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.
Rates from R10 100.00 per person
- Sanbona Tilney Manor Rates
- Per person per night sharing
- Rates are in South African Rands (ZAR)
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All non-alcoholic beverages
- Two game drives and guided walks
- Game drive beverages
- Tourism levy
- 15% VAT
- All other beverages
- All Transfers
- All Flights
- Additional activities
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
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.
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Recently the hotel has completed a winter refurbishment program that includes enhancements to the façade and bathrooms, as well as light refurbishments to all remaining luxury rooms and suites.
Guests can enjoy activities such as garden walks with the hotel horticulturalists, indulging in morning or afternoon tea on the terrace, or meeting up with friends at Planet Champagne Bar.
10 best things about Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa is a vibrant and beautiful city that offers something for everyone.
From its stunning beaches to its majestic Table Mountain, from its world-famous Constantia vineyards to the stunning Kirstenbosch Garden, Robben Island and a great number of 5-star restaurants on offer - Cape Town truly is an unforgettable destination.
Here are 10 of the best things about this incredible city that make it such a fantastic place to visit or live in.
Constantia Winelands, What to Do?
Escape from the hustle of Cape Town and immerse yourself in South Africa's famous wine culture by visiting Constantia Valley - only a quick journey away!
For centuries, Constantia Valley has been the home of some of South Africa's oldest and most renowned vineyards and wine farms.
Among these renowned wineries are Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting – each with its own unparalleled atmosphere and exquisite wines.
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.
Muizenberg Beach Cape Town
Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, is a beautiful seaside town that has experienced both decline and resurgence.
From the late 19th century until the 1960s, it was one of the most popular resort areas in South Africa.
In recent years, however, Muizenberg has undergone a transformation as law-abiding citizens have reclaimed the area and invested heavily in its revitalization.
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.
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.