Sanbona Explorer Camp is a seasonal camp in the private Sanbona Game Reserve in the heart of the Little Karoo.
Sanbona Explorers Camp operates during the summer months of October to April and offers a true wilderness walking experience. Each trail promises an adventure and takes two days to complete, requiring guests to stay a minimum of two nights. These walks allow you to immerse into nature while camping in the bush around a campfire. Walking safaris allow you to see the reserves true beauty, just as the San did centuries ago.
The unfenced camp consists of three mobile canvas Tents, each sleeping a maximum of two people on two dressed stretcher beds. The tents, although in fairly close proximity to one another, offer privacy. Each tent has a private en-suite with a bucket shower, a canvas basin and bio-toilet; bathroom amenities, and a hammock shaded by an ancient tree.
Sanbona comprises three major biomes, Succulent Karoo, Thicket & Fynbos, which provide habitats for a great diversity of plants, birds, and animals. The walking safari affords guests the opportunity to get up close to game in areas of the reserve inaccessible by vehicle. The reserve homes the only free-roaming self-sustaining white lions in the world, and the critically endangered and highly elusive Riverine Rabbit, which is the thirteenth most endangered mammal in the world and the second most critically endangered species in South Africa. Guests may encounter the several endemic tortoise species of the reserve, as well as the Dwarf Blue butterfly, the second smallest butterfly in the world.
The reserve is home to a variety of large and small antelope, zebra and wildebeest, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, and small game such as black-backed jackal and caracal. Late afternoon and early morning hikes provide the opportunity to see nocturnal creatures, such as the aardwolf, brown hyena and porcupine.
Over 200 bird species have been identified in the reserve, including that of the Verreaux’s Eagle. African Fish Eagles, breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles and Black Harrier are regularly sighted.
An armed qualified walking guide leads the walks, as guests may encounter the Big Five while on foot. An open game viewing vehicle remains at the camp to ferry guests, when necessary, to and from start and end points of trails in other areas of the reserve. The well-trained and knowledgeable guides offer guests insights into the flora and fauna and the cultural and natural history of the reserve. Guests can visit the exceptional Sanbona San rock art sites as well. Nights around the campfire offer spectacular stargazing opportunities. Sumptuous meals are prepared by the camp hosts and are all served in the open.
Sanbona Explorer Camp is ideal for solo travelers, couples and families looking for an authentic walking safari experience.
May 7, 2024
Wonderful experience with Safari.com
Wonderful experience with Safari.com. My Safari Agent, Dolan, has 20+ years of experience in booking a memorable safari. He guided me in picking the right lodging and safari within my budget. He offered several options and answered all my questions. His response time was fast, regardless of the international time difference, and we were able to make quick decisions. Highly recommend.
May 2, 2024
Dolan is Prompt and Knowledgeable
Dolan provided prompt and knowledgeable service. He determined what we were looking for and put together a safari that met those requirements. He is obviously knows the safari business and is very easy to work with.
March 25, 2024
Very prompt in reply and provided good…
Very prompt in reply and provided good advise re safari lodges. Smooth process throughout.
May 9, 2024
Patient help and guidance to find just…
Patient help and guidance to find just what I wanted.
May 8, 2024
Pascal is a travel angel! Highly recommend him.
We started planning for our safari trip contacting a bunch of different travel advisors but Pascal's service truly stood out to us as the best in the industry. He took care of planning everything from start to finish for our very last minute honeymoon trip (literally a month out and during the busiest safari season). He is extremely meticulous and very responsive to our 100 questions. He shared first hand experiences at each of the different lodges, personal pictures and gave us solid recommendations within our budget. He hopped on a call with us initially to explain all the differences to us first time safari goers, and continued to be very flexible and patient with us as we couldn't decide! We are very excited for our trip and cannot thank Pascal enough for being our first interaction on our upcoming trip.
May 8, 2024
Tanya was very efficient with helping…
Tanya was very efficient with helping ME get the correct booking.
May 8, 2024
Pascal was so responsive
Pascal was so responsive, informative and delightful!! I am grateful for Pascal’s expertise!! Many thanks!! 🙏🏽🦋☮️
May 7, 2024
Very helpful even with ever changing trip!
Anja was very helpful in getting our tour booked for our group. With date changes, time changes, even up to the last minute flight changes, she was on top of things! We will use Safari.com in the future for our Kenya safari trips.
May 7, 2024
Wonderful experience with Safari.com
Wonderful experience with Safari.com. My Safari Agent, Dolan, has 20+ years of experience in booking a memorable safari. He guided me in picking the right lodging and safari within my budget. He offered several options and answered all my questions. His response time was fast, regardless of the international time difference, and we were able to make quick decisions. Highly recommend.
May 7, 2024
Dorothy was very helpful and courteous
Dorothy was very helpful and courteous. Very patient and kept me at ease. One thig did not work she offered something else. Amazing problem solving skills , communication and something I do not see a lot of today.. Great customer service!!!
May 6, 2024
Excellent service
I have been extremely impressed with the communication with John Pascal. He has taken care of my trip and I look forward to my visit. He has reduced my stress!
May 6, 2024
I would like to thank all the staff at…
I would like to thank all the staff at Safari.com. I have just returned from a fabulous trip to South Africa organised with their help. Very helpful, efficient and kind people.