[Updated February 2026]
Are you ready to experience the magic of an incredible Sabi Sands safari getaway in South Africa?
The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve has earned its reputation as a safari destination of excellence, epitomizing refined luxury in the African wild. Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, remarkable wildlife and Big 5 sightings are a given. Leopards are frequently observed hunting, stalking prey along riverbeds, and resting in the shade of ancient trees.
The beauty of this woodland savannah reserve and its inhabitants is extraordinary. Naturally, high-end lodges fit seamlessly into the landscape, offering visitors some of the best and most exclusive safari experiences in Africa.
Our award-winning team of SAFARI.COM consultants can create bespoke itineraries that lead you through the wild in style. We are here to create your dream safari, tailored to your budget and the details that matter most to you.
Our top 10 lodges in Sabi Sands for 2026 stand out for their exquisite design, personalised services, and world-class game viewing. SAFARI.COM is also offering FREE travel insurance to guests for any bookings made before 28th February 2026.
Leopard Hills Lodge
Eight stunning glass-fronted suites exist harmoniously within the bushveld, perched atop a hill overlooking the reserve. Exuding warmth and elegance throughout, each suite makes luxury in Africa feel effortless. High thatched ceilings, spacious rooms, private decks with plunge pools, and thoughtful amenities ensure unforgettable guest experiences. Children under 10 years old are not allowed unless the lodge is booked exclusively.
Leopard Hills Lodge forms part of the Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve – 10,000 hectares of diverse riverine and bushveld ecosystems within the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve. Whether you are sipping Amarula on the main deck, having an outdoor shower, indulging in a massage, or enjoying a game drive led by an expert ranger, you will feel at one with nature.
What is Included:
Apart from your luxury accommodation, all meals, and all beverages (except premium wines), your stay also includes two game drives a day, walking safaris, laundry services, Wi-Fi, a guest conservation levy, and return road transfers from the Leopard Hills Airstrip to the lodge.
Recommended Safari: 5 Day Luxury Sabi Sands Promotion
Great trip Great itinerary and everything was as expected. Would highly recommend this company and Candace Sequera for my next African adventure.
– Martin S
Inyati Game Lodge
Deep in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, along the banks of the Sand River, Inyati Game Lodge waits to welcome safari lovers to an intimate and timeless wilderness experience. Luxurious chalets place guests in the African bush, with interior finishes that reflect the country's vibrant cultures. Look forward to an authentic safari getaway!
Choose between 3 luxury family suites and 8 luxury suites, all equipped with air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, and spacious decks for wildlife viewing. A team of safari field guides and trackers share their passion and expertise with you during immersive game drives. Since the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve is not open to the public, undisturbed wildlife experiences are a given.
Children aged 8 and over are welcome and can enjoy the exciting and educational Young Rangers Programme.
What is included:
Your booking includes accommodation, all meals, and a house selection of beverages. Dine in the traditional open-air boma under the clear night sky! Game drives, walking safaris, fishing, and transfers to and from Ulusaba airstrip are also included.
Recommended Safari: 4 Day Lush Sabi Sand River Safari
Safari for great organisation and travel experience second to none. Thank you to Sara for putting together an amazing itinerary for our party of eight family members, everything went off so smoothly. Sara kept in contact along the way with flight details and information; the choice of accommodation provided enabled us to see the very best of each area along the journey with so many highlights to remember. We would definitely recommend using Sara and Safari.com if travelling through South Africa, they are the best.
– Eleanor M
Elephant Plains Game Lodge
Discover the magic of the South African wild at the Elephant Plains Game Lodge, situated on the dry Manyeleti riverbed in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. We love that this lodge overlooks a watering hole which regularly attracts elephants, buffalo, and antelope. African cuisine is celebrated, staff go the extra mile, and accommodation is elegant and charming.
Choose from private rondavels, luxury suites, and a romantic honeymoon suite, and enjoy the lodge’s bar, wine cellar, library, curio shop, swimming pool, and restaurant. Game drives mean you could encounter the Big 5, cheetah, and more incredible wildlife! Bush walks are ideal for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species to look out for.
What is included:
In addition to your luxury accommodation, your stay also includes two daily game drives, a daily bushwalk (usually right after breakfast), three meals a day, and tea/coffee.
Perfect Perfect Perfect. Perfect Safari. Drives twice a day. Lovely lodge. Staff couldn't do enough for us. Food was delicious with whatever drinks you wanted. A wonderful experience. Booking was extremely easy ...Anja Meyer at Safari.com took care of everything.
– Ken S
Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Make every safari moment count at Umkumbe Safari Lodge, positioned along the banks of the seasonal Sand River in the heart of the Sabi Sands. Wildlife is abundant in this area of the reserve and can often be seen along the river from your own chalet/room. Embrace connections with nature, adventures in the wild, and moments of tranquillity and reflection.
