Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Great viewing, very exclusive and not at all overrun.

Away from the crowds

We took a private game drive in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and it was a highlight of our trip. The off-road access of a ranger-led game drive was exhilarating and we had an incredibly intimate experience sitting in an open land rover just a few feet from a pride of lions as they awakened from their afternoon nap. Being so close to these beautiful animals was a one of the best experiences of my life. We also had great, close-up encounters with elephants and water buffalo. Being in the open air with knowledgeable rangers made the experience that much better.

Amazing, exhilarating and beautiful !

I stayed at Arathusia--our first outing we saw all the big 5 and lots more. We went out in the early morning and late afternoon on game drives. Just roaming around was fun but when we came in contact with wild game it was spectacular. I was able to take close up shots of Lions, Water Buffalo, Giraffe, Leopards, Cheetah, Hyena, Hippo, Rhino, Nyala and plenty of Elephants. We went to a waterhole where the whole family of Elephants were frolicking and the babies were so cute splashing about while the elders kept a watchful eye.

Dream Honeymoon

Ivory Lodge in the Sabi Sands was such an amazing experince. Our villa was gorgeous, the service and food was the best we had in South Africa (we both gained weight as we were constantly fed incredible food all day!) But the absolute highlight were our the two daily game drives. Ourguide Jono was incredible and we saw incredible wildlife on every trip. Male lions, female lions, baby lions, giraffes, rhinos, hippos -- you name it. I would go back in a heart beat and high recommend it to anyone who wants a luxurious and adventurous experience.

Favorite Safari - Food for my Soul

Sabi Sabi has been continually recognized for excellency since the beginnings of the industry. They just know what they do, and they do it superbly well. Food & accommodation is awesome. The choice of various lodges within the reserve makes its incredible game experience accessible to a wide range of different tastes. The rangers are absolute pros, they know the big & small things in the bush, the sightings are well managed (no overcrowding) and the game is just so relaxed in the reserve, its always a privilege to return to Sabi Sabi.

Private invitation to the animals ome

I enjoyed three days in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in February 2009. We stayed at the Idube that treated us with superb breakfast, lunch and dinner and two 3-hour game drives per day. We had seen all the big-5 and a lot more after only three of six drives! We also had a day of rain which led to flooded rivers and some serious of-roading. Very nice guides and trackers with all knowledge you could ask for. Would love to return.

Majestic and Captivating

My wife and I wanted a break from city life, and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve was just what we wanted. The Sabi Sands boasts some amazing wildlife. Africa's big 5 can be found here, lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino. All of which we had the pleasure of viewing on our brief stay. Not to be outdone by the big animals, the bird life is incredible! I've never seen such a variety of bird life in all my travels. Within the first hour we had spotted over 30 species of birds. Amazing.

Visiting the reserve during the African winter month of June was a great idea, as the bush can get incredibly hot during the summer. Going on early morning game drives with a slight chill in the air and then to warm up to t-shirt weather, just wonderful.

The whole experience of the Sabi Sands was fantastic. Accomodation was well beyond what we expected, the variety of wildlife was outstanding.

We look forward to going back next year to experience the wonders of the Sabi Sands again, this time for longer!

It is a very exclusive area where only the people staying at the reserve can enjoy the place, which means there are always few cars around. Besides people are not allowed to drive by their own.

A lifetime experience everyone has to have!

I went to 2 different resorts, Elephant Plains and Nkorho Bush Lodge. I spent a total of 5 days in the Sabi Sands Game reserve. Our group saw the big 5 (leopard, lion, rhino, cape buffalo, and the elephant) in the first 2 days. If you want to see wildlife you will see plenty of it, the list is very long. Our guides (rangers and trackers) were 100% great at both places. The rangers were extremely educated. They could answer any question we had on the animals and plant life. The trackers too were extremely gifted and trained. These guys are professionals. The weather in March was perfect, mid to high 80's everyday. Accommodations and food at both of these resorts were perfect, zero complaints. The scenery was very nice, the African bush is just beautiful. I'll also add that these safaris are extremely safe. We would pull right up to lions and they'd care less. Never once for a second felt unsafe.
As for highlights, my god its impossible to just select one. One of my favorite moments was when our group came around a bend, and "Bam" there were 7 huge giraffes standing there eating. These animals are just amazing, huge, and beautiful. Another moment I will never forget is when we stopped right next to a herd of elephants. They were basically 10 feet away, walked right next to us towards a watering hole, and they all drank water and put on a show for us. I have 19 gigs of video from my safaris and will never forget one moment of them. I will be going back to Africa again. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is just loaded with wildlife and I have nothing negative whatsoever to say about it. Its a beautiful part of this world full of the most beautiful animals and plant life you will ever see. Its a must go.

Heavenly luxury in the wild

We stayed at arathusa lodge which was made up of several small bungalows around a lake where animals came to drink. The rooms were stunning and being able to see wildlife over breakfast was fantastic! The rangers were terrific and we saw all of the big 5 close up. Not too many other tourists around either, just miles of open land full of prowling or sleeping beasts! Game drives were twice a day and followed by huge meals served by the lake - the whole experience was outstanding, highly recommended and we will definitely go back!