Sanbona Tilney Manor

Tilney Manor Highlights

Three-hour drive from Cape Town
3500-year-old San rock art
A 'Big 5' game reserve
The 6 open-plan luxury suites
The rim-flow pool in summer
WiFi in the lounge area
Outdoor dining

Tilney Manor Information

Lodge type; Safari Lodge
Location; Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Lodge size; 6 Luxury Rooms
Recommended stay; 3-5 nights

Introduction

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers guest the chance of not only experiencing 'The Big 5', plains game and Karoo Fynbos, but the experience of privacy and solitude in a 54,000ha Reserve that is located within an easy three-hour drive from Cape Town.

Tilney Manor in the Sanbona Reserve is a small luxurious romantic lodge option for those that are wanting a more personalized experience or for those travel in a small group of not more than 12 friends or family.

A lodge option that has it all, from large luxurious rooms to delicious cuisines to stunning wildlife sightings, in our opinion; Tilney Manor has it all.

Reserve Information

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve consists of 58 000 hectares within the Little Karoo of South Africa, offering visitors a vastly diverse and sensitive landscape that will astound all.

In terms of wildlife, Sanbona offers up plains game (gemsbok, springbok, hartebeest, eland, kudu and zebra), the Big 5 as well as cheetah and the endangered Riverine Rabbit. Other rare species that can be spotted on game drives include; jackal, caracal, duiker, aardwolf, aardvark, brown hyena, grey rhebok, steenbok, klipspringer and grysbok.

Why did you mention the Riverine Rabbit alongside the Big 5, cheetah we hear you ask. Well, the Riverine Rabbit is currently the 13th most endangered mammal in the world and a healthy population of these mammals indicates that the reserve itself is very well run in terms of conservation.

For those interested in birding, the reserve offers a truly spectacular list of over 200 species.

Rooms and Suites

Six absolutely amazing and luxurious suites await all that stay at Tilney Manor; large and comfortable beds, fireplace, private verandah, and a bathroom to die for, including his and her outdoor showers and a large free-standing freestanding bath.

To say that Tilney Manor is the perfect romantic getaway is the understatement of the year, perfect for honeymoons and romantic getaways.

All six suites offer the following facilities;

Air conditioning
International dial telephone
Tea and coffee making facilities
Private mini-bar stocked with goodies, wine, beer and other alcohol (can be removed on request)
Electronic safe
Fireplace for those romantic evenings
Private veranda

Cuisine and Wine

Cuisine and dining at Sanbona Tilney Manor is all about experiencing authentic Karoo and South African cuisine. Having stayed here our selves, we can testify that no matter the time of day, one is in for a right royal treat when it comes to dining.

The lodge offers both indoor and outdoor dining facilities.

Lodge Facilities

A rim-flow swimming pool complete with deck chairs and umbrellas offers up amazing views out over the surrounding Karoo on one side and the lodge itself, on the other side, a great spot to sit back and relax under the African sun.

A lounge with a fireplace and glass windows offers a tranquil area to kick back, relax and enjoy the sights will reading a book or enjoying some company. A second lounge area again with fireplace offers guest a television for catching up on sporting events or some news.

There is Wi-Fi available in and around the central guest area as well as a small boutique curio shop.

Safari Activities

When staying at the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, one has the pick of numerous activities and these include;

Birdwatching
Flora & Fauna
Game Drives
Kids on Safari
Nature Walks
Photography
Relaxation Retreats
Rock Art
Rock Formations & Features
Sanbona Boat Safari
Stargazing

The most popular of course being game drives and walking safaris, but if one is staying for 3 nights or more, we would highly suggest that one partake in the boat and birding safari options, and of course, weather permitting, stargazing is absolutely stunning in this part of South Africa.

Please note that some activities are at an additional cost.

Family Friendly

For families with children younger than 12 years of age, please look at Sanbona Gondwana Lodge, as this is the family-friendly option.

Spa and Wellness

Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Lodge and Tilney Manor all offer private 'spa and massage treatment' rooms where one can be pampered in the lap of luxury.

World-class treatments and holistic modalities to balance and energise your being are on offer, all of which can be booked on arrival at the above lodges.

Shark Cage Diving Cape Town

Experience the majesty of one of nature's most magnificent creatures with shark cage diving in Cape Town. With "Shark Diving", you can get up close and personal with great white sharks as they swim around the boat looking for bait.

Whether you want to dive yourself or just observe from the deck, this thrilling activity offers a unique opportunity to appreciate these powerful animals in their natural habitat.

You will also learn more about how humans are affecting their environment and why conservation efforts are essential for protecting them.
Shark Cage Diving Cape Town
Kirstenbosch, Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful and diverse gardens in Cape Town. With its sprawling 1,300 acres of land, Kirstenbosch offers a journey of the senses with its vibrant flowers, lush greenery and an array of birdlife.

For those looking for a unique experience, take on the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway - an elevated walkway that provides stunning views across the gardens.
Kirstenbosch, Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway
Design in Cape Town

Cape Town is experiencing an exciting wave of investment, community involvement and physical regeneration due to its designation as the World Design Capital 2014.

This has been evident in the seaside suburb of Muizenberg, where dead corners and buildings have been transformed into vibrant areas full of life.

The murals, sculptures and shops that are popping up all over town are a testament to the power of good design and art in revitalising this once down-at-heel resort.
Design in Cape Town
Climbing Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cape Town, and with the Aerial Cableway closed for a few weeks, now is the perfect time to explore its many paths.

A hike up Skeleton Gorge provides an opportunity to experience nature's beauty while gathering breathtaking views along the way.

With record numbers of visitors coming to Cape Town due to its designation as World Design Capital 2014, and inclusion as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is no wonder why this city has been gaining so much attention.
Climbing Table Mountain
Horse Riding in Cape Town

Experience an unforgettable adventure and explore the beauty of Cape Town by horseback.

Just a short drive from the centre of town, you will find Noordhoek – a sleepy community known for its stunning beach that stretches for over eight kilometres and is bordered by wetlands, Chapmans Peak and Kommetjie lighthouse.

Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding offers outrides on this beach where you can ride through dunes, trot across pools of water and even visit the skeletal remains of an old steamship wreck!
Horse Riding in Cape Town
Cape Town Kite Festival

The 19th annual Cape Town Kite Festival was held at the beginning of November in Muizenberg, bringing together over 20,000 people for a two-day event.

The festival featured stunt kiting exhibitions, Japanese-inspired Rokkaku kite battles, and a Heritage Kite Competition that encouraged children to build South African swallow or bat-style kites from scratch.

In addition to the fun activities on offer, the festival also supports Cape Mental Health charity and provides an opportunity for local businesses and visitors alike to experience the beauty of Cape Town and Muizenberg.
Cape Town Kite Festival
Helicopter Flight over Cape Town

Experience the beauty of Cape Town from a whole new perspective with an amazing Helicopter Flight over the city!

Get ready to take off and explore the stunning coastline, Table Mountain, Camps Bay Beach and more - all while taking in spectacular views that can only be seen from above.

Soar through the skies on a 12-13 minute flight or opt for one of the longer flights available to Hout Bay, Cape Point or even out to the Cape Winelands.
Helicopter Flight over Cape Town
Norval Foundation South Africa

With its dynamic atmosphere and captivating art, Norval Foundation in Cape Town offers a unique experience for all ages who appreciate the beauty of art.

No matter who you are, the Norval Foundation has something to astound and delight! From spectacular exhibitions to an expansive sculpture garden featuring one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as a selection of educational workshops for kids - it is all here waiting.
Norval Foundation South Africa