Explore a very Special Big Five Wilderness Sanctuary

Web Ref #: 229
Price: From R 3750 pppn, Fully Inclusive
Location: Montagu

Only three hours drive from Cape Town, the reserve boasts 54 000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous flora and fauna, rock formations and rock art.

 

Often referred to as the ‘Arizona of Southern Africa’ and the spirit of the San people, guest are offered five star accommodation at three luxurious lodges and a back to nature Explorer Camp, surrounded by ancient volcanic mountains and endless vistas.

 

Tilney Manor:

Tilney Manor consists of 3 separate units including 6 large open plan suites, each opening onto private verandas overlooking breathtaking views of undulating mountains and plains.

 

This lush oasis setting of Tilney Manor is surrounded by carefully laid out indigenous gardens.

 

Lodge Facilities:

  • Rim-flow swimming pool
  • Relaxation Retreat with 2 therapy rooms, steam room and sauna
  • Lounge with fireplace and television with satellite channels
  • Perimeter electric fence
  • In and outdoor dining facilities
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot

 

All suites can sleep a maximum of 2 adults per suite (4 x King bedded Luxury Suites and 2 x Twin bedded Luxury Suites).

 

Suite Features:

  • Air conditioning
  • Television with DVD player
  • International dial telephone
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • His and hers outdoor showers
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, twin basins and free-standing bath in the centre
  • Private minibar
  • Electronic safe
  • Fireplace
  • Private veranda

 

Gondwana Lodge:

Overlooking Bellair Dam and resembling a typical thatched Karoo homestead, offering 12 generously proportioned luxury suites, each with endless views over the plains, Anysberg-mountains and beyond.

 

Children of all ages will be entertained with an exciting “Kids on Safari” program.

 

Lodge Facilities:

  • Outdoor dining boma
  • Outdoor pool with shallow area
  • Children’s playroom with TV
  • Lounge with fireplace and TV with satellite channels
  • Gift boutique
  • Relaxation Retreat with 2 therapy rooms and steam room
  • Outdoor play area for children
  • Wi-Fi hotspot

 

Suites can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults sharing with 1 child, subject to availability of rooms with sleeper couch.

 

There are 6 Suites on the ground floor with private deck (2 x Twin bedded Luxury Suites & 4 x King bedded Luxury Suites – 2 with sleeper couch).

 

An additional 6 Suites are upstairs with private balcony / viewing deck (2 x Twin bedded Luxury Suites & 4 x King bedded Luxury Suites – 2 with sleeper couches).

 

Suite Features:

  • Air conditioning
  • Under floor heating
  • Private minibar
  • Private deck or balcony
  • Electronic safe
  • International dial telephone
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, free standing bath and twin basins

 

Dwyka Tented Lodge:

Beautifully appointed tents exude an atmosphere of pioneering adventure in a vast and hidden landscape.

 

Dwyka Tented Lodge is surrounded by awe-inspiring rock formations which was once the home of ancient Khoisan hunters.

 

Situated in a horseshoe bed of a dry Karoo ravine, the lodge with 9 luxury tents has a Relaxation Retreat, communal lounge with fireplace and TV, wine cellar and open air boma.

 

Lodge Facilities:

  • Open-air dining boma
  • Lounge with fireplace and TV with satellite channels
  • Wine cellar
  • Gift boutique
  • Relaxation Retreat with 2 therapy rooms
  • Wi-Fi hotspot

 

All luxury tents can sleep a maximum of 2 adults per tent (2 x Twin bedded Luxury Tents & 7 x King bedded Luxury Tents).

 

Tent Features:

  • Comfort cool / heating
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Shower
  • Twin basins and free-standing bath
  • Outdoor shower
  • Private deck with plunge pool
  • Private minibar
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • International dial telephone
  • Under floor heating
  • Electronic safe

 

Explorer Camp:

This unique walking experience is ideal for guests looking for an adventurous and authentic option offering an ambience of a tented bush camp.

 

The camp is located in a superbly shaded river line, north east of the reserve and approximately 30 minutes drive from Dwyka Tented Lodge.

 

This is a flexible experience for guests to experience and explore the Karoo as we believe that the rigidity of travel needs to be simplified by going back to basics.

 

This explorer camp reflects the original safari of being on foot and sleeping around the fire at night within the comfort of a mobile tent.

 

Guests will enjoy walks through the magnificent reserve, whereby their guide will enhance their experience with birding, cultural history and other natural history of the area.

 

General Information:

The Explorer Camp operates during the summer months with the first trail in October and the last trail at the end of April.

 

Each trail is 2 nights with a set departure each Friday of the week.

 

The walking trails are hosted and guided by an armed qualified walking guide.

 

Distances walked vary each day but can last up to 4 hours each.

 

A game viewing vehicle remains in camp and depending on where guests walk that day, the trail may start from camp or depart camp by vehicle to visit another area of the reserve.

 

We regret that no persons younger than 16 years or older than 60 years will be able to participate. However, if a medical certificate can be provided via the client, exceptions to this will be allowed.

 

Camp Site:

The Camps site is unfenced to provide the true explorer ambience and tents are placed in fairly close proximity without encroaching on another tents’ privacy. Wild animals are able to cross through the camp at any time and although all safety precautions have been followed in setting up the camp; this remains a reality.

