Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Miles Willis
Aug 6
4 min read

Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Africa’s Ultimate Luxury Safari Destination

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of South Africa, bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, lies the Sabi Sands Game Reserve—a name that’s become synonymous with world-class safaris, up-close Big Five encounters, and ultra-luxury lodges. For international travellers dreaming of the quintessential African safari—complete with open-air game drives, lantern-lit bush dinners, and the distant roar of lions at night—Sabi Sands delivers on every level.

A Private Sanctuary of Untamed Beauty

Sabi Sands is not just another safari destination; it’s part of Africa’s oldest private game reserve, with a legacy dating back to the 1950s. Unlike national parks, which can be crowded and bound by strict rules, Sabi Sands is a private reserve—meaning vehicles can go off-road to follow wildlife, night drives are permitted, and sightings are limited to a few vehicles at a time, allowing for a more intimate and uninterrupted wildlife experience.

The reserve shares an unfenced 50-kilometre border with Kruger National Park, allowing animals to roam freely between the two. But what sets Sabi Sands apart is its exceptional wildlife density—especially leopards, which are notoriously elusive in most of Africa. Here, leopards are not just spotted—they’re often seen up close, sometimes even relaxing in trees just metres from your game vehicle.

The Big Five—Up Close and Personal

Sabi Sands is renowned for its reliable sightings of Africa’s legendary Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Most guests report seeing all five during their stay—often within just a couple of days. But the wildlife viewing doesn’t stop there. Expect cheetahs stalking impala, hyenas scavenging, wild dogs on the hunt, giraffes silhouetted against golden sunsets, and hippos grunting in muddy waterholes.

Bird lovers are also in for a treat, with over 300 species recorded. From colourful bee-eaters to majestic fish eagles, the reserve is alive with avian life, particularly during the summer months (October to April).

Luxury Lodges in the Wilderness

What truly sets Sabi Sands apart is the calibre of its safari lodges. These are not merely places to stay—they are immersive, all-inclusive sanctuaries where every detail is curated for comfort and wonder. Many lodges feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers, world-class cuisine, spa treatments, and even personal butlers.

Here are just a few of the standout lodges within the reserve:

Singita Boulders Lodge – Ultra-luxury, contemporary design, fine dining, and an extensive wine cellar. Known for privacy and exclusive service.
Londolozi Tree Camp – Elegant, intimate, and deeply connected to conservation and community upliftment. A favourite for photographers and families alike.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – Futuristic and eco-conscious, Earth Lodge is sculpted into the landscape and offers a one-of-a-kind aesthetic experience.
Ulusaba by Virgin Limited Edition – Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba combines luxury with a sense of adventure and hospitality.

Most lodges offer two guided game drives per day, led by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers who can read the bush like a book. Guests also enjoy guided walking safaris, where you learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and bird calls—offering a richer, slower perspective on the bush.

A Conservation and Community Focus

Sabi Sands is more than just a safari paradise—it’s a model for responsible tourism and conservation. Many lodges contribute significantly to anti-poaching efforts, wildlife research, and local community development.

Londolozi, for example, is a founding member of the Good Work Foundation, which provides digital education and career training to youth in rural Mpumalanga. Sabi Sabi has its own ecological awareness initiatives, while Singita’s low-impact tourism model helps fund large-scale conservation efforts across southern Africa.

Travelling here isn’t just about witnessing nature—it’s about protecting it.

When to Go

Sabi Sands is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience:

Dry season (May–September): Prime for game viewing. Animals congregate around waterholes, vegetation is sparse, and temperatures are mild. Ideal for first-time safari-goers.
Green season (October–April): Lush landscapes, baby animals, and prolific birdlife. Afternoon thunderstorms are short and dramatic. Great for photography and fewer crowds.

Getting There

International travellers typically fly into OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). From there, you can:

Take a 1-hour domestic flight to Skukuza or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), followed by a short road transfer to your lodge.
Or opt for a private charter directly to the lodge’s airstrip, where you’ll be welcomed by your ranger and whisked straight into the wilderness.

Some high-end lodges also offer luxury transfer packages, combining flights, road transfers, and even scenic helicopter rides over the bushveld.

What to Pack

Pack light, breathable clothes in neutral colours (like khaki, olive, or beige), a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a pair of binoculars, and a good camera. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring a warm jacket—especially in the winter months.

And don’t worry about overdressing at the lodge—safari life is stylishly casual.

A Safari Beyond Expectations

A visit to Sabi Sands isn’t just a vacation—it’s a reconnection with the natural world. You’ll leave behind the chaos of modern life and find yourself tuned into the rustle of leaves, the call of the fish eagle, and the rhythmic pulse of the African bush.

For many international travellers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For others, it becomes a lifelong addiction. Either way, Sabi Sands will leave its mark—not just on your camera roll, but in your soul.