Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

A lifetime experience everyone has to have!

I went to 2 different resorts, Elephant Plains and Nkorho Bush Lodge. I spent a total of 5 days in the Sabi Sands Game reserve. Our group saw the big 5 (leopard, lion, rhino, cape buffalo, and the elephant) in the first 2 days. If you want to see wildlife you will see plenty of it, the list is very long. Our guides (rangers and trackers) were 100% great at both places. The rangers were extremely educated. They could answer any question we had on the animals and plant life. The trackers too were extremely gifted and trained. These guys are professionals. The weather in March was perfect, mid to high 80's everyday. Accommodations and food at both of these resorts were perfect, zero complaints. The scenery was very nice, the African bush is just beautiful. I'll also add that these safaris are extremely safe. We would pull right up to lions and they'd care less. Never once for a second felt unsafe.
As for highlights, my god its impossible to just select one. One of my favorite moments was when our group came around a bend, and "Bam" there were 7 huge giraffes standing there eating. These animals are just amazing, huge, and beautiful. Another moment I will never forget is when we stopped right next to a herd of elephants. They were basically 10 feet away, walked right next to us towards a watering hole, and they all drank water and put on a show for us. I have 19 gigs of video from my safaris and will never forget one moment of them. I will be going back to Africa again. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is just loaded with wildlife and I have nothing negative whatsoever to say about it. Its a beautiful part of this world full of the most beautiful animals and plant life you will ever see. Its a must go.

Heavenly luxury in the wild

We stayed at arathusa lodge which was made up of several small bungalows around a lake where animals came to drink. The rooms were stunning and being able to see wildlife over breakfast was fantastic! The rangers were terrific and we saw all of the big 5 close up. Not too many other tourists around either, just miles of open land full of prowling or sleeping beasts! Game drives were twice a day and followed by huge meals served by the lake - the whole experience was outstanding, highly recommended and we will definitely go back!

Spectacular but comfy adventure in the bush

I spent 3 days in the Bush with Sabi sands. Arrival in "bush taxi plane" was spectacular, and immediately I could spot my first lion. Guides were helpful and attentive, reserve had a very family atmosphere and food was great. And of course the wildlife was amazing, I could spot 4 out of the big 5 and come very close to lions and elephants. Great experience, I would highly recommend it!

You can see a lot of great game and predators in a short time

Lesser sightings than at Phinda. Main highlights were leopard and lion cubs and cubs suckling mother lioness.

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.

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.

In Sabi Sand Game Reserve, you really do get what you pay for!

During our trip to Kruger National Park, we felt that it would only do the trip justice if we spent a few nights in Sabi Sand Game Reserve before heading back. We had read about the differences between the two and were quite certain we would be short changing ourselves if we didn't pay a visit to Sabi Sand. We stayed in Umkumbe Lodge which is one of the smaller lodges in Sabi Sand. That being said, Umkumbe brought along with it a wonder crew ranging from the chef to the tour guides. There was alot of personal attention and you could see and feel the extra mile they go to making sure your stay is as comfortable as can be. We were a family of vegetarians and they made it a point to make special meals for us and they were honestly some of the best meals we had on the trip. The game drives were alot of fun, the guides were very knowledgeable and the coordination of the drives was great. The highlight was spotting the rhinos and it helped us complete our list of the big 5 (of which we had seen the other 4 in Kruger). I would recommend Sabi Sand for anyone who has the ability to pocket the price you would be paying for it, but once that staged is past, be prepared to have a thrilling, luxurious and very pleasant time in Sabi Sand.