 

Additional Camp, tent details, what to bring list and 2-day itinerary is available upon request.

 

Overview & Programme:

One of the true joys is the freedom to do nothing at all in absolute luxury. But for those who choose to venture beyond the comfort of the lodge, a world of new experiences awaits – game drives, nature walks, birdwatching, star gazing, rock art, rock formations and features, fauna and flora and spa treatments are just some of the options.

 

The Welcoming Lounge is located 15km from the main gate. The scenic drive to the Welcoming Lounge offers breathtaking views of the unique landscape. At the Welcoming Lounge, guests can enjoy a refreshment while they wait for transfer to their respective lodges. All transfers need to be booked 72 hours before arrival.

 

Day of Arrival:

  • 12h00 Arrival at Welcoming Lounge for those requiring transfers
  • 13h00 onwards Arrival at Lodges
  • 13h00 until 15h00 Lunch is served
  • 14h00 Check-in to room
  • 16h00 Depart for afternoon game drive (weather dependant)
  • 20h00 Afternoon game drive returns to the lodge
  • 20h30 Pre-dinner drinks
  • 21h00 Dinner is served at the lodge

 

Full Day:

  • 05h00 Early morning wake up call
  • 05h30 Morning game drive departs after tea, coffee & pastries
  • 09h00 Morning game drive returns to breakfast at the lodge
  • 13h00 until 15h00 Lunch is served
  • 16h00 Depart for afternoon game drive (weather dependant)
  • 20h00 Afternoon game drive returns to the lodge
  • 20h30 Pre-dinner drinks
  • 21h00 Dinner is served at the lodge

 

Day of Departure:

  • 05h00 Early morning wake up call
  • 05h30 Morning game drive departs after tea, coffee & pastries
  • 09h00 Morning game drive returns to breakfast at the lodge
  • 11h00 Check out time and depart for Welcoming Lounge

 

Please note that the above times and activities are only an indication and may vary as the above is dependent on the seasons and weather conditions.

 

Game Drives:

Traverse the landscape of the Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open Landcruisers. During the drive, be it in the early morning or for sundowners, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen.

 

Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karroo.

 

Animals to look out for at the Reserve include self-sustaining and free-ranging white lions, African Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo, White Rhino, Brown Hyena, Black-backed Jackal, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Springbok, Eland, Gemsbok, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Grey Rhebok, Common Duiker, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Grysbok, Ostrich, Riverine Rabbit.

 

Birdwatching:

For the avid birdwatcher, the Wildlife Reserve is home to more than 200 species. There is a very healthy population of raptors to be seen including African Fish Eagles, breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles and regular sightings of Black Harrier.

 

Interesting birds on the Reserve include the Cinnamonbreasted Warbler only seen in the early light of dawn, the Booted Eagle, Southern Grey Tit, the Namaqua Sandgrouse and Blackwinged Stilts.

 

Due to the unobtrusiveness of the Reserve, the birds are at ease, affording one with good viewing.

 

Relaxation Retreat:

Mother Nature is brought indoors for indulgent pampering. Our body range draws on properties from the world famous indigenous “Fynbos” plant kingdom, eliminating toxins, soothing the soul and rejuvenating the body.

 

The Relaxation Retreats overlook ancient rock formations and undulating mountains and plains. While the rejuvenating forces of nature cradle you, we deliver a range of world-class treatments and holistic modalities to balance and energise your being. Step into the privacy of these tranquil retreats – let the gentle atmosphere envelop and embrace your body, mind and soul.

 

The Relaxation Retreat Menu is available upon request.

  

Rates are:

  • Quoted per adult sharing per night
  • Subject to a 50% supplement for rooms / tents occupied by one adult
  • Inclusive of all meals, two game drives, selected beverages and tourism levy

 

Children Policy:

  • Children are all persons from 0 up to and including 11 years old
  • Persons from 12 years and older are considered as adults and will therefore require their own room / tent at the applicable rates
  • Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted on any walking safaris
  • Children are accommodated at Gondwana Lodge only
  • 0 – 3 years are accommodated at no additional cost, may share with adults, depending on the availability of cots and / or rooms with a sleeper couch and are not permitted on game drives
  • 4 – 11 years old are accommodated at 50% (half) of the adult sharing rate, may share with adults, depending on the availability of rooms with a sleeper couch and are permitted on game drives
  • Sleeper couches can accommodate a maximum of two children, depending on their age
  • Child rates are applicable whether children share a room with adults or not, inclusive of meals, non alcoholic beverages, activities (age dependant) and “Kids on Safari” program
  • Child minding are done by lodge staff and can be arranged at an additional cost
  • We recommend a minimum stay of two nights throughout the year

 

Listing TypeSafari Lodges
# of Single Bedrooms 0
# of Double Bedrooms27
Bathrooms 27
Sleeps54
En Suite27
ServicedYes
Wheelchair FriendlyNo
Sea ViewNo
Mountain ViewYes
City ViewNo
InternetYes
GardenYes
SatelliteYes
SecurityYes
Off Street Parking30 cars
Garage Parking0 cars
Swimming PoolYes
TVYes
BBQNo
Entertainment AreaYes
KitchenNo