Skip to main content
  1. Hotel reviews homepage
  2. South Africa hotel reviews
  3. Western Cape hotel reviews
  4. Barrydale hotel reviews
  5. Reviews of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Reviews of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve 5 stars

Route 62 Between Montagu and Barrydale, 6720 Barrydale, South Africa

#1 of 6 hotels in Barrydale

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 273 hotel reviews

9.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.8

  • Comfort

    9.8

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    9.7

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    9.0

  • Free WiFi

    9.4

100% verified reviews

Real guests. Real stays. Real opinions.

Read more- opens a dialog box
Write a review

Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 30 August 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Exceptional accomodation. Great staff and good food. This was an amazing experience. Will be back.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    One of the best spots I ever stayed

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2025

    10
    Memorable, authentic safari experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tilney Manor Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    That we only stayed for one night!

    We had a truly wonderful stay at Sanbona. The staff were so welcoming and went out of their way to make sure we had a special time. The room in Tilney Manor was very luxurious and the food was very good. By far the highlight, of course, is the game drives. Our guide, Jaylee, was so informative and we very much appreciated the focus on care and conservation that Sanbona clearly takes. This is no Disney-type safari like others in the Western Cape - Sanbona is driven by a conservation to rewild this part of the Karoo. This was a big splurge for us but worth every penny. Accommodation, animals, staff and experience all 10/10!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 July 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Long drive no proper street.

    Everything from staff, facilities, food and luxury was just amazing.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 June 2025

    9.0
    Excellent staff, good food and beverages, great game drives and superbly appointed rooms.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tilney Manor Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights

    A heated pool, a TV in the rooms.

    Very nice choice for breakfast and all you can eat. Every effort made to make the breakfast area cozy.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 June 2025

    10
    An unforgettable safari experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had a fantastic stay at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and always made sure we were comfortable. The food was delicious, with a great variety of options and the flexibility to customize meals to our preferences. Our room was spacious, beautifully kept, and cleaned every time we went out on a game drive. The drives themselves were amazing—our guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and we were lucky to see a wide range of animals. Overall, a truly memorable experience that we would gladly recommend to anyone looking for a special safari getaway.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 May 2025

    10
    Amazing high end safari
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Food could be better. One excellent evening meal followed by a poor buffet

    High end and spacious rooms and incredible game drives We saw a lion, elephants, cheetah, giraffes, black rhinos etc. wonderful ranger.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 May 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tilney Manor Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely brilliant! We were also very lucky to travel in off season and had for one night the lodge all to ourselves. So peaceful and quiet!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2025

    9.0
    A very beautiful park with very comfortable accommodation and the opportunity for bush walks
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Food was good but some room for improvement

    Ranger Joe

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2025

    10
    Life changing trip
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing, it was perfect. Wish it could have been longer.

    Incredible accommodation, staff were very friendly and helpful and the game drives were fantastic. Our guide (Ethan) was knowledgeable, passionate and brilliant.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The guide was so informative. The bush drives were great. The bedrooms were spacious, comfortable and clean.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    An amazing experience - food, staff, spa, and of course the animals were all amazing

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 26 March 2025

    10
    Exceeded expectations
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had the time of our lives here. Worth every penny.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Ryan our Ranger

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2025

    10
    It is a five star experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Getting to the lodge is pretty hard and the staff at the gate made me feel I was trespassing or doing something illegal both in the way in and out. I was driving a car, I didn’t use any shuttle. There was no cellular data and neither signs to help. Getting to the lodge was pretty hard.

    Once you get into the lodge, the experience is perfect in every aspect. I’ve been in other reserves and this one has the best game drive. All drinks are included, lots of food, not only breakfast, lunch and dinner but also snacks in or before the game drive.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2025

    9.0
    First class safari experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Welcome lodge could be a bit more welcoming.

    Amazing tented room at Dwyka. Exceptional facilities & food Staff were all so friendly & helpful Great wine & drinks options Highly recommended

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 February 2025

    10
    Spectacular property with breathtaking views such a beautiful place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Felt so special, the accommodation was amazing and the views spectacular. The safari was more than we could imagine and we saw the big 5 close up and many more animals. The property made the experience so magical

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 February 2025

    10
    Amazing life experience.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tilney Manor Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Signpost for the reception area could be bigger/better

    From the very first moment to the last it was wonderful. You get what you pay for here. Luxury accomodation. Fantastic staff. Amazing food and the animal safari is breathtaking.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 February 2025

    10
    An excellent treat which is expensive but we still thought represented excellent value for money and would highly recomm
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Gorgeous, high quality experience. We we were lucky enough to see Lion, Rhinos, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos etc but we know can never be guaranteed. Lovely staff and great range of food options.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 February 2025

    10
    AMAZING!!!!!!
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    NOTHING

    Sanbona offered so much had the feeling of a well oiled machine, every detail had been thought through, and all your needs were catered for. The staff could not have been more helpful and looked so happy to be there, it was refreshing. The food was excellent. Would absolutely recommend this Reserve!!!! Huge shout out to our fabulous guide Chris!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 February 2025

    10
    Wonderful experience.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Dwyka Tented Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Nothing

    Wonderful staff, excellent accommodation and facilities. Guide (Josh) was exceptional. Two nights is the perfect stay if you want to do all the game drives.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 February 2025

    10
    Wow, what an experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No negatives

    Excellent service, food was fantastic three course lunch and dinner. Being on a game reserve was a fantastic experience. Everything was organised perfectly with knowledgeable guides and saw everything we wanted to.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 31 January 2025

    10
    Unforgettable experience at Sanbona
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Gondwana Family Lodge Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing, everything was perfect.

    I loved absolutely everything at Sanbona!! Stayed one night at Gondwana and one night at Tilney Manor. The lodges are beautiful and very well looked after. Staff is absolutely amazing and always very helpful. The game drives were great as well, with many animals to see and both tour guides were amazing. The food is great as well. Your time here will pass very fast!!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 January 2025

    10
    An amazing luxury safari experience - truly memorable.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tilney Manor Includes 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Loved it all

    A perfect trip - staff were amazing, safari guide was superb. Everyone went out of their way to make our visit special

    Stayed in January 2025

Showing 1 – 25

We Price Match
We Price Match
Low rates • No booking fees • Find cheaper? We'll refund the difference!