Male Leopard by Greg Whelan
Male Leopard by Greg Whelan
Sabi Sand
The Sabi Sand is widely considered South Africa’s premier wildlife reserve. The Sands, as the reserve is affectionately known, is most celebrated for its outstanding Leopard sightings borne by the relationship of John Varty and Elmon Mholongo with the “Mother Leopard” in 1979
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WHY VISIT THE SABI SAND
Outstanding wildlife including the “Big Five”
Excellent Leopard sightings – the best in Africa
Spoilt for choice of superb lodgings
Unfenced with the Kruger National Park
Sensitive off-roading for up close encounters
Private reserve means night drives and walking safaris are possible
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Martial Eagle
Photo by Simon Bellingham
Top Birds of the Sabi Sand
- Saddle-billed Stork
- Southern Ground Hornbill
- Bateleur Eagle
- African Fish Eagle
- White-fronted Bee-eater
- Trumpeter Hornbill
- African Finfoot
- Martial Eagle
- Paradise Flycatcher
- Secretary Bird
- Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
Leopard
Photo by Simon Bellingham
Top Mammals of the Sabi Sand
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Lion
- Black and White Rhino
- Spotted Hyaena
- Giraffe
- Cape Buffalo
- Hippopotamus
- Wild Dog
- Cheetah
- Plains Zebra
FEATURED LODGES AND CAMPS OF THE SABI SAND
Londolozi Founders Camp
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Founders Camp honours past guests and staff who have contributed to building Londolozi Game Reserve. It is their efforts which have distilled the legacy of the past 30 years into a common mission.
Enchanting, intimate and child-friendly, Founders Camp is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view of the secrets of river life. Seven idyllic chalets, repose in the shade of ancient Ebony and Matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River. This is an African safari in the classic style, replete with black and cream ticking fabric and original mahogany beds. Deep leather couches, military chests, compass safari lamps and a riverside lounge sala, create a mood of easy luxury and laid back welcome for discerning families and travellers.
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Londolozi Pioneer Camp
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Pioneer Camp is the most secluded of Londolozi’s luxury camps. The three private suites have superb river views and are perfect for honeymoons and private getaways.
Focused on multi-generational family travel, this adaptable camp can also be converted into a private bush home for family groups of 6 – 14 people through linking glass sky walkways into interconnected family units. The spacious entrance-halls, are decorated with a Ralph Lauren feel: clean lines, modern and sophisticated with floor to ceiling glass sliding panels which frame the wilderness views beyond. The bathrooms are classic Victorian with modern accents in the marble, chrome and mahogany finishes. Throughout the camp there is a pervading sense of history thanks to faithfully restored memorabilia of photographs, old suitcases, silver, crystal glass and gramophones. Everything about Pioneer Camp is deeply personal and provides a romantic backdrop to the adventures of a new generation of sophisticated travellers.
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Londolozi Granite Suites
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This is the most exclusive offering at Londolozi. The Private Granite Suites offer an extraordinary experience for the use of six guests. Bold, inspiring materials mirror the extrusion of granite rocks that flank the camp while conveying the raw essence of Africa.
A palette of silver, charcoal and elephant grey in a range of sumptuous materials creates an elegant and contemporary setting in each expansive suite. The emphasis is on space, light and privacy while blurring the barrier between inside and out. A seamless integration with nature is achieved with large doors and windows all opening directly onto the Sand River. This luxury safari lodge is for the discerning traveller who appreciates the finer details of an African safari. Each suite has a private, heated swimming pool.
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Londolozi Tree Camp
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Tree Camp embodies the very essence of Londolozi’s continuous striving to transcend and redefine the journey to the wilderness. This is a place of connoisseurship, leopards, orchids, lanterns and Leadwood trees. Elegance and simplicity are the hallmarks of the Tree Camp sanctuaries.
Guests spend lazy afternoons on their decks, champagne in hand as they survey the ancient landscape, Elephants feeding below in the river. Elegance and simplicity are the hallmarks of the Tree Camp sanctuaries. In every detail and feature, from the private swimming pools and contemplation decks (salas) to the Ralph Lauren wallpaper and chocolate plaited leather beds, this exclusive camp provides a matchless showcase of African excellence.
