
Visit Sabi Sand Wildtuin, South Africa
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Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park to the east, Sabi Sand Wildtuin is a private reserve where two perennial rivers (the Sabie and the Sand) have created a riverine bushveld rich in wildlife. Leopard thrive here, and it’s rare not to see one on a game drive. You may also spot the rest of the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo), along with cheetah, packs of wild dog and vibrant birdlife that provides a constant orchestra of sound.
In addition to the year-round game viewing, what sets the reserve apart is its high-quality accommodation and guides. Lodges spoil you with infinity pools, spas and a mixture of international and local food, while the guides’ passion and knowledge shines through on bush walks.
South Africa specialist AndrewSabi Sand Wildtuin offers the most complete Big Five safari experience. The intimacy of wildlife encounters is really special, while I’ve found the quality of the guides and lodges hard to beat.
Things to do in Sabi Sand Wildtuin
Spot the Big Five on a game drive
Your lodge will offer game drives in the early morning, late afternoon and occasionally at night. Rangers and trackers with a huge passion and knowledge for the area and its wildlife are your guides, helping to point out and identify the species you encounter. They can also take you to the best locations for seeing the wildlife that most interests you.
The number of vehicles allowed at any wildlife sighting is restricted to two at a time, so you’re able to get more close-up, intimate views of the animals. You may get close to lion gorging themselves on their prey, come face-to-face with a bull elephant displaying his status through head shaking and ear flapping, or shadow a leopard as it marks its territory.
Spend time birdwatching
Around 350 bird species make their home in the reserve’s varied habitats of open grass plains, dense riverine bush and dry woodland savannah. Many have a bright plumage that instantly catches the eye, such as the lilac-breasted roller and little bee-eaters, while others require skill and binoculars to pick out. The reserve’s ‘Big Six’ to look out for includes the martial eagle, lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing owl, saddle-billed stork, southern ground hornbill and kori bustard.
During the wetter months (December to April), birds from Europe flock to the area and the bush comes alive with birdsong. The sparse vegetation during the dry season (May to November) means birds are often easier to spot. We recommend rising early to experience the dawn chorus — guides can help to identify unfamiliar species, often just from listening to their call, and you’ll be given a list of birds to tick off.
Learn about smaller species on a guided bush walk
Many of the lodges in Sabi Sand Wildtuin offer daily guided walks through the bush, usually between the morning and afternoon game drives. Heading out on foot gives you a fresh perspective of the reserve and its wildlife inhabitants. There’s more of a focus on seeing and learning about smaller creatures, from insects and birds to reptiles and rodents.
Your guide will be highly trained and experienced in understanding how the animals behave and how close you can get without alerting them to your presence, so the experience is exhilarating without being hair-raising.
Relax and indulge in delicious food at your lodge
The accommodation in Sabi Sand Wildtuin is among the best in South Africa in terms of service, food and overall luxury. While they keep elements of the traditional African rustic style, the lodges offer sleek, modern amenities that ease your relaxation between safari activities. You can expect spacious lounge decks furnished with sofas and armchairs, infinity pools, Jacuzzis and, in some cases, spas.
The lodges here pride themselves in producing fine cuisine that almost rivals the restaurants of Cape Town and Franschhoek. Choose from eggs Benedict, full English or continental options for breakfast, light lunches of salads, cheeses and breads, and hearty dishes such as kudu filet or impala steak for dinner, served with a bottle of South African wine.
Visit a local Shangaan community
The local Shangaan people are often only met as guides, trackers or staff at your lodge, but it’s possible to visit one of their villages on the outskirts of the reserve to learn more about their culture and way of life.
With a guide, you’re driven out to the nearest village. Nothing is put on for visitors, so you’ll experience authentic village life. You may visit the school or church, talk to a sangoma (herbalist) about his or her methods of grinding herbs and spices to make medicines, and meet with the village chief in his house.
All profits from your visit will go towards providing new or improved facilities for the Shangaan people.
Sleep beneath the stars in a luxury treehouse
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve lies within Sabi Sand Wildtuin and offers two romantic treehouse options for you to spend a night sleeping out under the night sky. Chalkley and Kingston, as they’re called, are both raised above the ground on sturdy wooden stilts. They feature wooden decking areas furnished with a four-poster bed and comfortable seating, as well as an en suite toilet (Kingston also has a shower), and they’re protected by a mosquito net.
On arrival, you’re treated to a tapas-style dinner, snacks and South African wine, before enjoying an evening of star gazing. Lanterns provide the lighting. Lying in bed, you can listen out for hippo grunting and puffing as males defend their pod, distant lion roars alerting you to a pride’s presence, and hyena cackling as they forage for food.
Drive along the scenic Panorama Route
The Panorama Route starts just outside Lydenburg, around an hour’s drive west of Sabi Sand Wildtuin, and ends around 70 km (43 miles) further north near the Echo Caves. The route winds through the dramatic mountains, valleys and canyons of the Mpumalanga Escarpment, part of the greater Drakensberg Range. You can follow it either before or after your safari stay, or take a day trip from your lodge.
The highlight of the route is Blyde River Canyon, where the meandering river has cut a steep-sided gorge 750 m (2,461 ft) deep. You can gaze over red sandstone peaks draped in green vegetation, the most well-known of which are the ‘Three Rondavels’, which resemble the traditional rondavel huts of indigenous tribes.
Best time to visit Sabi Sand Wildtuin
Game viewing is excellent all year round, but the dry months of May to November are best (September to November especially, as mammals have their young). At this time, waterholes draw in wildlife in larger numbers and vegetation is sparse, so it’s easier to spot game from further away.
The best time for birdwatching is December to January or March and April (February is usually too wet). This is when migratory birds from Europe join the resident species, giving you the chance to tick more off your list.
Suggested itineraries featuring Sabi Sand Wildtuin
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Sabi Sand Wildtuin, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Map of Sabi Sand Wildtuin
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Sabi Sand Wildtuin
- Hazyview 26 miles away
- Kruger National Park 31 miles away
- Thornybush Reserve 32 miles away
- Timbavati Game Reserve 35 miles away
- Southern & Central Sectors Kruger National Park 36 miles away
- Kapama Private Game Reserve 39 miles away
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve 45 miles away
- The Escarpment 46 miles away
- Greater Makalali Game Reserve 65 miles away
- Eswatini 123 miles away
- The Elephant Coast 175 miles away
- Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve 208 miles away
- Phinda Private Game Reserve 211 miles away
- Lake St Lucia 225 miles away
- Hluhluwe-IMfolozi Game Reserve 228 miles away
- Johannesburg 228 miles away
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park 229 miles away
- The Battlefields 250 miles away
- The Waterberg 251 miles away
- The Pilanesberg National Park 276 miles away
- Spioenkop 292 miles away
Photos of Sabi Sand Wildtuin
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Lion cub, the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, South Africa
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The Sabi Sand Wildtuin, South Africa
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Leopard, the Sabi Sabi Wildtuin, South Africa
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Buffalo herd, The Sabi Sabi Wildtuin
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Zebra in The Sabi Sabi Wildtuin
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Two young lions play together while the rest of the pride sleeps off a big meal
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Cheetah in Kruger Park
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Leopard in Kruger Park
Accommodation choices for Sabi Sand Wildtuin
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Sabi Sand Wildtuin. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Dulini Safari Lodge
Set on the banks of the Mabrak River, under ebony and leadwood trees, Dulini Safari Lodge offers an sophisticated stay in the Sabi Sand Reserve. Guests travel to the lodge for the opportunity to see the Big Five, and treated to a luxurious, discerning stay.

