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Sabi Sands Luxury Safari Tours
Sabi Sands is the ultimate luxury safari destination with superb Big Five viewing. Upmarket wildlife lodges offer safari packages that include expertly guided game drives in open-sided 4x4s. It is particularly famed for its leopards. They are so relaxed that it isn’t uncommon to see several individuals on one game drive. Since fences along the 50km/31mi border with Kruger were dropped in 1993, free movement of wildlife between the two areas means that Sabi Sands is part of a huge ecosystem.
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Best Seller
3-Day Sabi Sands Elephant Plains Lodge Safari
$758 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg Airport (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 2,401 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Sabi Sand Reserve Luxury Safari, Greater Kruger
$3,150 to $3,299 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryBush Camp
You Visit: Skukuza (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Kruger (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 185 Reviews
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4-Day Luxury Sabi Sands Safari & Treehouse Sleep-out
$10,945 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Skukuza (Start), Lion Sands GR (Sabi Sands), Skukuza (End)
Viatu
4.9/5 – 94 Reviews
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3-Day Sabi Sand - Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside
$647 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Nelspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Nelspruit (End)
Traipsing Africa's Safaris and Tours
5.0/5 – 118 Reviews
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![3-Day Big-5 Private Game Reserve Experience]()
3-Day Big-5 Private Game Reserve Experience
$1,083 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Umkumbe GR (Sabi Sands), Johannesburg (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
4.9/5 – 161 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Sabi Sands Tented Camp Safari]()
3-Day Sabi Sands Tented Camp Safari
$859 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
4.9/5 – 248 Reviews
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![3-Day Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Safari]()
3-Day Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Safari
$2,811 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Skukuza (Start), Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Skukuza (End)
Africa Incoming
4.7/5 – 14 Reviews
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Best Seller
![6-Day Luxury Kruger NP & Victoria Falls Safari]()
6-Day Luxury Kruger NP & Victoria Falls Safari
$3,648 to $4,246 pp (USD)
South Africa & Zimbabwe: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Victoria Falls (End)
Off2Africa Travel
5.0/5 – 148 Reviews
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![5-Day Luxury Kruger Safari to Sabi Sands & Timbavati]()
5-Day Luxury Kruger Safari to Sabi Sands & Timbavati
$6,478 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Skukuza (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit (End)
Beyond Africa Safaris
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Essential Kruger Safari - Fully Inclusive]()
5-Day Essential Kruger Safari - Fully Inclusive
$2,322 to $3,099 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 – 468 Reviews
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![7-Day Big5 Sabi Sand Greater Kruger & Phinda Reserve]()
7-Day Big5 Sabi Sand Greater Kruger & Phinda Reserve
$6,050 to $6,534 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Nelspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Phinda GR, Richards Bay (End)
African Safari Guru
5.0/5 – 63 Reviews
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![3-Day Sabi Sand Lodge Safari in a Superior Room]()
3-Day Sabi Sand Lodge Safari in a Superior Room
$773 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Hazyview (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Hazyview (End)
SafariLife
5.0/5 – 21 Reviews
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![3-Day Sabi Sands Safari and Bush Walk]()
3-Day Sabi Sands Safari and Bush Walk
$1,848 to $1,870 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Hoedspruit (End)
Knap Tours
5.0/5 – 13 Reviews
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![4-Day Sabi Sabi Selati]()
4-Day Sabi Sabi Selati
$4,465 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)Luxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sabi GR (Sabi Sands), Nelspruit (End)
Wandering Thru
5.0/5 – 24 Reviews
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![3-Day Stay at Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sands]()
3-Day Stay at Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sands
$731 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Skukuza (Start), Umkumbe GR (Sabi Sands), Skukuza (End)
JourneyTo
5.0/5 – 20 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![14-Day Best of South Africa and Mozambique]()
14-Day Best of South Africa and Mozambique
$6,199 to $7,250 pp (USD)
Mozambique & South Africa: Private tourLuxuryHotel & Bush Camp
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Franschhoek (Winelands), Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Vilanculos (Town & Beach), Johannesburg (City), Vilankulo (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 185 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Safari
$4,140 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 – 2,401 Reviews
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3-Day Sabi - Umkumbe Bush Lodge
$609 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Nelspruit (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Nelspruit (End)
Traipsing Africa's Safaris and Tours
5.0/5 – 118 Reviews
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![7-Day 4-Star Kruger & Mozambique Beach Safari]()
7-Day 4-Star Kruger & Mozambique Beach Safari
$4,173 to $4,671 pp (USD)
Mozambique & South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Vilanculos (Town & Beach), Bazaruto Archipelago (Beach), Johannesburg (End)
Off2Africa Travel
5.0/5 – 148 Reviews
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![12-Day Ultimate Luxury Cape Town, Kruger and Vic-Falls]()
12-Day Ultimate Luxury Cape Town, Kruger and Vic-Falls
$23,474 pp (USD)
South Africa & Zimbabwe: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Franschhoek (Winelands), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Victoria Falls (End)
Viatu
4.9/5 – 94 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 Sands 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 accommodation, 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 accommodation, which in most cases is four- or five-star quality, all meals, and game drives in open 4x4s 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, there can be variations between safari packages and operators regarding specific inclusions. Therefore, we encourage you to do some checking 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 three 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 a night or two 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 mid-morning 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 two 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 accommodation can I expect?
“Accommodation in Sabi Sands is 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 surrounds. The pricier lodges tend to aim for individual interpretation on contemporary safari chic. Wherever you stay, accommodation will consist of large and very comfortable freestanding chalets or hut rooms. These come with en suite showers and private verandahs. Many lodges also have swimming pools, spas or quality gift shops. Cuisine is usually world-class, as is the wine list, and the 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...
US
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...
It was the best safari I have been on and I have been to Kenya, Tanzania and Kruger before. (not been to Okavango Delta yet, which is probably the pinnacle), but it is the first time I really experienced interaction between all the animals...
CA
Incredible sightings everyday, beautiful landscapes, saw big five, up and close with the animals on every drive! Part of the greater kruger area and not fully enclosed reserve, with antipoaching efforts underway making it a great choice...