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Sabi Sands Nature Reserve

Size

650 km2 (250 sq mi)

Founded

1948

Best time to visit

May to September

World-class wildlife and luxury

Nestled against the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is renowned for encounters with the Big 7. With luxurious lodges like Leopard Hills, Chitwa Chitwa and Simbambili, and tailored Sabi Sands safari packages, it is the ultimate private safari escape. World-class guides deliver unforgettable wildlife experiences, making it the jewel of the South African safari crown.

A pack of lions walking in front of a game drive vehicle of Sabi Sabi Selati Camp.

Sabi Sands: Where Luxury Meets Untamed Africa

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve has long been South Africa’s most revered private safari destination, given its extraordinary wildlife encounters and world-leading lodges.

Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve offers the same incredible biodiversity, but with fewer vehicles, exclusive sightings and a near-unparalleled level of luxury that sets it apart.

A wildlife-rich landscape

Thanks to years of careful habitat management, this 65,000-hectare reserve boasts near-pristine bushveld, with open savannahs, dense riverine thickets, winding rivers and rocky outcrops.

This varied habitat makes the Sabi Sands a game viewer’s paradise, with the legendary Big Five roaming freely.

The reserve is particularly famous for its leopards, with sightings of these elusive cats all but guaranteed.

Along with fantastic sightings of elephants, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 350 bird species, it is paradise for wildlife photographers.

Luxury lodges in South Africa’s wilderness

For pure indulgence, Sabi Sands accommodation is second to none. Typically, spacious suites have private viewing decks complete with plunge pools.

Camps invariably overlook rivers or waterholes, ensuring a constant flow of passing wildlife, and first-class meals are served in intimate bomas under a canopy of stars.

Guests can choose from premier lodges like MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi, favoured by celebrity guests.

The reserve’s camps blend chic, yet eco-sensitive designs, with sophisticated service levels, fine dining and a phenomenal level of professionalism amongst the staff.

Each lodge offers a unique atmosphere, but share impeccable service and attention to detail.

Superior safari experiences

From a game viewing perspective, the magic of a Sabi Sand safari lies in its exclusivity. Morning and evening game drives are led by seasoned guides and trackers who know that land and its inhabitants intimately.

This ensures that you don’t just see the wildlife, you get to understand it as part of a whole.

For photography enthusiasts, Sabi Sands photo safaris are a must, offering unrivalled opportunities to capture Africa’s apex predators in perfect light.

Bush walks, birdwatching and cultural experiences add depth to your visit, while tailored Sabi Sands safari packages let you blend luxury with adventure.

If you’re looking to treat yourself to the ultimate safari, where wilderness meets indulgence, the Sabi Sands delivers like no other.

It is a place where elephants stroll past your bedroom window, where sundowners are served under flat-toppe

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve has long been South Africa’s most revered private safari destination, given its extraordinary wildlife encounters and world-leading lodges.

Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve offers the same incredible biodiversity, but with fewer vehicles, exclusive sightings and a near-unparalleled level of luxury that sets it apart.

 A wildlife-rich landscape

Thanks to years of careful habitat management, this 65,000-hectare reserve boasts near-pristine bushveld, with open savannahs, dense riverine thickets, winding rivers and rocky outcrops.

This varied habitat makes the Sabi Sands a game viewer’s paradise, with the legendary Big Five roaming freely.

The reserve is particularly famous for its leopards, with sightings of these elusive cats all but guaranteed.

Along with fantastic sightings of elephants, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 350 bird species, it is paradise for wildlife photographers.

Loads of luxury lodges

For pure indulgence, Sabi Sands accommodation is second to none. Typically, spacious suites have private viewing decks complete with plunge pools.

Camps invariably overlook rivers or waterholes, ensuring a constant flow of passing wildlife, and first-class meals are served in intimate bomas under a canopy of stars.

Guests can choose from premier lodges like MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi, favoured by celebrity guests.

The reserve’s camps blend chic, yet eco-sensitive designs, with sophisticated service levels, fine dining and a phenomenal level of professionalism amongst the staff.

