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.
August 30, 2024
Dolan made our first Safari experience awesome!
Dolan was exceptional, extremely knowledgeable, and easy to work with in our first Safari experience. He made sure he was available, took time to answer all our questions and understood our requests and concerns. We have already recommended Dolan to some friends and will be contacting him again in future!
July 28, 2024
A Very Good Safari Consultant
Dolan is very responsive, patient and efficient in handling my queries and booking my safary trip. Greatly appreciate his assistance.
July 22, 2024
Dolan was great to deal with
Dolan was great to deal with. He was communicative and understood our needs. Great help for booking the lodge for our special event.
Sep 11, 2024
SANPARKS booking.
Very prompt and efficient response and service.
Sep 11, 2024
Fadiel did a great job
Fadiel did a great job helping us plan and customize our trip. His follow up was timely and consistent.
Sep 10, 2024
Quick reactions to requests
Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.
Sep 9, 2024
First Time Safari
Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.
Sep 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 8, 2024
Keith went above and beyond…
Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.
Sep 5, 2024
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.
Sep 3, 2024
Knowledgable and responsive
Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!
Sep 2, 2024
Although we didn’t end up booking…
Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.