Our Top Guide to Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands, a private game reserve, boasts a 50-kilometre (31-mile) open boundary with the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa, offering an unparalleled Big 5 game viewing experience. It stands as one of the premier safari destinations in the nation. Here, the myriad animals of the Greater Kruger roam freely as they have for ages, providing wildlife enthusiasts with extraordinary encounters and stunning photographic opportunities.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a true ‘Garden of Eden’, shines as a dazzling gem in Kruger’s illustrious setting. This pristine South African haven is a hotspot of biodiversity, hosting over 500 bird species and nearly 150 mammal species. With its mild climate, direct access from Johannesburg, and a vast array of luxurious ‘Safari chic’ lodgings, it’s no wonder that Sabi Sands is a magnet for both novices and seasoned safari aficionados. Perfect for newcomers due to its straightforward game spotting, comfortable climate, short travel distances, and smooth logistics, Sabi Sands also offers veterans the chance to witness the triumphant restoration of a once wildlife-depleted landscape to its former glory.

The reserves are renowned for their exceptional night drives, offering glimpses of elusive nocturnal creatures like bushbabies, genets, civets, and sometimes even the enigmatic aardvark. Selective off-road driving is another highlight.

Sabi Sands is a unique sanctuary where wildlife roams freely across its borders, yet it maintains an exclusive experience with limited visitor access, ensuring unparalleled game viewing in a serene environment. Its popularity is evident, as prime lodges are often booked months ahead during peak season.

As seasoned Africa Safari Experts since 1998, we have crafted countless bespoke journeys to this extraordinary corner of South Africa. Here, we address the most common inquiries regarding a safari adventure in Sabi Sands Game Reserve: While Sabi Sands may seem modest at 65,000 hectares (160,600 acres) compared to the vastness of Africa’s game reserves—Kruger National Park is 30 times its size—it’s the quality of the experience that stands out.

Fringed by the Sabie River to the south, Kruger National Park to the east, and the Manyaleti Game Reserve to the north, Sabi Sands is a jewel in the Lowveld. The meandering Sand River, with its life-giving streams, nourishes the reserve’s diverse wildlife. The landscape is quintessentially South African Lowveld, with ‘koppies’—rocky outcrops—dense thickets with towering trees that leopards favour, and the occasional open savannah where lions and cheetahs are often spotted.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is divided into various sections, each managed by renowned safari operators. Esteemed names such as Singita, Londolozi, Sabi Sabi, and Ulusaba boast multiple lodges within the reserve. Cooperation among some lodges allows for the crossing of boundaries to enhance the viewing of extraordinary wildlife and scenic vistas.

MalaMala stands out as one of the truly private sectors within Sabi Sands, where exclusivity is maintained by restricting access to only MalaMala’s guests. As a visitor, you’ll mostly be sharing the expansive reserve with other discerning safari enthusiasts.

Animals to see at Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Over the past several decades, the area has seen a successful reintroduction of endangered species. Today, the Greater Kruger boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife, with nearly 150 mammal species, including the iconic Big 5: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. Additionally, there are over 500 recorded types of birds and a remarkable 336 species of trees, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. The Southern Ground Hornbill Project has played a pivotal role in the conservation efforts in this area.

The lush vegetation provides a safe haven for a variety of species, such as white rhino, reedbuck, cheetah, eland, sable antelope, nyala, and hyena. The MalaMala area is renowned for its wild dogs, and the Sabi Sands are famous for their frequent leopard sightings – offering a high chance of encountering these majestic creatures during your game drives. In fact, it’s not uncommon to witness all of the Big 5 in a single day within the Sabi Sands, making it a truly remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

 Sabi Sands Safari at the Arathusa Lodge