Greater Kruger · Safari destination
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Where a leopard sighting is nearly a promise.
South Africa's most celebrated private game reserve, sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger and renowned worldwide for exceptional leopard sightings.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Is it part of Kruger?
The Sabi Sands shares an unfenced border with the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park, yet operates as a completely separate private reserve. Wildlife moves freely between the two, so you see the same Big Five and more, but the experience is fundamentally different. In the Kruger you share tar roads with other visitors and may not leave them. In the Sabi Sands your ranger drives off-road through the bush, tracks animals on foot, and positions the vehicle for the best possible sighting with strict limits on the number of vehicles allowed at once.
The Sabi Sands is best known for its leopard sightings, widely regarded as the most reliable anywhere in Africa. The reserve's combination of dense riverine bush, year-round water and decades of habituation means leopards here are relaxed around vehicles, often spotted resting in open branches or moving through camp at dusk.
- Is the Sabi Sands part of the Kruger National Park?
- Not technically, but they share a completely unfenced border. Wildlife moves freely between the two. The Sabi Sands is a privately owned reserve with its own access gates, traversing rights and vehicle limits. You see the same Big Five, but in the Sabi Sands your ranger can drive off-road to follow animals and conduct spotlight drives after dark, neither of which is permitted in the Kruger itself.
- How much does a Sabi Sands safari cost?
- Rates vary widely. Entry-level lodges like Umkumbe and Nkorho start from around R6,100 per person sharing per night, fully inclusive of game drives, meals and selected drinks. Mid-range lodges sit between R12,000 and R25,000. The ultra-luxury properties (Singita, Londolozi, Cheetah Plains) range from R40,000 to R89,000 per night. Complete fly-in packages including return flights from Johannesburg start from around R36,870 per person for three nights.
- How do I get to the Sabi Sands?
- Most guests fly into one of three airports: Kruger Mpumalanga International (KMIA) near Nelspruit, Skukuza Airport inside the Kruger, or Eastgate at Hoedspruit. Daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Your lodge arranges a road transfer from the airstrip, typically 30 to 90 minutes. Self-driving from Johannesburg takes roughly five to six hours.
- How many nights should I spend in the Sabi Sands?
- Our safari specialists recommend a minimum of three nights. That gives you six game drives, which is enough to see the Big Five comfortably and have multiple leopard sightings. Four nights is ideal if your schedule allows, and many guests extend to five or six when combining with a second reserve or a fly-in from Cape Town.
- Is the Sabi Sands a malaria area?
- Yes, the Sabi Sands falls within a low-risk malaria zone. Most visitors take prophylactic medication as a precaution, though transmission rates are very low, particularly during the dry winter months. Your lodge and our safari specialists can advise on the latest recommendations for your travel dates.
- Is the Sabi Sands suitable for children?
- It depends on the lodge. Several properties welcome children of all ages and offer dedicated family programmes, including Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, Arathusa, and Elephant Plains. Other lodges have minimum age requirements, typically six or twelve years. Our safari specialists can match you with the right property for your family.
Tailor-made safaris
Safaris in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Most requested · 3 days
3-Day Big-5 Luxury Sabi Sand Fly-in Package
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Idube Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with qualified guides and trackers
- Big Five viewing in a reserve renowned for big cat sightings
- Guided bush walk and sundowner stops at sunset
From
R 48 920
per person, complete package
≈ R 97 850 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 8 days · South Africa
8 Day Sabi Sands Wildlife, Sun City Resort & Cape Town Explorer
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Idube Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives and a guided bush walk in Big Five territory
- 2 nights at The Palace of the Lost City with access to Valley of the Waves
- 2 nights at Southern Sun Waterfront in Cape Town near Table Mountain and the V&A
From
R 95 540
per person, complete package
≈ R 191 090 for two · international flights excluded
Most requested · 5 days · South Africa
5 Day Luxury Kruger Park & Sabi Sand Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in southern Kruger National Park
- 2 nights at Idube Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers with optional walking safaris
- Big Five viewing with Sabi Sand's renowned leopard sightings
From
R 75 870
per person, complete package
≈ R 151 750 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · South Africa
7-Day Ultra Lux Big-5 Sabi Sand & Kruger Park Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Idube Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- 3 nights at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in southern Kruger
