Sanbona Wildlife Game Reserve

Overview

Sanbona Wildlife Game Reserve is blessed with many defining characteristics.  This 58,000 hectare, malaria free private game reserve is located in the Little Karoo region of the Western Cape, just three hours' scenic drive from Cape Town along the famous Route 62 - the longest wine route in the world. At Sanbona you will find the Big 5 in its natural environment, as well as rare examples of San rock art - some dating back more than 3,500 years ago.  Guests can also experience the reserve from a unique sunrise or sunset boat safari on the Bellair Dam.

Why Go:

  • Excellent for bird lovers
  • Little visited destination
  • Very rich fauna
  • Malaria free area
  • Rugged, unforgiving landscape
  • Night drives and guided walks available

Wildlife

Sanbona is one of only two places in the world where the rare white lion roams freely. During the sunrise and sunset drives, an array of plants and animals can be seen. Look out for interesting insects, the Big 5 and bird watching.

More About the Wildlife

Scenery

Game viewing is mostly unaffected by the weather but experts recommend visiting from May to September (winter/spring) when the weather is mild, making it more comfortable for both animals and people. Spring also brings with it the promise of beautiful flowers.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting from May to September (winter/spring) when the weather is mild, making it more comfortable for both animals and people. Spring also brings with it the promise of beautiful flowers.

More About the Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The climate is mostly steady throughout the year. That said, temperatures are known to reach uncomfortable highs in the summer months (October to April).

More About the Weather and Climate

Wildlife & Animals

As part of our conservation efforts, we have reintroduced animals that once roamed the area freely, but were eradicated due to farming. The Big 5 and various other species such as gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, eland, kudu and zebra can now all be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Sanbona is currently only one of two protected areas that provide riverine rabbit populations with sufficient space and diversity for their ecological processes to function naturally.
Abundant Common Occasional Rare None
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Common
  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    Occasional
  • Hippo

    Hippo

    Occasional
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo

    Common
  • Zebra

    Zebra

    Common
  • Wildebeest

    Wildebeest

    Common
  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    Common
  • Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

    Rare
  • Lion

    Lion

    Common
  • Leopard

    Leopard

    Occasional
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah

    Occasional
  • Hyena

    Hyena

    Occasional
  • Wild Dog

    Wild Dog

    Rare

Best Time to Visit

Summer and winter have extreme temperatures, so the best time to visit is in spring (Aug, Sept) and autumn (April, May) when the days are warm, but not hot, and the nights mild. August to September is a particularly beautiful time as a brief period of flowers can be expected, depending on the rain.
  • Best Time to GoMay to September
    (Dry season)
  • High SeasonNever
    (The park never gets crowded)
  • Aug, Sept, April, May

    Mild weather for people and wildlife

  • Never

    The park never gets crowded

  • Never

    The park never gets crowded

  • Aug, Sept, April, May

    Mild weather

  • November to February

    Very hot

May to September
- Dry Season – Winter
October to April
- Wet Season – Summer

Weather & Climate

Located in an arid to semi-arid desert climate, Sanbona is prone to wide variations in temperature and little to no rainfall. The park receives an average rainfall of 190mm/7.5in per year and is subject to periods of drought.
Climate Chart
Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry season
- May to September – Winter

Nights and early mornings are very cold in the winter months.

Game drives in open vehicles make winter clothing a necessity.

Clear skies are typical for the winter season, and there is less rainfall than in the summer.

Wet season
- October to April – Summer

A typical summer means more comfortable temperatures, but slightly more rainfall.

Although primarily sunny, cloud cover is possible and it could drizzle all day.

Getting There

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is situated approximately 3 hours from Cape Town on the renowned Route 62 between Montagu and Barrydale.

Getting to the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve from Cape Town

• Take the N1 highway in the direction of Paarl – There is a tollgate on this road, just before the Huguenot Tunnel.
• Once through the tunnel, take the second turnoff to the right into Worcester (R60) – Follow the signs towards Robertson.
• Drive through Robertson, still on the R60 into Ashton.
• Proceed through Ashton – the R60 becomes the R62.
• Carry on through Kogmanskloof and Montagu.
• About 43km from Montagu, turn left at ‘Die Vlakte’ and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve sign.
• Continue for 7km to reach the main entrance.
• Proceed for another 15km to reach the Welcome Lounge.

Getting to the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve from Oudtshoorn

• Follow Route 62 for 175km via Calitzdorp and Ladismith, towards Barrydale.
• From Barrydale, continue on Route 62 towards Montagu for approximately 22km.
• Turn right at ‘Die Vlakte’ and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve signs.
• Continue for 7km to reach the main entrance.
• Proceed for another 15km to reach the Welcome Lounge.

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