White Lion Lodge on Sanbona
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve between Montagu and Barrydale
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Why people book this hotel
“The staff is extremely friendly and really makes you feel at home”
“Fabulous, friendly staff, fantastic food with a great drink selection”
“Super comfortable bed”
“The rooms are astonishing; huge verandas and our door showers”
“Peaceful location, great secluded view, excellent details reflecting the wild na…”
“Very secluded location in the South of the Sanbona Reserve”
“Clean, friendly, relaxing, paradise”
“And many best wishes to the behind the scenes staff, who cleaned our room and ca…”
“Considering the upkeep of a remote location and the care and upkeep of the anima…”
“Good breakfast”
Overview
White Lion is situated in the south of the Sanbona Wildlife and Nature Reserve, a natural reserve that provides the unmatched experience to spot the ‘Big Five’ wildlife. It is housed in boutique lodges with panoramic verandas, an outdoor pool and a wood fired hot tub. Guests will enjoy the local décor of the suites, which feature thatched roofs and Karoo sandstone. Modern comforts include air-conditioning, internet access and satellite TV channels. A sundowner drive in an open vehicle through the Reserve, per day; Enjoying a 30000 ha Concession of the Klein Karoo Fauna & Flora; Antelopes, Cape Mountain Zebras, Elephants, Buffalo, Birds is offered free of charge. If taking part of the early morning drive through the 58000ha Sanbona Wildlife and Nature Reserve, a conservation fee of R1500.00 per person, per drive is applicable. The conservation fee goes towards the Sanbona Wildlife and Nature Reserve to protect critical vital ecosystems, endangered wildlife and plants. Antelopes, Elephants, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino, Giraffe can be spotted. In the evenings pre-dinner drinks can be enjoyed around the fire place. Dinner i served in the dining room or on the terrace and include specialties from the typical bush cuisine. The menu is complemented by South African wine labels and includes pocket lunches, snacks and sun-downer drinks for the excursions.
Traveller reviews
Immanuel
couple
January 27, 2026
The staff is extremely friendly and really makes you feel at home. We were the only 2 guests during our two night stay and really enjoyed our time. During the game drive, Romeo really adds to the experience given his extensive knowledge and we got to see a lot of animals on the morning safari!!
Dean
couple
November 8, 2025
“Perfectly organised,a great friendly family vibe, intimate experience, clean, organised with everything on site for a fa”
Peaceful location, great secluded view, excellent details reflecting the wild nature of the location. Super comfortable bed. Fabulous, friendly staff, fantastic food with a great drink selection. After dinners we had an opportunity to catch up with the manager, Gerry, who was so knowledgeable on the history of the area and shared here experiences. So interesting and I came away a wiser man. Considering the upkeep of a remote location and the care and upkeep of the animals and nature reserve it was great value for money compared to others we had stayed. The mornings are cold on your early start safari! Really cold. But not to worry, this is all covered with all the warm high quality gear you will need ready in your room. And our guide, Romeo, he was the most experienced knowledgable guide you could ask for. A great tracker and took us everywhere we needed to be to enjoy an amazing safari experience and see all these majestic creatures in the wild. We’re already talking about when we may go back. Great job. By far the best part of our 2 week stay in SouthAfrica.
Lorna
couple
July 8, 2025
“The most relaxing holiday we have had in a long long while, just what we needed to rejuvenate”
Fantastic staff, went out of their way to ensure our every comfort. Food was excellent, loved all the little extra touches, if you are looking for tranquility this is the place. Loved the two drives we went on with Romeo, his knowledge is exceptional.
Michał
couple
June 3, 2025
The entire team delivered an outstanding performance! Special thanks to Romeo, our fantastic guide — thanks to his expertise and keen eye, we even managed to spot a kangaroo, which made the experience truly unforgettable.
Mr & mrs O
couple
February 18, 2025
“Absolutely 5 star!”
Such a memorable experience. A true 5 star lodge with amazing accommodation. As they only have 8 guests at anytime you have a real luxurious home from home experience with knowledgable staff on all counts. Our tour guide Romeo was absolutely brilliant & so experienced enabling us to see everything we expected. The lodge is on the south side of sanbona so you must pay the extra conservation fee to enter with him to the north where you see the big 5. If you are looking for a true luxurious safari experience then book here - you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended
Debbie
couple
February 11, 2025
“You must stay here; an incredible lodge in a piece of heaven.”