- Twice-daily game drives across two of South Africa's top Big Five reserves
- Guided bush walk at Lukimbi for tracking on foot
From
R 109 840
per person, complete package
≈ R 219 690 for two · international flights excluded
3 days · South Africa
3 Day Lion Sands Sabi Sand Safari
All meals · All activities · All transfers
- 2 nights at 5-star Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- Dawn and dusk open-vehicle game drives in Big Five territory
- Mid-morning bush walks with your guide through the bushveld
- Sundowners in the bush and dining under the African sky
From
R 67 270
per person, complete package
≈ R 134 550 for two · international flights excluded
5 days · South Africa
5-Day All-Inclusive Lion Sands River Lodge Safari
All meals · All activities · All transfers
- 4 nights at Lion Sands River Lodge on the Sabie River
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Guided bush walk with the lodge's rangers
- Private-deck stargazing and exclusive bush dinners under the stars
Special offer available
From
R 95 160 normally R 122 990
per person, complete package
≈ R 190 320 for two · international flights excluded
4 days
4 Day Lush Sabi Sand River Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Inyati Game Lodge on the Sand River
- Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with guide and tracker
- Big Five sightings in the 65,000-hectare Sabi Sand Reserve
- Close leopard encounters in one of the world's top territories
From
R 60 840
per person, complete package
≈ R 121 680 for two · international flights excluded
5 days · South Africa
5-Day All-Inclusive Sabi Sand North to South Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Arathusa Safari Lodge, then 2 at Inyati Game Lodge
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with skilled rangers and trackers
- Big Five tracking in the Sabi Sand, bordering Kruger National Park
- Walking safaris at both lodges with expert guides
From
R 74 840
per person, complete package
≈ R 149 680 for two · international flights excluded
5 days
5-Day MalaMala and Timbavati Luxury Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Simbavati River Lodge in the Timbavati Reserve
- 2 nights at MalaMala Camp in the renowned MalaMala Game Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert rangers
- Big Five tracking across two of South Africa's top private reserves
From
R 97 870
per person, complete package
≈ R 195 740 for two · international flights excluded
6 days · South Africa
6-Day Luxury Big 5 Kruger to Sabi Sands Safari Adventure
All meals · All activities
- 2 nights at Jock Safari Lodge in a private Kruger concession
- 3 nights at Inyati Game Lodge on the Sand River, Sabi Sands
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives plus guided bush walks
- Big Five tracking with strong leopard sightings in Sabi Sands
From
R 99 570
per person, complete package
≈ R 199 140 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · South Africa · Zimbabwe
7-Day Safari Promotion: From Sabi Sands to Victoria Falls
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, then 3 at The Elephant Camp
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives and a walking safari in Sabi Sand
- Big Five tracking across the unfenced Sabi Sand and Kruger wilderness
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls plus a Zambezi sunset cruise
From
$8,795
per person, complete package
≈ $17,590 for two · international flights excluded
11 days · South Africa · Zambia
11 Day Luxury Kruger, Victoria Falls & Cape Town
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel on Cape Town's Waterfront
- Table Mountain cable car, Cape Peninsula drive and Boulders Beach penguins
- 3 nights at Lion Sands River Lodge for Big Five game drives in Sabi Sand
- 3 nights at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma on the Zambezi River
From
$10,485
per person, complete package
≈ $20,970 for two · international flights excluded
8 days
8-Day Big Five & Fine Wines
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Inyati Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
- Twice-daily Big Five game drives and guided walking safaris
- 1 night at Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek with a wine tasting session
- 3 nights at Pullman Cape Town City Centre near the V&A Waterfront
From
R 76 330
per person, complete package
≈ R 152 670 for two · international flights excluded
8 days · Botswana · South Africa
8-Day Chobe to Sabi Sands: The Ultimate Wildlife Journey
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Muchenje Safari Lodge on Chobe's quieter western edge
- Chobe River cruise, cultural village visit and exclusive night drive
- Overnight at African Rock Hotel near OR Tambo with complimentary massage
- 3 nights at Inyati Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
From
$6,025
per person, complete package
≈ $12,050 for two · international flights excluded
3 days
3-Day Sabi Sands Luxury Arathusa Lodge Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives with experienced rangers tracking the Big Five
- Guided bush walk and sundowner stops at sunset
- Optional tracker's course or visit to Shangana Cultural Village
From
R 36 870
per person, complete package
≈ R 73 750 for two · international flights excluded
4 days
4-Day All-Inclusive Fly-In Sabi Sand Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with expert guides
- Big Five sightings in one of Africa's top wildlife reserves
