The Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, covering about 65,000 hectares, is one of the most closely conserved big-game areas anywhere, and one of the most densely populated. Visitors often get close encounters, rare sightings and dramatic kills. There is accommodation here for every budget; these are some of the best.
Inyati Game Lodge
This lodge sits on the banks of the Sand River, a good spot to watch hippos in the water. It is close to leopard country, so you may see the elusive cat, along with the rest of the Big Five, which are common here. All eleven chalets are well spaced and well equipped, with open views over Sabi Sands, and the seating and dining areas look out over the riverine vegetation. There is a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, library, air-conditioned gym and wine cellar, and activities include 4×4 game drives, bush walks and fishing.
Londolozi
Londolozi is a family-run lodge offering comfort and sustainable, community-based tourism. Its five lodges — Founders Camp, Granite Suites, Pioneer Camp, Tree Camp and Varty Camp — each have large suites and attentive service, and while they differ in character, all keep the spirit of Londolozi with an intimate feel. Money spent here goes directly to conservation and to supporting local communities, education and health. Londolozi is well known for its leopard sightings, as well as other predators.
Sabi Sabi
This private reserve has four lodges on the theme of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Selati Camp, in colonial style, is Yesterday; Bush Lodge, with its Africana décor, is Today; and Earth Lodge, with its modern design and infinity plunge pools, is Tomorrow. The fourth, Little Bush, is for exclusive hire. All four share the same attention to detail, with wide views of wildlife, well-equipped chalets and round-the-clock service.
Elephant Plains Game Reserve
Next to the Kruger National Park, this owner-run lodge offers comfort at reasonable prices. It sits on the banks of the Manyeleti River with views over the landscape, and has a range of accommodation, from rondavels to suites. The five rondavels have minibars, en-suite bathrooms, sundecks and safes, while the suites add a lounge, double bedrooms and separate viewing decks. Along with game drives and bush walks, there is a pool, spa, conference facilities, library, game room and gym.
Idube Game Reserve
The Idube Game Reserve Lodge is built of natural-coloured brick with indigenous gardens, designed to blend into the bush, so a night here brings you close to nature. It has viewing platforms and open lounges with wide views, and families of warthog and nyala visit the grounds, along with many birds. Its eight suites are decorated on an African theme, airy and comfortable, and well equipped. Along with game drives, where you may see the Big Five and leopards, the camp runs village tours to the local school, with local food and a visit to the cultural museum.
Singita Lodge
Singita’s roots on this land go back to 1926, and the property in Sabi Sands has two lodges, Ebony and Boulders, along with the Singita Castleton farmhouse. Ebony is traditional and rustic, with plenty of natural light, and each room has an open fireplace, private pool, indoor and outdoor showers and a game-viewing deck, for quiet and seclusion. Boulders has modern comforts with many designer touches. Singita offers game viewing in an area with a high concentration of big game, and also runs a field-guide training academy on the property.
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
An award-winning reserve, Lion Sands offers refined interiors, strong service and a range of experiences. It sits on the banks of the Sabie River and spans both Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park. It has four lodges — River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga Lodge and Narina Lodge — each with its own style but all comfortable, with spacious rooms, large lounges, pools and viewing decks over the Sabie River. Thanks to its position, the reserve has a great range of wildlife. Activities include 4×4 game drives, hippo tours, bush walks, bush breakfasts, night walks, fishing and picnic lunches.
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