Sabi Sands
Game Reserve
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a private game reserve on the southwestern corner of the Kruger National Park. Encompassing 65 000 hectares of protected wildlife territory it is the most prestigious game reserve in South Africa. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is further broken down into a collection of private reserves, each offering an inclusive safari experience in some of South Africa’s best safari lodges.
There are no fences between the private reserves in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, or the Kruger National Park. The Sands and Sabie Rivers are two prominent landmarks in the Sabi Sands, attracting a vast array of wildlife from the Kruger National Park, and this is why the Sabi Sands is considered the best place in South Africa for a safari. The reserve is renowned for incredible leopard sightings, as well as its high density of Big-5. Game drives in the Sabi Sands take place in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are permitted to go off-road, providing excellent opportunities for close up sightings.
Malaria
- Although a malaria zoned area, the risk of malaria in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is usually low, even in the summer months.
- The highest risk period is between November and April (summer rainy season).
- Most types of mosquito that are encountered will not carry the malaria parasite.
- Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn.
- The risk of malaria can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by covering exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents, ensuring netted screens are kept closed and burning anti-mosquito coils.
- Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria.
Please note that the information provided above is taken from the official SANParks website. For professional advice on malaria please consult with your medical practitioner.
Wildlife
- Highest population density of the Big 5 in South Africa and it is estimated that 1500 lions, 1000 leopards, 17000 elephant, 48000 buffalo and an excess of 2000 rhinos live in the Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Approximately 147 mammal species.
- Over 500 bird species.
Game Drives
The following information refers to the game drives offered in the Sabi Sands private game reserves.
- Sabi Sands game drives are ranked some of the best in the world.
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted
Highlights
- A small collection of private game reserves are home to award-winning safari accommodation.
- Renowned for leopard sightings
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with some of the best game rangers and trackers on the continent.
- Night game drives, guided bush walks and off-road game drives.
- Sabie rivers and waterholes throughout the park.
- A diverse range of experiences and luxurious accommodation options for families, couples and groups.
- All year round safari destination.
Getting There
- The best way to travel to the Sabi Sands safari lodges is to fly into Skukuza Airport, followed by a road transfer.
- Scheduled charter flights operate twice a day to the reserve private airstrips.
- Some lodges are in more remote locations and the private airstrips and better suited.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Skukuza: 60 minutes
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutess
- Road transfer time to the reserves from the Skukuza Airport generally ranges between 30 and 120 minutes.
- The reserve is generally a 5- to 7- hour drive from Johannesburg along the N12 and N4 highways.
Location
Sabi Sands is a 65 000-hectare private game reserve and lies in South Africa’s far north-eastern corner in the Mpumalanga province. The private reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger, sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
Special offers
- We have some fantastic specials offers including PAY STAY deals, Honeymoon offers and discounted rates available for both international travellers and SA residents. View all specials on our specials page here: special offers
Packages
Our selection of world class safari packages have been designed by our on-trend team of travel experts and include flights, transfers, accommodation and full board safari experiences. View all packages here: safari packages
Londolozi Game Reserve
Londolozi Game Reserve spans 14,000 hectares along the banks of the Sand River, offering stunning landscapes and abundant African wildlife. The reserve is renowned for its exceptional Big-5 sightings, especially its famous leopard population, often referred to as the “leopards of Londolozi.”
MalaMala Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve, located in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, is the largest and oldest private reserve in the Sabi Sands, spanning 13,300 hectares. It was the first to transition from hunting to photographic safaris, offering authentic African wildlife experiences.
Sabi Sabi Game Reserve
With over 100 years of safari experience, Sabi Sabi private game reserve in the Sabi Sands boasts award-winning facilities and unforgettable wildlife experiences. The game reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park allowing big game to wander freely through the reserve.
Ulusaba Game Reserve
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, spanning 13,500 hectares in the Sabi Sands, is known for its rich wildlife and exceptional Big Five sightings. The reserve offers off-road game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, led by experienced rangers and trackers.
Lion Sands Game Reserve
Set on the edge of the scenic Sabie River, Lion Sands River Game Reserve boasts 12 400 hectares of breath-taking landscapes which are highly populated with spectacular African wildlife.
Singita Game Reserve
Singita offers guests an exclusive safari experience in South Africa with 5 luxury safari lodges strategically located in the Singita Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands, and the Lebombo Private Concession in the Kruger National park.
Leopard Hills Game Reserve
Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park, Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve encompasses 10 000 hectares of wild territory making for exceptional game viewing. The well-appointed lodge is set above the bush with spectacular views over a waterhole.
Savanna Game Reserve
Savanna Game Reserve lies in the Sabi Sands, part of the Greater Kruger National Park Conservancy. This five-star private reserve is renowned for frequent Big 5 sightings with a number of nearby dams attracting wildlife and a large bird colony.
Dulini Game Reserve
Dulini Game Reserve offers guests one of the most exclusive and luxurious safari experiences in the Sabi Sands. Dulini is known for its wilderness experience that will leave you feeling peacefully enchanted and longing for more.
Cheetah Plains Game Reserve
Cheetah Plains provides a sophisticated eco-luxury safari experience dreamier and more opulent than you could ever imagine a stay in the African wild to be. The extraordinary setting blends state- of-the-art comforts seamlessly into the natural surroundings of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Silvan Game Reserve
Silvan Safari Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a private wildlife sanctuary adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The lodge features contemporary architecture with stunning decor and furnishings.
Simbambili Game Lodge
Simbambili Game Lodge is set in the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve and offers a luxury experience with world-class game viewing opportunities. Simbambili Game Lodge boasts and tranquil environment with a calming setting in the nature and accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in Moroccan themed luxury suites.
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
Chitwa Chitwa is an exclusive Big 5 private game reserve set along the banks of the largest lake in the Sabi Sands making for a remarkable diversity of fauna and flora.
&Beyond Game Reserve
&Beyond Tengile River Lodge is a luxurious safari retreat nestled in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations. This exclusive lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience, combining breathtaking natural beauty with exceptional hospitality.
Inyati Game
Nestled within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Inyati Game Reserve offers an exclusive safari experience adjacent to Kruger National Park. Spanning 50,000 hectares, this sanctuary is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife sightings, including the iconic Big Five.
Idube Game
Idube Game Reserve offers a verdant escape within the wilderness, resembling a lush oasis amidst the bush. On arrival Idube’s team welcomes guests, guiding them to their choice of luxurious or standard suites, all equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and private decks.
Inclusive Safari Lodges
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