- Guided bush walk through the reserve
From
R 48 340
per person, complete package
≈ R 96 680 for two · international flights excluded
15 days · Zambia
15-Day Classic Southern Africa Experience — Cape Town, Kruger, Victoria Falls
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel exploring Cape Town and Table Mountain
- Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins and Cape Winelands tastings
- 2 nights at Tintswalo Atlantic in Hout Bay, then 2 at La Cotte Farm in Franschhoek
- 4 nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with twice-daily game drives and Big Five viewing
Special offer available
From
$10,115 normally $11,675
per person, complete package
≈ $20,230 for two · international flights excluded
4 days · South Africa
4-Day All-Inclusive Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Safari
All meals · All activities · All transfers
- 3 nights at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- Private 125-square-metre suite with plunge pool and outdoor shower
- Twice-daily game drives plus guided bush walks
- Bush dinners and stargazing from your suite's elevated deck
From
R 103 550
per person, complete package
≈ R 207 110 for two · international flights excluded
The Kyle Richards Lion Sands Safari Package
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights in the exclusive-use Hi'nkwenu Residence at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
- Private game vehicle with dedicated FGASA-accredited guide and tracker
- Residence chef, butler, concierge and housekeeper on call throughout
- One night sleep-out in the Tinyeleti Treehouse under the stars
From
R 129 700
per person, complete package
≈ R 259 410 for two · international flights excluded
5 days · South Africa
5 Day Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Package
All meals · All activities · All transfers
- 4 nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- Morning and night game drives with skilled rangers and trackers
- Big Five off-road tracking in a private reserve
- Guided bush walk or visit to a Sabi Sabi-supported local school
From
R 108 460
per person, complete package
≈ R 216 930 for two · international flights excluded
8 days · Mauritius
8-Day Luxe Getaway from Sabi Sabi to Mauritius
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives and walking safaris with expert trackers
- Big Five viewing followed by spa treatments and private-deck plunge pools
- 3 nights at Le Jadis Beach Resort on Mauritius's northwest coast
From
$10,160
per person, complete package
≈ $20,320 for two · international flights excluded
4 days · South Africa
4 Day Kruger Exclusive Getaway with Lion Sands Narina
All meals · All activities · All transfers
- 3 nights at Lion Sands Narina Lodge on the Sabie River
- Private 5,000-hectare Tinga Concession within Kruger National Park
- Morning, evening and night game drives tracking the Big Five
- Guided bush walks with a ranger and tracker
From
R 103 550
per person, complete package
≈ R 207 110 for two · international flights excluded
4 days · South Africa
4-Day Ultra-Lux Safari at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
All meals · All activities · All transfers
- 3 nights at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- Stay in one of just eight riverside villas with private plunge pools
- Twice-daily game drives plus guided bush walks with expert trackers
- Evening drives for nocturnal wildlife and exceptional stargazing
From
R 162 050
per person, complete package
≈ R 324 110 for two · international flights excluded
9 days · South Africa
9-Day Victoria Falls, Cape Town, MalaMala Camp Ultra-Luxury Safari
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Victoria Falls Safari Club, 3 at Victoria & Alfred Hotel, 3 at MalaMala Camp
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls and sunset cruise on the Zambezi
- Private Cape Peninsula tour to Cape Point and Boulders Beach penguins
- Full-day Winelands excursion through Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
From
$9,015
per person, complete package
≈ $18,030 for two · international flights excluded
10 days · South Africa
10-Day Kruger to Cape Luxury Safari
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Kings Camp in Timbavati, then 2 at Leopard Hills in Sabi Sand
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with optional walking safaris
- Big Five viewing including Sabi Sand's renowned leopard sightings
- Ultimate Elephant Experience at Elephant Whispers with bush picnic
Special offer available
From
R 143 430 normally R 151 830
per person, complete package
≈ R 286 860 for two · international flights excluded
4 days
4-Day Nottens Camp All-Inclusive Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Notten's Bush Camp, one of just 9 private suites
- Twice-daily game drives and bush walks in the Sabi Sand
- Big Five tracking in one of South Africa's richest reserves
- Day excursion into Kruger National Park
From
R 55 260
per person, complete package
≈ R 110 520 for two · international flights excluded
5 days · South Africa
5-Day Ultimate Fly-In Luxury Sabi Sand Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Savanna Private Game Reserve, then 2 at Dulini River
- Twice-daily game drives in the Sabi Sand, renowned for leopard sightings
- Big Five tracking with expert guides and bush walks
- Private suites with heated plunge pools and outdoor showers
Special offer available
From
R 124 110 normally R 138 600
