Sanbona Tilney Manor

There are only six luxury Cape Georgian style suites available at the upmarket Tilney Manor. The suites can sleep twelve people in total in four rooms with king beds and two with twin beds. Luxury touches include the his- and her- outdoor showers, freestanding baths and supplied bathrobes as well as the in-room fireplace, private mini-bar and television with DVD facilities. All of the expected amenities of a luxury destination are in place here including air conditioning and tea/coffee facilities.

The decor of the suites reflects the natural colours of the surrounding stone and vegetation and subtle touches of San culture influence the design of the rooms. There is a rim-flow swimming pool on site as well as a spa with holistic treatments, wireless internet facilities and conferencing facilities.

The outstanding cuisine is served up in the comfortable dining room with its own fireplace or outdoors on the patio overlooking the surrounding planes. Enjoy a selection of South Africa’s fine wines while you indulge in your gourmet meal.

Venture out on early morning and late afternoon game drives to spot lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo as well as a diverse range of antelope, zebra and wildebeest. Birdlife abounds in this region with more than 200 species living here including African Fish eagles and breeding pairs of the rarely sighted Black eagles. For a more in-depth African bush experience sign up for nature walks through the wildlife reserve to encounter a host of smaller animals as well as learn something about the indigenous vegetation of the region. The floral kingdoms with more than 600 unique plant species include succulent Karoo, central mountain fynbos, acacia thickets and the fast disappearing renosterveld. There are both gentle and more challenging trails available, depending on your fitness levels.

Keep an eye out for rock art along your walks, there are seven recorded sites in Sanbona but probably many that have not yet been discovered. This ancient art form dates back more than three thousand years to the original San inhabitants depicting their rituals and spiritual lives.

You can also make use of knowledgeable guides to discover the hidden stories of the African night skies. Do some serious stargazing at this destination as the guides decode the constellations and also let you in on the stories told by the San about these distant stars.

Back at the luxury lodge indulge in a spa treatment or two! Many of the products used are based on the indigenous plant kingdoms such as fynbos which surround the lodge. The properties of these plants are known to eliminate toxins and provide rejuvenation for weary bodies and minds. Relax and let your eyes wander over the ancient rock formations and undulating mountain landscapes while your body gets spoilt.