The Camp

Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Number of Tents: 25

Important Note: While Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is Distinctive in style and amenities, its slightly larger size and great value is more like that of a Traditional camp.

No detail has been spared in the furnishings and appointments for the 25 enormous thatched suites at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Tribal-themed décor and artwork, glowing hardwoods and natural materials blend harmoniously with the bush environment. The en suite bathrooms feature outdoor as well as glass-fronted indoor showers, affording views that may distract you from bathing. The two Luxury Villas are a welcome addition to Bush Lodge, each featuring two contemporary en suite bedrooms sharing a common living area, an ideal situation for families. The Mandleve Presidential Suite is an ultra-luxury suite perfect for honeymooners or those in search of pure opulence, with in-room dining an added option. Huge observation decks provide a place to relax while spotting wildlife or bird watching. Refresh yourself with a dip in the filtered pools or a treatment at the on-site spa. Meals, including memorable dinners in the open-air "boma," are heralded by blasts on a kudu horn to summon guests. This luxury lodge also features open courtyards with wooden carvings by renowned South African sculptors, created from uprooted trees and wood salvaged from the surrounding bushveld.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with tub and indoor/outdoor showers
• Shampoo, soap and lotion
• Hair dryer
• Air conditioning
• Room fan
• Mini bar
• Tea/coffee in room
• 220v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• Central pool
• Spa (extra cost)
• Fitness center
• Wi-Fi in main area
• Laundry (extra cost)
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Because there are no fences between the private Sabi Sabi Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, great concentrations of wildlife move freely through this unspoiled sector of African wilderness. The diverse habitat is home to an impressive range of species including the Big Five -- lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant -- as well as cheetah, wild dog and some 200 other animals indigenous to the area. With more than 300 bird species, the reserve is also a birdwatcher's delight. Since there has been no hunting here for over half a century, the animals have become habituated to safari vehicles and are relaxed in our presence, allowing for exhilarating close-up photography. Safaris take place each morning and evening in open Land Rovers, which travel through a wide variety of habitats to maximize wildlife encounters. After breakfast, guests can venture out with a camp ranger on the reserve’s walking trails to experience the natural environment on foot. The camp’s new EleFun Centre offers fantastic environmental education opportunities for kids, from ranger-led bush walks, talks, and drives, to arts and crafts and games in the bush and enclosed outdoor play areas.

The Sabi Sand is known for great leopard viewing, healthy rhino populations and the rest of the Big Five, making it a great wildlife destination for all levels of safari experience. The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced here. Other typical sightings may include warthogs, baboons and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on weather and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge lies within the private Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, which has created and implemented an extensive Habitat Management Plan that covers a wide range of complex sustainability issues, including wastewater management, alien species eradication and sustainable fire management. Because of the success of its wetlands management program, Sabi Sabi received the Imvelo Award for the Best Practice in Conservation. Sabi Sabi is also deeply committed to integrating conservation and community development, engaging in a participatory relationship with local communities. Sabi Sabi employs 200 local community members who are promoted from within based upon merit and accomplishment and who have the opportunity to participate in internal skills training programs. Sabi Sabi is also a major contributor to the Teach the Teachers and Reach and Teach Education Programs, which include workshops for rural teachers on the relationship between ecotourism, conservation and communities. Sabi Sabi is also proud to sponsor the community-run Lillydale Environmental Education Center.

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