The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is named after the two rivers that cross the property. Diverse wildlife are drawn to these rivers and often remain in the territory for long periods making this reserve ideal for game viewing.
It was due to forward-thinking landowners, who in 1950 took the decision to form a game reserve here to preserve the resident wildlife that the Sabi Sand Game Reserve now thrives.
The 65000ha Sabi Sand Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park where animals cross unhindered between the reserve and park.
The area is pristine bushveld with average temperatures ranging between 28° Celsius in summer to a mild 16° Celsius in winter. Rich in wildlife, Sabi Sand can be visited year round.
The reserve is home to 3 of the most acclaimed 5-star luxury private game lodges responsible for setting world-class standards in luxury accommodation, service, cuisine, special facilities and exceptional wildlife encounters. Highly trained and experienced rangers and trackers ensure that your African safari experience ranks amongst the best in the world.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve is the preferred destination for seasoned safari travellers and for those seeking an exhilarating and lavish bushveld experience.
Things to do
Expect to see the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) in an open top 4x4 vehicle and intimate game viewing on every safari drive.
Take one of the many exciting guided walking tours, accompanied by an armed ranger and skilled tracker, for an opportunity to see the less visible, smaller animals mostly discovered when on foot.
Spend time around the water holes under covered viewing decks to watch the animals warily drink while the ever-present crocodile lurks in the hope for an easy meal.
Bird watching in the reserve is a delight, there are over 350 bird species officially recorded in the area.
A number of tour operators in the area offer elephant-back safaris, hot air ballooning, river rafting and golfing. Enquire with your hosts.
The town of Hazyview is a short drive away to visit the Shangana Cultural Village. Learn to dance, hear the traditional Shangaan stories and enjoy a meal in the Chief’s kraal. Purchase one-of-a-kind stone pieces from the Marula Market.
We suggest a helicopter transfer from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to your lodge for sweeping vistas of the reserve.
Where to Eat
The fabulous and exotic meals prepared at your place of accommodation are unlikely to keep you from straying, however, if you do leave the reserve and would like to sample dishes elsewhere, here are some options:
Kuka Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge at Perry’s Bridge Trading Post in Hazyview is a vibrant, modern restaurant with verandah to enjoy their vast selection of delightful dishes made with Mediterranean flair.
Drive into the Kruger National Park for a stop at the Cattle Baron, a steakhouse in the Skukuza Rest Camp. Perfectly prepared prime meat cuts are [almost] guaranteed.
Sitting out on the deck surrounded by pleasant décor and a view of the vegetable garden along the river, Summerfields Kitchen Restaurant in Hazyview is the perfect venue to indulge in their 3-course set menu on offer.
Night Life
Enjoy a night drive for a chance to spot the elusive, graceful leopard and a possible lion hunt.
Spend a quiet evening outside on the deck and under the stars.
Relax around the camp fire and exchange lively game viewing stories with other guests.
Where to Stay
Service excellence and a personal touch is what visitors come to expect at the luxurious accommodation facilities in Sabi Sand. Each of the lodges, camps and private reserves within Sabi Sand offer the guest a unique experience, guaranteeing a memorable stay.
Transport
Air Visitors can fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Mbombela or Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit via commercial airlines. Chartered flights are available from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg direct to the various lodge’s private airstrips.
Car There are rental agencies at the airports and at all South African cities to hire a vehicle, otherwise order your rental online.
Taxi Several independent shuttle companies operate transfers between the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Sabi Sand.
Did you know?
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve gates are open between 5h00 and 23h00 daily, however the times are subject to change. Enquire with your hosts.
Even though there have only ever been 2 malaria incidents recorded here, the reserve does lie within a malaria region, please take the necessary precautions.
The Sabie River that borders the Sabi Sand Game Reserve to the south runs a further 90km west to reach the town of Sabie. This town has a flourishing forestry industry where an astounding 90 million trees are planted annually.
British tycoon Sir Richard Branson owns the 21-roomed Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. He and his management team founded Pride ‘n Purpose, a volunteer charity programme helping disadvantaged communities living adjacent to Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
