Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Same as above , same area. Same facilities

Raveged by drought

I booked a Sabi Camp for my photography tour I was leading, as I had heard Sabi Sands was the best place in the Kruger area. I bet it is when not ravaged by drought. There was very little to eat for the grazing animals so many had left, the predators were doing well off animals dying from drought. Our camp was only permitted in a small portion of Sabi Sands and I'm guessing there were better areas in the reserve. Although we had some great sightings my photo tour guests and I, chose to spend extra time in Kruger where the Sabi River was still flowing. I will return to Sabi Sands and hopefully next time it will live up to it's great reputation.

Fantastic

The best experience ever. We were lucky enough to see a lot and found our rangers and tracker very competent

Sabi Sands Is Everything You Want For A Honeymoon Safari

My husband and I decided to take a six day trip to Sabi Sands Game Reserve for our honeymoon. We stayed at andBeyond Exeter River Lodge. It's one of the many five-star lodges that share Sabi Sands Game Reserve. First, the reserve and Kruger National Park do not share a fence. Therefore, all the animals migrate from Kruger to Sabi Sands and back. This allows for some amazing viewing. We saw all the big five, more than one. Yes, Lions, Leopards (even leopard cubs!), African Buffalo, Elephants, and Rhinos. Because we were on a private reserve, we did not have to deal with traffic from normal cars. We took two drives everyday, once in the early morning and one in the afternoon to sunset. All he drives are conducted in open large green jeeps with a professional tracker and a knowledgeable ranger. They share information on the location of animals with all the rangers so no matter where you are, you can see the animal you came to see!

What I also loved, is that the animals are very use to the green jeeps. Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Wildebeest, Buffalo, they will all come very close to the jeep. That gives for an amazingly spiritual experience and if you are a photographer, great photos. You can even take private drives. The Bush itself if beautiful. You rarely see another jeep unless on the main road and you can enjoy the silence of nature. The rangers and trackers know exactly where to place the jeep for optimal viewing.

The animals! What can I say about the animals. They are beautiful. People often come to see the "Big Five" but end up falling in love with all the animals in the Bush. There were a few bird watchers on the safari and they also saw tons of birds. Especially migration birds. I even saw an owl! The rangers also made sure to conduct all business in a way that was not harmful to the animals. Their love for nature was clear. It made me confident I was "doing no harm" to the best of our ability!

The particular place we stayed at andBeyond Exeter River Lodge was a dream come true. We had a personal butler, Positive, who made us feel like family. Our Ranger, Mark, and Tracker, Chris, were true professionals. Knowledgeable in every way. Because our lodge did not have a fence, I often spent lunch and breakfast watching herd of elephants drink water from the river in front of us and antelope play. We had a few run ins with monkeys, but they were even a joy! In our room, we had a private plunge pool and I spent hours watching birds, drinking gin and tonics, and looking at the wildlife in front of me. It was an absolutely wonderful experience that I feel could not be replicated anywhere else.

Arid bush landscape with good mammal sightings

The wildlife in Sabi Sands was great with good views of several leopards and lions, many elephants, spotted hyena and white rhino and even a couple of black rhino during our two night stay. Highlight was a pack of wild dogs that had just killed an impala and watching a group of spotted hyena at their den. A nice black mamba showed well besides the car on one of our game drives and the bird life around the lodge (Nkorho Bush Lodge) was very good. Just in the bush there were fewer birds than expected.
The lodge itself was very nicely situated with very comfortable rooms and very friendly guides and staff. The game drives were well organized and the guides knew their wildlife well. The guides also always put the wildlife first which was very positive, but still did all they could to allow for good close sightings and for taking photographs without causing the animals any disturbance.
The weather was a mix of sun, cloud and some rain but the temperatures remained mild.
The cars during the drive could seat 10 people, but we were never more than 7 which was very comfortable. It did rain a couple of times, and it was a little disappointing that the cars did not have a roof. We were nevertheless supplied with rain protection, but with heavy rain it was necessary to return to the lodge.
During both morning and evening drives it was relatively cold, mainly due to the strong wind. Both a Jumper and jacket were usually necessary, at least for me.
Food was OK although that would not be a reason to return. Everything else would be a reason to return though.

Cheetah Plains in Sabi Sands is a must do. Incredible Wildflie, Impeccable Service, 5-star!

We spent 4 days at Cheetah Plains and it was the most incredible experience I've ever had. I'm a seasoned traveler and have stayed at 5-star resorts before but the luxury suites, the staff and the impeccable service (attention to detail was out of this world!), the delicious meals, the setting situated by two watering holes for wildlife watching all day long, and the knowledgeable guides putting us on thousands of animals within seconds, made it a truly amazing experience.

The meals served indoors and out were spectacular. What better way to eat than outdoors with a fire under tea lights in the trees watching elephants at the watering hole while enjoying delicious and beautifully decorated dishes.

The wildlife viewing with seeing the big five on the first game drive followed by 11 separate lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, monkeys, hippos, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and so on was amazing. We expected to have minutes between seeing animals and to be far away but instead, we were within feet and less than 5 minutes apart. Absolutely stunning. Plus the two watering holes at the resort granted all day wildlife viewing as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, deer, and others came down to enjoy a drink/dip.

