Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
premier Camp | Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
| Read Reviews | Write a Review
Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi is a luxury safari lodge that redefines natural elegance in the midst of one of Africa’s most prolific wildlife areas. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to create a unique and captivating aesthetic. As in nature, everything at Earth Lodge exists in harmony and is permeated with a calm and restoring spirit.
Our Expert Says
One of the most unique safari camps in all of Africa, Earth Lodge is an aesthetic indulgence in true luxury. Be sure to take time to enjoy the award-winning spa!
– Lauren Deeley
The Camp
Location: Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, South Africa
Number of Tents: 13
Taking its cue from its surroundings, Earth Lodge has been called the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa. Thirteen deluxe suites feature individually designed furniture crafted of natural materials, private plunge pool, en suite glass-fronted bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and butler service. Natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add to the rich ambience. Shared spaces include an indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and the surrounding bush, a secluded library, art gallery and meditation garden. The walls of the outdoor ‘boma’ are sculpted from tree roots, evoking the power of the wilderness. The lodge also boasts an underground wine cellar with more than 6,000 bottles of rare wines to complement the impeccable cuisine. Following a day in the bush on safari, retreat to the comforts of the Amani Spa, where holistic body, skin and beauty treatments await. Earth Lodge offers an unforgettable indulgence within one of the world’s premier natural settings.
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
- Private plunge 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
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 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.
| Country | Park/Reserve |
Black Rhino
|
Buffalo
|
Cheetah
|
Eland
|
Elephant
|
Giraffe
|
Greater Kudu
|
Hippo
|
Hyena
|
Leopard
|
Lion
|
Sable Antelope
|
White Rhino
|
Wild Dog
|
Wildebeest
|
Zebra
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Sabi Sand Reserve |
| Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
| Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 84° F | 68° F | 3.86 in |
| 28° C | 20° C | 98 mm | |
| February | 88° F | 70° F | 6.54 in |
| 31° C | 21° C | 166 mm | |
| March | 88° F | 68° F | 5.24 in |
| 31° C | 20° C | 133 mm | |
| April | 84° F | 61° F | 1.85 in |
| 28° C | 16° C | 47 mm | |
| May | 81° F | 50° F | 0.43 in |
| 27° C | 10° C | 11 mm | |
| June | 81° F | 43° F | 0.12 in |
| 27° C | 6° C | 3 mm | |
| July | 77° F | 43° F | 0.16 in |
| 25° C | 6° C | 4 mm | |
| August | 82° F | 48° F | 0.16 in |
| 27° C | 8° C | 4 mm | |
| September | 82° F | 57° F | 0.55 in |
| 27° C | 13° C | 14 mm | |
| October | 81° F | 61° F | 1.77 in |
| 27° C | 16° C | 45 mm | |
| November | 84° F | 66° F | 6.61 in |
| 28° C | 18° C | 168 mm | |
| December | 84° F | 63° F | 9.41 in |
| 28° C | 17° C | 239 mm |
Conservation
Earth 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.