The landscape of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is wealthy and varied. Open savannahs, riverine thickets, river beds and lush bush vegetation ensure exciting sights, flora, and fauna. The perennial Manyeleti River meanders its way through the property of the Safari Lodge.
Each of the luxury chalets at the lodge provides a beautiful 180- degree view of the water. Guests can see and enjoy a variety of wildlife including hippos and the big five - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant - from the comfort of their private verandas.
The central living area at this exclusive safari destination is intended for support. Whether quietly reflecting on the view, reading a book, enjoying time with friends, the warmth and charm of the camp environment are the foundations of the Safari experience.
The swimming pool at the lodge overlooks the waterhole and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a hot African summer's afternoon. The traditional open-air boma, which is the Lodge's brick and grass enclosed outdoor dining area, presents guests with a novel way of appreciating an enjoyable meal under the stars to the sounds of the African wild
There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms, keeping with the traditional safari experience. Guests are, however, able to make phone calls from the reception area of the Lodge and send or receive emails and faxes.
Four new water-facing Luxury Rooms have been added to the central lodge area, replacing four of the Standard Rooms. Together with the current five Standard Rooms, there are nine rooms available within the main lodge perimeter. The four remote bush-facing Luxury Rooms are ideal for guests who prefer a more exclusive and private experience. The only difference between the two Luxury Room types is that water-facing rooms do not have private plunge pools, whereas bush-facing Luxury Rooms do. Both are charged at the same rate.
Meal times are a close affair with all guests being treated to beautiful dishes, fresh produce, and home-baked confectionery. A continental breakfast is served buffet-style while a cooked meal is served according to guests preference from the kitchen. A sumptuous lunch is prepared by the chef and served to the guests directly. Dinner is a 3-course affair in the traditional African boma around a blazing fire, which is weather permitting. The Lodge also offers a range of excellent South African wines, which have been produced in the Cape by well several farms and wine estates.
The African Safari is most often measured by "The Big Five" barometer. The Big Five is a group of animals including the lion, the leopard, the rhino, the elephant and the buffalo who earned their reputations as the most dangerous animals to be hunted on foot. The phrase "Big Five" was coined by hunters of the past - before the advent of the photographic safari.
Travellers who seek the Big Five safari experience will undoubtedly find it during their stay here. They will encounter rare sightings of a leopard which is usually the most elusive of cats, lions and rhinos - a camera's viewfinder is continuously filled with close contact wildlife interactions. One need not leave the comfort of the camp to see the vast herds of buffalo, and elephant families, which gather at the water's edge.
The Lodge prides itself on its' leopard viewing. As these cats are territorial, their regular appearances in this particular region of the Kruger National Park allows the rangers to track their movements and to observe their behaviour. Approximately 14 leopards are found in the area in which operates, 6 of which are seen regularly.
Large herds of buffalo numbering more than 301 often find their way to the lake. Elephants are also seen in numbers. There is various lion pride in the area, as well as a few nomadic males. General "Lowveld" games are abundant in this section of the Sabi Sand Reserve, including giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala and more. This region is a birdwatcher's mecca. A few of the rarer birds are seen from the camp itself, such as the Horus Swift.
The contact numbers to make a reservation at Sabi Sands Safari Lodges are:
• Cape Town Reservations +27 (0) 21 794 9050
• Durban Reservations: +27 (0) 31 941 5945
• Johannesburg Reservations: +27 (0) 10 446 8045.
Alternatively, you can check availability and book online by clicking here.