Each lodge offers a unique atmosphere, but share impeccable service and attention to detail.

Superior safari experiences

From a game viewing perspective, the magic of a Sabi Sand safari lies in its exclusivity. Morning and evening game drives are led by seasoned guides and trackers who know that land and its inhabitants intimately.

This ensures that you don’t just see the wildlife, you get to understand it as part of a whole.

For photography enthusiasts, Sabi Sands photo safaris are a must, offering unrivalled opportunities to capture Africa’s apex predators in perfect light.

Bush walks, birdwatching and cultural experiences add depth to your visit, while tailored Sabi Sands safari packages let you blend luxury with adventure.

If you’re looking to treat yourself to the ultimate safari, where wilderness meets indulgence, the Sabi Sands delivers like no other.

It is a place where elephants stroll past your bedroom window, where sundowners are served under flat-topped acacias, and every day feels like a cinematic wildlife moment.

Whether you’re on honeymoon, travelling with family, or a seasoned safari veteran, the reserve promises breathtaking natural encounters matched with the finest hospitality South Africa has to offer.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is more than a safari – it is a dreamlike immersion into Africa’s wild heart, cocooned in luxury.

Leopard Central

With up to 14 leopards per hundred square kilometres, the reserve boasts the highest density of these regal predators on Earth.

Low impact tourism

The reserve’s low-impact tourism model ensures all guests experience an authentic, unhurried safari, which also benefits the reserve’s prolific wildlife.

Wilderness without borders

As part of the Greater Kruger National Park, the free-roaming wildlife means no two game drives are alike.

A dining room at the Sabi Sabi Selati Camp

When going on safari in Sabi Sands, you can expect world-class service at camps like Sabi Sabi Selati Camp.

A leopard sitting in tall grass in the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve.

The Sabi Sands is particularly famous for its leopards, with sightings considered among the most reliable in Africa.

Guided walking safari through the bush at Londolozi, Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Guided walking safaris with lodges such as Londolozi offer a deeper understanding of the bush and its intricate ecosystems.

Children learning tracking skills with safari guides at Londolozi, South Africa.

Take your children on a family friendly safari designed to inspire a love for the wild.

Baby hyena standing in the grass at Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, South Africa.

Hyenas are part of the rich predator presence found across the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

WHEN TO GO

Best time to visit Sabi Sands

The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is a year-round destination, offering varied experience throughout the year.

In the dry winter months from May to September, wildlife viewing is made easier by sparse vegetation and scarce water, which results in wildlife concentrating around water sources.

By contrast, the summer rains, from October to March, transform the bush into a lush paradise, singing with migratory birds and baby animals.

If possible, visit in August-September for warm temperatures and excellent sightings.

Icon of a sun.

Dry Season

May to September

Ideal for game viewing

Icon of a raning cloud.

Rainy Season

October to March

Best for birdwatching

Experience Sabi Sands Nature Reserve

Man on a hike on the Panorama Route, stretching out his arms infront of God's Winodw.
The friends an a wine tour as part of a tailor-made South Africa tour.
Why to go

See large numbers of predators while surrounded by beautiful scenery

For the ultimate South African safari, the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve sets a high bar.

The reserve is renowned for predator sightings, especially leopard, boasts world-class guiding at several luxury lodges, like Vuyatela and Dulini, and ethically mindful sightings.

Unlike most national parks, game drives here are exclusive, with offroad driving allowed in certain circumstances.

With seamless access to Kruger, and tailormade Sabi Sands safari packages, visitors a wonderful balance of adventure by day and indulgence by night.

Add in jaw-dropping landscapes, exceptional cuisine and attentive, yet understated, service, and Sabi Sands becomes more than a safari–it’s a once-in-a-lifetime sojourn for the soul.

Portrait of Alexandra Lindinger I South Africa Travel Expert
“Some of the most extraordinary wildlife moments our guests have experienced in South Africa have been in Sabi Sands.“
Alexandra | South Africa Travel Expert
Leopard on a tree branch above a safari vehicle at MalaMala Game Reserve.
Game Drives

Spot leopards on game drives through the wildlife rich landscapes of the Sabi Sands.