Simbambili
Simbambili Game Lodge is renowned for copious leopard sightings as well as an abundance of other animals and scenic views. It isn’t unusual to spot the Big Five during a stay here.

Arathusa Safari Lodge
Situated in the popular Sabi Sands area of the Greater Kruger National Park, Arathusa offers an intimate safari experience, excellent value for money and a chance to spot the Big Five.

Savanna Private Game Reserve
This characterful lodge is situated within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and provides comfortable accommodation to return to after game drives out in the bush, where the Big Five can often be spotted. Staff here are very friendly and help to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Notten's Bush Camp
Set within Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Notten’s Bush Camp is a characterful base from which to explore the reserve’s wildlife. Owned and managed by the same family for four generations, the friendly, personal service makes you feel as though you’re staying at a friend’s home.

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
An intimate destination (perched on a small kopje in the western sector of Sabi Sands), Leopard Hills will cater for an exquisite stay in the African bush.

Little Bush Camp
Little Bush Camp is a warm and cozy, contemporary African retreat in the heart of the bush. With just six suites, the lodge is very exclusive and private, boasting all the features of an exceptional bush lodge.

Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge
Selati Lodge has all the atmosphere and trimmings of 'Yesterday'. The lodge's name commemorates the Selati railway line that used to run from the Transvaal to Mozambique, close to the site of the lodge.

Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
The lodge has eight luxurious suites which are stylish and individually decorated to the very highest standard. The game viewing here is truly second to none.

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
Ivory Lodge offers an extremely luxurious and very private safari experience and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a very exclusive safari experience.

Exeter Private Game Reserve - Kirkman's Kamp
Kirkman's Camp, with its spectacular views of the unspoilt wilderness and the Sand River, is regarded as one of the best loved lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Dulini Leadwood Lodge
Dulini Leadwood Lodge offers the perfect package for guests wanting to relax in privacy and luxury with a very exclusive safari experience.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge enjoys a stunning location and the discreet placing of the suites gives an intimacy and exclusivity that belies the relatively large number of suites.

Dulini River Lodge
Overlooking the Sand River, Dulini River Lodge offers a luxury stay in the Sabi Sands region of the Greater Kruger.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is built in complete harmony with its surroundings, each enormous suite is sculpted into the earth, with rough mud walls reminding you that you are in wild Africa.

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
With just six suites, the lodge is very exclusive and private, boasting all the features of an exceptional bush lodge - beautiful setting, excellent cuisine and abundant wildlife.