Standard rooms are affordable without compromising on the little extras that make an African safari memorable. Superior chalets have private decks and are more spacious and luxurious. Lodge facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and a traditional boma where guests can dine under the stars. Enjoy morning, afternoon, or night game drives with incredible Big 5 viewing opportunities!
What is Included:
Your safari vacation at Umkumbe includes accommodation, all meals, bush walks, game drives, and teas and coffees.
Great journey. This trip was wonderful, and everything went very smoothly. Shann was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. I don't know if you use Net Promoter Score as part of your metrics, but I would highly recommend Safari.com to others (which I have). Next time I visit Africa, I will definitely use safari.com again
– Marc C
Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Stay in a luxury tented suite shaded by Tamboti trees, and let the spirit of Africa’s unrelenting wild follow you throughout your safari adventure. Choose from standard, luxury, and superior tents with plush king-sized beds, wooden decks with outdoor seating, and outdoor showers. Children aged 5 and older are welcome at Umkumbe Bush Lodge.
Inspired by tradition and adventure, each game drive endeavors to connect guests with the bush and one another. Trackers and rangers lead morning and afternoon game drives, where coffee or sundowners are served. Explore the wild to your heart's content, dine in the reed-fenced boma, and cool down in the swimming pool. Other activities include stargazing and evening safari drives, guided bush walks, and relaxing spa treatments.
What is Included:
Your stay includes accommodation, all meals, game viewing activities, teas, coffees, and drinking water.
Specials Offers:
- Get 20% discount for travel within 30 days
- Get 25% discount for travel within 14 days
- Guests staying for 4 nights from the 5 January - 5 March 2026 are eligible for a free Full Day Kruger National Park safari. (Terms & Conditions Apply)
Safari Dream Come True A trip of a lifetime. To see wild animals in their natural habitat is to see them for the first time. Our field guide and tracker were true ambassadors of the wildlife reserve. Our lodgings were amazing. Our safety and comfort were a priority.
– Artagnan
Idube Game Lodge
The Idube Game Reserve is ideal for your private safari adventure with friends or family (children aged 8 and older are welcome). Big 5, leopards, and roan antelope sightings are common on day game drives, while night game drives reveal hyenas, bush babies, servals, aardwolves, porcupines, and white-tailed mongoose.
When you are not embracing the wild and exploring the reserve, unwind in your luxurious, air-conditioned safari suite. Each suite is spacious and has a private pool and deck, as well as an outdoor shower. Four linked safari suites connect families on safari, and the Idube Game Lodge is known for its exceptional cuisine and wildlife viewing from the lodge – elephants are known to drink from suite swimming pools!
What is Included:
Along with luxury accommodation, your stay includes all meals, teas and coffees, high tea, twice-daily game drives, and optional safari walks.
Special Offer:
Combo Special
- 4-Night combo package with Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the Kruger | Valid: 8 Jan 2026 - 7 Jan 2027 | Terms and Conditions Apply
Fantastic 5-day luxury safari. Dolan Sequera planned a fantastic 5-day luxury safari experience for my husband ad me! We received a detailed itinerary and all travel information in advance, which facilitated packing and made our vacation goals achievable. The SA Airlink flights and private airport transfers were enjoyable and efficient. Throughout the journey, our drivers were hospitable and very professional. The accommodations, food, and staff at Lukimi Loge and Idube Game Lodge were exceptional! We actually saw the big 5 after the first 2 game drives! We strongly recommend this safari experience!
– Mary C
Arathusa Safari Lodge
Proving opulence can exist alongside Africa’s untamed wilderness, Arathusa Safari Lodge faces a vast waterhole where leopards, lions, elephants, and an array of birdlife often pass through. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives (about eight hours in nature), tracking animals, photographing roaming wildlife, and learning from professional guides.
Relax in a lovely bush suite or waterhole-facing suite that is light, spacious, and airy. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, a private veranda and plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool, safari spa, open-air lounges, and dining in a traditional open-air boma. Their African potjie dinners are a SAFARI.COM favorite!
What is Included:
Enjoy stunning accommodation, all meals and local brand beverages, as well as coffees and teas. Your stay also includes 2 game drives per day, a guided bush walk, and Wi-Fi.
Recommended Safari: 3-Day Sabi Sands Luxury Arathusa Lodge Safari
Amazing support and service. Hello! it was simply fantastic. And I thank SAFARI.com very very much because since the beginning you helped me with agility and fast feedback for everything we needed and had success to find a place it was perfect to us! thank you so much!
– Viviane Barros
Savanna Private Game Lodge
Get swept up in the spirit of Africa on a classic Sabi Sands safari at the Savanna Private Game Lodge. This 5-star retreat combines colonial luxuries with modern comforts, ensuring guest experiences echo a bygone era. Choose from luxury suites, executive suites, and the Savanna suite that can accommodate up to four guests.
Wake up for an early morning game drive and fresh coffee, before returning for a delicious breakfast. Relax by the pool, enjoy a drink with a view, and embark on an adventure-filled nature walk (this activity is especially popular among bird lovers). Feast on a tasty lunch, enjoy an outdoor shower, and end your day with a late game drive before dining outdoors.
