Why Safari in Sabi Sands? - Explorers Against Extinction

When people speak of Sabi Sands, they’re referring to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a private conservation area located on the western edge of South Africa’s world-famous Kruger National Park. Named after the Sabi and Sand Rivers that flow through it, the reserve is affectionately known simply as “Sabi Sands” to many safari enthusiasts.

Sabi Sands is celebrated as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, offering a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, exceptional wildlife viewing, and world-class lodges. But what makes this reserve truly special? We explore why you should add a safari in Sabi Sands to your bucket-list.

Accessing Sabi Sands: Fly or Drive?

Fly and Transfer: The Easiest Option

For those seeking convenience, flying is the most efficient way to access Sabi Sands. Guests can fly directly to Skukuza Airport (SZK) or Nelspruit’s Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) from major cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town.

From these airports, most lodges provide road transfers that typically take 1–2 hours. The transfer time depends on the lodge’s location within the reserve. Alternatively, charter flights can take you directly to private airstrips within Sabi Sands, offering a seamless transition to your safari experience.

Benefits of flying:

Quick travel times: Flights from Johannesburg to Skukuza take just over an hour.
Stunning aerial views of the bushveld.
Ideal for maximizing time at your lodge.

Drive and Transfer: For Adventurers

For those who enjoy scenic road trips, driving to Sabi Sands is a viable option. The reserve is approximately a 5–6 hour drive from Johannesburg. Most of the driving is easy, on good tarred roads with clear signage. However, it’s worth noting that the road leading to the reserve can be challenging for less experienced drivers.

Once you arrive at one of Sabi Sands’ main gates, your lodge can arrange a 4×4 transfer to your accommodation.

Topography and Natural Features

Covering over 65,000 hectares, Sabi Sands is a mosaic of diverse landscapes. Open savannahs stretch into woodlands and thickets. The Sabi and Sand Rivers carve through the reserve, creating lush zones that attract abundant wildlife. The rivers are lifelines during the dry winter months (May to October) attracting a large variety of animals.

The reserve’s terrain is relatively flat, providing unobstructed views and excellent opportunities for spotting game. The combination of permanent water sources, nutrient-rich soils, and varied vegetation supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem.

Wildlife

Sabi Sands is renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings, including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, hyena, buffalo and wild dog. Plains game including zebras, giraffes, and impalas are abundant. Birdlife is equally impressive, with over 500 species recorded. These range from colourful kingfishers to raptors like martial eagles.

Of the big cats, cheetah are the most difficult to see here. Leopard – elusive elsewhere – are remarkably habituated to vehicles, allowing for close-up encounters and unparalleled photographic opportunities. The reliability of leopard viewings is one of the main reasons to safari in Sabi Sands. Leopard, wild dog and rhino sightings are definitely highlights of any stay here, while the chance to see large herds of elephants is also very special.

When to Go

The best time to visit Sabi Sand Game Reserve is during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources, making for exceptional game viewing. For lush landscapes, lower rates and specifically for birdwatching, you may like to consider the the green season from November to April.

Camps and Lodges

Sabi Sands has a reputation for luxury accommodation, and while there are a number of luxury camps/lodges, you’ll also find some excellent value options. Each of the following has its own private concession within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This means it can offer night drives, off roading, walking and an exclusive guest experinece. Here are just of the camps/lodges in the reserve:

Notten’s Bush Camp: One of the reserve’s oldest family-run lodges, Notten’s offers nine suites in the southern sector of the reserve. Known for its candlelit ambience (no electric lighting), it’s perfect for those seeking an atmospheric and authentic bush retreat.
Savanna Lodge: This tented-style lodge has a contemporary edge with lovely suites and warm hospitality making it a favourite for returning guests.
Inyati Game Lodge: Situated in the west of Sabi Sand along the Sand River, and sharing a boundary with the national park, Inyati is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere. It’s a good choice for families or couples alike.

MalaMala : Known as one of Africa’s most iconic safari lodges, MalaMala Private Game Reserve offers three camps/lodges all with prime locations along the Sand River: MalaMala, Sable and Rattray’s Camp.
Londolozi: This legendary lodge group offers five camps/lodges all with a different style: Varty, Tree, Pioneer, Founders and the Private Granite Suites.
&Beyond: The &Beyond concession has two contrasting lodges – Tengile River Lodge & Kirkmans. Tengile means “tranquil” in Tsonga, and this ultra-luxury lodge lives up to its name. Overlooking the Sand River, it features spacious suites with private plunge pools and personalized service. Kirkmans is built in a 1920s homestead style with nine cottages.
Dulini: Three exclusive lodges: Dulini Moya, Dulini River Lodge, and Dulini Leadwood Lodge. Dulini provides a tranquil retreat amidst the African bush and prime wildlife viewing.