NEWS UPDATE -
The stunning 54, 000 hectare Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Little Karoo is fast becoming one of the hottest weekend break destinations in South Africa. The historic predator release means that for the first time in over 200 years, lion and cheetah can once again be seen in the Klein Karoo, making Sanbona the first private game reserve in the Western Cape to play host to free-roaming big cats.

TILNEY MANOR
Tilney Manor has six luxuriously appointed rooms. This exclusivity ensures that guests can experience personal service and world-class cuisine in an atmosphere of privacy and tranquillity. Comfortable lounges with fireplaces for winter nights, private verandas, romantic freestanding baths and carefully sheltered outdoor showers are just a few of the pleasures that guests can enjoy. More modern comforts include air-conditioning, satellite television, private bars and tea and coffee making facilities. Our fully equipped Spa offers guests the opportunity to recover from the rigors of the outside world and restore their sense of inner harmony. This is the perfect environment for rediscovering creativity and regenerating energy. Cape Georgian decor draws on the natural colours of the surrounding stone and vegetation, with subtle touches of San culture influencing the design throughout the guest rooms and conference facility.

KHANNI LODGE
Sanbona's second lodge, Khanni, is named after the San word for Eland - a magnificent antelope revered by the San as ruler of the animal kingdom. Tucked away in a secluded valley overlooking a natural watering hole, Khanni Lodge is an idyllic Klein Karoo summer house, with wrap-around verandas, high lime-washed ceilings and exposed beams providing a feeling of cool, airy space. From the verandah and rim-flow swimming pool guests can watch animals visiting the watering hole to drink, and the private verandas of the lodge's four spacious suites offer exquisite views of the surrounding landscape. Khanni Lodge provides guests with an enchanting choice of settings in which to relax - from the airy dining room and cosy lounge with its fireplace, to the outdoor dining patio and barbeque facilities.

FAUNA, FLORA AND ACTIVITIES

NATURE DRIVES
Traverse the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open landrovers. 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. Returning to the Lodge, nocturnal animals can often be seen.

ANIMALS TO LOOK OUT FOR AT SANBONA

LION
White Lions
 
Sanbona has initiated a unique conservation programme that aims to breed the White Lion for release into the wild. Our dream is to reintroduce this rare animal into areas where it has been wiped out - for example, in the Timbavati region, where records indicate that the White Lion was spotted in the wild as far back as 1925. The White Lion has always been rare, but its unusual beauty has captured the imaginations of people across the globe. Its whiteness is not due to albinism, but due to a recessive gene - similar to that found in the rare white tigers of Asia. However, it is not a separate species of lion from the typical tawny African lion. The cubs are born almost pure white, but darken to a rich cream colour over the course of their first two years.

Jabulani and Queen were bought by co-chairman of Mantis Dr Gaston Savoi in 2003. They have been at Sanbona Wildlife reserve for acclimatising in a large boma and as proof of their comfort there they gave birth to three beautiful cubs on 18 May 2004. The family has been flourishing under the careful supervision of the Sanbona Wild Life Department. They have been fed only wild game and have not been subjected to any interference from the human race.

On Monday 8 November 2004 at 12 noon the white lions were released into a 3,5OO hectare fenced area which is freedom for them at this stage. The area has been well stocked with a large variety of game and has an abundant water hole.

Jabulani, Queen and family have been carefully monitored on a daily basis and it was with great excitement on the 11 December that Andrew Schofield announced that they had made their first kill. Queen, the female had decided that it was time to feed her family and that one of the antelopes would be perfect. She proceeded with great professionalism and the meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Wonderful news because it means they have made great strides in their journey away from captivity and exploitation.


AFRICAN ELEPHANT
 
The African Elephant is the world's largest land animal, and a male can reach 3.3 metres in height and 60 metric tons in weight. This powerful creature used to live anywhere south of the Sahara that water and trees occurred. Since the massive decline in numbers during the 1970s and 1980s from ivory poaching, the Elephant has become less widespread. Possibly the most versatile herbivore of all, the Elephant's trunk enables it to feed from the ground up to 6 metres - higher than a giraffe can reach. During the rainy season it eats mainly grass and herbs, but in the dry season it browses and tries to feed in forests. Elephants roamed the Karoo in large herds up to the late 1700s.

BLACK RHINO
It is the mouth-shape and size of the Black Rhino, and not its skin colour, that distinguish it from the White Rhino. The Black Rhino is smaller, with the male weighing 1000 - 1350 kg. It has a pointed, beak-like upper lip, which it uses as a grasping tool - unlike the square mouth of the White Rhino. The Black Rhino is capable of living in a wide range of habitats from semi-desert thorn bush to mountain forest and wetlands. It is a browser and eats over 200 different kinds of plant. The distinctive horns (the collection of which has been the main reason for the Rhino's threatened status) are used for breaking branches and digging up mineral earth. The Black Rhino was once found right across the Bushmanland and Karoo regions.

