Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge

Lodge Highlights

• This spacious thatched lodge is just three hours drive from Cape Town
• Explore 3500-year-old San rock art sites, a breathtaking glimpse into ancient history
• Located in a private "Big 5" game reserve surrounded by the magnificent Anysberg Mountains
• A perfect family retreat, it's entirely child-friendly and welcoming
• Kids will love safari activities designed to inspire curiosity and connection with nature
• Enjoy delicious meals under the stars at the outdoor boma, making every bite unforgettable
• Explore the bush on game drives and guided walks, immersing yourself in nature
• Family safari programme and child friendly pool cater to most ages

Lodge Information

• Lodge type: Safari Lodge
• Location: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
• Lodge size: 12 Luxury Rooms
• Recommended stay: 3-5 nights

Family-Friendly Luxury In The Heart Of The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge, with its breathtaking views of the Anysberg Mountains, is a true sanctuary for families, friends, and small groups. Especially ideal for those travelling with young children, it offers an experience that balances comfort with adventure.

This luxurious thatched lodge is nestled in the heart of the sprawling 54,000-hectare Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, providing a front-row seat to the rugged beauty of the Karoo. With its spectacularly spacious design and thoughtful details, the lodge effortlessly blends bush authenticity with sophisticated elegance.

Just a three-hour drive from Cape Town, it's without a doubt one of the most accessible and unique escapes for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Reserve Information

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, a stunning 58,000-hectare sanctuary in South Africa's Little Karoo, offers visitors a breathtaking landscape rich in diversity and natural beauty. This unique reserve showcases a fragile ecosystem that captivates all who visit.

When it comes to wildlife, Sanbona is exceptional. Picture plains game like gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, eland, kudu, and zebra roaming freely alongside the iconic Big 5—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Adding to the excitement, cheetahs grace the reserve, and the endangered Riverine Rabbit also calls this sanctuary home. Why highlight the Riverine Rabbit? It's the 13th most endangered mammal on Earth, and its presence here reflects Sanbona's outstanding conservation efforts.

For those who love the unusual, game drives offer the chance to spot rare species like aardvarks, black-backed jackals, caracals, brown hyenas, aardwolves, and nimble antelopes like grey rhebok, steenbok, klipspringer, and grysbok. Each sighting feels like a moment out of nature's gallery.

Bird enthusiasts will love exploring the reserve's 200+ species. Whether you're an avid birder or simply enjoy the songs of the wild, the birdlife here is remarkable.

Sanbona is more than a safari—it's a journey into one of South Africa's most precious, well-managed ecosystems. From its striking landscapes to its incredible wildlife, every moment here is filled with wonder and discovery.

Rooms And Suites

With just twelve luxurious rooms available, this boutique lodge offers an exclusive escape like no other. Each room is thoughtfully designed to accommodate up to 2 adults and one child, providing the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. For families travelling with more than one child, the option of interconnecting rooms is a true game-changer, with four of these well-planned setups available. It's an ideal solution for creating a seamless and spacious family retreat.

Every room can be tailored to your preferences, offering the flexibility of either King or Twin bed configurations. This attention to detail ensures that your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.

The in-room amenities are, without a doubt, exceptional and crafted to enhance your stay:

• Air conditioning for year-round comfort
• Underfloor heating for those cooler evenings
• A private mini-bar stocked for your convenience
• Your own deck or balcony to soak in the surrounding beauty
• Tea and coffee facilities are perfect for a cosy morning start
• A secure electronic safe for peace of mind
• An international dial telephone to stay connected
• A stunning en-suite bathroom featuring a shower, free-standing bath, and twin basins – a true retreat within your room

Every aspect of these rooms has been designed with exceptional thought and care, ensuring that your experience is nothing short of unforgettable.

Cuisine And Wine

Experience the true essence of South African and Karoo cuisine at Sanbona Gondwana Lodge, where every meal is a celebration, no matter the time of day. Without a doubt, one of the highlights of your stay will be an unforgettable dinner beneath the glittering African stars in the open-air boma, a setting that perfectly captures the magic of the wilderness.

For our younger guests, the lodge ensures even the pickiest eaters are delighted with thoughtful, specially designed kids' menus. Every detail is crafted to provide a luxurious and welcoming experience for the whole family, blending gourmet excellence with a touch of home-like comfort.

