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Write a User ReviewThe best game reserve experience I've ever had!
Within 24 hours we had seen the big 5 and within 48 hours we had seen the big 7 including a wild dog kill. What more could you ask for?
The accomodation was absolutely stunning with an outdoor shower and a huge dining area that looked out over the water hole.
Each game drive consisted of coffee & rusks in the morning and G&T's in the evening as we watched the beautiful African sunset go down.
The wildlife was absolutely incredible with new things to see around every bend. Being able to see these wild animals up close, in their natural habitat was a once in a life experience that cannot compare to anything else. The beauty of Sabi Sands is that it's a huge area that enables the animals to cross over from other parks, but it isn't crowded at all. In our total time there (one week) we probably only saw two or three other tourists.
I cannot recommend Sabi Sands highly enough!
Sabi Sands - An Amazing Experience
Our guide was knowledgable and passionate about wildlife and consideration. He was interested in making sure we all were seeing the kinds of things we were interested in and generally having a great time. Everyone in the truck with us were the lovely people; everyone got along and were respectful of each other.
I have been to Africa three other times. The one things I will say about South Africa and Sabi Sands in general is that it is more focused on driving out, seeing animals, returning to camp, eating. Repeat. I have taken longer
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walking safari trips where we had an opportunity to meet more people who live in the area and see the countryside as well as see the animals. In those instances I got to learn about the history of the country, the geography of the land, the different cultures that lived in the area, and the different wildlife. It was a much more holistic experience.I would recommend stopping in Sabi Sands or similar for an opportunity to get a good look at all the different animals on a short stay, but would also urge anyone with an interest in Africa to take more than 5 days and really experience the country and all it has to offer. As mentioned, I paired four days in Sabi Sands with an Earth Watch volunteer program.
Also note: Sabi Sands is really expensive. It is great because you really get to see the animals in without feeling completely packed into a truck. The lodges are small and everyone is already really nice and helpful. That kind of thing will cost you, so I think it is a personal choice. Many people I know have self driven through Kruger and enjoyed it.
A dream come true; the place I left my heart.
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quickly became like family to us - in fact, it was a teary goodbye for me at the end of our trip. It was as if we had known them for our entire lives. The highlight of our trip was the siting of about 50 elephants who surrounded our safari vehicle, including babies, young elephants, young adults and older females. Two of the females even approached our vehicle to check us out - the one was about a 3 feet away and looking straight into my eyes. Also, one of the local prices of lions (Tsalala Breakaways) were 4 lionesses about 3-4 years old who recently broke away from their mother's price (Tsalala's); we saw these beautiful girls almost everyday. The day we left was bitterswweet - I could finally say that my dream came true but it was heartbreaking to leave such a paradise. I may live in NJ, but I left my heart in Sabi Sands. Until we meet again :)
Nikki
AU
Visited:
September 2010
Reviewed: Jan 27, 2013
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The African bush and wildlife like nature intended.
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facilities were beautiful and comfortable, and the food plentiful. Not a day goes by when I don't think about our time in the African bush.. always dreaming of the day we return.
Lauren
US
Visited:
June 2012
Reviewed: Jan 16, 2013
Email Lauren | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime wildlife experience
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in the best possible way). Incredible food too. My Dad was able to sample a wide variety of traditional South African food, which he loved, and they also had delicious, fresh vegetarian and vegan options for me. Everything about the trip was perfect. I would love to get to go back someday. I felt utterly transformed by the experience of being in the presence of so many incredible wild animals.
Joris
NL
Visited:
November 2012
Reviewed: Jan 2, 2013
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Big 5 in two game drives!
Sabi Sands is a great private park to spend your dollars. The rangers are really good en you can go off road and see all the animals up close! We stayed here for three nights and did 6 game drives. The first 2 game drives we saw the big five! We stayed at Cheetah Plains for 2 nights and 1 night at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.
It is a shame it's nog easy to go from one lodge to another through Sabi Sands. We had to go out via de Gowrie Gate, drive south en go back in via Shaws Gate. That took us 4 hours! Tip: Book your safari experience at one lodge!
Drew C
Visited:
April 2007
Reviewed: Aug 9, 2012
You will never get an experience like this almost anywhere else in the world. Off roading that gets you side by side with the wildlife!
Large variety of birds and animals, pretty scenery, high level of hospitality.
Emiel de Lange
NL
Visited:
April 2010
Reviewed: Apr 5, 2012
Email Emiel de Lange | under20 years of age
Dave
US
Visited:
June 2010
Reviewed: Dec 12, 2011
35-50 years of age
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.