The entire experience far exceeded our expectations and we will definitely return to Cheetah Plains and Sabi Sands.

This was more of a canned experience with the rangers knowing exactly where to take you. For that type of experience however, it was exceptional.

Being close to Kruger Park, this is the best experience you can have.

Very big chance to meet the big five. Only guided tours possible, but in the middle of the bush. Top service and luxurious accommodation. Absolutely unforgettable experience.
Nowhere you get closer to wild animals and specially predators. Highly trained ranchers and trackers.

Leopards Galore and Sabi Sand Magic

Being a first time visitor to South Africa, I allowed my travel agent to make the decision on the Reserve and Accommodations for me. I told him I wanted to see lots of Big Cats (my favorite) in an exclusive environment, and I wanted a rustic luxury in my lodging while still feeling immersed in the bush. He recommended Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Simbambili Game Lodge, and they fit the bill in every aspect.

Simbambili was beyond welcoming and accommodating from the start. As an example, we arrived slightly late to the lodge and feared we might miss our first evening game drive. Our host immediately insisted that check-in procedures could wait, handing us refreshing towels and a gourmet packed lunch to take with us in the safari vehicle. Our ranger and tracker kindly introduced themselves and helped us aboard... within 20 minutes of our arrival to the lodge, we were in the bush and had already spotted our first leopard - amazing!

In fact, we saw a total of 6 different leopards during our 3-day/6 game drive safari. I asked for Big Cats and the Sabi Sand absolutely delivered. It didn't take long to realize that this area of South Africa is renowned for their leopard sightings. We didn't see any kills but we tracked alongside a stalking leopard twice on our trip, once at night and once in the morning. It was absolutely incredible to see these hunters in their natural element, and being winter, they were so much more visible without the lush vegetation.

Other wildlife included the rest of the Big 5, although the lions made it very difficult for us. Isn't that half the fun, though? We spotted 3 or 4 very shy rhinos, lazy hippos, tons of impala, wildebeest, bush buck, kudu, zebra, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, and many species of birds if you're a birder.

Wildlife highlights included seeing two giraffe wildly swinging their necks at each other - our ranger informed us that the taller elder giraffe was teaching the younger how to defend themselves, although it sure seemed to get heated! Also, their is an old resident cape buffalo on the premises that was literally standing on the doorstep to our villa one night after dinner! The porter had to shoo him into the bush with some loud noises. We chased wild dogs each day we were there, but they were elusive and we were never able to track them down. Again, the thrill of the hunt was fantastic! The guided bush walk was also a nervous thrill. Aside from the leopards, the elephant species around Sabi Sand were my absolute favorite. We got up close with baby bulls, as well as the house-size older bulls - at one point I felt I could almost reach out and touch one's trunk as he picked away at an acacia tree.

As far as the ranger and tracker go, they were also top notch. You could tell our tracker had such an intense connection with the bush, he would often wander off on his own with nothing but his radio and a slingshot. He was incredibly kind and patient, and a wonderful companion during morning coffee break and with sundowners. Our ranger was also very knowledgable, engaging us often with stories from the bush and history about the area and the inhabitants. He really made the game drives such a thrill, but also a learning experience. He was also an amazing photographer, divulging tips and tricks to get great safari photographs!

The lodge itself was perfect for me. Simbambili has a beautiful view of a watering hole from the main dining area and deck that was frequented by warthogs and kudu. I was told you could also see leopards visit, and in fact after we left, one leopard gave birth to her cubs directly underneath Simbambili's deck! To feel so close to the wildlife while still being surrounded by luxury was a great experience. It's rustic and modern and very much apart of the bush. While we were there in winter, the riverbed was dry, but I can imagine it being very relaxing to hear the river rush by below the sitting area.

The villas themselves were very similar to the main lodge area I described - rustic, modern, luxurious but still apart of the bush environment. Comfortable beds, nice amenities and touches, and huge patios completely with loungers, a daybed, and a private plunge pool with a view of the riverbed below. The doors open fully to the bathroom, really brining the the outside in.

As for the food... If you're a fan of breakfast, that was my favorite meal at Simbambili, but all the food is amazing - fresh, regional, healthy, and sustainable. The french press coffee was fantastic, the alcohol selection very well curated. They will surprise you with the locations of certain meals, ranging from the boma to the bush to the riverbed. Dining was an experience all on its own.

We traveled in late July, so it was technically winter but that came with many advantages. The brush was low and sparse and really helped our visibility with the wildlife. Although the early morning drives could be cold, Simbambili provided blankets and hot water bottles to keep us warm until the sun rose higher in the sky. Once the sun was up for a half hour or so, it warmed up very quickly and remained perfect throughout the day and into the evening. I thought the weather was wonderful. Incredible clear skies for star-gazing as well!

All in all, Simbambili checked all of my boxes - wonderful wildlife sightings with incredible leopard encounters, modern luxury that remained connected with the surroundings, and excellent food and dining. I recommend you do at least 6 drives - I only wish we would have stayed longer!