Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa
Dwyka Tented Lodge (Sanbona Wildlife Reserve)
Futuristic ravine camp
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa
Renovated
2014
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
SanbonaFuturistic ravine camp
Sailcloth domes replace traditional safari canvas in this dry ravine, creating a modern camp tucked into sheer Karoo rock.
“we recommend Dwyka Tented Lodge, a chic tented camp set in a rock amphitheater.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Daily guided safaris tracking free-roaming wildlife across the vast Klein Karoo plains.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Dwyka Tented Lodge offers a futuristic vision of safari-camp life; Explorer Camp’s tents are closer to roughing it, though each still comes with a private deck and a heated Jacuzzi
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Warmwaterberg mountains and open Little Karoo plains surround the ravine, where game drives track free-roaming white lions.
The rooms
Each tent opens onto a timber deck with a heated plunge pool and an outdoor shower.
The plunge pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Heated plunge pools are built into the wooden decks, looking directly out across the ravine's weathered rock.
The spa
Two treatment rooms look out at the arid mountains, where body rituals draw on indigenous Fynbos botanicals.
Restaurant
Open-Air Boma
Communal braai dinners are served under open skies, enclosed by stone walls around a central fire pit.
At Dwyka Tented Lodge, set in an amphitheater of rock, there’s peace in the deafening silence.
How it began
The camp draws its footprint from nomadic Khoisan shelters, and all guest stays fund the reserve's non-profit conservation work.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.