LEOPARD
 
The Leopard is Africa's largest spotted cat, with the average mass of a fully grown male being around 60kg. The female is considerably lighter at an average 32kg. Leopards generally have a golden coat, with brown to black spots on the head, legs and tail, and larger 'rosettes' on the main body. It has a wider distribution than any of the other large cats due to its ability to live anywhere - from rocky hills and mountain ranges to forests and semi-desert areas. Predominantly solitary, this animal hunts by stalking and pouncing rather than using a Cheetah-style chase. It is an opportunistic hunter that will eat whatever food is available in its home range of about 400 square kilometers.

AFRICAN BUFFALO
 
The African Buffalo differs dramatically from the American Buffalo, which is actually a Bison, but was erroneously referred to as Buffalo by early American settlers with limited scientific knowledge. The African Buffalo is similar in shape to a bulky cow, with sparse hair. Adult males are black to charcoal grey whilst the females and young have a reddish tinge. Both sexes have horns that flare sideways and down before curving up to the tips. The African Buffalo is an unselective grazer that eats leaves and grasses, favouring areas with shady trees and ready water supplies. In summer, the herd splits into smaller groups to search for good grazing, but in dry periods, the herd reforms in an area with permanent water. Floodplains and grassveldt are avoided.

BLACK WILDEBEEST
Although similar in appearance to cattle, the Black Wildebeest's sulky appearance is a warning to the unwary as to its true, wild, nature. Both males and females sport characteristic beards, hairy noses and distinctive long white tails - similar to those of horses. The Black Wildebeest is predominantly a grazer, but during the cold winter months it will browse on Karroid bushes if necessary. Found in open plains with water, this species has been resident in the Klein Karoo since at least 1831.

BROWN HYENA
The Brown Hyena is a shaggy, dog-like animal covered in a dark brown to black long pelt with tawny white markings on the neck and shoulders. Its muzzle and face are black. The lower limbs are striped, with longer front legs creating a sloping effect down to a bushy tail. Generally scavenging from kills made by other predators, the Brown Hyena seldom hunts. However, it will occasionally catch a small animal like a springhare, reptile or ground-living bird. The Hyena is active for most of the night, when its eerie laugh-like call can be heard on the wind. Living in social clans of up to 12 members, it is generally found in arid areas, taking shelter in holes, the branches of trees or patches of grass.

CHEETAH
 
The fastest moving land-based hunter in the world, the Cheetah's lithe grace and speed are legendary. Its almost uniform buff colouring with black spots is broken only by distinctive dark tear-shaped markings on the face, and by the black bands and white tip of its tail. It lives on open grassland and savannah
woodland, extending into arid areas. The Cheetah preys on small to medium
antelope and will take smaller mammals when available. Hunting takes place during the day, and usually involves a high-speed chase within the boundaries of the Cheetah's home range of 100 - 200 km².

HIPPOPOTAMUS
 
Hippos are very large, barrel-shaped animals with short legs. The skin
is naked and predominantly greyish-brown, with a yellowish-pink tinge at the throat, belly and inside some skin folds. It lives in open stretches of permanent
water or riverine pools with gently sloping sandbanks that are convenient resting places. It typically grazes on grass during night and rests in or near the water during the day. Sometimes it grazes far from water especially during dry seasons, but prefers freshly sprouted, short growth that is not only tasty, but most nutritious.

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA
 
This kind of Zebra generally has broad stripes, with some higher shadow stripes next to the darker ones, which cross the top of the hind leg in unbroken lines. Although predominantly a grazer, a Burchell's Zebra will occasionally browse, or even eat herbs. Savanna plains are the favoured environment. However, open areas of woodland, open scrub and grassland are also acceptable, if water is available. Herds of Zebra were recorded in the Klein Karoo in 1799.

OSTRICH
The world's largest bird, the Ostrich has been farmed extensively in South Africa at different times for its fashionable feathers. Glossy black and white plumed males are as large as men, with the females sporting a less glamorous brown and white plumage. An Ostrich will eat anything, which is probably one of the factors that have ensured its successful survival all over southern Africa.

SPRINGBOK
Yes, this is the one that South Africa's national rugby team is named after - however, its 'kit' is somewhat different in style and hue… The four-legged Springbok has dark-brown stripes on its flanks behind a white body. Found in dry grasslands, it prefers to avoid tall grass and woodland, which block its view of the surrounding landscape and impede movement. It grazes on the leaves and sprouts of Karoo bushes, including those of several pungent herbs that grow in the area. It is believed that in the late 1770s herds of up to 30 000 Springbok roamed these plains.

