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Sanbona Tilney Manor Location

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.

Wildlife Game Drives Ballooning Self Drive Walking Honeymoon Rock Art Fishing Conference Facility Photography Birding Spa Swimming Pool Horse Riding Malaria Free Price Range - Southern Africa: $600 - $800

FLORA AND FAUNA Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has about 6500 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. The Reserve, approximately half of which was livestock and agricultural farms, is steadily being restored to its natural state by using veld rehabilitation methods and the reintroducing of indigenous plants and animals. All aspects of farming are systematically being removed. There are various floral kingdoms that make up the Reserve. These include Acacia Thickets, Nama Karoo, Rhenosterveld, 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 will be reintroduced. The Big 5 will be phased in over time. They are Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros as well as various other species such as Gemsbok, Springbok, Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Bontebok and Zebra will be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Antbear, Brown Hyena, Grey Reebuck, Steenbuck, Klipspringers, Grysbok and Common Duiker continue to thrive. 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 with subtle 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.

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 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. 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 untouched 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 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 excellent viewing. ROCK FORMATIONS AND FEATURES Sheer humbleness is experienced beneath massive examples of Cape folded mountains and thick veins of quartz, displaying rock features of incredible grandeur formed by the earths tempestuous past more than 350 million years ago. Continental collisions, the submergence of the earth's crust and 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 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 Little Karoo. ROCK ART The San people of Africa roamed the area for thousands of years until 350 years ago. The Xam tribe, the nomadic hunter-gatherers living in harmony with nature and realized then that man and nature together is sustainable. Throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, rock art sites dating back to more than 3500 years are found depicting the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. During their travels, members of the tribe 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 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 where depicted to the tribe in the form of the rock art seen today. The various sites that where 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 minerals, animal blood, urine, plant sap and water, the sap 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. TROUTFISHING 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 unsurpassed fly-fishing of this quarry. Together with experienced guides, spend the day working the various spots on the dam, guaranteeing trout of trophy size. A 2-man rowboat as well as limited tackle is available for hire. Tuition is on hand on request. Bookings can be pre-booked or made on arrival at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. HORSERIDING Together with Big Sky Trail and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, experienced riders may enjoy the thrill and excitement of exploring the great open spaces of the Reserve. Become one with nature on the back of magnificent Arabian horses, with only the sounds of your mount and the breathtaking vistas and peace and tranquility around you. The spirited and comfortable Arabian horses, bred for extreme climatic conditions and endurance are ideally suited to the vast plains, rugged hills and steep canyons of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Riding briskly, some 40 km can be covered. The luxury of Tilney Manor and Wellness Centre provides the perfect environment for relaxation after the challenging time in the saddle. A half day and full day horse trail package is presently available during your stay at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. All trails need to be pre-booked when making your reservation, as limited space is available. These trails are suited for experienced riders only. 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 its 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 own individual needs. Only the finest Decléor products are used. HOT AIR BALLOONING See Sanbona Wildlife Reserve from a bird's eye view! With the impressive 8-man balloon taking to the air at the first light of dawn, the silence is broken with the explosive thrust of burners, the rustle of fabric flapping in the breeze and the anticipation of lift off. Drift gracefully over valleys, mountains and plains while taking in the sheer expanse and panoramic vistas of the Reserve before you while spotting game from the air. Celebrate the freedom of the experience with a scrumptious Champagne breakfast on the ground. 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, Canus Major, guards the hare, Lupus lying slain at Orion feet. The navigational Southern Cross displays its magnificent facets such as the iridescent 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 and beauty will greet you at dawn or dusk, while Cirius, 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. 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. CONFERENCING Be it a high-powered break for executive strategizing and decision making or an incentive getaway, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers a venue with a difference. A private Boardroom for 12 delegates with standard audio-visual and conference equipment is available at Tilney Manor.

Sanbona Tilney Manor Children Policy
Children under 12 by arrangement

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Check In Time: 01:00:00 PM

Check Out Time: 11:00:00 AM