About Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
This luxury game reserve has been operating since 1979 and is a top-chosen getaway for visitors from all around the world. It offers five-star hospitality and a one-of-a-kind African experience.
Where is Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve Located?
Sabi Sabi is a private game reserve located in the South-Western part of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. It is a five-hour drive from Johannesburg, or alternatively a one-hour flight from O.R. Tambo international airport, landing at the Sabi Sabi airstrip. There are no fences separating Sabi Sabi from the Kruger National Park, which allows game to move freely between these areas. Sabi Sabi consists of 65 000 hectares of land. In this region, there is a slight chance of catching malaria during the wet summer months which are from October to April, and so it is advised to take anti-malaria medications.
A true Luxury African Safari
A safari at Sabi Sabi is truly a luxury experience and does not come cheap. The cost of staying at Sabi Sabi ranges from R16 000 to R33 000 per person, per night. This price includes day and night safaris guided by qualified game rangers and Shangaan trackers, as well as environmental awareness walking safaris, delicious meals, and a variety of South African wines.
Conservation at Sabi Sabi
Sabi Sabi believes that South Africa’s wilderness needs to be conserved in order to provide a home for flora and fauna. Moreover, they understand the importance of eco-tourism whereby ecological needs are balanced with the needs of the people. Sabi Sabi has an anti-poaching unit which helps safekeep all species. They also initiate controlled burning of the reserve whereby sections of the grass are burnt in order to facilitate the regrowth of new grass and thus attracting herbivores to the area, while in the process recycling nutrients.
Sabi Sabi offers four unique safari lodges which cater for the different needs and wants of guests.
Selati Camp: These suites are intimate and intended for a romantic getaway and are therefore a popular choice for honeymoons. The suites are railway themed with a classic vintage style. Selati camp is named after the railway called the Selati line which transported gold that was discovered in the Drakensberg in the 1870’s. At night, this camp is lit by lanterns, oil lamps and fires, contributing to the romantic aura. There are only seven suites in Selati camp, all with thatched roofs as well as outdoor showers. One of the suites at Selati camp is called the Ivory Presidential suite, where Kings and Queens have stayed due to how grand and luxurious it is.
Bush lodge: This lodge overlooks a waterhole and is therefore a prime location for viewing animals from the comfort of your patio. There are 25 suites in this lodge, including 2 luxury villas with their own private pools. The lodge has viewing decks that look over the Msuthlu riverbed as well as a bar and the Amani Spa. There is also the EleFun Centre offering environmentally based activities for children, making the bush lodge the perfect family holiday.
Little bush camp: This is the newest addition to the Sabi Sabi game reserve. Little bush camp has six luxury suites which look over the riverbed. Each suite has a private jacuzzi on the viewing deck. The suites all have air conditioning and mosquito nets over the beds. The suites are contemporary African themed. Little bush camp is ideal for guests who are looking for intimacy and privacy.
Earth lodge: These suites are very unique in their architectural design and unlike any of the other Sabi Sabi lodges. The lodge is sculpted into a slope of the earth and is almost hidden until approached. Earth lodge offers a calm and serene environment for its guests. There are 13 suites at Earth lodge. The suites are considered ultra-luxurious and were created for the guests to indulge. There is an underground wine cellar with thousands of rare wines. There is an art gallery, library, meditation garden, spa, and gym. Earth lodge is a retreat to unwind and relax.
Wildlife
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is home to majestic wildlife, most famously the Big 5 which include the lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, and buffalo. The term ‘Big 5’ was originally used by hunters to describe the 5 most dangerous and difficult animals to hunt. However, the term is now used to simply describe this majestic group of animals. At Sabi Sabi there are also cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, hippos, spotted hyenas as well as 350 species of birds. Almost 5% of the world’s bird species can be found in this region of South Africa, which is truly remarkable. Some very rare and localized species such as the Pangolin can be found here. Sabi Sabi offers the opportunity to observe predator-prey relationships amongst the animals, which is an experience like no other. In addition to the animals, the plant life at Sabi Sabi is vast. There are over 330 species of trees that are all indigenous to the region.
