Sabi Sand Game Reserve Travel Guide
Sabi Sand Game Reserve Travel Guide
Bordering Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is South Africa's most established private safari destination, and widely regarded as the best place in the country (and arguably the world) to see leopards in the wild.
Highlights
- Private reserve and part of Greater Kruger
- South Africa's top luxury safari destination
- Best wild leopard sightings in the world
- Excellent Big Five game viewing in a short time
- Off-road game drives and night drives permitted
- Large selection of high-end safari lodges
- Easy access by road or direct flights
- Strict sighting rules (maximum vehicles at sightings)
As part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Sabi Sand shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger, meaning wildlife moves freely between the parks. What sets Sabi Sands apart is not different animals, but the quality of guiding, off-road access, and consistently exceptional big-cat sightings, paired with some of Africa's finest luxury lodges.
World-class game viewing in a private reserve setting
Lions are also frequently sighted in Sabi Sand
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is home to some of South Africa's most iconic safari lodges, including Singita, Londolozi, Lion Sands, Dulini and many others.
Game viewing here is outstanding. Although the wildlife and habitat are the same as in the greater Kruger National Park, sightings in Sabi Sands are often more consistent because:
- open safari vehicles can drive off-road
- experienced trackers follow fresh spoor
- guides communicate sightings via radio
- animals are highly habituated to vehicles
For travellers with limited time, Sabi Sands offers one of the best chances anywhere in Africa to see the Big Five, especially leopards.
Off-road game drives and leopard viewing
Off-roading in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
A key difference between Sabi Sands and the public Kruger National Park is that vehicles are permitted to leave the roads.
This allows guides to position vehicles carefully for photography and to follow predators more effectively, particularly leopards, which are frequently seen at close range.
Game drives typically continue after dark with spotlights, giving guests the chance to encounter nocturnal species and active predators.
Sabi Sands long history of conservation and guiding has made it the world benchmark for leopard sightings.
Wildlife
The Sabi Sands supports the full diversity of Greater Kruger wildlife, including:
- Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo
- Wild dog, cheetah, hyena and jackal
- Giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile
- A wide range of antelope species
- Excellent birdlife year-round
To fully appreciate the experience, we recommend a minimum stay of two nights, with three to four nights being ideal.
Best time to visit Sabi Sands
Sabi Sands is a year-round safari destination, but the experience changes by season:
Dry season (May to September)
- Best overall game viewing
- Vegetation is thinner, making animals easier to spot
- Cooler mornings and evenings
Green season (October to April)
- Lush landscapes and excellent birding
- Baby animals and dramatic summer skies
- Wildlife still excellent, though slightly harder to see in thicker bush
For travellers prioritising predators and photography, the dry winter months are usually best.
Safari lodge accommodation and price range
Umkumbe Bush Lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Sabi Sands has one of the largest selections of private safari lodges in South Africa, but it is also the most expensive Greater Kruger reserve overall.
Most lodges fall into the luxury/high-end bracket, with very few true budget options.
Typical pricing ranges:
- Mid-range: ZAR 10,000–20,000 per person per night (limited availability)
- Luxury: ZAR 20,000–50,000+ per person per night (dominant category)
Rates are usually all-inclusive, with premium lodges offering world-class service, private plunge pools, and exceptional guiding.
Lodge experience can vary depending on:
- traversing area size
- river access (Sand River and Sabie River)
- vehicle size (typically 6 guests in luxury lodges vs up to 9 in more affordable ones)
- child policies and family suitability
Pro tip: Because mid-range lodges are extremely popular, we often recommend booking at least 12 months in advance, especially for peak season.
Sighting etiquette and vehicle limits
Unlike some reserves where large crowds can gather, Sabi Sands enforces strict sighting rules.
Typically, a maximum of three vehicles may be at a sighting at one time. This protects the animals and improves the experience, although it can mean limited viewing time at especially popular leopard sightings.
Getting there
Sabi Sands is easily reached by road transfer or scheduled flights.
The reserve is divided into two main sections:
- North of the Sand River (enter via Gowrie Gate)
- South of the Sand River (enter via Newington or Shaw’s Gate)
It is not possible to drive directly between the north and south within the reserve, so travellers changing lodges must exit and re-enter via the appropriate gate.
Direct flights from Johannesburg to lodge airstrips take about one hour.
Our take on Sabi Sands
We love the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. After Kruger National Park itself, it is South Africa's most famous safari destination, and for good reason.
If your priority is seeing the Big Five up close, especially leopards, it is very hard to beat.
The main consideration is cost: Sabi Sands is also South Africa's most expensive safari region, with many lodges priced above US$ 1,000 per person per night.
One possible downside is that the focus here is often strongly centred on predators. Some guests (and some guides) move quickly from big-cat sighting to big-cat sighting, which can mean less time spent appreciating the smaller details of the bush.
For travellers who want the highest-quality big-cat viewing in Africa, paired with exceptional guiding and luxury, Sabi Sands remains the gold standard.
Not sure this is the right reserve for you?
Looking for fewer vehicles, a quieter safari pace, or better value? Compare Sabi Sands with other Greater Kruger reserves.
