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Sabi Sands
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, located in the northeastern corner of South Africa within the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. Known as one of the world’s premier safari destinations, Sabi Sands is 65,000 hectares in size and offers exclusive access to guests staying at its private reserves, ensuring uncrowded and intimate safari experiences. These reserves provide exceptional accommodations and unique activities such as off-road game drives, night drives, guided bush walks, and outdoor dining experiences, which are not permitted in Kruger. The reserve is particularly famous for its leopard sightings and offers some of the best safaris in Africa, guided by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers who excel at navigating the terrain and tracking wildlife.
The private reserves in Sabi Sands represent the pinnacle of safari experiences in South Africa, blending opulent glamour with African authenticity and offering excellent year-round game viewing. The Sabi Sands features numerous rivers and waterholes that attract large numbers of wildlife throughout the year. With a diverse range of experiences and accommodation options catering to families, couples, and groups, visitors are assured a memorable and luxurious adventure in South Africa’s best private game reserve.
Malaria:
- Although a malaria zoned area, the risk of malaria in the Sabi Sands is usually low, even in the summer months.
- The highest risk period is between November and April (summer rainy season).
- Most types of mosquito that are encountered will not carry the malaria parasite.
- Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn.
- The risk of malaria can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by covering exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents, ensuring netted screens are kept closed and burning anti-mosquito coils.
- Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria.
Please note that the information provided above is taken from the official SANParks website. For professional advice on malaria please consult with your medical practitioner.
Wildlife:
- Highest population density of the Big 5 in South Africa and it is estimated that 1500 lions, 1000 leopards, 17000 elephant, 48000 buffalo and an excess of 2000 rhinos live in the Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Approximately 147 mammal species.
- Over 500 bird species.
Game Drives:
- Sabi Sands game drives are ranked some of the best in the world.
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted
Highlights:
- A small collection of private game reserves are home to award-winning safari accommodation.
- Renowned for leopard sightings
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with some of the best game rangers and trackers on the continent.
- Night game drives, guided bush walks and off-road game drives.
- Sabie and Sands rivers and waterholes throughout the park attract large numbers of wildlife.
- A diverse range of experiences and luxurious accommodation options for families, couples and groups.
- All year round safari destination.
Location:
Sabi Sands is a 65 000-hectare private game reserve and lies in South Africa’s far north-eastern corner in the Mpumalanga province. The private reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger, sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
Getting there:
- The best way to travel to the Sabi Sands safari lodges is to fly into Skukuza Airport, followed by a road transfer.
- Scheduled charter flights operate twice a day to the reserve private airstrips.
- Some lodges are in more remote locations and the private airstrips and better suited.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Skukuza: 60 minutes
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutess
- Road transfer time to the reserves from the Skukuza Airport generally ranges between 30 and 120 minutes.
- The reserve is generally a 5- to 7- hour drive from Johannesburg along the N12 and N4 highways.
Special offers:
We have some fantastic specials offers including PAY STAY deals, Honeymoon offers and discounted rates available for both international travellers and SA residents. View all specials on our specials page here: special offers
Packages:
Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View all packages here: safari packages
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