Top 10 Best Sabi Sands Lodges & Camps

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares a 50km unfenced border with Kruger National Park. This Big Five private reserve is actually made up of a mosaic of smaller reserves, each with its own luxury lodges. All these accommodations offer similar packages inclusive of gourmet meals and activities. Twice daily, your expert guide will take you close to all the safari favorites in a sturdy open-topped vehicle. All of the Big Five are easily seen, but Sabi Sands is mostly known for its incredible leopard sightings.

There are no bad or even mediocre camps in Sabi Sands. The standard is very high throughout and you won’t be disappointed, wherever you stay. However, if you’re looking for some pointers, here are some of the most popular and top-rated Sabi Sands lodges.

&Beyond Kirkman’s Camp

&Beyond Kirkman’s Camp Room

Kirkman’s Camp, from the prestigious &Beyond group, is without a doubt one of the best Sabi Sands lodges. The historic lodge, an original homestead from the 1920s, exudes the warm hospitality and charm of a bygone era. Each of the 12 cottages offers magnificent views over the Sand River, the lifeline of the reserve. The innovative WILDchild program, designed especially for children, makes this lodge a very attractive option for families.

&Beyond Kirkman’s Camp Tours

Dulini

Dulini Suite with private plunge pool

Another special place to stay in Sabi Sands is Dulini. The lodge is located in the shade of ancient trees on the bank of a dry riverbed, a natural passage for wildlife. Six elegant suites, each with private plunge pools, seamlessly blend into the environment. An impressive wine cellar, a fully equipped gym and a lavish wellness center are just some of the facilities available at this haven of laidback luxury.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Lion Sands River Lodge Room

Lion Sands River Lodge has a prime location on the bank of the Sabie River, which separates Sabi Sands from the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The lodge embraces modern sophistication while perfectly fitting into a raw bush environment. There are several tiers of accommodations, but top of the pick are the river suites where the open design creates a seamless flow between inside and out.

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Elephant Plains Game Lodge Buffalo Suite

The owner-run Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers an unpretentious homely stay to a maximum of 24 guests. This is one of the more affordable options in Sabi Sands. The action-packed game drives are similar to what you get when staying in any of the other top Sabi Sands lodges, but the accommodation, although luxurious, is more down to earth. Dinner is usually served around an open fire in the boma (traditional enclosure), the perfect place to share your day’s highlights with other visitors.

Elephant Plains Game Lodge Tours

Singita Ebony Lodge

Singita Ebony Lodge Room

Ebony Lodge is located in the largest private property in Sabi Sands. The guiding is superb and always tailored to your preferences. However opulent the lodge, in Singita, the emphasis always remains on the bush experience. Guests are accommodated in 12 private suites featuring some details reminiscent of the adventurous camps of early explorers. Also worth mentioning are the private plunge pools – the perfect place to cool down in the heat of the day.

Varty Camp

Londolozi Varty Camp Room

The brochure reads: “The campfire has burned at Varty Camp for almost 100 years”. It’s very true, Varty Camp is the heart and soul of Londolozi, one of the pioneering private game reserves in South Africa. The modern family-run lodge has been completely rebuilt on the same spot that the original camp occupied. Although one of the top luxury lodges of Sabi Sands, there is nothing stuffy about Varty Camp. Expect to come as a visitor and leave as a friend. Children are very welcome too.

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp Room

Overlooking a dry riverbed functioning as a wildlife passage, Sabi Sabi Selati Camp offers a very exclusive experience. Guests are accommodated in seven luxurious suites each featuring a romantic indoor bathroom as well as an alfresco shower. The vintage décor is themed around the turn-of-the-century safari scene. Care is taken to make every dinner a special occasion. World-class cuisine is served around a fire in the boma, on a deck overlooking the riverbed or in the cozy farmhouse kitchen.

Notten’s Bush Camp

Notten's Bush Camp Room

Notten’s Bush Camp is a value-for-money, family-run lodge offering a very authentic bush experience. Guests are accommodated in nine large air-conditioned suites with private decks. The large summer house and swimming pool are the main social areas and hearty meals are served around a communal table by the campfire. Light is provided by paraffin lamps and candles only – a romantic touch and the perfect spot for stargazing.

Notten's Bush Camp Tours

Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Ulusaba Safari Lodge Safari Room

Located in Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in a hilly area of Sabi Sands, Ulusaba Safari Lodge features 10 units along the bank of a dry riverbed. Several swing bridges connect the tree-house-style rooms. A great feature of this lodge is the stilted viewing deck overlooking a dam; a perfect place to hang out in the heat of the day when elephants regularly come to bath.

Dulini Leadwood

Dulini Leadwood Camp Room

Of all the Sabi Sands camps, Dulini Leadwood is the lodge of choice for those seeking a safari experience with total exclusivity and lavish luxury. Four stylish suites are tucked away along the confluence of two rivers. This idyllic hideaway is perfect for honeymoon couples as well as families or small groups wanting to book the whole lodge.