Sabi Sands Game Reserve Safaris
Sabi Sand has both fantastic game viewing and an unparalleled level of luxury accommodation. It is an exceptional destination for a Big Five safari.
When to go to Sabi Sand Reserves
Best Time to Go
Exclusive private reserves
Renowned for its leopard sightings
Spectacular game viewing
Some of the most luxurious accommodation in Africa
Kruger’s Most Exclusive Private Reserves
The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve has quite rightly earned its reputation as South Africa’s premier game viewing destination. Nowhere else in Africa can produce sightings of the ‘Big Five’ quite as consistently or as spectacularly. The area has become particularly famous for its brilliant leopard sightings and it is not uncommon to see three or four of these beautiful cats over the course of a single day. Perhaps the most special thing about these sightings, though, is how completely unfazed most of the animals seem to be here. The professionalism of the guides has ensured that they do not feel threatened by the vehicles at all and they will often pass by within a few feet.
Sabi Sands Trips
Activities & Wildlife
Visit the Sabi Sand Reserves to experience one of South Africa’s best destinations for wildlife viewing.
See the Big Five
Game drives
Walking safaris
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The Sabi Sand is an exceptional destination for a Big Five safari, without any doubt one of the best on the entire continent. It is particularly famous for its leopard sightings. These are the most elusive of all the cats and the most difficult of the Big Five to find. In many game parks, visitors return with only sightings of footprints or an old kill left in a tree. However, in Sabi Sand leopard have become accustomed to vehicles and will allow you great viewing. Both the quantity of leopards in the park and the quality of the game viewing almost guarantee a sighting – indeed, many visitors have multiple leopard encounters.
Join an expert guide and tracker for game drives in the Sabi Sands, and experience the stunning landscapes and exciting sightings. Game drives take place in the morning and afternoon while night drives are available at certain camps.
Embark on guided walking safaris in Sabi Sands to track spoor, learn about local flora and fauna, and enjoy a different perspective of this fascinating ecosystem.
With arguably the best Big Five game viewing in Africa, the Sabi Sands combines exceptional guiding, expert trackers, and outstanding hospitality. Having worked as a guide there for over seven years, I’ve seen first hand how extraordinary the wildlife encounters can be. Leopards may wander past your vehicle, herds of relaxed elephants can surround you, and the animals, accustomed to vehicles for over a century, allow for natural behavior to be observed at incredibly close range. This is the true luxury behind the Sabi Sands.Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.Good to Know
01.Where is Sabi Sands Game Reserve?
Sabi Sand is located on Kruger’s south-western border and shares a 31 mile-long unfenced boundary with the park, enabling game to move freely between the two areas. With both the Sand and Sabie rivers flowing through the reserve, there is plenty of sustenance to ensure good game viewing all year round.
02.Where is the best place to stay in Sabi Sands?
Choosing where to stay in Sabi Sand is key. In our experience, the best game areas are those bordering the main Kruger Park, due to the movement of game between the two regions. We have also found that the reserves on the rivers, particularly Sand River, have much better concentrations of game.
03.When is the best time to travel to Sabi Sand Reserves?
Sabi Sand is a year-round destination. The best season for game viewing is winter, July to mid-Octoberwhen it’s dry and cool with little rainfall, making game drives more comfortable and game easier to spot due to less foliage.
November to March is the rainy season, with higher temperatures and sometimes dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. This is a popular season for bird enthusiasts and is also good for game, as its calving season for most animal species. Whale the rains create stunning green scenery, the denser foliage does make game viewing slightly more difficult.
04.What are the best accommodation options?
Lodges in the Sabi Sand Reserves offer unparalleled levels of luxury, and while they may come with a higher price tag, the quality of service and hospitality comfortably match the rest of the experience on offer. With so many fantastic lodges in one place, it can be difficult to choose where to stay! We recommend focusing your choice around the rivers. The mighty Sabie and the gentle Sand Rivers, which give the reserve its name pull in huge amounts of game, especially during the dry season.
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