I spent four days at Dwyka Tented Lodge within Sanbona in late September. The experience can best be described as luxury set in extreme isolation. The individual "tents" are lovely, comfortable and a short walk to the larger lodge where meals are served and activities coordinated. Staff is gracious and helpful. Food is delicious. Wildlife drives, of course, are the highlight. Guides (Ethan, Josh and others) are tracking experts - adept at spotting the animal residents of the reserve. During my stay the Western Cape experienced a massive wind and rain storm which caused significant flooding throughout Sanbona. I was impressed with how staff stepped up and assisted guests through the experience of washed out roads and swollen rivers. It was true adventure travel.

We stayed at Dwyka tented lodge for three nights at the end of September. Wonderful Sanbona, a private concession, managed the South African way with a view based upon conservation and giving people to opportunity to see wild animals at close quarter. Very enjoyable overall experience, very good game viewing, especially with white Rhino, elephants, walking close to giraffe and an incredible experience, walking close and viewing 4 cheetahs(1 year old) cubs and their mother- beautiful. After recent heavy rainfall which did not impact on our safari we were blessed to see so much colour as wild flowers appeared everywhere in abundance. Safari- the South African way...

During our two-night stay at Sanbona Nature Reserve, we watched a family of elephants browsing among the acacia for their breakfast (including a big bull who came right over to say hello!), springbok bouncing along in front of our vehicle, gemsbok flying across the road, young male giraffes play-fighting, baboons descending from the cliffs at sunrise, a lion "calling for his ladies" (in the words of our guide, Jan), and many other iconic birds and animals of South Africa — all set against the most spectacular landscape we have ever seen. Jan went out of his way to track down a family of cheetahs, and we walked quite close to them as they basked and cuddled in the sun. The staff at Tinley Manor created an unforgettable experience for us, from the outstanding meals to the lovely and spacious accommodations. They even arranged our transportation from Cape Town and back. When we returned after the game drives, they greeted us with hot towels. On our first night they served dinner for us poolside, where lanterns and a fire pit cast a cozy aura all around. Michael, one of our favorite staff members, regaled us with stories and made us feel especially welcome. Sanbona is a very large reserve, and it was a privilege to experience wild South Africa as if we were the only people around. These memories will stay with us a lifetime.

Safaris are probably at least 50% about luck, but sometimes you make your own luck. Sanbona is a stellar reserve and we were treated to several days of amazing game drives during our stay. Lions at dawn, cheetahs with a fresh kill, rhinos with their babies, and every other large animal you'd expect to see all framed in the stunning mountains of this part of South Africa. Our guide Marco was a real character - a rugged guy with encyclopedic knowledge of the land and creatures, a genuine love for his job, and a great sense of humor. The lodge is very nice and serves great food and wine. The rooms are a great mix of safari tent and premium hotel comforts. We loved every minute of our time here.

This is a natural protected reserve. All the staff who works here are absolutely amazing. The guides are so knowledgeable and the other staff are the best at what they do. We felt so spoiled and saw the most beautiful animals in their natural setting. I can't say enough great things about Sanbona. There was nothing negative. If you are wanting to see animals in a natural true environment without large crowds and then to be pampered this is the place. We stayed at the Tilney manor and the Dwyka tented lodge which is extra outstanding.