per person, complete package
≈ R 248 220 for two · international flights excluded
11 days · South Africa
11 Day Premier Cape Town & Kruger Safari
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at One&Only Cape Town on the V&A Waterfront
- Optional add-ons: Table Mountain, Boulders Beach penguins, Cape Winelands
- 3 nights at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp in the Big Five Sabi Sand
- 3 nights at andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp in Timbavati, home of the white lions
Special offer available
From
R 195 820 normally R 207 190
per person, complete package
≈ R 391 640 for two · international flights excluded
5 days
5 Day Ulusaba All-Inclusive Fly-in Package
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at 5-star Ulusaba Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- Twice-daily game drives across 13,500 hectares with dedicated ranger and tracker
- Big Five sightings plus leopard, wild dog and big cats
- Post-breakfast walking safaris and spa treatments between drives
Bespoke itinerary
Price on request
Tailored by a safari specialist
7 days · South Africa
7 Day Sumptuous Timbavati And Sabi Sand Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Kings Camp in Timbavati, then 3 at Leopard Hills in Sabi Sand
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with ranger and tracker
- Big Five viewing with chance of Timbavati's famous white lions
- Optional walking safaris with an armed ranger in both reserves
From
R 148 220
per person, complete package
≈ R 296 450 for two · international flights excluded
7 days · South Africa
7-Day Ultra-Lux Cape Town and Londolozi Combo
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at One&Only Cape Town with Table Mountain views
- Optional Table Mountain hike, Cape Winelands visit, or sea adventures
- 3 nights at Londolozi Varty Camp in the Sabi Sand
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers with expert rangers
From
R 145 260
per person, complete package
≈ R 290 520 for two · international flights excluded
4 days
4 Day Fly-in Kirkman’s Kamp All-inclusive Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Kirkman's Kamp, a 1920s homestead in the Sabi Sand
- Twice-daily game drives with expert rangers and trackers
- Big Five tracking in a reserve renowned for leopard sightings
- Boma dinners under the stars beside the Sand River
From
R 91 710
per person, complete package
≈ R 183 420 for two · international flights excluded
4 days · South Africa
4-Day Fly-In Londolozi Tree Camp Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights in a private suite at Londolozi Tree Camp
- Twice-daily game drives across 16,000 hectares with rangers and trackers
- Guided bush walks and daily group yoga at Founders Camp
- Bush breakfasts with river views and champagne deck sundowners
From
R 159 190
per person, complete package
≈ R 318 390 for two · international flights excluded
9 days · South Africa
9 Day Cape Town, Wine and Wild Sabi Sands Safari
Most meals · All activities · Most transfers
- 3 nights at Welgelegen Boutique Guest House in Cape Town
- Half-day city tour and full-day Cape Peninsula tour to Table Mountain and Boulders Beach
- 2 nights at Babylonstoren, the oldest Cape-Dutch farm in Franschhoek
- Garden tours, wine and olive oil tastings, and garden-to-table dining
From
R 141 350
per person, complete package
≈ R 282 710 for two · international flights excluded
11 days · South Africa
11 Day Cape Town, Tswalu and Kruger
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at Ellerman House in Cape Town with time to explore the city
- 3 nights at Tswalu Kalahari Lodge in South Africa's largest private reserve
- Track desert black rhino and habituated meerkats in the Kalahari
- Game drives on horseback and walking safaris across semi-arid grasslands
From
R 347 880
per person, complete package
≈ R 695 770 for two · international flights excluded
3 days · South Africa
3-Day Singita Fly-in Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at Singita Ebony Lodge on the Sand River
- Twice-daily open Land Rover game drives with guide and tracker
- Big Five viewing in Sabi Sand, famed for its leopard sightings
- Optional walking safaris, archery and mountain biking at the lodge
From
R 125 810
per person, complete package
≈ R 251 630 for two · international flights excluded
4 days · South Africa
4-Day Londolozi Varty Camp Fly-In Safari
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Londolozi Varty Camp in the Sabi Sand
- Twice-daily game drives with expert rangers and trackers
- Guided bush walks and complimentary yoga at Founders Camp
- Private plunge pool overlooking the river and passing elephants
From
R 105 520
per person, complete package
≈ R 211 050 for two · international flights excluded
3 days · South Africa
3-Day Mala Mala - Best Big 5 Safari in the World
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 2 nights at 5-star MalaMala Camp in MalaMala Game Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives in open 4WD vehicles with expert rangers
- Big Five tracking across a 19-kilometre boundary with Kruger National Park
- Guided nature walk and bush coffee stops in the wilderness
From
R 66 200
per person, complete package
≈ R 132 400 for two · international flights excluded
5 days · South Africa
5 Day Luxury Sabi Sands Promotion
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at 5-star Leopard Hills Lodge in the Sabi Sands
