Sabi Sands

Sabi Sands

Game Reserve

Sabi Sands is a private game reserve located in Mpumalanga Province South Africa. It is renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings and luxurious safari experiences. The reserve shares an unfenced border with the famous Kruger Park, allowing animals to roam freely between the two areas.

Page down to the bottom for accommodation options

How many hectares is Sabi Sands Game Reserve?

Sabi Sands covers an area of about 65,000 hectares (160,620 acres) and is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo). The reserve is particularly famous for its regular leopard sightings, as it has a high density of these elusive cats. For a comprehensive mammal list click here

Sabi Sands Game Reserve Birding

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a birding paradise. There will be plenty of photographic opportunities to photograph the small LBJs to the raptors who rule the sky. For a comprehensive list of birds click Here

Sabi Sands Game Reserve accommodation

Sabi Sands Game Reserve lodges offer exclusive and intimate safari experiences, with luxurious accommodations and personalized service. Visitors can participate in guided game drives and bush walks led by experienced rangers and trackers, who have extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and their behavior. Sabi Sands Game Reserve safari lodges offer some of the best wildlife safari experiences in the Kruger National Park. For all your bookings and assistance in planning your safari, send an email to Anthony at bookings@destinationafrica.net.

See below for a few safari lodge options.

Best time to visit Sabi Sands Game Reserve?

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is in a summer rainfall area. See below how the different seasons and months turn out.

THE WET SEASON

It can be uncomfortably hot and humid in summer. Peak temperatures frequently reach well over 40°C/104°F, although average daytime temperatures reach 32°C/90°F with high humidity. It seldom rains all day, but the pattern is afternoon thundershowers.

• October & November – It gets warmer and starts to rain more often, mostly in the afternoon. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 31°C/88°F in the afternoon. The evenings can still be cool.
• December, January & February – These are the wettest and hottest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon and high humidity. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 32°C/90°F but can soar up to 40°C/104°F.
• March & April – Rainfall decreases, and it slowly gets cooler. April has lovely, clear weather and fewer clouds. The nights get a bit chillier but are still pleasant at about 18°C/61°F. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C/64°F and the humidity drops.

THE DRY SEASON

There is virtually no rainfall during the whole of winter, and the humidity is very low. Animals are attracted to permanent water holes as water becomes scarce in the bush. Sightseeing also improves as the leaves fall off during the winter months and the bush is not so dense.

• May – This is a transitional month and marks the end of summer. Temperatures are cooling down to typically 12°C/54°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
• June, July & August – Morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, so it’s recommended to pack warm winter clothing. The average morning temperature is 10°C/50°F.but can drop to as low as 2°C/35°F.,  Afternoons will be pleasant with temperatures around 26°C/79°F and cloudless skies. Evenings can be cool, so dress appropriately.
• September – The heat gradually builds to about 29°C/84°F in the afternoon, and the first rains bring relief from very dry conditions. Mornings are less cold with temperatures around 14°C/57°F.

The wet and dry season is your choice, but plan to return in a different season to enjoy the true magnificence of Sabi Sands. September to November is also a great time to visit Sabi Sands as many animals give birth during this month.

Who owns Sabi Sands Game Reserve?

Sabi Sands is a collection of 19 farms officially called Sabi Wildtuin. Many of the farm owners decided in 1934 to form the Sabi Private Game Reserve, It was only in 1965 that the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve was proclaimed a private nature reserve. Some of the farms have been subdivided over the years but they are all privately owned. The owners of the farms appointed a management company to manage the reserve, maintain fences, and perform anti-poaching duties. This is funded in part by the owners and part in by an entrance fee for every guest visiting the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve photography

Sabi Sands Game Reserve has a high density of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fauna, and flora. This provides ample photographic opportunities. Your experienced guide and tracker will assist in finding creatures that make Sabi Sands their home. If you would like to go on a Photographic Safari with a highly qualified photographic guide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Anthony at bookings@destinationafrica.net for more information.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve walking safaris

All the lodges in Sabi Sands offer daily walking safaris. These walks normally take place after your morning breakfast. Your guide will take you out and look for the smaller creatures that walk around the reserve. The walk also gives you a great opportunity to have a closer look at the fauna, and flora.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve safaris

Each lodge has 2 safaris per day. You wake up before the sun rises, have a cup of coffee, and then off you go to watch the sun rising over the African bushveld. During your morning drive you will stop for a coffee break. Your morning safari drive lasts about 3 hours. After breakfast, you can either rest, relax around the pool, or go on a safari walk. Lunch is served at about midday, then the afternoon drive goes out at about 3 pm or 4 pm in summer. You stop for sundowners and return to the camp just after dark.

Sabi Sands Safari Lodge accommodation options

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

No. of suites: 11

8 double luxury suits – 2 family suites – 1 honeymoon suite

Rates: from R5500 to R8000 per person sharing all-inclusive

No special RSA Residence Rates are available.

3-day or longer package deals are available.

For more information on Elephant Plains Game Lodge click here

Silvan Safari Lodge

No. of suites: 6

5 double luxury suits – 1 family suite

Rates: from R29 625 per person sharing all-inclusive.

No special SA Residence Rates are available.

3-day or longer package deals are available.

For more information on Silvan Safari Lodge click here

Singita Ebony Lodge

No. of suites: 16

13 double luxury suits – 2 family suites – 1 villa

Rates: from R42 000 per person sharing all-inclusive

No special SA Residence Rates are available.

3-day or longer package deals are available.

For more information on Singita Ebony Lodge click here

Singita Castleton

No. of suites: 6

6 doubles en suite – luxury old homestead farmhouse

Rates: from R345 000 per day all-inclusive, and selected drinks for the whole house

No special SA Residence Rates are available.

3-day or longer package deals are available on request

For more information on Singita Castleton click here

Singita Boulders Lodge

No. of suites: 12

5 doubles en suite – 2 family suites

Rates: from R42 000 per person per day all-inclusive, and selected drinks

No special SA Residence Rates are available.

3-day or longer package deals are available on request

For more information on Singita Castleton click here

Idube Game Reserve

No. of suites: 11

8 double luxury suits – 3 luxury family suites

Rates: from R9 600 per person sharing all-inclusive

No special SA Residence Rates are available.

3-day or longer package deals are available.

For more information on Idube Game Reserve click here

The combination of the untamed wilderness, excellent game viewing opportunities, and luxurious accommodations make Sabi Sands a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and safari lovers from around the world. It offers a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the beauty of African wildlife in its natural habitat.

For all your inquiries and further information about Sabi Sands Game Reserve email Anthony at bookings@destinationafrica.net or info@hoedspruitonline.co.za