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faq’s
the answers to all your burning questions
To assist you in preparing for your safari holiday, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about anything or require further information on the booking procedure or for your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Transfers to Sanbona can be arranged with reservations on request at an additional cost. All transfers are handled by accredited car hire and charter companies and must be arranged prior to arrival.
You can get detailed directions to the game reserve here, but if you get yourself lost, contact us on +27 (0)21 010 0028.
Explorer guests are met at the Welcome Lounge, 15km in from the main gate and taken to the lodge in order to meet their specialist guide. A complimentary transfer from the lounge to the different lodges is available on request and must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. There is also secure parking available for vehicles at the Welcoming Lounge for guests who travel to the reserve on their own.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve does not offer day trips. Self drive game drives are not permitted on the reserve either. Booking in advance to your stay is essential.
Clothing in neutral colours that is light in weight, but warm – Bright coloured clothing must be avoided as this can deter wildlife, you should include the following when packing your bag:
- 3 x Shirts
- 3 x Shorts
- 2 x pants (long)
- 1 x warm jersey or jacket as the evenings can get cold
- Hiking or trail shoes
- Sandals for showering
- Sun block
- Hat
- Camera
- Binoculars
South Africa enjoys a warm climate year-round. For the duration of the colder months, (April – September) you can expect temperatures that range from 7 – 22°C. During the warmer months (October – March), temperatures range from 16 – 36°C. Rainfall is generally low and scarce, averaging only 2 or 3 days per month.
There are so many things for kids to do here that they won’t have an opportunity to be bored, and with both indoor and outdoor activities available, we cater to a variety of tastes. And, to sweeten the deal even more for the kids, Sanbona has an entire lodge and programme dedicated to entertaining little ones. Read more information on our Kids on Safari page.
Unfortunately, not. When on a game drive, it’s important to remain still and quiet, so as not to disturb the animals, which can be difficult for young children to do. And, as safety is our primary concern, no children under the age of four years old are permitted on game drives.
But, we do have childminding services available on request, in addition to a host of kid’s activities to keep the little ones occupied while you enjoy your safari.
Game viewing is not affected by the weather, seasons, or time of year. But, you can consult with one of our safari experts before you make your booking if there’s something in particular you want to see. We also recommend you bring warmer clothing along for the trip as it may get cold.
Private road transfers and charter flights can be arranged at an additional fee and booked with your accommodation. Alternatively, if you are driving to Sanbona, you can find location and directions information here
Your allocated ranger draws up a customised programme for you on the day of your arrival, which includes game drives and guided walks. For a guideline of what’s available, read our activities page.
When travelling to South Africa, it’s important to take note as to whether you’re required to have a Visas. Certain countries are exempt, you can find that list here.
Please note: As of June 2015, people travelling with minors (people under the age of 18) are required to be carrying an unabridged birth certificate, as well as their passport.
As per South African law, upon your arrival in the country, you need to ensure that your passport has at least two full pages open for passport control stamps.
For the latest visa requirements, you’ll need to contact your nearest South African Embassy or consulate. You also need to note that travellers over 1 year of age coming from a high risk area need to bear a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate.
You can get more information here
Our 5-star, luxury lodge accommodation is accredited by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa every year. Thorough inspections have been conducted in accordance with the national tourism standards. And, the country itself is home to a world-class infrastructure including transport, telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, mining and medical facilities.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 04H30/ 05H30 | Wake up call |
| 05H00/ 06H00 | Early morning refreshments served |
| 5H15/ 06H15 | Depart for morning game drive |
| 09H00 | A continental breakfast buffet and (plated) hot breakfast is served |
| 11H00 | Requested checkout time |
| 12H00 | Lunch is served until 14h30 |
| 13H00/ 14H00 | Recommended arrival time |
| 15H00/ 15H30 | Afternoon tea |
| 15H30/ 16H00 | Depart for afternoon game drive |
| 20H00 | Pre-dinner drinks |
| 20H30 | Varying dinner options served on alternate nights |
The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin. Adapters can be purchased, but may be in short supply. However, we do have a limited number of adaptors are available in each room at the game reserve. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Additionally, most hotel rooms have 110V outlets for electric shavers and appliances. All three of the Sanbona lodges are currently equipped with standby generators, as a precaution against a power outage.
Please be sure to check your device specifications and requirements before utilising our power supply source.
In South Africa, we drive on the left hand side of the road and wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for both drivers and passengers in the front and back seats of a car.
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving license issued and valid in their own country. But, the license must be in English and must contain a photograph and the signature of the holder.
If yours doesn’t meet these requirements, an international driver’s license is required.
South Africa is a nation that’s home to a vast amount of cultures. In total, we have 11 official languages, including English, which is widely spoken throughout the country. The local population groups and cultures include Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Afrikaners, English, Cape Coloured, Indians, Khoi, and San.
