Sanbona Wildlife Reserve stretches across 54,000 hectares of arid and silent Little Karoo landscape. This is where San people lived for thousands of years, and where galleries of rock paintings illustrate their lives. It's a pretty inhospitable place, and yet it is rich in wildlife and indigenous flora. Tilney Manor is one of four lodges in the reserve, with interiors that are indeed manorial, combining warmth and comfort with true elegance. The food is glorious, the staff are attentive and the guest suites, just six of them, meet your every need. It's a glamorous base from which to explore this extraordinary wilderness.
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There are six large, open-plan suites (four with king-sized beds, two with twins) in three separate units. Each suite is spacious and opens onto a private veranda with views across the indigenous gardens to the undulating mountains and plains. The interiors, which really deserve the 'luxurious' label, have aircon, TV and DVD player, a tea and coffee station, his and her outdoor showers, an en-suite bathroom with shower, twin basins and free-standing bath, a fireplace and a minibar. Just relax!
The endless Karoo panorama. Whether you're soaking in the rim-flow pool, lingering over dinner or in your outdoor shower, the breathtaking landscape stretches far into the distance in every direction
Pop into the Heritage Room for a drink between activities. It doubles as a small gallery telling the story of Sanbona through local artwork – a lovely way to connect with the reserve's history.
Children under twelve aren't permitted, so the Manor is best suited to couples or families with older teens looking for a refined, more grown-up safari experience.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Tilney Manor can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Tilney Manor or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Tilney Manor start from around $790, or US$790, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Out-of-time and off-the-map allure abound in this stretch of mountain-flanked semi-desert.
