The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in South African safaris, offering spectacular game viewing, including consistent sightings of the Big Five and some of the most luxurious accommodations in Africa. Renowned for its exceptional leopard sightings, Sabi Sands is often regarded as the ultimate destination for a Big Five safari.
Why Choose a Sabi Sands Safari?
1. Phenomenal Big 5 Game Viewing
- Big Five Sightings: Experience extraordinary sightings of Africa’s Big Five – lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. The reserve is especially known for its leopard sightings, often with multiple encounters in a single day.
- Unfazed Wildlife: Due to the professional guides and minimal disturbance, the animals in Sabi Sands are often unbothered by vehicles, providing close-up, intimate views.
2. A Premier Destination for Leopards
- Exceptional Leopard Viewing: Unlike many other parks, where leopards are elusive, Sabi Sands is famous for regular and quality leopard sightings. Leopards are accustomed to vehicles, making them easier to spot and photograph.
3. Lodging and Luxury
- The lodges in Sabi Sands offer unmatched luxury, with an emphasis on comfort, hospitality, and service. From intimate, exclusive lodges to larger, more social properties, there is something for every type of traveler. While the lodges are on the pricier side, they offer a top-tier safari experience.
How to Reach Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Sabi Sands is located on the southwestern border of Kruger National Park, sharing a 50km unfenced boundary with the park. This open border allows for free movement of game between the two regions. The Sabie and Sand Rivers running through the reserve provide sustenance for a rich variety of wildlife year-round.
Activities at Sabi Sands
- Game Drives: Guided drives throughout the reserve offer the chance to see the Big Five and more.
- Walking Safaris: Led by expert guides, these walks offer a more immersive safari experience.
- Night Safaris: Certain camps offer night drives for viewing nocturnal wildlife.
- No Fly Camping: Unlike other reserves, Sabi Sands does not offer fly camping experiences.
When to Visit Sabi Sands
- Best Time: The winter months (July to mid-October) offer the best safari conditions, with dry, cool weather and lower vegetation, making wildlife easier to spot.
- Rainy Season: From November to March, the region experiences higher temperatures and occasional thunderstorms. This period is excellent for bird enthusiasts and those wishing to see the calving season, but foliage can make game viewing slightly more challenging.
Top Travel Tips
- Choosing Where to Stay: The best game areas are those bordering Kruger National Park because of the continuous movement of wildlife between the two areas. Lodges near the Sabie River tend to offer better concentrations of game.
- Best Affordable Lodges:
- Notten’s Bush Camp: A more personal and affordable experience with an authentic, owner-run feel.
- Chitwa Chitwa: Known for its unique and eclectic design, offering a blend of art and safari.
- Kirkman’s Kamp: A traditional lodge with rich history and exceptional service.
- Lion Sands: A luxurious choice with two lodges—River Lodge and Ivory Lodge, offering exclusivity and opulence.
Our Favourite High-End Lodges:
- Singita: Famous for its Ebony Lodge and Boulders Lodge, Singita sets new standards for safari luxury with expansive suites, fine dining, and top-tier service.
- Londolozi: A collection of five distinct lodges located along the Sand River. The more affordable lodges (Varty and Founders) offer an identical safari experience to the pricier options (Tree, Pioneer, Granite), making Londolozi a top choice for luxury seekers.
Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or planning your first Big Five experience, Sabi Sands provides an unparalleled safari destination, blending luxury, excellent game viewing, and a top-tier experience. Speak to our Africa Safari Experts to help plan your perfect getaway!
