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Sabi Sands Luxury Safari Tours
Africa’s most prestigious tract of safari real estate, the 650km²/251mi² Sabi Sand Nature Reserve was established in 1948 to protect a cluster of 20-odd private farms bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park. The reserve is renowned for its superb wildlife viewing, including all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino). Things have only improved since fences along the 50km/30mi border with Kruger were dropped in 1993, allowing free movement of wildlife between the two areas. Upmarket wildlife lodges offer safari packages that include expertly guided game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles. Sabi Sands is particularly famed for its leopards. They are so relaxed that it isn’t uncommon to see several individuals on one game drive.
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Best Seller
5-Day Kruger Park and Sabi Sands Memorable Safari
$1,936 to $2,143 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Mbombela / Nelspruit (Start), Kruger NP, Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Skukuza (End)
African Family Safaris
5.0/5 – 27 Reviews
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5-Day Exclusive Kruger & Private Game Reserve Experience
$2,520 to $2,765 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryTented Camp & Private Villa
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hazyview (Town), Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Mbombela / Nelspruit (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 227 Reviews
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4-Day Sabi Sand Safari at Umkumbe Bush Lodge
$1,480 to $1,682 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Mbombela / Nelspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Mbombela / Nelspruit (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.8/5 – 233 Reviews
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5-Day Luxury Sabi Sands Safari
$8,028 to $8,744 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Discover Africa Safaris
4.8/5 – 591 Reviews
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![4-Day Sabi Sands Luxury Fly-in Safari]()
4-Day Sabi Sands Luxury Fly-in Safari
$7,175 to $7,930 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Johannesburg (End)
Ranger Buck Safaris
4.9/5 – 72 Reviews
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![10-Day Kruger Private Reserves & Cape Town]()
10-Day Kruger Private Reserves & Cape Town
$5,203 to $5,766 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Cape Town (End)
Safari Online
5.0/5 – 145 Reviews
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4-Day Luxury Sabi Sands Safari & Treehouse Sleep-out
$10,204 to $11,021 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Skukuza (Start), Lion Sands GR (Sabi Sands), Skukuza (End)
Viatu
4.9/5 – 173 Reviews
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![6-Day Luxury Sabi Sands Reserve & Victoria Falls Safari]()
6-Day Luxury Sabi Sands Reserve & Victoria Falls Safari
$3,796 to $5,385 pp (USD)
South Africa & Zimbabwe: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Victoria Falls (End)
Off2Africa Travel
5.0/5 – 237 Reviews
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Best Seller
![5-Day Essential Kruger Safari - Fully Inclusive]()
5-Day Essential Kruger Safari - Fully Inclusive
$3,801 to $4,273 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit Airport (Hoedspruit), Hoedspruit (End)
Pembury Tours
5.0/5 – 537 Reviews
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![9-Day Classic Sabi Sand, Kruger and Cape Town Safari]()
9-Day Classic Sabi Sand, Kruger and Cape Town Safari
$4,776 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Cape Peninsula, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Explore and Travel Africa
5.0/5 – 84 Reviews
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5-Day Sabi Sands Under Canvas Tented Safari
$2,650 to $2,790 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Umkumbe GR (Sabi Sands), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg Airport (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
4.9/5 – 350 Reviews
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3-Day Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Experience
$3,362 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)Luxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 5,258 Reviews
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5-Day Luxury Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Safari
$4,582 to $4,970 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Safari.com
4.8/5 – 310 Reviews
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3-Day Sabi Sand - Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside
$975 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Mbombela / Nelspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Mbombela / Nelspruit (End)
Traipsing Africa's Safaris and Tours
5.0/5 – 129 Reviews
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![7-Day Sabi Sand and Timbavati]()
7-Day Sabi Sand and Timbavati
$7,784 to $9,021 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit (End)
Wandering Thru
5.0/5 – 24 Reviews
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![5-Day Sabi Sands + Kruger Park Combo Safari]()
5-Day Sabi Sands + Kruger Park Combo Safari
$2,896 to $3,258 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Skukuza (End)
African Family Safaris
5.0/5 – 27 Reviews
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![5-Day Fly in Sabi Sabi All Inclusive Safari]()
5-Day Fly in Sabi Sabi All Inclusive Safari
$5,909 to $5,972 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Discover Africa Safaris
4.8/5 – 591 Reviews
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4-Day Sabi Sand Luxury Safari with Chitwa Chitwa
$5,590 to $6,118 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit Airport (Hoedspruit), Hoedspruit (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.8/5 – 233 Reviews
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![6-Day Spectacular Victoria Falls and Sabi Sands Safari]()
6-Day Spectacular Victoria Falls and Sabi Sands Safari
$9,536 to $10,836 pp (USD)
South Africa & Zimbabwe: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Victoria Falls, Johannesburg (End)
Ranger Buck Safaris
4.9/5 – 72 Reviews
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5-Day Experience - Kruger Park & Private Game Reserve
$2,426 to $2,717 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge & Private Villa
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 227 Reviews
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6 Questions About Sabi Sands Luxury Safari Tours
Answered by
Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to South Africa.› More about Philip
6 Questions About Sabi Sands Luxury Safari Tours
Philip Briggs
Why should I choose Sabi Sands for a luxury trip?
“Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is the complete upmarket safari package. A trip to Sabi Sands is highly recommended for first-time safari-goers who value comfort, and who want to see the Big Five with relative ease. It offers some of the world’s best Big Five viewing, and intimate encounters with lion and leopard are something of a specialty. Sabi Sands is also one of the best places to look for daytime carnivores such as cheetah and African wild dog. Night drives might reward safari-goers with sightings of bush babies, genet, civet, honey badger, serval and, occasionally, aardvark. In general, the guides in Sabi Sands are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, while accommodations, cuisine and service at most lodges wouldn’t disgrace a five-star hotel.”
1What is included in a Sabi Sands luxury safari?
“Most lodges and camps in Sabi Sands offer all-inclusive packages. This covers accommodations, which in most cases is four- or five-star quality, all meals, and game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with highly qualified guides and trackers. Many top-end lodges also include laundry and a wide range of drinks, such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, local beer and house wine. This isn’t always the case though, as there can be variations between safari packages and operators regarding specific inclusions. We encourage you to check in advance of your trip. Rack rates in Sabi Sands don’t include transportation to the lodge. However, this will usually be included in any package price quoted by a tour operator. One thing that won’t be included is tips. These can really add up on a Sabi Sands luxury safari, so do your research before leaving home and bring along plenty of small notes.”
2How long do I need in Sabi Sands?
“A typical luxury safari in Sabi Sands is 3 nights in duration. This allows for six game drives, and you can be reasonably confident of seeing most or all the Big Five. This tour length ensures that the daily routine does not start to become repetitive. Keen wildlife enthusiasts and photographers might want to spend a full week in Sabi Sands, perhaps dividing their time between two lodges. Budget-conscious travelers could spend a few days on a self-drive safari in Kruger before capping their holiday with 1 or 2 nights in Sabi Sands. ”
3How does a typical day on a luxury safari in Sabi Sands unfold?
“On a typical day, you will be woken with a pot of tea or coffee about an hour before sunrise. Then, you will head out on an early morning game drive, usually returning to the lodge midmorning for brunch or a late breakfast. An extended lunch break allows you time for a nap, or a visit to the gift shop, swimming pool or spa, assuming your lodge has one. A light afternoon tea is followed by an evening game drive. This comes with a stop for sundowner drinks, before turning into a night drive, using a spotlight to pick out wildlife active at night. Then it’s back to the lodge for a three-course bush dinner and a not-too-late night in preparation for the next day’s pre-dawn start. Unlike most public wildlife reserves, there is no restriction on night driving at Sabi Sands. The daily routine at most Sabi Sands properties is designed to take advantage of the finest wildlife-viewing hours. These hours fall either side of sunrise and sunset, when lions, leopards and most other carnivores peak in activity. If you’re spending more than 2 days in the reserve and have a strong interest in birds or other small wildlife, a guided wildlife walk is also recommended. Ideally, go in the morning cool rather than the heat of the afternoon. ”
4What type of accommodations can I expect?
“Accommodations in Sabi Sands are mainly exclusive small lodges that vary in standard from luxurious to ultra-luxurious. The former generally has an organic stone, wood and thatch style, in keeping with the bush surroundings. The pricier lodges tend to aim for individual interpretation on contemporary safari chic. Wherever you stay, accommodations will consist of large and very comfortable freestanding chalets or hut rooms. These come with en suite showers and private verandas. Many lodges also have swimming pools, spas or quality gift shops. Cuisine is usually world-class, as is the wine list, and service is excellent. ”
5How much will this safari cost?
“The cheapest packages start at around US$500 per person per night sharing, but some ultra-luxurious lodges will charge more like US$1,000 per person. The price will depend on whether you choose a luxurious or ultra-luxurious lodge. Prices also depend on the season, with rates generally more affordable in the southern hemisphere winter (May to September). This is low season in South Africa generally, but the best time of year for wildlife viewing in Sabi Sands. Tours that combine Sabi Sands with Kruger generally work out to be cheaper on a daily basis. This also applies to tours that include road transfers from Johannesburg, or that include some other sightseeing. ”
6Sabi Sands Reviews
Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.
Big Five Bonanza
Flanking the unfenced western boundary of the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is Southern Africa’s most exclusive and famous wildlife safari destinations. It is also one of the oldest private nature reserves and the...
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
Classic Big Five safaris, with superb leopard-watching
Sabi Sands delivers the classic safari experience on a plate. It’s a prime chunk of wildlife-watching territory tucked up against the southern section of Kruger National Park, with no fences between the two. This feast doesn’t come...
Two tours a day, early morning and late afternoon into night tours. Thus avoiding the midday heat. it was dark when we returned to the compound so were looking for smaller animals via a spotter sitting in a chair at the very front of the...
a wonderful experience
Nottens Bush camp was a delightful place to stay; the staff were very friendly and helpful and the standard of service and accommodation was excellent; the experience of the game drives was unbeatable
Where do I begin! Elephant Plains exceeded our expectations and made or safari trip a dream come true. From the attention to detail in our rooms from the reception and housekeeping teams to the servers and chef for our meals, everything...
CA
Very experienced spotters that make sure you have the best experience. If you want to see big 5 up close, the Sabi Sand Private Game Reverse does an amazing job of seeing them up close, however due to their focus on the big 5 you might...