KUDU
A narrow white stripe down the back to the flanks together with a white bar across the face at eye-level make the Kudu easy to spot. It also has particularly large ears. The male is a brown-grey colour while the female has a cinnamon tinge, however only males have horns, and these rise from the top of the head in wide spirals. Found in savannah woodland, including rocky areas and slopes, the Kudu browses on a wide range of plants, with the Acacia species being particular favourites. Records from 1875 confirm the presence of Kudu in the Klein Karoo.

RED HARTEBEEST
This antelope has unusually bright colouring, which blends in with the foliage of their favourite food types - red leaves and grass. Most of the coat is a handsome glossy reddish-brown, with a blaze on the face and black colouring on the outsides of the legs. Both the male and female have horns. The Red Hartebeest is found in semi-dessert savannah areas, but may occur in open woodland. Open plains such as grass or flood plains are definitely the preferred habitat, as long as some water is available.

GREY RHEBOK
With its long, thin neck and exaggeratedly pointed, upright ears, the Grey Rhebok conveys an aura of aristocratic elegance. Its horns are straight and stand proudly upright. Predominantly a browser, this buck will also graze if necessary. The Grey Rhebok is usually found in the vicinity of rocky hills, mountain slopes and plateaus, as long as there is a well-grassed corner to be found nearby.

COMMON DUIKER
It is always an uncommon delight to spot one of these tiny creatures that stand just 60 centimetres tall at the shoulder. Also known as the Grey Duiker, this buck has grayish-buff or reddish-yellow upper parts, with a white belly. Its forehead and forelegs are darker, with a black band along the ridge up to the forehead. With its tiny size, the Duiker needs to be a master at blending into its surroundings - whether they be scrub, dense or patchy bush, dense grass, grassland milt, full woodland or the forest fringe. Contrary to its delicate appearance, this is one of the few antelope that is not strictly herbivorous. As well as browsing from a wide range of broadleaved trees and bushes, the duiker eats fruit, and has even been known to eat nesting birds.

STEENBOK
Large ears with black and white stripes inside them provide an easy way to identify this small antelope. Only the male has horns. The Steenbok prefers to live in a region with open grassland that has patches of tall grasses or bushes for shelter. Grazing takes place during the cooler hours on grass and leaves, with rest in the shade providing respite from the midday sun.

KLIPSPRINGER
At first glance the Klipspringer appears to be weeping. This is caused by the large black 'tear marks' at the inner corners of its eyes. The antelope's colouring is brownish, with black spots on the body. Sexes are quite distinct in appearance with the female the heavier of the two and the male equipped with horns. The Klipspringer earned its name (which translates to 'rock jumpers') for its ability to move quickly over rocky terrain and ridges. Although its main diet consists of leaves, it resorts to grazing when necessary.

ELAND
This is the region's largest antelope. Both the male and the female have horns, however a mature male can be identified by the darker shading around his neck. The male is also much heavier and larger than the female. Very adaptable, the Eland can be found on any terrain from semi-desert shrub-veldt to mountain grassland where it grazes on leaves and drinks water whenever available.
The mountains of the Klein Karoo have provided the Eland with a refuge from human encroachment ever since its first local sighting by settlers in 1816.

BONTEBOK
 
The Bontebok carries a distinctive white blaze on its face. Partly due to its diurnal nature (grazing takes place in the early morning and late afternoon), this antelope prefers grassy plains with lots of shrubs that provide cover. The heat of the day is reserved for resting. When moving between drinking and feeding sites, Bontebok walk in single file, making them easy targets for hunters. This is probably why as far back as 1837 Bredasdorp farmers realized that steps needed to be taken to save this species from extinction.

GEMSBOK
This is one of the large antelope, with impressively long straight horns on both the males and females of the species. Its bold black and white facial markings and long black tail are easy identifying marks. Preferring open, dry landscapes in semi-desert and savannah areas, it grazes on the local grasses. Evolution has gifted the Gemsbok with the ability to subsist without water for long periods of time - but unfortunately couldn't arm it against the impact of human interference with its habitat. In the absence of humans, this area would have been a Gemsbok stronghold.

GRYSBOK
At first glance the posture of a Grysbok resembles that of a duiker - but with a shorter neck. Predominantly reddish brown in colour, the Grysbok's body is sprinkled with white touches, contrasting with the yellowier brown of its face, neck, legs and flanks, and its buff underbelly. It has distinctive pale rings around its eyes and large ears. The Grysbok lives in thick scrub and bush, including fynbos, where it supplements its grazing with browsing on leaves and fruit. 

NATURE WALKS
Discover the spirit of the Little Karoo on foot and see the little things of the Reserve through the eyes of the San!

