A Complete Guide to Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Tucked away in a Lowveld corner of South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve forms part of the iconic Greater Kruger National Park.

Known for its impressive wildlife encounters and exclusive safari experiences, Sabi Sand is a haven for nature lovers wanting a luxurious yet undeniably South African safari experience – with excellent tourism infrastructure and spectacular five-star lodges, all working towards a deeper connection with nature through conservation.

You might be a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari lover who has visited Africa many times. One thing is for sure: Sabi Sands is the quintessence of close encounters with Africa’s natural wonders.

Named after Two Rivers, Sabi Sands is a Conservation Icon

Spanning over 65,000 hectares, the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve was named after the two rivers that flow through it: The Sabi River and the Sand River.

The reserve’s wildlife viewing opportunities are as impressive as its rich history rooted in conservation. The reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, allowing animals to roam freely between the two areas since the removal of its eastern fences in 1993.

Officially established in 1934, the reserve was later renamed the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in 1948. The name has evolved into a shorter plural version of Sabi Sands over time. Today, at least six of the original families who founded the reserve are said to own large parts of the land still, preserving its rich legacy through generations.  

Still, the reserve’s history traces back even further, with its origins in the late 1800s and evidence of human habitation stretching back to the Stone Age.

Ultimately, Sabi Sands, with its handful of lodges, raises the standard for safari amenities such as private plunge pools, library, world-class wine cellars, top gourmet dining, luxury spas, and personalised game drives led by expert guides.  

When is the best time to Visit Sabi Sands?

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is arguably one of Africa’s most exclusive Big Five game-viewing location. South Africa’s favourable exchange rate makes it an affordable yet luxurious choice, with year-round seasonality making it even more desirable.

Game viewing is outstanding between May and September, typically South Africa’s dry winter months through to spring – and winter in the Southern Hemisphere spells agreeable temperatures of 15+ degrees Celsius.

During this period, animals congregate around waterholes, and the sparse vegetation makes for excellent visibility. However, visiting during the summer months of November to February can offer lush landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and the spectacle of newborn wildlife.

Another advantages of Sabi Sands is its proximity to other major South African attractions. Situated near the town of Hazyview, Sabi Sands is just a short flight or a scenic 5-hour drive from the city of Johannesburg. The reserve is also well-positioned for visitors to combine their safari with a trip along the famed Panorama Route, offering stunning views of Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Practical tips:  The reserve is malaria-prone, so visitors should consult a doctor about preventive medication. Due to its private status, Sabi Sands is accessible only to guests staying at the lodges within the reserve, offering an exclusive, crowd-free experience.

5 Drawcards of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Unrivalled Big Five Sightings: Known as one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), Sabi Sands guarantees a high success rate of sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard, which the reserve is famous for.

Expert Guides and Trackers: The reserve is renowned for its expert-guided safaris, with some of the country’s most experienced rangers and trackers. Their knowledge and ability to read animal behaviour enhance the safari experience and ensure unforgettable wildlife moments.

Night Game Drives and Off-Road Safaris: Unlike national parks, Sabi Sands offers night game drives and the ability to go off-road to get closer to the animals. This adds to the allure, allowing visitors to witness nocturnal creatures and have intimate wildlife encounters.

Leopard Research and Conservation Projects: The reserve is renowned for its leopard population, and ongoing research projects focus on studying the behaviours and movements of these elusive big cats.

Sabi Sands remains at the forefront of wildlife conservation and anti-poaching initiatives, with its lodges contributing to sustainable practices to have a positive impact on the surrounding environment and local people.

Photographic Opportunities: Many lodges provide specialised photographic safaris, where guides and rangers help guests capture the perfect shot.

Top Picks Accommodation picks for Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve  

Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands comprises two distinct lodges, each offering a unique safari experience. Ulusaba Rock Lodge, perched high on a koppie, boasts panoramic bush views and lowveld below. It features ten individually designed rooms and suites, a swimming pool, gym, wine cellar, Aroma Boma spa, a Bush Observatory for stargazing, and tennis courts. Guests can take safari walks, moonlit bush dinners, and twice-daily game drives.

Ulusaba Safari Lodge is nestled beneath ancient trees along a dry riverbed, with rooms including a Treehouse Suite overlooking a dam and others featuring private plunge pools. The lodge also offers swimming pools, a gym, a wine cellar, a panoramic spa, a Bush Observatory, and tennis courts. Like Rock Lodge, it provides safari walks, moonlit dinners, and twice-daily game drives, ensuring an immersive and luxurious safari adventure. 

Singita’s Boulders Lodger and Ebony Lodge

Singita’s two lodges in the Sabi Sands, Singita Boulders Lodge and Singita Ebony Lodge, offer distinctive yet equally immersive safari experiences. Singita Boulders Lodge, inspired by the natural stones along the Sand River, features 12 glass-fronted suites with fireplaces, expansive private decks, heated pools, and outdoor showers, providing a seamless connection to the wilderness.

In contrast, Singita Ebony Lodge presents a contemporary twist on classic safari style, blending tented camp charm with modern luxury. Also featuring 12 suites, each with a private plunge pool, the lodge uses canvas and glass to create safari tent-style accommodations that maximize natural views. Outdoor pavilion decks, suspended off the riverbanks, offer unique dining and relaxation spaces, immersing guests in the natural beauty of the Sand River.

Inyati Game Lodge

Set along the lush Sand River, Inyati Game Lodge offers an extraordinary safari experience with 11 luxury chalets, blending intimate wildlife encounters with inspiring African hospitality. The lodge features three family and eight standard chalets, all with uninterrupted bush views.

Renowned for its expert rangers and trackers, Inyati provides bespoke off-road game drives, enhancing your chances of spotting elusive wildlife. With hearty home-style cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, Inyati is a top-value option in the Sabi Sands.

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

True to its name, Leopard Hills is perched on a hill overlooking the plains below, providing spectacular views. This lodge is known for its outstanding leopard sightings and luxurious accommodations. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, private pools, and indoor-outdoor showers. Leopard Hills is also known for its extensive wine collection and gourmet cuisine, prepared by top chefs.

&Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp

Step back into the 1920s at &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp, where classic safari charm meets modern comfort. With 12 suites offering sweeping views of the Sand River, this historic lodge in Sabi Sands offers intimate, off-road game drives, bush walks, and unrivalled leopard sightings. The skilled guide and tracker teams ensure close encounters with elephants, white rhinos, buffalo, and more, while nocturnal drives reveal the reserve’s hidden nightlife.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve delivers an immersive and unforgettable safari experience, blending luxury with the thrill of close-up wildlife encounters. Whether it’s the Big Five sightings, conservation initiatives, or intimate lodges, Sabi Sands is a world-class destination for those seeking the ultimate African adventure.

Explore this private game reserve stalwart of South Africa, where adventure meets serenity -contact our expert travel advisors to help you plan your safari today.