The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Spanning over 65,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, it is renowned as one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big 5 - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.
The reserve is located in Mpumalanga province, adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park. It contains some of the oldest private game reserves in the country. Sabi Sands is known for its high concentrations of wildlife, including large prides of lions, leopards and endangered African wild dogs. The landscape consists of open grasslands, riverine forests and sandy riverbeds, providing varied habitats.
The reserve offers an exclusive safari experience, as access is restricted to guests staying at one of the private lodges or camps within the conservancy. This means fewer restrictions than the National parks like nearby Krueger - vehicles there have to stay on the designated "roads", whereas here the vehicles can explore "off-road" leading to greater chances for game viewing. Going on twice-daily game drives led by experienced rangers and trackers, visitors can get up close to the wildlife and observe predators hunting. The lack of fences between the camps allows animals to roam freely. Sabi Sands is malaria-free, making it a safe year-round destination.
History of Sabi Sands Reserve
The Sabi Sands Reserve was established in the 1950s as one of the first privately owned game reserves in South Africa. Prior to that, the area was used for agriculture and cattle grazing. In the late 1940s, a group of landowners banded together with the goal of preserving the unspoiled bushveld and providing a sanctuary for wildlife. By the 1950s, fences were erected to enclose the reserve and establish its boundaries.
The 65,000-acre reserve was then stocked with game animals that historically occurred in the region, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). Wildlife populations flourished thanks to the removal of cattle grazing and agriculture. Today, Sabi Sands is home to one of the highest concentrations of leopards on the planet. It's part of the Greater Kruger National Park and helps form a key wildlife corridor in the region.
Accommodations Overview
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve contains some of the most luxurious safari lodges and camps in Africa. Accommodation options range from intimate bush camps with just a few suites to larger lodges able to host over 50 guests.
The premier game lodges of Sabi Sands offer exceptionally comfortable and lavish accommodations. Guests stay in luxury suites or villas with amenities like private plunge pools, outdoor showers, four-poster beds with mosquito netting, and spectacular views of the bush.
Rates at the top lodges average $600 to $1500 USD+ per person per night. This includes all meals, drinks, safari activities, and often laundry service.
The best accommodations are intimate, hosting at most 16 to 20 guests. The small size provides an exclusive, private safari experience. Guests enjoy personalized service and attention from the lodge staff. Here are some of the top lodges in the Sabi Sands:
Leopard Hills
Leopard Hills is an intimate luxury lodge situated in the western sector of the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, bordering the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Leopard Hills offers 8 suites and 2 exclusive use villas, each with spectacular views over the bush and the natural waterhole below.
The suites are spacious and lavishly appointed, with air conditioning, overhead fans, complimentary mini bars and tea/coffee stations. The en-suite bathrooms have indoor and outdoor showers, double vanities and a decadent spa bath. Private terraces and viewing decks allow you to enjoy the passing parade of wildlife visiting the waterhole.
The villas take luxury to the next level, with private infinity pools, fully equipped chef's kitchens, and lounge areas. Guests enjoy complete privacy and the exclusivity of the villas and suites allows an intimate safari experience.
Leopard Hills is renowned for frequent leopard sightings along with the other major predators like lion, cheetah and wild dog. The Sabi Sand is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big 5. Birds abound at the waterhole and the surrounding bush. Morning and evening game drives provide plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. The lodge offers walking safaris for a different perspective on the bush.
Lion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands River Lodge offers an intimate safari experience with only 5 luxury suites set along the banks of the Sabie River. Guests enjoy unparalleled views and frequent wildlife sightings from the comfort of their private decks.
The suites are beautifully appointed with local design elements and modern amenities like air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, and a personal bar. Butler service ensures your every need is met during your stay.
The lodge's riverside location means excellent opportunities to see animals coming to drink and cool off. Herds of elephants are commonly seen bathing and playing in the river. Other wildlife spotted includes lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos and over 500 species of birds. Morning and evening game drives explore further reaches of the reserve in pursuit of the Big 5.
With its luxurious suites, stellar service and abundance of wildlife, Lion Sands River Lodge provides a top-notch safari experience in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Its intimate size allows guests to feel a personal connection with nature.
Singita Boulders and Ebony Lodges
Singita Boulders and Ebony Lodges are situated within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and offers an upscale safari experience. Each features just 12 suites, providing an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. The suites are spacious with private plunge pools and outdoor showers.
The lodges provide exceptional amenities including fine dining, a spa, and an interactive kitchen. Guests can enjoy cooking classes or a private dinner in the wine cellar. The lodge also features an outdoor boma area for traditional meals around a fire.
The suites at Singita Ebony feature colonial design with dark wood and leather furniture. Each spacious suite includes a private deck with views overlooking the Sand River, an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, a standalone tub, and a private plunge pool.
Singita Boulders is known for frequent leopard sightings along the Sand River. The area also attracts large herds of impala, buffalo, elephants and rhinos. The small size of the lodge means game drives are always private, providing an exclusive safari experience. With experienced guides and trackers, sightings of the Big Five are common.
The lodges' beautiful natural settings and luxurious accommodations make them one of the top options for a luxury safari escape in Sabi Sands. Their exclusive nature provides privacy and seclusion in a pristine wilderness environment.
Londolozi Varty Camp
Londolozi Varty Camp is an intimate safari lodge situated along the banks of the Sand River in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This luxury camp offers guests a blend of elegance and wilderness with just 6 stone and thatch suites.
The suites at Londolozi Varty Camp feature private decks overlooking the river where wildlife often comes to drink. The suites are beautifully decorated with original African artworks and campaign-style furniture. Each has a large bedroom, en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, as well as a private plunge pool.
Amenities at the camp include daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert Shangaan trackers. Guests can also enjoy walking safaris, bird watching, stargazing, yoga sessions, and spa treatments. The central lodge area has a lounge, library, gallery, and dining area serving gourmet cuisine.
Londolozi is renowned for its leopard sightings thanks to the habitat along the Sand River. Lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, hyenas, and over 300 bird species can also be seen. The Varty family has protected these lands for over 90 years, making Londolozi a leader in conservation.
Conclusion
Overall, the luxury safari properties within Sabi Sands offer an unparalleled African wildlife experience. While they share similarities like 5-star service, sumptuous cuisine, and excellent game viewing opportunities, each lodge has its own distinctive character.
Leopard Hills exudes understated elegance and is known for frequent leopard sightings. Lion Sands River Lodge provides a true waterway safari experience from the comfort of your own private plunge pool. Singita Boulders and Ebony showcase the height of safari luxury with their lavish suites and service. Londolozi Varty Camp charms with its cozy, authentic bush feel.
When choosing your ideal Sabi Sands accommodation, consider your priorities. Seek out Leopard Hills or Lion Sands for excellent big cat sightings, Singita for pure indulgence, or Londolozi for a rustic authentic vibe. You truly can't go wrong with any of these 5-star safari lodges - your Sabi Sands experience will be unforgettable.
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