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Londolozi Varty Camp
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The campfire has burned here for over 85 years making Varty Camp the symbolic heart and soul of Londolozi. The décor echoes the same tones of the owner’s private homes and their continuing love affair with the earth. Varty Camp is the home of an African safari holiday. All rooms have private swimming pools framed by timber decks that overlook the riverine bush.
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Singita Boulders Lodge
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Singita Boulders Lodge is a celebration of the tranquillity, space, and light which flows throughout this incredibly vast area. Inspired by the geometry of the boulders on which it rests, Boulders Lodge, which is set along the banks of the Sand River, is an inviting oasis where organic interiors integrate seamlessly with the raw African beauty outside.
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Singita Ebony Lodge
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Singita Ebony Lodge, situated over the Sand River, takes safari design and style to a new level. The new design is a fresh and contemporary interpretation of the classic safari lodge, combining tented camp and bush lodge style. Guests are immersed in nature with huge open spaces and interiors inspired by a combination of local tribal culture and the animal kingdom.
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Singita Castleton
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Reminiscent of an African farmhouse, Singita Castleton presents relaxed and understated interiors imbued with nostalgic references that capture the spirit and history of the original camp. An intimate lodge designed for private use with its own staff, guide and tracker, relaxed living spaces leading to deep verandas provide accommodation in six individual cottages.
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Ulusaba Rock Lodge
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Perched high on the summit of a koppie, with panoramic views over miles of bush, grab a pair of binoculars to see what you can spot. Within Rock Lodge is Cliff Lodge a two bedroom suite, perfect for some added privacy. Both Rock and Cliff Lodge are ideal for families with children of all ages who are welcome to join the Cub’s Club.
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Ulusaba Safari Lodge
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Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed and some of the rooms are built ‘tree house’ style – you really get the feeling of being in the heart of life in the bush. Your room will provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.
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Tengile River Lodge
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Meaning “tranquil” in the local Tsonga language, Tengile River Lodge holds an idyllic private position on a bend of the Sand River, with serene river views from every vantage point. Space and flow are the heroes of this inspired lodge design with nine secluded suites.
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Dulini Leadwood Lodge
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Leadwood captivates its guests by taking deep root in their hearts, much like the ancient trees after which the Lodge is named. Tucked secretively into the lush elbow where the Mabrak and Sand Rivers confluence, four Leadwood suites whisper of lavish luxury in the breath-taking setting.
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Dulini Moya Lodge
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Beneath the shade of ancient Ebony and Leadwood trees, the tranquil haven of Dulini Moya is tucked secretively in the meander of the Mabrak River. The six spacious suites exude a sense of indulgence, romance and classic safari tradition.
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Dulini River Lodge
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Set above the perennial waters of the Sand River, Dulini River’s understated décor and subtle African aesthetic create an effortlessly stylish safari escape. The serenity of the scenery is reflected in six magnificent suites, each with a private deck and heated plunge pool.
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When to visit the Sabi Sand
Fantastic for birds and botany, the bush is green and lush and afternoon thunderstorms can be sensational, the resultant light after a storm is sublime – excellent for photography. It can be hot and humid. Rainfall is mainly limited to late afternoon thunder showers and should not detract much from game viewing, rain can however result in less off-road driving.
March and April are two of the best months to be on safari in South Africa, the weather is generally mild and dry, the vegetation takes on those typical autumn colors of red, yellow and brown and if the right lodge is chosen, a good guide should be able to produce sensational wildlife!
The lack of water results in wildlife frequently being seen drinking at various waterholes, the vegetation also gets a lot more sparse making it easier to see wildlife, as a result of this, this is the best time to see mammals. It can be chilly in the early morning but it is usually clear, warm and sunny by mid-morning. This time of year is the most difficult to get availability at the top lodges so please be sure to contact us well in advance.
A beautiful time to be on safari as it is generally at is driest making mammals easy to spot; birds are also more easily seen as many are calling in preparation for the breeding season. From a weather point of view, days are generally mild throughout and it is generally still dry.
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