Sabi Sands Safari Planning Questions
Sabi Sands shares the same wildlife as Kruger, but sightings are often more consistent because off-road driving, expert tracking, and private guiding are permitted.
Sabi Sands has one of the highest leopard densities in Africa, and leopards here are highly habituated to vehicles, allowing unusually close viewing.
A minimum of two nights is recommended, but three to four nights is ideal for relaxed game viewing and multiple predator encounters.
Most lodges are high-end, with very few budget options. Mid-range lodges exist but are limited and often book out far in advance.
The dry season (May–September) offers the best visibility and most consistent wildlife viewing, especially for predators.
Sabi Sands has strict rules, usually allowing a maximum of three vehicles at a sighting at a time, which helps protect the experience.
Yes, especially for mid-range lodges and peak travel months. Booking 9–12 months ahead is often advisable.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Bordering Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is South Africa's most established private safari destination, and widely regarded as the best place in the country (and arguably the world) to see leopards in the wild.
Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge
Sabi Sabi Selati Camp is an award-winning safari lodge situated between the Sabie and Sand Rivers and lies within the game migration path from the Kruger National Park. Located on the banks of the Msuthlu riverbed, the lodge offers expansive bush views and rewarding game viewing all year round. Accommodation varies from luxury suites to the romantic honeymoon suite to an exclusive presidential suite.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a unique, luxury 5-star lodge situated within the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, one of the oldest and largest proclaimed private reserves which make part of the greater Kruger National Park and is known as South Africa's top safari destination, offering outstanding game viewing. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge was chosen by National Geographic as one of the "Unique Lodges of The World".
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a 5-star lodge situated in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, one of South Africa's prime private safari destinations and also part of the greater Kruger National Park. Bush Lodge overlooks a waterhole and promises a rewarding, luxurious safari experience all year round.
Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp is situated on the banks of the Msuthlu River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve which forms part of the greater Kruger National Park. This area is renowned as one of South Africa's top safari destinations with excellent game viewing. Little Bush Camp is an intimate 6-suite camp ideal for small groups, families and friends.
Londolozi Founders Camp
Londolozi Founders Camp in an exclusive luxury lodge in the heart of the game-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve. One of 5 camps at Londolozi, this intimate lodge features ten superbly styled luxurious chalets, overlooking the magnificent Sand River.
Londolozi Varty Camp
Londolozi Varty Camp is one of five camps in the exclusive and very luxurious Londolozi Private Game Reserve, situated in the famous game-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Londolozi Varty Camp offers eight luxurious chalets and two gracious suites, magnificent views over the Sand River and prime game viewing opportunities.
Londolozi Tree Camp
Londolozi Tree Camp is the most stylish family run camp in Africa. This romantic camp comprises six sumptuous suites furnished in African safari style, each with its own private oasis - a plunge pool and luxurious sala (outdoor covered contemplation deck). Londolozi Tree Camp is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
Lion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands River Lodge is a stylish, comfortable 5-star safari destination. The lodge overlooks the Sabie River and Kruger National Park beyond and offers some of the best game viewing in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. All eight Luxury Rooms, six Superior Luxury Rooms and four River Suites are light and spacious.
Dulini River Lodge
Totally modern with every luxury, comfort and convenience, Dulini River Lodge offers you old-fashioned luxury, indulgence and personalised service. Its six luxurious suites are elevated to look over the perennial Sand River and its bushveld surrounds.
Leadwood Lodge
Dulini Leadwood Lodge is the perfect choice if you're looking for something that's intimate, exclusive and luxurious. The lodge's three river-facing suites (four when booked exclusively) are well-spaced apart for privacy, making it the ultimate honeymoon or discerning small group destination.
Leopard Hills
Leopard Hills is situated within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and forms part of the greater Kruger National Park. This luxury 5-star lodge is built on a hill that overlooks a natural waterhole and boasts eight glass-fronted suites with spectacular views.
Elephant Plains Game Lodge
Elephant Plains Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the dry Manyeleti river overlooking a permanent waterhole in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park. This affordable 4-star lodge is an excellent safari destination offering prime game viewing and perfect photographic opportunities.
Arathusa Safari Lodge
Arathusa Safari Lodge is a reasonably affordable game lodge situated in the northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which forms part of the greater Kruger National Park. The lodge looks out over a waterhole and the African bush.
Nkorho Bush Lodge
Nkorho Bush Lodge is located in the northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a conservation area covering more than two million hectares. The reserve shares unfenced borders with the world-famous Kruger National Park. As a result, the diversity of wildlife to be seen at Nkorho is breathtaking and guests are often treated to sightings of some of the Big 5, even from the lodge itself, which overlooks a waterhole and open plain. Nkorho Bush Lodge offers reasonably-priced, comfortable accommodation for 16 guests in 8 en-suite thatched chalets.
Dulini Moya
Dulini Moya is an exclusive and intimate private game lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve, sharing unfenced borders with the Greater Kruger Park. The area offers superb game viewing and is renowned for its common sightings of the Big 5. A maximum of 12 guests can be accommodated in six luxurious stone and thatch cottages, each with a view over the seasonal Mabrak River.
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Leopard Hills
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