Explore game-rich Sabi Sands on this 3 Day Lodge Safari, in this sought after private reserve far from the madding crowds. Due to Sabi Sands popularity and exclusivity, it is sometimes difficult to source available accommodation, but African Budget Safaris has recently added five, 'best-value' Sabi Sands lodges to our portfolio, which has given us much better options for our budget conscious guests.
Go on wildlife viewing drives in open, 4x4 safari vehicles on the lookout for the Big 5, other wildlife and prolific birdlife. Take a thrilling walk in the bush, with an experienced ranger who will share his knowledge of the African landscape. Stay in a safari lodge, designed for comfort, but invoking the spirit of safaris past. Enjoy en-suite facilities, a sparkling swimming pool and dinner in the boma around the campfire under starry skies.
This value for money safari adventure will create a lifetime of memories.
__large.jpg "Bushwalk")
At the start of this Southern Sabi Sands Safari in Greater Kruger Park our shuttle transfers guests from the OR Tambo Bus Terminal Building in Johannesburg to Hazyview in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Leaving the megacity at about 06:45 we travel east into the Mpumalanga Lowveld, the top safari region of South Africa. Arriving in Hazyview, we continue to our lodge in this private reserve.
We have time for a quick snack before embarking on our first game-viewing drive inside the private concession area. The concession area is home to the classic big game species of Africa, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant). Numerous birds and smaller creatures are also found here, so keep your eyes peeled.
After our game drive, we return to the lodge for dinner in the open-air boma, followed by leisure time to unwind around the campfire or at the bar.
Sabi Sands Private Reserve, a 65,000-hectare private reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, offers a more exclusive, less crowded safari experience than the main Kruger National Park wilderness area. Sabi's management policy is focused on the conservation of wildlife, its main objective being to monitor the habitat and wildlife densities. The promotion and conservation of wildlife, fauna and flora and the preservation of the area as a sanctuary for every type of indigenous wildlife is an important focus. The hunting of wildlife in Sabi is forbidden.
The Sabi Sands Reserve shares a 50 km unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park allowing wildlife to migrate freely in this vast landscape in search of the best grazing and waterholes. Predators are never far behind and Sabi Sands is particularly well renowned for large cats, especially superb sightings of leopard. Not only are the chances of spotting leopards in Sabi Sands almost guaranteed, but safari vehicles also frequently get as close as three to four meters from these amazing predators making for excellent photographic opportunities.
Generally, the accommodation in Sabi is upmarket for the discerning traveler. Our Sabi Sands Lodge Safari is unique in that it offers the budget traveler an affordable tour package with lodge accommodation within the Sabi Sands Reserve and given the number of lodges in African Budget Safari's portfolio we almost always manage to find the right accommodation for our clients in this much sought after private reserve.
Our day starts early in the bush as this is the best time for spotting wildlife as the animals head for the waterholes in the cool of the day. After coffee and rusks (dry biscuits for dunking), we climb aboard our safari vehicle, which is open-sided for the best viewing and photo opportunities, and head out into the bush. Our experienced guides are passionate about their work and seek out the best wildlife experiences for our guests. When necessary they will go off-road into the bush to get as close as possible to the action.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is renowned for the big cats that roam here, especially leopard, but the park is also home to an impressive array of antelopes, such as eland, kudu, waterbuck, nyala, bushbuck, roan and sable antelopes, impala, hartebeest, springbok, duiker and tsessebe. Predators range from the big cats, jackals, hyenas, foxes and African wild dogs to servals, civets, genets and cheetahs. Sabi is a birding hotspot, so bird watchers are in for a real treat. Bird species include African fish eagle, lilac-breasted roller, bateleur, martial eagle, kori bustard, southern ground-hornbill and grey-headed parrot.
After two to three hours we return to our lodge for breakfast followed by, for those who are keen, a stroll in the bushveld with our armed ranger. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna from our knowledgeable guide. He will point out the smaller creatures that are an important part of the ecosystem and there is always the thrill of not knowing if there are larger creatures in close proximity. The approximately 45-minute walk takes place close to camp and is not too strenuous. Some relaxation will be very welcome by now, so it's time to take a nap, explore the camp, be pampered at the spa or dive into the sparkling pool. Lunch is served in the early afternoon.
In the late afternoon, we head out again into the wild to add to our sightings. We pause to admire a spectacular African sunset and as night falls we make our way back to camp looking out for nocturnal creatures along the way. After a brief clean up, we gather with our fellow travellers in the bar for pre-dinner drinks and then make our way to the campfire in the boma to tuck into dinner. After dinner, the fire is built up and we relax and chat about the exciting happenings of the day.
On day three, we get up early for a final game drive in Sabi Sands Game Reserve. With some luck, we may encounter animals that have eluded us thus far, as mornings are ideal for wildlife spotting.
After our game drive in the concession area, we return to camp and our shuttle, which should arrive around 10:00, for the return journey to Johannesburg. Due to time constraints, we may be given a packed breakfast and it is advisable to leave your packed luggage in reception before the game drive, for a quick getaway when the shuttle arrives. We arrive back in Johannesburg between 17:00 and 18:00.
Our award-winning, family-run lodge is one of the first lodges to be opened in the southern section of the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve and is renowned for its hospitality and impeccable service. Each private suite is elegantly styled, spacious and cooled by ceiling fans. The suites are lit by candlelight and lanterns, rather than electricity, capturing a magical atmosphere. Enjoy candlelit baths, massages and mesmerizing nights around blazing fires. This intimate camp has only nine suites, each with en-suite facilities and a private viewing deck. The open-plan lounge and dining area, which has a well-stocked bar and wine cellar, leads to a viewing deck that overlooks the vast plains and a waterhole. Other facilities include a 20-metre lap pool, a spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and a plunge pool and a traditional boma, where guests gather in the evening for dinner around the campfire under Africa's starry skies.
With splendid panoramic views, this private game lodge is the perfect place for peace and relaxation while watching animals meander past.
Situated in southern Sabi Sands, within an indigenous garden, Lodge B has recently been refurbished and each of the chalets has been individually and stylishly decorated with en-suite facilities, which include indoor and outdoor showers. Each chalet has a private deck for quiet time wildlife viewing. The camp has a shimmering pool, set amongst a beautiful, tree-filled area and a well-equipped, air-conditioned gym. The open boma is a very popular spot with guests for dining around the campfire in the evenings. And for retail therapy, there is a shop filled with interesting curios and other mundane, but necessary items such as shampoo and toothpaste.
There are a number of viewing platforms around the camp where guests can watch game during the day. There is also a dam directly opposite the lodge with a sunken hide for guests who prefer to get really close to animals. This intimate, authentically African camp with its welcoming staff is an ideal spot for an unforgettable safari adventure.
Please note that we offer convenient pre and post-tour lodge accommodation for before and after your Sabi Sand Safari, which can be added to your tour booking upon request. The 4-star lodge accommodation is located 10-15 minutes from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. For more information on rates please follow the link.
This 3-day Southern Sabi Sands Safari package is also available in longer versions:
We also offer similar, yet cheaper lodge safaris to Northern Sabi Sands:
For more information please contact African Budget Safaris
This tour does take children.
Lodge A: Children from 6 years and older are welcome at the Lodge
Lodge B: Children from 8 years and older are welcom at the Lodge
The minimum age on all bush walks is 16 years old.
All Johannesburg Departures | All Sabi Sands Game Reserve Tours | All Lodge Safari trips
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