Sabi Sands game reserve is situated with in Kruger national park bordering Sabi River in the south and Manyaleti Game reserve in the north. The reserve covers 65000 hectares.
Activities to do in Sabi Sands game reserve
Sabi Sands is the perfect destination to relax and involve yourself in nature, where you can anticipate engaging in activities commonly associated with a safari holiday, including:
Game Drives
Game drives conducted twice a day, once in the early morning and again in the late afternoon, represent the perfect opportunity to experience a safari. This period marks the peak of wildlife activity, offering you the greatest opportunity to encounter the Big 5 in close proximity.
Going for Bush Walks
Bush walks are essential for a more intimate and leisurely connection with nature. Guided by knowledgeable experts, these walks allow you to delve into the intricate details of the African bush, gaining insights into plants, tracking animals, and possibly encountering smaller creatures that might go unnoticed during a game drive.
Tracking
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is renowned for its leopard sightings, and you might just capture a glimpse of one of these elusive cats resting after a successful night hunt. Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker team, they will endeavor to locate your preferred animals.
Photography Safaris
Booking a specialized photographic safari provides you with the chance to focus on capturing images of the animals, assured that the fellow guests share your passion for obtaining the perfect shot.
Mountain Biking
If you prefer two wheels over four, or if you’re seeking a more adventurous method to discover the rugged terrain of the Sabi Sand or Kruger National Park, a mountain biking trail through the nature reserve is the perfect solution.
Helicopter Flight
This thrilling flight glides over vast canyons teeming with lush greenery and vibrant colors. The helicopter looms over the flowing waterfalls, creating stunning chances for photography. Your flight will proceed along the escarpment, providing stunning panoramic views.
Horse Riding
Discovering long sandy beaches, lush vineyards, or mystic mountains on horseback offers a truly distinctive experience. Explore the rich wildlife and stunning treasures of South Africa while enjoying a horseback ride. Allow the horse to take on the effort as you relax breathe fresh air, and appreciate the stunning views that surround you.
Bush Dinners
Dinner in the bush offers a truly unique experience, and guests are sure to be amazed by the variety of delectable meals, each served in distinct locations. Enjoying delightful dinners outdoors beneath softly illuminated trees is a cherished experience for everyone.
Community Visits
Visiting one of Africa’s rural communities offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic life on the continent. A visit to one of the villages near the Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers insight into the challenges, aspirations, and dreams of the local community, serving to both educate and inspire.
Birding
Sabi Sands Game Reserve provides potential for watching various species of birds. The highest level of endemism in Africa can be found in the most accessible setting. In southern Africa, there are 185 bird species that are either endemic or nearly endemic. South Africa is home to two of Africa’s four biodiversity hotspots, as identified by Conservation International.
Evening Safari Adventures
Nighttime safaris offer visitors a completely different viewpoint. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, nocturnal creatures emerge, offering an opportunity to observe species such as hyenas, porcupines, and the elusive leopard in the shadows of night.
Relax at the Lodge
Safaris encompass more than just the wildlife; the lodges are thoughtfully crafted for ultimate relaxation. Relax with a spa treatment, enjoy a swim in the pool, or relish wonderful dining beneath the stars, all amidst the stunning beauty of the bush.
Best Time to do Sabi Sands game reserve
Winter is the best time for wildlife viewing, as it is regarded as the ‘low season’. This time of year, offers a calm experience for visitors. The Dry season occurs from May to September. During the dry months, animals become more visible as the foliage thins out, leading them to congregate around rivers and waterholes. September is the ideal month for a visit. It is the warmest of the winter months.
How to get there
By Road:
Those using their own rental car while exploring South Africa can conveniently access the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The distance to drive from Johannesburg is roughly 450 kilometres. The journey from Johannesburg primarily follows the N4 national road, ensuring a smooth and pleasant drive. The total driving time, including a few stops for refreshments, amounts to approximately 6.5 hours. Kindly be informed that entry to the northern part of the Sabi Sands, including lodges such as Chitwa Chitwa, Cheetah Plains, and Arathusa (refer to our Sabi Sands map), is via Gowrie gate, which requires a 7-hour travel from Johannesburg.
By Air
Numerous flight options exist for travelers looking for the fastest route to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Travellers from Johannesburg and Cape Town can take advantage of scheduled flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) located near Nelspruit. You can continue your journey to your chosen lodge by utilizing a road transfer or by taking a small chartered aircraft. Airlink and CemAir provide services to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, which is ideally situated for those visiting the northern area of the Sabi Sands (refer to our Sabi Sands map). From Hoedspruit, you can also take advantage of a road transfer to your lodge. Skukuza Airport, situated in Kruger National Park, has recently reopened and is ideal for travelers staying in the southern part of the Sabi Sands. Kindly visit our Skukuza Sabi Sands page for comprehensive details regarding this convenient travel option.
In short there are three major airports serving the Sabi Sands:
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (for lodges in the western sector)
- Skukuza Airport (for lodges in the southern sector)
- Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (for lodges in the northern sector)
Where to stay in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Notten’s Bush Camp
Notten’s Bush Camp is a hidden treasure that belongs in our ‘Adventure’ category. This lodge offers unmatched value for money. This property stands out as the most personal and genuine among the more budget-friendly options in the area. Its owner-operated nature allows you to sense the care and dedication that went into its construction.
Chitwa Chitwa
Chitwa Chitwa is situated in the northern sector of the reserve. This area experiences significant vehicle traffic, yet this lodge deserves recognition for the boldness of its design. It might be confused for an eclectic art gallery designed as a safari lodge, and the whole space is elegantly highlighted with striking statement pieces.
Kirkmans Kamp
Kirkman’s Kamp embodies a more traditional style. The site was initially the campsite of the park’s first warden, thus it is imbued with a deep historical significance. Since it is managed by &Beyond, the service and hospitality levels are consistently high, and it can also be paired with their other properties in Timbavati and Phinda for significantly lower rates.
Lion Sands
Lion Sands is a recent addition to the reserve, featuring two beautiful lodges: River Lodge, which is larger and more communal, and Ivory Lodge, known for its breathtaking beauty and ability to rival any other in terms of luxury and exclusivity.
Dulini River Lodge and Dulini Leadwood Lodge
Dulini River Lodge and Dulini Leadwood Lodge are located in the western sector. This area experiences significant vehicle traffic, yet the excellence of the Dulini brand is evident. The Leadwood suites are luxurious and truly stunning, nestled within a thick grove of trees along the Sand River.