All the meals were fabulous. We had been a little poorly during the early part of our trip, but the lodge was able to cater for our food requirements with very little notice. The rooms are astonishing; huge verandas and our door showers. Inside everything was thought through; capes for the safaris and throws for warmth if needed. Stunning bathroom/ Wonderful dressing room. We could have moved in permanently!! Gerry is the most amazing host...she is warm and friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
Aldrich
couple
November 16, 2024
“I can only say awsome.”
The facility was great and the staff exceptional. We were treated very well by all the staff and they couldn't do enough to please us. The safari drive was amazing and we got to see most all the wild life up close. The guide was very knowledgeable.
Kay
couple
November 1, 2023
Everything. Clean, friendly, relaxing, paradise
Joanne
extended_group
September 7, 2023
“Extremely disappointed.”
We liked the landscape however very little wild life, massage was excellant
Dr. Nenad
couple
April 14, 2023
“Beautiful oasis”
Everything. It’s a beautiful oasis, fantastic staff and hospitality, amazing facilities, great food.
Simon
couple
February 16, 2023
“Small piece of luxury in the wilderness”
Very secluded location in the South of the Sanbona Reserve. Only 4 rooms, so you feel you have a very personalized service. Spacious and nicely furnished bedrooms. Good breakfast. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic safari guide (Gerry).
Lawrence
family_with_children
August 28, 2022
“Wonderful, luxury experience.”
The moment we arrived at White Lion Lodge we were spoilt. The accommodation is gorgeous, with many thoughtful touches such as personalised water bottles and luxury toiletries. I celebrated a big birthday 2 days prior to our visit and was surprised with an amazing cake, bubbles and chocolates. The staff are the shining stars of White Lion Lodge. Israel, thank you for our drives. For your knowledge and perseverance to give us the best experience. Abigail, your hospitality and kindness was so appreciated. Alicia, you are an incredible chef. We loved every bite we ate and goodness we ATE!! And many best wishes to the behind the scenes staff, who cleaned our room and carried our bags and filled our hot tub. To Gerry and her team. THANK YOU. We will never forget our time with youand hope to see you again XX
Facilities
Activities
Games room, Spa and wellness centre, Massage, Hot tub/Jacuzzi, Open-air bath, Back massage, Neck massage, Foot massage, Couples massage, Head massage, Hand massage, Full body massage, Game drives, Temporary art galleries
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles
Food & Drink
Kid meals, Kid-friendly buffet, Wine/champagne, Fruits, Coffee house on site, Breakfast in the room, Restaurant, Bar, Snack bar, Special diet menus (on request), Breakfast options
Food & drink safety
Breakfast takeaway containers, Delivered food is securely covered, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized, Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
General
Non-smoking throughout, Air conditioning, Family rooms, Safety deposit box, Heating, Allergy-free room, Non-smoking rooms, Indoor fireplace, WiFi available in all areas, Bicycle parking
Internet
Internet services, WiFi, Free WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor pool, Sun terrace, Outdoor pool (all year), Garden, Terrace, Outdoor furniture, Outdoor fireplace
Physical distancing
Contactless check-in/check-out, Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed, Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas
Pool and wellness
Swimming Pool, Sun loungers or beach chairs, Sun umbrellas, Pool/beach towels, Shallow end, Swimming pool
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
24-hour security, Key access, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available, Face masks for guests available
Self check-in
Passport/ID information collected online before you arrive, Lockbox key collection at the property, Lockbox key collection near the property
Services
Shuttle service, Room service, Airport shuttle, Business centre, Laundry, Express check-in/check-out, Ironing service, Packed lunches, Car hire, Tour desk, Concierge service, Private check-in/check-out, Shuttle service (additional charge), Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shared lounge/TV area, Daily housekeeping, Fax/photocopying, Luggage storage
Suite
Stilted glass and thatch suite featuring a spacious bedroom, a dressing room, a full bathroom with outdoor shower. Each suite is equipped with a fireplace, satellite television, air-conditioning, mini bar fridge. The package includes: • All meals • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages • 2x guided nature drives per day, for the morning drive a conservation fee is applicable.
Hotel Policies
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