Benefits

What an experience to be invited to spend a few days at Sanbona Lodge in the company of the owner and founder of the Caleo Foundation, Mrs Carmen Ellinger-Muhleder. It was an incredibly enriching experience to participate in many game drives, hikes and meetings with the whole team led by the dedicated Director and General Manager of Sanbona, Paul Vorster and in the presence of the director of Caleo Foundation, Juerg Greter. During those five, action packed days, I “absorbed huge amounts of information” about community enhancement projects, endangered wildlife and preservation efforts as well as conservation programs to preserve the pristine lands.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a key impact player for conservation within the Western Cape in South Africa. Established upon the foundation of conservation management in 2002 and to this day, continues to strive to preserve the reserve’s ecological, commercial, and social integrity. Purchased by the Caleo Foundation in 2015, a non-profit conservation-based organisation, with offices based in Switzerland and Cape Town. The sole aim of the foundation is to preserve and protect nature and wilderness areas whilst providing guests with the opportunity to experience and appreciate nature in its purest form without leaving a negative impact.

Under the Caleo Foundation’s ownership, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has received a breath of new life and purpose, moving into its new visionary phase by rezoning from agricultural to conservation use and furthermore, making history by registering the property as a non-profit company in 2020. The goal is to use this unique non-profit model to maintain and conserve the reserve for future generations. To use its large private conservation area as a vehicle to collaborate with conservation bodies and community development as an internationally accepted model for sustainability.

Today, Sanbona continues to protect threatened ecosystems, reintroduce indigenous wildlife, and restore degraded habitats preserving numerous rare species. In recognition of its exemplary achievements, Sanbona is now being proclaimed a nature reserve in partnership with Cape Nature. Moreover, its many innovative projects have attracted powerful collaborations with local and international academic institutions and renowned conservation organisations.

Jock Safari Lodge is ideally positioned in the southern area of the Kruger National Park, resting at the confluence of two river lines: the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers. This 6000ha exclusive concession is situated halfway between Skukuza and the Malelane Gate, a mere 45-minute drive in either direction. The legendary wildlife experiences are enhanced by the exclusive dry riverbed traversing the area that only Jock guests can enjoy in renowned Big Five territory. It’s Jock’s unique location placed in the heart of the original Kruger National Park, that sets it apart. The wildlife within this region has survived undisturbed with no negative impact from mankind. It’s an area of unbroken landscape where the wildlife has always been encouraged to thrive.

Main Jock, (also in the Kruger National Park) has recently been refurbished and repositioned, the refurbishment retains the timeless style and elegance of a classic safari lodge, paying homage to its rich history and heritage – with the addition of the modern comforts and conveniences expected by today’s discerning traveller. Twelve secluded thatched suites offer privacy and uninterrupted views of the riverbed, reimagined with a private boma area offering evening sleep out options. The private and intimate Fitzpatrick’s Lodge is perfectly suited for friends or families travelling together, welcoming children of all ages. The lodge redesign now includes an enclosed two-bedroom family unit and separate private suite, the perfect home-away-from home.

If guests reserve any of these properties through Beatriz de Villegas, they shall benefit from the many perks and travel advantages making their voyage even more personalized.

1. Sanbona is one of the largest privately-owned reserves in South Africa, sprawling across 58,000ha of contrasting terrain. This stark landscape is dotted with rare succulents and unique rock formations that have been adorned with Khoi and San rock art.
2. Located along Route 62, Sanbona offers an exclusive and authentic wildlife experience close to Cape Town. Guests can enjoy vast landscapes, dramatic geological formations as well as diverse game viewing, set in the malaria free arid Klein Karoo.
3. Strategically situated in the transitional area between the Cape Floristic Region and the Succulent Karoo, conservation at Sanbona is critical. Acknowledged as a global biodiversity hotspot, the reserve strives to preserve, protect and rehabilitate this already challenged landscape.
4. As a registered NPC, this vast reserve’s top priority today is to manage conservation sensitively while preserving the area’s ecological integrity. Once driven out due to human intervention, the reserve now protects endangered species such as Cape Mountain zebra, cheetah and riverine rabbit, to name but a few.
5. Experience one of three luxury lodges, each with their distinctive personality and appeal, including a family friendly lodge complete with children’s entertainment area. For the adventurous at heart, the Explorer Camp will appeal to those who prefer to experience the veld on foot.
6. On-site activities include: game drive, guided wilderness walks, Kids on Safari programme, rock art, geology, bird watching and boating safaris.
7.  Guests wishing to have a cultural experience can ask me to organise a tailor-made cultural experience from an expert and visit caves with ancient rock art.