South Africa has world-class medical facilities, with a large network of hospitals that offer excellent care. But, as a safety precaution, ensure that you have adequate health and travellers insurance.
In case of an emergency, we request that you have your Insurance number, as well as a copy of your passports on hand during check in.
While most parts of the country are perfectly safe for tourists to visit, it’s important that visitors take precautions. For example, walking alone in deserted streets, and exposing expensive equipment and jewellery is not recommended. Most major cities run crime prevention programmes and basic safety tip guidelines are also available at hotels and tourism information offices.
If you’re in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on+27 (0) 831232345. This number may also be used for assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.
There are many malls, markets, stores, and informal vendors who provide a variety of goods and services. Traditional African artwork, jewellery, and other goods are widely sought after by tourists, and are readily available close to tourist attractions. Most major shopping centres and malls operate seven days a week, but smaller town shops are often closed on Sunday.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve also has small curio stores, available at our lodges.
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR) (R1=100 cents), which exchanges favourably with major international currencies. Take note that currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus and at certain hotels. Foreign tourists can have their VAT (value-added tax at 14%) refunded at the point of departure, provided they present their original tax invoices.
In addition, most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted.
Gratuities are not compulsory at Sanbona, however should you wish to leave a gratuity, they can be placed in the courtesy envelopes which are supplied in the rooms.
South Africa’s tap water is some of the safest and cleanest in the world. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is closely monitored via inspections.
Restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are usually very impressed with the standard and choice of award-winning cuisine on offer.
Check-in time 14:00pm
Check-out time 11:00am
Sanbona is approximately:
– 58, 000 Hectares
– 143, 321 Acres
– 580 Square kilometers
Unfortunately, due to the high security risk around poaching, the flying of drones is strictly prohibited across the reserve.
Special permissions may be granted to specific filming crews, this is pending the review and permission from the General Manager.
It is an approximate 3.5 hour drive from Cape Town to the Main Gate of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Please factor in additional internal reserve drive time, which takes you from the Main Gate to either the Welcome Lounge or to the lodges directly. Please know if can take a further 1h30 internal reserve drive time to reach your destination from the Reserve’s Main Gate.
Yes, parking is free of charge.
Yes, you are welcome to self-drive directly to the lodge should you have a suitable vehicle. Micro cars and low-lying sports cars are not recommended for this road surface. Please be aware that there is a small chance that you may encounter big game along the road.
The Welcome Lounge is a 20-minute drive inside the Reserve from the Main Gate. Guests are invited to park their vehicles at the Welcome Lounge and enjoy a chauffeur transfer to their specific lodge from there on. The Welcome Lounge is fitted with some soft comforts and a composting toilet.
There are two set transfer times:
– 12h30
– 16h00
Guests are advised to plan their travel times to be at the Main Gate by 12pm or 15h30 in order to make the transfer. Guests arriving outside of these times will either need to self-drive directly to the lodge or secure a private transfer at an additional rate.
Cape Town International Airport is the closest, approximately 245 kilometers away.
Yes, the area is Malaria-free.
Our suites are ideally suited for 2 adults sharing. Beds can be double or twin-sharing.
Yes, we do. These are charged at an additional cost and can be booked through our Reservations department.
No, guests are not permitted to self-drive through the Reserve. All our drives are hosted by our expertly trained guides.
The essence of Sanbona does not fall within its game viewing, but in its holistic approach in showcasing the area’s unique biodiversity. With conservation at the forefront of the experience, we take the time to introduce guests to the endemic, free-roaming and self-sustaining animal species onsite together with two biomes found within the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Home to the Big 5 but not intensely pursued. The opportunities to view leopard are slim due to their remote locations up the mountains outranges, Sanbona prides itself in offering an authentic, immersive and untouched experience.
A stay with Sanbona includes:
- Two daily nature drives
- Guided wilderness walks
- All meals
- On-drive beverages and snacks
- Complimentary WiFi
- Tourism levy and VAT
Sanbona offers several exciting nature-based adventures:
- Nature drives
- Guided wilderness walks
- Relaxation retreats
- Stargazing
- Photography
- Rock art
- Bird Watching
- Kids on Safari programme
Internet services & WiFi are available within the common areas at the lodge. Please bear in mind that the lodge is located in a remote area.
Guests are requested not to smoke when on game drives, in dining rooms or inside the suites. Ashtrays have been made available on your suite decks for your convenience.
All our luxury suites are fitted with bathtubs and showers. Tilney Manor and Dwyka Tented Lodge have additional outside showers.
Our rates are all priced per person.
Gratuities are completely at the guests own discretion. Gratuities are customary in South Africa and are not included in the rate structure. Ordinarily, the guides, spa therapist and a general staff gratuity are issued separately.