What is Included:
Along with your accommodation, all meals, select drinks, and refreshments on game drives are included. Also enjoy twice daily game drives, bush walks, laundry services, and transfers to and from Ulusaba Airstrip.
Special Offers:
Combo Special
- 4 Night Combination Offer - 10% discount! Book two nights at Savanna and two nights at Dulini and receive a 10% discount on accommodation costs at both properties and a free transfer between the two.
Honeymoon Special
- One of the partners receives a 50% discount off the accommodation costs for the stay. Terms: Min 3 nights stay. Wedding date is required and cannot be booked if travel dates are more than 12 months post wedding date.
Amazing experience! Jan. 2026. I booked a 5 night trip to South Africa, Sabi Sand area with the assistance of Shann Shawn. The experience was amazing, easy and a unforgettable experience. During my trip I stayed at Inyati and Savanna, both very good lodges, and highly recommend them. Shann’s customer service is a 5/5, as she was with me from the moment I requested information to the moment I departed South Africa. I reached out to her with questions before my trip, during my flights to South Africa, my stay in South Africa and she always attentive. I am looking forward to planning my next trip to South Africa and will not hesitate to reach out to Shann Shawn.
– Marko J Carranza
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
If you are seeking an extraordinary safari experience in South Africa, Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge will redefine luxury and elevate your wildlife discoveries. Each suite is an oasis of natural serenity, complete with upmarket furnishings and elegant décor. Chitwa House is an exclusive-use luxury villa, complete with a house butler and access to private game drives.
Amenities include a bar, gym, spa, boutique, viewing deck, and swimming pool, and all ages are welcome. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari break in this Sabi Sands Game Reserve lodge, where wildlife is abundant, and luxury knows no bounds. End your days with a sumptuous feast in a traditional African boma setting or beside the fireplace in the elegant dining room.
What Is Included:
Luxury accommodation, all meals, a selection of beverages, and laundry services are included in your stay. Also enjoy twice daily game drives, walking safaris, and return lodge transfers from the Chitwa Airstrip.
Specila Offers:
Stay Pay Special
- Enjoy a four-night stay at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge at the cost of three. Terms & Conditions Apply.
- The child must share a suite when booking the family package
- Valid from 15 January to 15 December 2026.
Family Special
- Enjoy Chitwa Chitwa with the whole family and set an unforgettable benchmark for your child’s safari experiences. Our family package offers full accommodation gratuity to children under the age of 12.
- Children of all ages are welcome. This special package is applicable to one child per family
- Packages are valid from 15 January - 15 December 2026
Most amazing experience. This was the most amazing experience. The food, the service, the room, the atmosphere, and the guide were incredible. Would totally go again.
– Lisa R
Cheetah Plains Lodge
Imagine a personalized and ultra-luxurious safari getaway to the remarkable Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Cheetah Plains Lodge offers four private villas for exclusive use – each villa can accommodate eight guests in four suites, and all ages are welcome! Embark on incredible safari adventures and create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Each villa boasts exceptional shared spaces, including formal and entertainment lounges, living and dining areas, a fine wine gallery, a fully equipped kitchen, a swimming pool deck, and an outdoor boma for fireside dining. Each private guest suite features a lounge and fireplace, deck, daybed, minibar and coffee station, double rain shower and bath overlooking the bushveld, and a king-sized bed.
Throughout your stay, you will be looked after by a dedicated host, a personal butler, a talented culinary team, an expert field guide, skilled trackers, and a spa therapist. Every element of your stay is purposefully and seamlessly curated.
What is Included:
Accommodation in your own exclusive-use villa, a full selection of SA wines, beers, and spirits, and all meals are included. Additionally, guests can enjoy use of the on-site gym, Wi-Fi, child-minding services, select spa treatments, twice-daily private game drives, guided bush walks, and outdoor dining experiences. A Nikon D camera and lenses are available during your stay, and round-trip transfers from Arathusa Airstrip are included (when flying with FedAir or Private Charter).
Special Offers:
Stay Pay Special
- Stay 4 nights and pay for 3, or stay 7 nights and pay for 5 at Karula and Mvula Villas.
- Valid for stays from 11 Jan – 28 Feb 2026, 1 Mar – 31 May 2026, 1 Sept – 19 Dec 2026, and 5 Jan – 28 Feb 2027
Family SPECIAL
- Luxury Family Safari Kids Stay Free in Karula or Mvula Villas. Book between 1 Sep 2025 – 28 Feb 2026 and children under 12 stay complimentary when sharing with parents.
- Valid stays: 1 Sep – 19 Dec 2025 11 Jan – 28 Feb 2026
- Validity: For new bookings in the Karula and Mvula villas.
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Ready to make timeless family memories? At SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you find the best safari deal for you and your loved ones. Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We will guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way, before, during, and long after your journey. It’s time to explore!
Email us at helpmeplan@safari.com, hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
Written by Kylin Sanan
