Deep in the African bushveld, within South Africas famous Sabi Sand Reserve, something enchanting lies in wait the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. This award winning private game reserve offers world-class standards in luxury accommodation, exceptional close wildlife encounters, personal service and delicious cuisine.
The Sabi Sabi philosophy of yesterday, today and tomorrow stems from over 100 years of safari experience; a history richly woven into the atmosphere of each of its four uniquely individual safari lodges Selati Camp, Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp and Earth Lodge. South Africa and its warm hospitality echo through the style and flavour of each and every one.
Something special is happening deep in the heart of the wilderness. The reserve is home to the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), as well as cheetah, wild dog and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and plants indigenous to the area. Highly trained and experienced rangers and trackers ensure that your safari experience ranks amongst the best in the world. You can look forward to fantastic close-up experiences with Africas wildlife on every game drive.
Accommodation Lodges of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve:
Selati Camp:
Indulgent and romantic, the historically themed Selati Camp is the Sabi Sabi of Yesterday. Conjuring up memories of when time drifted slowly and luxury embraced you in an effortless whisper.
Nights at Selati are quiet, intimate and possessed of a rare magic. Under the spectacular canopy of the Southern night sky the camp is still romantically lit by the gentle flicker of oil lamps and lanterns, and the warm glow of fires.
With its classic vintage styling, this exclusive lodge comprises seven opulent thatched suites, each with full bathroom en-suite and private alfresco shower nestled under majestic indigenous trees. World-class cuisine is served on wooden thatched decks built alongside the Msuthlu riverbed, in the open air boma or in the farmhouse kitchen.
Bush Lodge:
Here the tradition of warm African hospitality greets you, endless views of the African bush surround you and every whim is anticipated in the harmonious family of `Today`s` Bush Lodge.
To maintain privacy and intimacy, the lodge has 25 suites in total including 2 Luxury Villas and the Mandleve Deluxe Suite with each suite featuring en-suite bathrooms and al-fresco, glass-fronted showers, with wonderful views of the bushveld.
Bush Lodge has been sensitively designed to allow ample space to relax, unwind and savour the tranquility of the bush. The two swimming pools and large covered viewing decks overhanging the Msuthlu riverbed are an invitation to cool off in the filtered water or sit in comfort while spotting game at the well-utilised pan. An exquisitely furnished lounge, atrium and intimate bar area are perfect meeting places for friends old and new. As an extra indulgence, the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge offers the ultimate African Spa experience.
The lodge is family friendly and children of all ages can enjoy the EleFun Centre, a fully-fledged childrens facility. Interesting environmentally themed activities, including hands-on edutainment for several distinct age groups, are designed and supervised by qualified childcare professionals.
Little Bush Camp:
Pure excellence is at the heart of this intimate hideaway on the banks of the Msuthlu riverbed, surrounded only by the sounds of the wild and the unending view of the unspoilt bushveld.
Six luxury suites, each with a private viewing deck and heated spa bath overlooking the riverbed, are decorated in contemporary African design, complete with luxury furnishings, full bathroom en-suite, indoor and outdoor showers and air-conditioning. Thatched roofs, romantic mosquito nets draped over the comfortable beds and beautiful wooden finishes complete the picture of an exclusive safari getaway.
Sabi Sabis Little Bush Camp offers not only luxurious creature comforts, but a host of adventures as well. Tracking Africas big game including the Big Five in open vehicles by day and at night accompanied by qualified game rangers and Shangaan trackers, and going off road for exceptional close wildlife encounters, make for a truly memorable experience the highlight of your safari holiday in South Africa.
Earth Lodge:
Celebrating the future of Tomorrow and the mineral wealth of our continent - this is the past, present and future. Allow your senses to drink in the quiet opulence of a world class masterpiece.
Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.
The Amber Suite is a glorious celebration of generous size and space. Beyond belief in its beauty, from the magnificent carved wooden headboard to the deep egg-shaped bath, the suite boasts its own steam room, study and kitchen. It captures the spirit of nature and luxury in one unique experience.
The outdoor boma, its walls sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, captures the drama of the African night and evokes the power of the wilderness.
An indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and unending bushveld, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden; and an underground wine cellar with a collection of over 6000 bottles of rare wines, the venue for an unforgettable dining experience everything at this luxury lodge has been created for your indulgence.
Getting there by road:
500 km from Johannesburg, an easy five-hour drive on National Roads.
Road transfers from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to
Sabi Sabi can be arranged on request.
Sabi Sabi is a two-hour scenic drive from Nelspruit. Transfers from the airport can be arranged.
The Sabi Sand Wildtuin (SSW) has advised that, with immediate effect, the gate fees into the reserve will be R280 per vehicle (this applies to vehicles larger than 3.5 tons). There will be a further charge of R120 per person levied.
Experience Luxury Safaris:
There has been no hunting here for over half a century and the animals have become habituated to and relaxed in the presence of safari vehicles. The ultimate destination for a luxury safari; visitors to Sabi Sabi can look forward the unique experience of close encounters with animals as they continue unperturbed in their natural daily patterns of hunting, feeding, courting and suckling.
Safaris take place each morning and evening in open safari vehicles which drive through a wide variety of habitats, allowing visitors to view the vast interactions of the wild. After breakfast, guests on guided walking trails can experience the natural environment on foot. The dedicated, highly trained and experienced Rangers lead you to discover miracles of nature you may never have dreamed existed.
MORNING SAFARIS
An early morning call from the Ranger will wake you before first light, while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares cool fruit juices with a muffin, rusk or other freshly made delicacy. So begins the morning safari.
The bush is already alive, the air filled with birdsong as the rising sunlight dances off beads of dew on spiders webs. Nobody, not even the tracker who can read the bushveld like a book, knows whats in store. He will watch the road for spoor, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt in the dark. There may be hushed discussions in Shangaan between Ranger and Tracker, and brief radio interactions from one vehicle to another. Sharing information ensures that the occupants of each safari vehicle have the best chance of a wide range of sightings during their drives and also ensures control and responsible behaviour as the vehicles move in close to the animals.
MORNING GUIDED BUSH WALK
Renowned for luxury experiences, Sabi Sabi isnt all about phenomenal game drives and exceptional dining. Opportunities for education and adventure are definitely on the cards for those interested and energetic. On the morning environmental awareness walking safari you can be part of a small group that sets out on foot after breakfast. The walk is an opportunity to feel the pulse of Africa through the soles of your feet and experience the bushveld at close quarters.
Sabi Sabi boasts approximately 350 different species of birds, a paradise for birdwatchers. Raptors are plentiful, including 11 species of owl, the seldom seen cuckoo hawk and rare bat hawk. There is an endless diversity of trees, shrubs and flowering plants, and whatever the time of year, no two walks are ever the same.
EVENING SAFARIS
Evening falls and you prepare for the night safari. As the fierce heat of the day cools, the inhabitants of the bush become restless, and the animals move out of the shade of the trees. The call of the crested francolin reverberates through the bushveld and birds increase the volume of their song. You will be aware of colours softening to the beautiful, gentle hues that vary with each season. New scents fill the air and as the sun dips behind the horizon your Ranger will choose a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners alongside the vehicle. Watch in awe as the sky turns to the sensational vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset. There is a lull as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger. It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey needs to be alert for survival through the night.
During your safari you may be lucky enough to watch lions prepare for their evening hunt. Their long bodies stretch to ease muscles cramped from lying in the shade during the day; sinews are lengthened and claws sharpened against a tree; the vegetation is marked with scent, and the wind checked for smells; only then do they set off in a slow, loose-jointed, arrogant amble. There are numerous nocturnal hunters and on your evening safari, with the help of a spotlight, a leopards eyes may reflect back from a nearby tree. Or you may be lucky enough to spot another smaller predator, a genet, African civet or African wild cat. One can come across scenes at night that become etched in memory: elephants moving heavily but silently in the moonlight; the incredible flying leaps of bushbabies from treetop to treetop, and the red shine from a lions eyes as it looks up from its kill. A Sabi Sabi evening safari will never be forgotten.
