3 Best Hotels in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, The Garden Route and the Little Karoo

One of the most scenic in South Africa, this luxury tented camp sits on a horseshoe bend of a dry riverbed at the foot of soaring cliffs. It's a great place to reconnect with yourself, your partner, and nature. Don't be misled into thinking that "tented" in this context means roughing it. The fabulously appointed “tents” are more like chalets and blend glass, stone, and canvas to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Each opens out onto a private wraparound wooden deck with a whirlpool tub and has an uninterrupted view of the landscape. If you want to be alone, then dine here under the stars on seasonal local produce like roast rack of lamb, marinated ostrich fillet, or line fish in a coconut curry sauce. Or stroll to the spacious dining room for a pre-dinner cocktail before enjoying an excellent meal and equally fine service. Rates include game drives and walks, as well as meals and drinks.

Within easy striking distance of the best game-viewing areas, this lodge overlooking the Bellair Dam is unashamedly family-friendly. The layout is fresh and funky, with a grassy inner garden that invites impromptu cricket matches, as well as an outdoor pool with a shallow area for children. There's also a playroom, babysitting for the under-fours, and the "Kids on Safari" program. The accommodations incorporate traditional Karoo-style architecture. Each of the rooms has a private deck or a balcony with a commanding view. Meals focus on traditional South African cuisine with a twist. A specialty is lamb shank, a typical Karoo dish.

At historic Tilney Manor, the staff waits outside to greet new arrivals with hot face towels to freshen up after the hour-long drive from the reserve entrance. The manor house, dating back to 1894, was once the home of the Swellendam district magistrate and features a comfortable lounge and sitting room decorated in British Colonial style. In summer, the swimming pool is a popular spot overlooking the lush garden, arid plains, and mountains beyond. Each of the spacious garden rooms is classically decorated and has a private verandah. Lavish bathrooms feature indoor and outdoor showers as well as freestanding bath tubs. Lunches and dinners are served outside on the patio at individual tables, but indoor dining is around a communal table. The menu changes daily, focusing on beautifully presented comfort food like venison or lamb.