- Twice-daily game drives with off-roading for close-up Big Five sightings
- Guided bush walks and wildlife photography tips from expert rangers
- Private plunge pool, spa treatments and boma dinners under the stars
Special offer available
From
R 73 200 normally R 117 000
per person, complete package
≈ R 146 400 for two · international flights excluded
5 days
5 Day Promotion with Malamala Camp
All meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at MalaMala Camp in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with expert guides and trackers
- Big Five tracking across 37,065 acres of exclusive traversing land
- Guided bush walks to learn the fauna and flora on foot
Special offer available
From
R 90 420 normally R 116 520
per person, complete package
≈ R 180 850 for two · international flights excluded
8 days
8-Day Journey: Safari, Cellars & City Lights
Most meals · Most activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives and guided bush walks in Big 5 territory
- 1 night at Rickety Bridge Estate in Franschhoek with a wine tasting
- 3 nights at The Onyx Hotel near Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront
From
R 67 100
per person, complete package
≈ R 134 200 for two · international flights excluded
8 days · South Africa
8-Day Ultra-lux Tengile and Tswalu Fly-In Safari
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 3 nights at andBeyond Tengile River Lodge in the Sabi Sand
- Overnight at The Saxon Hotel & Spa in Johannesburg
- 3 nights at Tswalu The Motse in the Kalahari Reserve
- Habituated meerkat encounter and horse riding across the Kalahari
From
R 356 560
per person, complete package
≈ R 713 120 for two · international flights excluded
9 days
9-Day Opulent Cape Town & Sabi Sand Safari
Most meals · All activities · All flights & transfers
- 4 nights at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel in Cape Town
- Full-day Cape Peninsula tour with Boulders Beach penguins and Cape Point
- 4 nights at Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand on a fully inclusive basis
- Twice-daily Big Five game drives in private zero-emission vehicles
Special offer available
From
R 254 750 normally R 304 620
per person, complete package
≈ R 509 500 for two · international flights excluded
No safaris matching these criteria.
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Brochure
Southern Africa Guide
Southern Africa's icons, shaped into one itinerary: Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Cape Town.
Where to stay
Lodges in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
41 lodges
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Affordable Live availabilityIdube Game Lodge
The luxurious Idube Game Lodge is situated within the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve which is located in the south-western corner of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is famous for big cat sightings, as well as the Big Five. This exclusive and intimate family-owned lodge offers guests an authentic safari experience with its tranquil setting, well-appointed accommodation and personalized service.
From R 18 000 per person · night
-
Premium Live availabilityLion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands River Lodge located in the stunning and private Lion Sands Game Reserve. Set on the Sabie River, the luxurious and intimate Lion Sands River Lodge offers spectacular riverside views from the comfort of your room and in the main area of the lodge.
From R 22 520 per person · night · normally R 30 020
Special offer available
-
Affordable Live availabilityElephant Plains Game Lodge
Adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park and sharing an unfenced border is the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve - a safari destination that is renowned for its exceptional Big 5 game viewing and luxurious accommodation. Elephant Plains Game Lodge caters to the discerning traveler, offering various accommodation options, sumptuous cuisine and an unforgettable Big 5 safari experience.
From R 7 300 per person · night
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Affordable Live availabilityInyati Game Lodge
Inyati Game Lodge is uniquely situated on the banks of the Sand River in Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Sharing an unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, animals move freely between the reserves, affording guests with unforgettable game viewing opportunities.
From R 16 500 per person · night
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Affordable Live availabilitySabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Deep in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve overlooking an active waterhole and open plains, lies the renowned Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Steeped in tradition and a history spanning over 35 years, Sabi Sabi epitomizes luxury living in the African bush and service excellence.
From R 20 170 per person · night · normally R 26 900
Special offer available
-
Premium Live availabilitySabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Sculpted into a slope of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve and almost completely invisible to the human eye, is the luxurious award-winning Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. The lodge is regarded by many to be the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa, there is simply nothing quite like it in the world.