With the guidance of your experienced ranger, early morning walking trails to greet the day have been developed 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 or challenging trail or a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its watery and invigorating bliss or returning to your lodge for a scrumptious breakfast, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has all of this and much more to offer.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a photographers dream. Due to the perfect light conditions, during the twilight hours of sunrise and sunset it is advisable to use 100 ASA film for exquisite photographic opportunities. A 100 - 300 lens is a good choice. Macro photography is also incredible to capture close-ups of the smaller species.

BIRDWATCHING
For the avid birdwatcher, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is home to 160 species. There is a very healthy population of raptors to be seen including African Fish Eagles and 5 breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles.

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 80 kms 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.

FLORA AND FAUNA
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has about 650 species of plants and it is intriguing to know that various species are flowering at different times throughout the year, although some are more prolific between August and October.

Animals that roamed the area freely living amongst the San but were eradicated have been reintroduced. Big game including Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, and Black Rhinoceros as well as various other species such as Gemsbok, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Bontebok and Zebra are prevalent on the reserve and continue to thrive on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Antbear, Brown Hyena, Grey Reebuck, Steenbok, Klipspringers, Grysbok and Common Duiker are also common.

ROCK FORMATIONS AND FEATURES
Sheer humbleness is experienced beneath the massive examples of Cape folded mountains and thick veins of quartz, displaying rock features of incredible grandeur formed by the earth's tempestuous past more than 350 million years ago. Continental collisions, the submergence of the earth's crust and the cataclysmic influence of the oceans have all contributed to the magnificent landscapes of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

The geology of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve consists of sedimentary sandstones, mudstones and siltstones from the Devonian era. This period was the beginning of life on earth and trace fossils of various marine invertebrates have been found.

Qualified rangers offer fascinating insight into the secrets that the rocks unfold, bearing stories of distant times of the land that time forgot - rocks progressively eroded and weathered to become the life bearing soil of the Klein Karoo.

ROCK ART
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 Sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, rock art sites dating back to more than 3500 years depicting 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.

These experiences of the Shaman were depicted to the tribe in the form of the rock art seen today. The various sites that were chosen were also very symbolic, the rock depicting the medium between the different realms the Shaman had traveled in his trancelike state. Ingredients used for the paint consisted of animal blood, urine, plant sap, egg and water, the protein from blood or egg having the ability to preserve the art that exists today.

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.

TROUT FISHING
Located adjacent to Sanbona Wildlfe Reserve and enveloped by the picturesque Langeberg mountains, lies the trophy dam of Bo Vlakte Trout Farm. Well stocked with Bass, Rainbow and the rare Golden Trout, one can experience fly-fishing of this quarry.

Together with experienced guides, spend the day working the various spots on the dam, with the possibility of trout of trophy size.

A 2-man rowboat as well as limited tackle is available for hire. Tuition is on hand on request. Trips can be pre-booked or made on arrival at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

THE WELLNESS CENTRE
Relax, rejuvenate and be pampered! One of the major features at Tilney Manor is the fully equipped Wellness Centre, where East meets West in interesting blends of specialized massage therapies and treatments. From the eclectic Jamu massage designed to increase blood circulation and release muscle tension to the sensuous Javanese Lulur Spa ritual that exfoliates, polishes and pampers, peaceful oblivion is achieved. Hydro-therapy treatments include a Hydro-bath with intense jets of water to promote blood circulation and finally the steam room and sauna with scented eucalyptus oils to enhance respiration. Special package treatments are tailor-made to one's individual needs. Only the finest Decléor products are used.

STARGAZING
With the absence of artificial light, the stargazing at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is phenomenal and amongst the best in Southern Africa. In a designated area free from light, with telescopic aid and knowledgeable guides, interpretations are given about the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Romantic stories of gods and goddesses banished to the heavens are woven into astronomical facts and unfolds before one's eyes.

The prominent Orion's Belt, also known as the three Kings, forms part of the Constellation of Orion, the tragic lover and great hunter who in turn is hunting Taurus, the bull. Orions faithful hound, Canis Major, guards the hare, Lepus lying slain at Orio's feet.

The navigational Southern Cross displays its magnificent facets such as the indescent Jewel Box, the Coal Sack and it's two pointers, Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri.

Depending on the time of year, Venus, the Goddess of love will greet you at dawn or dusk, while Sirius, the brightest star in our heavens keeps a constant vigil. The Lord of the Rings Saturn, the God of War Mars and the Sky God Uranus are some of the planets that can be viewed with the naked eye, depending on the time of year.

How better to end a blissful day at Sanbona than to sit reflecting under the star-studded canopy of African skies, the vastness of infinite galaxies stretching before one.