Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - 5 Star

The sheer expanse of the open valleys, 6500 plant species, 150 bird species, rock faces, rock art and variety of wildlife make this a destination not to be missed.

At the foot of the Warmwaterberg, in the heart of the Little Karoo, between Montagu and Barrydale on the famous Route 62, the vision of the San is becoming a reality. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, 54 000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous fauna and flora, rock formations and rock art make this a destination not to be missed.

Specialist guiding is a key element in providing a memorable and varied experience. The name Sanbona is a combination of the "San" people who roamed this area for thousands of years and "bona" which represents their vision in order to position this portion of the Little Karoo. Be it a journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery or absorbing the various essences and activities, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve represents in true form the philosophy of the Mantis Collection - taking care of the small things in life. One of the most interesting landmarks on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the Bellair Dam, which was hand built by local farmers and labourers and completed in 1920. It covers a surface of 186 hectares when full and the original aqueducts can still be seen

The first of three luxury lodges to be built on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Tilney Manor, once a thriving fruit farm, dates back to 1898. The original Tilney Post Office and prosperous trading store dating back to 1947, now a curio shop, still exists. The Manor House once home to the first Magistrate of the Swellendam region has been meticulously restored to retain its former character. The Manor House includes the Cape Georgian style Dining Room, Lounge, Fireplace and Out Door Dining Patio with Barbeque facilities. Tilney Manor has a Fully Equipped Wellness Center, Rim-flow Pool and Deck and Boardroom facilities for up to 12 delegates. Carefully laid out indigenous gardens surround the dam and the lush oasis setting of Tilney Manor. Tilney Manor consists of 3 separate units including 6 large open plan suites. The configuration of 4 King size beds and 2 Twin beds accommodates 12 guests sharing or 6 guests on a single basis. Cape Georgian décor features the natural colours and essences of the surroundings withsubtle touches of the influences of the San. Each suite has its own lounge and fireplace, opening onto private verandahs overlooking breathtaking views of mountains and plains. In additional, the suites are all equipped with Air-conditioning, Fireplace, Satellite Television, Tea and Coffee Making Facilities, Private Bar and Safe. The impressive en-suite bathrooms all have twin vanity facilities, separate showers and toilet, romantic freestanding bath and duo out-door showers in private garden settings