TOURISM
WHERE NATURE TAKES CENTRE STAGE In 2002, 500km² of agricultural land in the Little Karoo along the world-famous Route 62, was earmarked for the creation of a 58 000-hectare reserve. The vision was to conserve the heritage, ecosystems and landscapes, while creating employment opportunities in one of South Africa’s most dire rural areas. This dream was a big one.
T
he significance of a nature reserve dedicated to conservation in a region where the natural vegetation has been, and continues to be, transformed by agriculture, cannot be understated. Rehabilitated to a more “natural” state, it allows the reintroduction of animal species with the focus on those that, now rare and endangered, had been historically eradicated. 20 years later, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned nature reserves, stretching across miles of rich protected ecosystems within two globally recognised biodiversity hotspots. The reserve’s conservation model has been honed over decades to identify key projects that establish resilient ecosystems, landscapes and communities. These aspects are all essential to success and are practiced and managed by a stellar conservation team. Sanbona aims to create balance where critically important ecosystems, endangered wildlife and flora can prosper for the benefit of future generations. The reserve embodies an authentic and contrasting natural space, whose commitment to conservation is imparted and intricately woven into our guest experiences. The reserve’s convenient location along Route 62, a mere 3.5 hours from Cape Town, extends 58 000 hectares of big, Karoo sky country with breath-taking sceneries that will transport you to a place where time stands still and nature takes centre stage. It’s remarkable how one only needs to travel only 270km outside the hustle and bustle of the Mother City to reach this place of tranquillity. It’s a holistic environment.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve appeals to anyone with a love of travel, an interest in wildlife and a passion for learning more about their local surroundings.
The development and progress of the reserve were so impressive, that it piqued the interest of the CALEO Foundation which acquired Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in 2015. The reserve entered a new phase of its vision. For many years Sanbona was run as a hospitality business for profit, today, Sanbona is a flagship example of private conservation in the Western Cape province. The CALEO Foundation transformed it into a non-profit company
(NPC) to fulfill their philosophy of the long-term protection and conservation of Sanbona as a thriving wilderness area. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve appeals to anyone with a love of travel, an interest in wildlife and a passion for learning more about their local surroundings. The reserve takes a “safari stay” one step further by offering an educational experience where our guests are introduced to a unique and arid landscape that they may not necessarily be used to. One can indulge in the pleasure of viewing big game like elephant and cheetah, smaller game species like brown hyena, steenbok and klipspringer, to insightful information on the regional endemic flora. Sanbona offers a selection of three luxury lodges, each with their own distinct personality and appeal, and a seasonal Explorer Camp for the more adventurous at heart. Dwyka Tented Lodge is opulent, positioned under some nesting Verreaux’s eagles in the bend of a dry riverbed. Nine luxury suites, each one-part tent, part cabana, look out over the riverbed to the towering rock face scarred with ancient caves and crags. Its identity is rooted in the style of an African safari encampment synonymous with adventurous expeditions into unknown Africa. Tilney Manor was designed in true Cape Georgian style, it is perfect for guests in need of an exclusive Karoo experience. This refined and elegant lodge offers an intimate space with only six suites and a bespoke heritage lounge. Gondwana Family Lodge is the perfect family retreat in its configuration with inter-connecting suites and sleeper couches, all complimented with a tailored Kids on Safari programme to inspire the eco-warriors of the future. Seasonal Explorer Camp allows intrepid guests to stay in a canvas tent in a shaded riverbed, inviting them to experience the life of a pioneer in an area of the reserve that’s as remote as it is pristine and untouched. And if health and wellbeing are a concern, each lodge provides relaxation retreats offering a range of therapeutic treatments. On game viewing safaris, guides introduce guests to the story of the reserve’s flora and fauna, to its geology and ecosystems, its conservation and its management systems, its recent history and the story of its distant past. There are guided nature walks on which guests are able to discover the smaller creatures, smell the plants and see spoor at first-hand, and have a conversation about a little-known natural world that’s richly presented in the Klein Karoo. Bird watching, rock art and star gazing complete an exciting safari option very close to Cape Town. This holistic haven is a place where you can truly leave behind the city confines and find peace for your mind.
33
