3 Game Reserves in Sabi Sands to be Enjoyed on Your South African Safari

Experience the magic of the Sabi Sands, a South African game reserve famed for its spectacular leopard sightings and incredible close up wildlife encounters. With 47 large mammal species, 57 reptile species, 90 species of trees, and over 300 species of birds, there is no better place for a South African safari. Enjoy the thrill of the bush at “happy hour” when the savannah plains are crawling with elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, and more.

A safari in Sabi Sands is as exclusive as it gets, with private vehicles and small group game drives, as well as your own professional guide and Shangaan tracker, who will do their best to tick off the animals on your South Africa travel bucket list. Enjoy your morning cuppa as you bounce along dirt tracks alongside a herd of impala, or stop for a late afternoon glass of Amarula in the bush as the sun sets. Where else can you fall asleep to the roar of the lion and the cackle of a hyena and witness the relationship between predator and prey at such close quarters? Spot a lion mating ritual every 15 minutes, track big cats off-road by following their spoor (footprints), and move out of the way of trumpeting maternal elephants. As far as South African safaris go, this is as authentic as it gets. The Sabi Sands offers game viewing like nowhere else on earth.

Located in Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands features game lodges that not only immerse you in the natural surroundings of African wilderness, but offer a place of relaxation, pampering, romance, and fine cuisine. Below are 3 lodges that promise an unforgettable experience!

Singita Game Reserve – Boulders Lodge

Discover the magic of the Sabi Sands at Singita Boulder’s Lodge, a luxury game lodge that blends naturally into the boulder-covered banks of the Sand River. The Shangaan word for “Place of Miracles”, Singita offers game viewing that is nothing short of magic. Built with glass walls and plenty of open-air space, the lodge is inspired by nature and was created to make you feel as though you are in the middle of the African bush. Guests have a choice of three suites: River suites facing the Sand River, Bush suites overlooking a popular watering hole, and Family suites with an extra room for children over the age of 10 years. Each suite has an en-suite bedroom featuring sheepskin rugs and handcrafted furniture made from fossilized trees, a sitting area, and a game viewing deck with a private plunge pool overlooking the vast African bush.

When it comes to romance, there is no better option than Singita Boulder’s Lodge. Spend your evenings stargazing under the open sky and feel stress leave your body with an African spa body ritual. Head off on morning and evening game drives and bush walks to spot the Big Five as well as other wildlife like hyena, hippo, cheetah, wild dog, and a variety of endemic birds. No South African vacation is more memorable.

Suggested Itinerary:
3-Day Singita Game Reserve – Boulders Lodge

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Moulded into a gentle incline in the rocks, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is one of the most unique lodges in the world – and one of the most eco-sensitive in Africa. With just 13 suites, the lodge offers an intimate guest experience, which includes private plunge pools and glass-fronted bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. Some suites even have outdoor bush baths and Jacuzzis where you can soak under the stars with nocturnal animals keeping you company.

Relax in your private plunge pool on the edge of the African bush and wait, as wildlife slowly wanders into your back garden. Enjoy romantic dinners overlooking a nearby watering hotel, relax in the understated elegance of the main lodge, and indulge in luxurious bush spa treatments. Learn fascinating wildlife facts from your guide on two daily game drives and keep an eye out for cheetah, honey badger, side-striped jackal, blue wildebeest, zebra, and more. Bird lovers will enjoy the chance to spot Scops owl, fork tailed drongo, and lilac breasted rollers. Head off on a bush walk and look for interesting South African vegetation like the iconic sausage and marula trees, and the tamboti tree that has both male and female flowers. No matter what interests you, game viewing at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is always an adventure.

Suggested Itinerary:
3-Day Sabi Sabi Game Reserve – Earth Lodge

Leopard Hills Lodge

Perched high up on a rocky outcrop overlooking the African savannah, Leopard Hills Lodge offers unparalleled views and game viewing experiences. Covering 10,000 hectares, Leopard Hills offers a diversity of ecosystems, from the vast open savannah and riverine bush along the Sand River to forested and rocky hills.

Leopard Hills Lodge was created with game viewing in mind. Just eight suites are available for an exclusive South African safari holiday, each offering floor to ceiling windows, private sun decks, and rock plunge pools overlooking the bush. With binoculars available in the living room, you can enjoy game viewing from the comfort of your suite. In fact, you don’t even have to get out of bed. Watch for wildlife as you enjoy a crisp outdoor shower in the early morning, or relax in your hammock and pool lounger and let the wildlife come to you. Each suite has a bedroom with a four-poster netted bed, a separate lounge area, a bathroom with a Victorian bath, and great views of the bush.

If you manage to tear yourself away from the magic of your private suite, the thatched lodge offers a library with free Wi-Fi, a fully-stocked wine cellar, and a glass gym where you can keep an eye out for animals as you work out. Dining is as relaxed or romantic as you please, with the option of Silver Star dining in the dining room, a private dinner on your deck, and traditional Shangaan boma dinners where you can taste a mouth-watering feast of traditional African cuisine under the stars.

Suggested Itinerary:
3-Day Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Book your South African safari holiday in the Sabi Sands, where the promise of a safari experience-of-a-lifetime is no exaggeration.

For more information on South Africa tours, please visit us at www.goway.com.