The most prestigious private game reserve in South Africa without a doubt is the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. On the southwest border of the Kruger National Park sits the 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The wildlife roams freely and there are no barriers separating the Kruger Park from the Sabi Sands Reserve.
In the Lowveld of the Mpumalanga Province, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which is made up of several opulent lodges and smaller reserves, borders the renowned Kruger National Park. In reality, Sabi Sands is one of the most prestigious game reserves in the nation, guaranteeing its visitors the finest service and beautiful goods.
It is called for the Sabie and Sand rivers that flow through and surrounding its 650 square kilometre territory. Animals are able to travel freely between these reserves due to the lack of a barrier separating them from Kruger National Park, providing visitors with wonderful opportunities to see and photograph them on the ultimate South African safari.
Undoubtedly, Sabi Sand’s biggest draw is its animal population. The African wild cat, spotted hyena, hippopotamus, genet, civet, impala, pangolin, wild dog, blue wildebeest, warthog, side-striped and black-backed jackal, vervet monkey, and baboon live in this reserve together with the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros) (amongst scores of others). There are also about 500 different species of birds in this area.
Experienced rangers accompany you on game drives at night, in the morning, or in the late afternoon. Game drives will be made exceptional and unforgettable by these knowledgeable guides, who will impart their knowledge and experiences to those on safari. A new variety of nocturnal species emerges from its caves and starts to forage for food as the sun begins to sink below the horizon and the scene changes from golden savannahs to gloomy silhouettes. It is quite moving to watch them as they pass by the safari vehicle’s headlights.
The lodges and bush camps in Sabi Sands are the height of luxury and a genuine treat for those looking to combine the excitement of the bush with lavish extravagance. While some of the hotels and campers are best suited for bigger groups, others are more upscale and promise romantic retreats that are great for honeymoons. These places are a cut above the rest, and the amenities and service are made to delight each visitor. Many of the hotels offer child care services and fantastic kid-friendly activities to families with young children.
At Sabi Sands, it can get warm during the summer (December to February), with temperatures about 30 degrees Celsius at noon. The winter months of May, June, and July have daytime highs of about 18 degrees Celsius. Generally speaking, December is the month with the most precipitation. Therefore, May through September is a great time to visit Sabi Sands Game Reserve for the most relaxing, temperate weather. The grass also tends to thin out during the winter, making it simpler to spot the creatures in their native habitat.
There are daily scheduled flights, private air charters, private vehicle transfers, and self-driven road access available to reach Sabi Sands Game Reserve. From Johannesburg (where the OR Tambo International Airport is located) to Nelspruit, it takes around 5.5 hours to get there. Nearly ten hours separate Durban from the King Shaka International Airport.