Sabi sabi

Sabi Sabi is a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa, set within the 5,400-hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Established in 1979, the reserve shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, allowing the Big Five, lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, to move freely across the landscape.

What makes Sabi Sabi particularly suited to high-quality game viewing is the habituation of the wildlife to safari vehicles, resulting in exceptional close-range sightings. The reserve is especially renowned for leopard encounters. Expert guides and trackers accompany guests on every drive, with off-road driving permitted for optimal access to sightings.

Four Lodges, Each With Its Own Character

Guests choose from four distinct lodges within the reserve, each with a different style and atmosphere: 

• Bush Lodge: The original and largest lodge in the collection, offering 21 Luxury Suites, 1 Handicapped Suite, and 3 Luxury Villas. Family-friendly, with children of all ages welcome, a kids' club, and Amani Spa on site.

• Selati Camp: Eight suites decorated with authentic railway memorabilia, evoking the atmosphere of the late 19th-century African safari era. Adults only (unless booked exclusively).

• Little Bush Camp: Six suites set along the Msuthlu riverbed, available for exclusive use. Suited to couples, small groups, and private celebrations.

• Earth Lodge: Thirteen ultra-luxury suites sculpted into the earth, almost invisible in the landscape. Minimalist design with private plunge pools and the Amani Spa.

All rates are fully inclusive of day and night game drives, walking safaris, all meals, and selected beverages.

Wildlife at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Safari and Beyond

Game viewing in Sabi Sabi is consistently strong throughout the year. The reserve's wildlife diversity extends well beyond the Big Five, with frequent sightings of: 

• Lion, leopard, and cheetah

• Elephant, rhino, and buffalo

• Spotted hyena, African wild dog, and civet

• Giraffe, waterbuck, impala, and kudu

• Nocturnal species on spotlight-equipped evening drives

The dry season from June to September is generally considered the best time to visit, as animals gather at water sources and vegetation is lower. However, wildlife viewing is productive year-round. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What is included in a stay at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa?

  All stays at Sabi Sabi are fully inclusive. Daily rates cover morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks, all meals, and selected beverages, including South African wines.

• 2. Which Sabi Sabi lodge is best for families?

  Bush Lodge is the only Sabi Sabi lodge that welcomes children of all ages and offers dedicated child-minding services and child-friendly meal options. Earth Lodge, Selati Camp, and Little Bush Camp welcome guests aged 13 and over unless booked exclusively. 

• 3. Can Sabi Sabi lodges be reserved for exclusive use?

  Yes. Earth Lodge, Selati Camp, and Little Bush Camp are all available for exclusive use by private groups. Bush Lodge can accommodate up to 50 guests and includes conference facilities, making it well-suited to group travel and corporate itineraries. 

Whether you are planning your first safari or returning to South Africa for a dedicated Big Five experience, Sabi Sabi offers a range of lodges suited to different group sizes, travel styles, and budgets. Contact us today to include Sabi Sabi in your custom South Africa safari. At Next Adventure, we design journeys around the camps that best match your plans.