Sanbona is one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned nature reserves, stretching across 62 000 hectares of rich protected ecosystems within two biodiversity hotspots. This vast track of land in the Little Karoo outside Montagu, a mere 3.5 hours drive from Cape Town along Route 62, is owned by a non-profit company focused on steering conservation to the forefront of the safari experience. Sanbona offers an authentic and contrasting natural space, striving to create a balance where critically important ecosystems, endangered wildlife and flora can prosper for the benefit of future generations.
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve consists of 3 separate units including 6 large open plan suites, each opening onto private verandas overlooking breathtaking views of undulating mountains and plains. This lush oasis setting of Tilney Manor is surrounded by carefully laid out indigenous gardens.
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Video
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveExterior
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveExterior
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveExterior
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveSuite
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveSuite
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveBedroom Suite Interior
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveBathroom
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveSuite Bathroom
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveSuite view
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveOutdoor Dining
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCommunal Pool Area / Outdoor Dining
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCommon Area
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCommon Area
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveHeritage Lounge
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveHeritage Lounge
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveHeritage Lounge
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveHeritage Lounge
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveExercise Room
Tilney Manor at Sanbona Wildlife ReserveCredit: Sanbona Wildlife ReserveExquisite Night Skies at Tilney Manor
Luxury Suites
Tilney Manor consists of six large open-plan suites, each opening onto their own private verandas. overlooking breathtaking views of undulating mountains and plains. This lush oasis setting of Tilney Manor is surrounded by carefully laid out indigenous gardens.
All suites can sleep a maximum of 2 adults per suite, in a king or twin bedded configuration.
SUITE FACILITIES • Private veranda • En-suite bathroom with shower, twin basins and free-standing bath in the centre • His and her outdoor showers • Air conditioning • Fireplace • Tea and coffee making facilities • Private minibar • Electronic safe • International dial telephone
LODGE FACILITIES • Relaxation Retreat with steam room and sauna • Lounge with fire place and television with satellite channels • Bespoke Heritage Lounge • Exercise room • Gift boutique • Wi-Fi • In and outdoor dining facilities • Rim-flow swimming pool
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card, Room Service
Traverse the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open Landcruisers. During the drive, be it in the early morning or for sundowners, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen.
Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karoo.
Discover the spirit of the Little Karoo on foot and see the many treasures on the Reserve.
An optional walk with the guidance of a ranger can be arranged to cater for individual needs. From gentle strolls, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the indigenous fauna and flora, to challenging trails discovering isolated vistas, reveal the beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Be it a gentle walk, or challenging trail to a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its invigorating bliss and then returning to your lodge for a scrumptious meal, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has all of this and much more to offer.
For the avid birdwatcher, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is home to more than 200 species.
There is a very healthy population of raptors to be seen including African Fish Eagles, breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles and regular sightings of Black Harrier.
Interesting birds on the Reserve include the Cinnamonbreasted Warbler only seen in the early light of dawn. The Booted Eagle in the pale form breed well on the Reserve, while the Southern Grey Tit intrigues one with its 13 different calls. The Namaqua Sandgrouse travels up to 80kms in search of water, collecting droplets in its breast feathers, flying back to the nest to give the moisture to its chicks. Blackwinged Stilts can be viewed foraging in and around water areas.
Due to the unobtrusiveness of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the birds are at ease, affording one with good viewing.
Step into a soothing sanctuary at the Relaxation Retreats at Tilney Manor.
At our Relaxation Retreats, Mother Nature is brought indoors for indulgent pampering. Our body range draws on properties from the world famous indigenous “Fynbos” plant kingdom, eliminating toxins, soothing the soul and rejuvenating the body.
The Relaxation Retreats at Sanbona overlook ancient rock formations and undulating mountains and plains. While the rejuvenating forces of nature cradle you, we deliver a range of world-class treatments and holistic modalities to balance and energise your being. Step into the privacy of our tranquil retreats – let the gentle atmosphere envelop and embrace your body, mind and soul ...
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has about 600 species of plants and it is intriguing to know that various species are flowering at different times throughout the year, although some more prolific between August and September.
Approximately half of the reserve used to be livestock and agricultural farms and all aspects of farming are systematically being removed. There are various floral kingdoms that make up the Reserve. These include Acacia Thickets, Nama, Karoo, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo and Central Mountain Fynbos. Succulents are especially varied and fascinating with names like Baby’s Bottoms, Ostrich Toes and Pig’s Ears.