Lodge Facilities

The central guest area at Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge is a beautifully designed space that exudes comfort and elegance. Luxuriously appointed lounge areas, complete with an inviting open fireplace, create the perfect setting for relaxation. For those who enjoy staying connected or catching up on their favourite shows, there's a cosy TV area offering satellite channels—ideal for sports enthusiasts and news followers alike. The lodge also provides excellent WiFi coverage, particularly in and around the main guest area, ensuring guests can stay seamlessly connected during their stay.

The sparkling swimming pool is another highlight, designed with every guest in mind. A shallow end makes it a safe and fun spot for little ones to splash around, while parents can keep a watchful eye as they relax poolside. This thoughtful touch ensures families can enjoy their experience to the fullest.

For guests looking to take a piece of their adventure home, the charming boutique gift shop is a delightful addition. Filled with last-minute treasures and curios, it's perfect for finding that special keepsake or gift to remember your stay.

Attention to detail, combined with luxurious amenities, makes Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge a destination that truly stands out.

Safari Activities

When staying at the spectacular Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, guests are spoiled for choice with an array of unforgettable activities, including:

• Birdwatching
• Exploring remarkable flora and fauna
• Thrilling game drives
• "Kids on Safari" experiences designed for young adventurers
• Immersive nature walks
• Capturing stunning moments through photography
• Indulging in relaxation retreats
• Discovering ancient San rock art sites
• Marvelling at unique rock formations and geological features
• Cruising the waters on the Sanbona Boat Safari
• Stargazing under some of the clearest skies in South Africa

While game drives and walking safaris are undoubtedly the most sought-after experiences, those staying for three nights or more will find the boat and birding safaris to be absolute must-dos. And, weather permitting, be sure to embrace the magic of stargazing—an experience that truly takes your breath away in this pristine part of South Africa.

Please note that some activities may incur an additional cost, but the memories they create are priceless.

Family Friendly

Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge is the ultimate destination for families with young children, offering a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and thoughtful touches to ensure an unforgettable stay. As the only truly "child-friendly" accommodation on the reserve, it has been designed with exceptional care to cater to families.

Indoor Activities for Children:

The lodge provides an array of engaging indoor activities that are both entertaining and educational, ensuring little ones are never bored. Highlights include:

• Creative arts and crafts to spark their imagination.
• A variety of puzzles catering to different ages and skill levels.
• Documentary DVDs on conservation and wildlife topics alongside animated movies for lighter entertainment.
• A collection of enjoyable and educational books for curious young minds.
• A range of classic and fun board games perfect for family bonding.

Outdoor Activities for Children:

For those who love exploring the great outdoors, Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge offers enriching activities that connect children to nature in exciting ways:

• The Interpretive Trail: A safe adventure through Gondwana's gardens where children can discover the wonders of animals, plants, and insects, all while being guided through an interactive learning experience.
• Sanbona Activity Book: A thoughtfully designed book that transforms safaris into a fun and educational journey. It encourages kids to engage with their guides by asking questions about the fascinating nature surrounding them.

Additionally, the lodge features both indoor and outdoor play areas tailored to children, making it a haven of joy and discovery.

Important Note:

For the safety of all guests, children under 4 years old are not permitted on game drives.

Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge seamlessly combines luxury with family-friendly amenities, ensuring parents and children alike can relax and enjoy a magical safari experience. It's the kind of place where extraordinary memories are made, and young explorers are inspired to fall in love with the natural world.

Spa And Wellness

Dwyka Tented Lodge, Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge, and Tilney Manor each provide private spa and massage treatment rooms, offering an indulgent escape into luxury. These sanctuaries of relaxation promise world-class treatments and holistic practices designed to restore balance and revitalize your spirit. Whether you're craving a moment of serenity or a revitalizing boost, these treatments are thoughtfully curated to elevate your experience.

Simply book your preferred session upon arrival and prepare to be pampered in an atmosphere of unmatched elegance and care.

Conclusion

Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge truly offers an unparalleled experience for guests of all ages. Whether it's the excitement of exploring the natural beauty of Sanbona on interactive trails, the educational value of the activity books specially designed for children, or the indulgent relaxation in the serene spa facilities, there is something for everyone. Each element has been carefully crafted to create a perfect balance between adventure, education, and rejuvenation, ensuring a memorable stay for every visitor.

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, luxury, and tranquillity that Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge provides. From its captivating wildlife encounters to its world-class amenities, every moment is an opportunity to connect with yourself and the natural world in a deeper, more meaningful way. A visit to Sanbona isn't just a holiday – it's an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you leave, inspiring a lifelong appreciation for wilderness and conservation.