Sabi Sands
For the ultimate luxury African safari, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve delivers unparalleled exclusivity and exceptional game viewing, ensuring a safari experience par excellence.
Everything you need to know
Established by local landowners in the 1950s, the 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is smaller than its renowned neighbor, the Kruger National Park. However, its status as a private reserve ensures exclusivity, as it is not open to day visitors or self-drivers.
Renowned for its exceptional game viewing, Sabi Sands offers unparalleled opportunities to see the Big Five and is set within an extraordinarily beautiful landscape. Home to over 150 mammal species and more than 500 bird species, this diverse bushveld paradise provides a truly remarkable safari experience.
Where is the Reserve located?
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is ideally situated adjacent to the Kruger National Park in the northeastern region of South Africa, within the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. The reserve derives its name from the Sabie River to the south, with the Manyeleti Game Reserve to the north and Kruger National Park to the west.
It is conveniently accessible from both Johannesburg and Cape Town, with regular scheduled flights available to local airports in the nearby regions.
Terrain and Landscape
The Sand River, which meanders through the heart of Sabi Sands Game Reserve, along with its numerous tributaries, creates a lush environment characterized by dense vegetation. This fertile terrain supports tall trees and forested areas, while the reserve’s varied topography includes rocky outcrops and expansive savannahs. This diverse landscape is particularly favorable for larger predators and other wildlife.
Wildlife Sightings
With no fences between Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park, wildlife roams freely between the two reserves. Sabi Sands is renowned for its exceptional game viewing, especially for those interested in the Big Five. The dense vegetation makes it a prime habitat for the elusive leopard, while lions and cheetahs are often seen in the more open savannah areas. The reserve’s uncrowded environment and the ability of rangers to go off-road (a privilege not granted in Kruger) enhance the chances of spotting wild dog, white rhino, hyena, sable antelope, and nyala.
Top Experiences
Sabi Sands offers a range of luxury lodges, each providing unique experiences. Guests can enjoy spotlighted evening game drives to view nocturnal animals, sleep under the stars, or even take a hot air balloon ride for a magical aerial view of the bushveld. The ability to explore off-road allows rangers to track elusive animals, making for truly unforgettable adventures.
Best Time to Visit
Sabi Sands is a sought-after destination year-round, so early booking is recommended. The drier winter months offer the best game viewing conditions due to reduced vegetation, which makes wildlife sightings easier.
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Lions Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands offers a remarkable collection of lodges within both the Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park. As an award-winning private reserve, Lion Sands is uniquely privileged to access the perennial Sabie River, which it shares with Kruger National Park. The reserve features four exquisite lodges, several treehouses, and a private residence, ensuring a range of accommodations to suit every preference.