Guided bush walk safari at Londolozi, Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Bush Walks

Explore the reserve on foot and gain a closer understanding of its tracks, plants and smaller creatures.

Yellow-billed hornbill perched on a dead tree branch, South Africa.
Birdwatching

The varied habitats support over 350 bird species, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers.

Outdoor bush dinner setup at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, South Africa.
Bush Banquet

Enjoy dinner in the middle of the bush with Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

Things to do

Nature unveiled

Lodges offer twice-daily game drives in the morning and early evening, when wildlife is most active.

Guided walks offer a more intimate immersion into the ecosystem. Wellness treatments ensure complete relaxation.  Some lodges have tailored programs for children.

Cultural visits to neighbouring communities showcase joint upliftment initiatives.

  • Game drives
  • Bush walks
  • Birdwatching
  • Bush banquets
  • Cultural encounters
Mother elephant touching her calf at a waterhole, South Africa.
Big Five

Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo roam freely across the Sabi Sands.

Wild dog standing alert in the grass, South Africa.
Endangered Predators

Wild dogs and cheetahs add to the reserve’s exceptional predator sightings.

Genet spotted on a night game drive, South Africa.
Nocturnal Species

Genets and other elusive creatures emerge after dark.

Zebra peeking through green foliage at Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa.
Wildlife Diversity

Elephants, zebra and a wide range of antelope are seen throughout the reserve.

Lilac-breasted roller perched on a branch, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Birdlife

From colourful rollers to impressive raptors, the Sabi Sands is a standout birding destination.

WILDLIFE IN SABI SANDS

More than the Big Seven

View the Big Seven – lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, rhino and buffalo – along with prolific plains game, including giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, hippos, warthogs, monkeys, and numerous antelope species.

Wildlife is well-habituated, resulting in intimate encounters with a variety of creatures. Over 350 bird species make it a birding destination of distinction.

  • Big 7
  • Endangered predators
  • Nocturnal species, like genets and porcupines
  • Varied habits enhance biodiversity
  • More than 350 bird species

Where to stay in Sabi Sands Nature Reserve

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp open-air thatched dining lounge with globe pendant lights and bush views at sunset.

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge open-air lounge with thatched roof, woven pendant lights, African décor and bush views.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge outdoor bush dining experience at dusk with lanterns, fire baskets and tables set in a dry riverbed.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Outdoor terrace overlooking the game reserve at MalaMala Camp, South Africa.

Mala Mala Camp

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge exterior terrace overlooking the bush.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

The interior of a guest room at Leopard Hills Lodge in Sabi Sands Nature Reserve.

Leopard Hills Lodge

Arathusa Safari Lodge thatched veranda with pool and sun loungers overlooking the waterhole and river at golden hour.

Arathusa Safari Lodge

Pool deck with loungers at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, South Africa.

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Cozy lounge area on the deck at Nottens Bush Camp, South Africa.

Nottens Bush Camp

Veranda overlooking Kruger riverbed at MalaMala Sable Camp, South Africa.

Mala Mala Sable Camp

Swimming pool and lodge exterior at MalaMala Rattray's Camp, South Africa.

Mala Mala Rattrays Lodge

Locations and distances

The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is situated in Mpumalanga Province in northeastern South Africa, sharing a common boundary with the Kruger National Park and other privately-owned reserves.

For international arrivals, the closest airport is Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

From there, visitors can take scheduled domestic flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport, and reach the reserve via transfer or rental vehicle.

Domestic flights are available to the above airports from most major airports across the country, including Livingstone (Zambia)

Private charters to various airstrips within the reserve can be arranged.

By road from Johannesburg, the 430-kilometre journey takes about 5 hours to complete.

Two African elephants standing in a dry, grassy savanna on a South African safari.
Young woman in South Africa Experience uniform, smiling outdoors
Viewpoint high above Blyde River Canyon, South Africa.

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