From R 30 000 per person · night · normally R 40 000
Special offer available
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AffordableArathusa Safari Lodge
Arathusa Safari Lodge is one of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve's most enriching and romantic bush getaways. Located within close proximity of the impressive and unfenced Kruger National Park, Arathusa provides the ideal setting in which to engage with the untamed African bush and spend some time appreciating the regions incredible wildlife, including the famous 'Big 5'.
From R 11 500 per person · night
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Premium Live availabilityLion Sands Tinga Lodge
Positioned in one of the denser predator habitats of the Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge occupies a beautiful 5000 hectares that is home to an abundance of wildlife, making this a truly exclusive experience.
From R 25 530 per person · night · normally R 34 030
Special offer available
Rates per person sharing, per night.
January
Green season: dense, dramatic, quiet lodges
Best time to visit
A leopard calendar.
The Sabi Sand delivers leopards year-round; the seasons change the stage set, not the star.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Your guide to Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
What do the rates include?
Almost every lodge in the Sabi Sands operates on a fully inclusive basis. Your nightly rate covers twice-daily game drives with an experienced ranger and tracker, all meals, selected drinks, and often laundry and Wi-Fi. Some lodges also include transfers from the nearest airstrip. Entry-level lodges start from around R6,100 per person sharing per night. Mid-range properties sit between R12,000 and R25,000, and the ultra-luxury lodges (Singita, Cheetah Plains, Londolozi) range from R40,000 to R89,000. Complete fly-in safari packages, including flights from Johannesburg, start from around R36,870 per person for three nights.
How to get there
Most guests fly in. Three airstrips serve the Sabi Sands: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) near Nelspruit, Skukuza Airport inside the Kruger, and Eastgate Airport at Hoedspruit. All three receive daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Your lodge arranges a road transfer from the airstrip, typically 30 to 90 minutes depending on which gate you enter through. Self-driving is possible, roughly five to six hours from Johannesburg via the N4 and R40, but fly-in is the norm at this level of safari.
When to go
The Sabi Sands is a year-round destination. The dry winter months from May to October offer the easiest game viewing: vegetation thins out, animals concentrate around waterholes, and the cooler temperatures make early-morning drives comfortable. October and November are the shoulder months, often with value-season rates while the bush is still relatively open. The green season from December to April brings dramatic skies, newborn animals and migratory birds, with many lodges offering reduced rates.
Leopard viewing is excellent in every month. The reserve's 65,000 hectares support a resident population that does not migrate, so your chances are high regardless of when you visit.
Sabi Sands, Kruger or Timbavati?
If your priority is leopards and off-road tracking with minimal vehicle crowding, the Sabi Sands is the strongest choice in the Greater Kruger system. The Kruger National Park itself covers a vastly larger area with more diverse landscapes and is significantly more affordable, but game drives follow public roads and sightings can draw queues of vehicles. The Timbavati shares an unfenced border with the Kruger's north-eastern sector and offers excellent Big Five viewing at lower nightly rates than the Sabi Sands, with fewer lodges and a quieter feel. Many travellers combine two of the three: a few nights in the Sabi Sands for the leopard experience, then a self-drive or fly-in leg through the Kruger for the scale of it.
Read the full comparison on our blog: Top 10 lodges in the Sabi Sands.
Photos from our guests
A traveller's view.
Every photo below was taken by a guest of ours on a recent trip to Sabi Sands Game Reserve. No stock imagery, no marketing shots. What they saw, on their cameras.
Imagery
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Sabi Sands Game Reserve, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"Five Star level treatment. I booked our Safari in Sabi Sans at Arathusa lodge, and our stay in Cape Town South Africa back in August of 2026 and the experience had been amazing. Safari.com agents have every detail thought from travel insurance, eSIM for phones, private transportation, and booked us amazing experiences. We saw the Big 5 in the Safari, went ca…"
"Awesome team at Safari.com, helped us plan an amazing trip to Sabi Sands and Victoria falls. Shann was very responsive and helpful!"
"Lynn Bowers went above and beyond to organize our safari in Sabi Sands and our beach holiday to Mauritius. She knew Sabi Sands was my top choice and even though there was very little available for our dates, she was able to get everything arranged. Absolutely recommend!"
"Our safari consultant was Dolan Sequera. Dolan quickly assembled two incredible options in Sabi Sands and Victoria Falls for us to consider. He responded to emails so quickly we wondered if he ever slept! Planning a safari can be daunting and Dolan made the process stress free. Our trip isn't until next September, but we are very impressed with the servi…"
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