The only reserve with big game walking opportunities within the proximity of Cape Town is the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Klein Karoo.  It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Cape Town, 30 minutes from the town of Montagu, and day visits are not permitted. Sanbona is a big reserve, larger than Mountain Zebra National Park, and conserves 58,000 hectares of arid karooveld. As this habitat does not support large numbers of grazers, visitors are encouraged to look beyond the big animals and appreciate the whole ecosystem, from geology to plants, insects, birds and the smaller mammals.

The walks-centred Explorer Camp operates in summer, from October through to April, with a set departure time on a Friday for two nights. It is recommended that walking visitors make a long weekend of their stay by spending two nights in the camp and Sunday at a luxury lodge.

Sanbona’s seasonal Explorer Camp is a wild but comfortable camp with minimal fencing and just three tents. Meals are prepared over an open fire, there is no electricity, and there’s a choice of composting toilets or the en-suite chemical toilet for each tent. Each day, walkers are guided on animal tracks for walks of three to four hours, the duration determined according to guests’ preference.

Day 1, day of arrival (Friday)

• All guests arrive at the Sanbona Welcome Lounge by 12h00
• Road transfer to a luxury lodge at 12h30
• Meet your specialist guide who will host you for lunch at one of Sanbona’s luxury lodges
• Transfer in an open game viewing vehicle to the Explorer Camp
• Camp orientation, followed by afternoon walk
• Sundowner snacks and drinks are enjoyed upon return to camp
• Enjoy dinner and an evening around the fire

Day 2 (Saturday)

• Early rising can be expected due to the nature of walking and temperatures during summer
• Enjoy muffins, fruit sticks, biscuits, tea and coffee amongst mother nature
• Morning walk commences and can last up to 4 hours, depending on temperatures
• Enjoy a hearty brunch upon return to camp
• Relax in your hammock, catch up on some rest or simply adore the wild
• A variety of light sandwiches with fresh fruits will be enjoyed for lunch
• Afternoon hike
• Sundowner drinks are enjoyed in the bush, close to camp
• Enjoy dinner and an evening around the fire

Day 3, day of departure (Sunday)

• Early rising can be expected due to temperatures during summer
• Enjoy a breakfast in the bush before departing at 10h00 in order to meet up with the transfer from one of Sanbona’s luxury lodges to be back at the welcome lounge by 12h30
• A brief walk on morning of departure is optional

• Accommodation for two nights
• Meals & beverages
• Walking activities
• Tourism levy 

• Nightly conservation levy at R 150 per person
• Discretionary gratuities
• All items of a personal nature