. Float along next to a pod of lazy hippos at sunset or sunrise who will pop up and say hello through the golden waters. Don’t forget to take your camera as this is an activity that offers unparalleled photographic opportunities.

With 7 recorded sites of San Bushmen rock art in the Sanbona Reserve, guests can hike to view the amazing history whilst on a guided walk, or can travel to see them on a nature drive, just let your guide know and they can take you there!

After the sun has gone down, turn your gaze to the skies and have your breath taken away by the blanket of bright stars which light up the night. Look for some of the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations such as the Southern Cross, and Ursa Major and Minor. Also, spend this time to enlighten yourself on some of the ancient myths which the San Bushmen told about the stars.

The land of Little Karoo was formerly agricultural land, meaning road networks, fences, overgrazing and ploughing are scars which still affect the land to this day. It is the Wildlife Departments job to try and facilitate new growth and the rehabilitation of the landscape. To do this, they work to remove alien species of vegetation and combat soil erosion. The reintroduction of species is important to create the diverse landscape which was once there, the reintroduction of the larger predators and herbivores has taken a few years and is ever-ongoing. All animals are constantly monitored to make sure the process is sustainable and successful, and that a careful balance is maintained between predators and prey.

Currently, there are many flora and fauna species which are found in Sanbona which are on the Red List of Threatened Species. One such example is the Riverine Rabbit which is the 13th most endangered mammal in the world. Sanbona provides riverine rabbits with the space needed to function as they should, which they are being denied in other areas of Africa. Due to this, Sanbona has become one of the major players in the conservation of this species.

Sanbona has an anti-poaching and security unit which helps to keep the land protected, as well as the guests and staff. Due to the conservation work which Sanbona are participating in, they have a stewardship with CapeNature which has led to the area receiving ongoing ‘Protected Area’ status.

The three fronts which influence the management philosophy of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve are financial, social and ecological. Partnered with the renowned Wilderness Foundation and the Green Leaf Environmental Standard, Sanbona makes sure that the sustainable management of the land surrounding them extends to the running of the lodge too. They focus on using water and energy effectively and efficiently, capturing rainwater and using wood from removed alien species for fireplaces.

They recycle all their raw materials, compost their food waste and use greywater for watering lodge gardens. To make sure the sustainable initiatives reach everyone in this area Sanbona also focuses on the upliftment, empowerment, and education of the local communities and their staff members. They partake in all these sustainable initiatives to help reduce their carbon footprint, improve education on conservation, and create a more responsible tourism brand.