Sabi Sands Game Reserve Safari Holidays
Sabi Sands is one of the most famous private game reserves in South Africa, and for good reason. With almost unparalleled game viewing, a range of luxurious lodges and an intimate feel, it makes a fantastic safari destination.
Is Sabi Sands Better than Kruger National Park?
That depends on the safari experience that you’re after. A safari in Kruger National Park is a great first-time safari destination. You can either self drive, or go on guided game drives, but you have to stick to marked roads. There is also a wide range of lodges to suit every budget.
A safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve often feels more luxurious and exclusive. You can’t go on self drive safaris, but your guide will take you off-road in search of wildlife. Generally, the lodges are more luxurious, offering a tranquil and intimate experience, with fine dining and a range of activities.
How Do You Get to Sabi Sands Game Reserve?
You can get to Sabi Sands Nature Reserve by land or sky.
By car, you can get there by self drive or transfer. The driving distance from Johannesburg is around 450 kilometres also the N4 national road, so it is a simple and comfortable journey. With some breaks for refreshments, this journey typically takes six-and-a-half hours. A self drive is a more affordable option, and it works well if you’re pairing a Sabi Sands safari with a self drive around Kruger National Park, or if you’d like to drive the Panorama Route.
Sabi Sands has three access gates, each serving a different area of the park. Shaw’s Gate is situated in the south, Newington Gate is to the west, and Gowrie Gate is to the north, each open from 5am to 10pm.
There are also three main airstrips within Sabi Sands Reserve. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is the best for getting to lodges in the western sector, Skukuza Airport is ideal for lodges in the south of the park, and Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport services the northern sector.
What Animals Can You See at Sabi Sands Game Reserve?
Sabi Sands Nature Reserve is renowned for its leopard sightings, as studies have shown that it has the highest density of leopards of anywhere in Africa. The reserve also boasts the rest of the ‘Big 5’: lions, elephants, buffalo and rhino. The reserve is home to a whopping 147 species, which also include giraffes, hippos and antelope. Sabi Sands is also rich in birdlife, boasting 517 recorded species.
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