Animals that roamed the area freely living amongst the San but were eradicated are being reintroduced. The Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros as well as various other species such as Gemsbok, Springbok, Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Black Wildebeest and Zebra will be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Ant bear, Brown Hyena, Grey Rhebuck, Steenbuck, Klipspringer, Grysbok and Common Duiker continue to thrive.
The San people of Africa roamed the area for thousands of years until 100 years ago. The /Xam tribe, the nomadic hunter-gatherers living in harmony with nature realised then that man and nature together is sustainable.
There are 7 recorded sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, however many more can be found. Rock art sites date back to more than 3500 years and depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. During their travels, members of the group would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions and guidance. This medicine man or woman would ensure the well being of the tribe, protecting them from evil and sickness, predicting the future and ensuring good hunting and rains. Certain animals such as the Praying Mantis and the Eland were honoured and revered and were considered to have great spiritual powers.
The only evidence that remains of these little people is the delicate rock art found on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, their indelible footprints left of their presence in this vast landscape for generations to come.
With the absence of artificial light, the stargazing at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is phenomenal and amongst the best in Southern Africa.
Interpretations about the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere are given by knowledgeable guides. Romantic stories of gods and goddesses banished to the heavens are woven into astronomical facts and unfolds before one’s eyes. Discover the ancient myths of the stories told by the San about their visions of the stars.
How better to end a blissful day at Sanbona but to sit reflecting under the star studded-canopy of African skies, the vastness of infinite galaxies stretching before one.
Your Stay
1 Night
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
The luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as one of the world’s best getaways and includes a relaxation spa.
The peaceful and safe coastal village of Arniston is a leisurely 2-hour drive from Cape Town, through the colourful rolling hills of the Overberg. Surrounded by a turquoise-blue sea and endless white, sandy beaches, Arniston is sandwiched between two nature reserves.
We welcome you with friendly service. Our exquisite setting offers panoramic views of the ocean and the pristine coastline. The unspoiled, child-friendly beaches are safe and perfect for swimming and surfing. We are beside the 120-year-old picturesque fishing village of Kassiesbaai, a Grade One Heritage Site. We are blessed with an abundance of sea life and offer fresh oysters and delicious seafood from the local fishing boats.
Our sophisticated menu blends traditional South African cuisine with modern innovations from renowned chefs. Your culinary treats are complemented by a range of excellent local wines. Our breakfast buffet is an appetising spread of healthy and traditional food.
We are the winner of two Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards – Best Country Hotel in South Africa and Best Beach Hotel in South Africa.
Unforgettable, seductive Arniston will leave you relaxed and happy.
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Rooms
Facilities
Arniston Spa Hotel ExteriorCredit: Lana Kenney – Lanalou StyleA view of the front of the hotel
Arniston Spa Hotel Drone ViewCredit: DMC Drone ConsultingA shot of Arniston and our hotel from a drone flying over the bay
Arniston Spa Hotel Swimming PoolCredit: DewaldA guest lounging in the sun next to our swimming pool
Arniston Spa Hotel Luxury Sea View RoomCredit: Kobus Tollig PhotographyA view from inside one of our Luxury Sea View Rooms
Arniston Spa Hotel MassageCredit: Kobus Tollig PhotographyTwo guests enjoying a massage at our Ginkgo Spa, which offers two saunas, a steam chamber and a range of treatments
Arniston Spa Hotel SeafoodCredit: Botha & Jackson PhotographyA photograph of our delicious seafood platter, fresh from the local fishing boats
Our super luxurious VIP Suite offering the best in Arniston Accommodation is lavishly furnished and has everything to make your stay an enjoyable one.
Our Luxury Sea Facing Rooms in Arniston are larger than our Superior Sea Facing Rooms and have a relaxed private balcony. These rooms have a separate lounge area and on request, we can install extra beds to accommodate children.
Each room has a private balcony to enjoy the sunsets and take in the magnificent sky at night.These beautifully decorated rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a shower as well as a bath. The mini bar can be stocked on request and there are coffee/tea
Each room has a private balcony to enjoy the sunsets and take in the magnificent sky at night. These beautifully decorated rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a shower as well as a bath. The mini bar can be stocked on request and there are coffee/tea.
These exquisitely furnished rooms in Arniston have a balcony that overlooks the crystal clear hotel pool offering the best in Arniston Accommodation.
Each room has a private balcony to enjoy the sunsets and take in the magnificent sky at night. These beautifully decorated rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a shower as well as a bath. The mini bar can be stocked on request and there are coffee/tea.
These exquisitely furnished rooms in Arniston have a balcony that overlooks the crystal clear hotel pool offering the best in Arniston Accommodation.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa