Sabi Sabi Selati Camp
distinctive Camp | Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
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Exclusive Selati Camp offers the romantic safari lodge atmosphere of yesteryear. Designed like an authentic 19th-century home, down to every perfect detail, Selati exudes the colonial ambience of the old railway days of South Africa. Seven opulent thatched suites are nonetheless a mix of contemporary and traditional finishes; with private decks overlooking the banks of the Mshuthlu River, guests are often treated to close-up visits from wildlife.
Our Expert Says
Selati Camp is one of four camps that make up the Sabi Sabi collection. All the camps are located in the Sabi Sabi private game reserve just west of Kruger National Park. Selati Camp offers an upscale option with more of a traditional feel, and the wildlife viewing offers a great chance to spot the Big Five.
– Greg Courter
The Camp
Location: Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, South Africa
Number of Tents: 7
Selati Camp evokes the safari era of old, when sunsets melded into the glow of lantern light and service was gracious and impeccable. While the camp retains an “Out of Africa” feel, guests enjoy all the modern-day amenities necessary for supreme comfort in the bush. Originally created without electricity to preserve the ambience, Selati Camp has now installed overhead fans, air conditioning and all the trimmings expected from a luxury safari lodge. Nights at Selati are quiet, intimate, downright magical. Under the starry canopy of the Southern night sky the camp is still lit by the gentle flicker of oil lamps and lanterns, and the romantic glow of fires. Seven thatched suites feature a mix of traditional furnishings and contemporary finishes, including draped mosquito netting and wood, leather and natural fiber accents. Opulent en suite bathrooms have soaking tubs and private al fresco showers. World-class cuisine is served on wooden thatched decks built alongside the Msuthlu River, in the open-air boma, and in the "farmhouse kitchen.”
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
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
Sabi Sabi Selati Camp 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.