Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

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.

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!

Great game viewing, great lodges. Wild Dogs.

Wildlife extravaganza at Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Having started our South African Holiday with a Great White Shark cage diving trip, followed by Whale watching from our hotel balcony in Hermanus, our four days at Sabi Sands Game reserve had a lot to live up to.
We need not have worried, from the moment that we were picked up at Hoedspruit airport by a very friendly courier, everything exceeded our expectations.
A quite long, dusty journey was frequently interspersed with sightings of various animals expertly spotted by the driver who slowed down when he could to give us the best possible sighting
Our Journey also took us through many villages, which given that we were heading for a four day stay in beautiful accommodation was a humbling experience.
Despite the poverty there were smiling faces everywhere, and washing lines full of beautifully clean coloured clothing which formed an almost rainbow like illumination against the sandy earth and concrete block dwellings.
On arrival at Sabi Sands we were given a warm welcome with refreshments and hot wet flannels to freshen our faces, this became the norm for all returns from the bush.
Our lodge was situated in a beautiful position overlooking the large Water hole/lake and already Hippopotamus were in full view from our verandah,
However we had little time to settle at that time as we were given the opportunity to head straight out on our first safari within the hour!
The guests were divided into three groups and and each group had its own Ranger and Tracker, Our guide was Ryan and his tracker was De'beer. Over the next four days their knowledge, humour, and patience made for one of the most stunning experiences of our lives.
We had incredibly close views of Rhino, Elephant, Water Buffalo, Giraffe, and various other animals, but the highlight for me was the opportunity to view close up at least four different Leopard which seemed totally at ease in the presence of the land rover, however Ryan made it very clear that the animal must be given total respect with no sudden movement or noise, and keeping firmly in our seats. despite this i managed some stunning photographs which i will treasure forever.
The only animal of the " Big Five" we didn't see was the Lions. this was unusual but apparently the pride had moved across the boundary into another reserve and Etiquette deemed that it was not correct to encroach onto another reserve.
This was no problem to me, but there were murmuring of discontent from others, but hey, you're on safari, Wild animals don't turn up to order,
All meals were eaten communally on the decking overlooking the lake, apart from a barbecue which was cooked for us out in the bush one evening and was a wonderful surprise , We ate beside a roaring fire with traditional African singing competing with the calls of the Hyenas and owls (absolutely magical) The standard of food was excellent throughout the whole stay.
All in all i would recommend Sabi sands game reserve to anyone looking for a first experience of African safari. I'm sure there are more rugged and wild Safari experiences, but if you want excellent accommodation and food, coupled with a truly memorable Wildlife experience provided by funny but very knowledgable guides, who have the animals welfare at heart first and foremost, then this could be the safari destination for you.

Sabi Sands is a hidden door to the Africa of my dreams.

South Africa's climate and landscape was strikingly similar to that of my home US state of Oregon (i.e., rainy, lowland, rainforest coast separated by mountains from a high, dry arid, semi-desert plateau. It was also similar in terms of land use and economy (farming, ranching, forestry). But where we would have elk roaming the fields, South Africans have rhinocerouses!
Before I left Oregon, people who had been to Kenya and Tanzania told me I would be disappointed in South Africa because of all the brush: you can't see anything, they declared. To be fair, there might be a point there, in summer, when everything is green and growing, but in September winter is at its end; the bush is dry, the animals are hungry for fresh growth, and the grass and brush has been nibbled and gnawed to bare twigs. I loved the bushveldt! It has a feeling a mystery and awe, a sense of closeness, and it evokes powerful feelings especially at sunset, when the heat and dust of the day filter the sunlight.

I selected Tydon African Safaris, a small, family-operated safari business that offers extremely good value for a more than fair price. Although I'd signed on for a shared safari vehicle, in nearly every game drive I shared the vehicle with no more than two companions and a driver. We had fabulous rides, plentiful sightings of game, and very knowledgeable guides.
I took a walking safari and learned a tremendous amount about bushveldt ecology which happens to dovetail nicely with aspects of my professional work. A walk in the African bush is in someways better than riding around looking for animals; the difference is, on a bush walk, you are mostly interested in learning about the poop that all of the animals leave around. It's all part of the ecology!

September is a good time to travel to South Africa and Kruger NP region if you want to avoid malaria. Most of South Africa is out of the malaria zone, but KwaZulu-Natal Province, and Mpumalanga Province (Kruger-Sabi Sands) are in the malaria zone. Mosquitoes become active as soon as the rains begin. That's what I learned from the locals.