South African Lodges

Sabi Sabi Lodges Reviews & Information

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Restaurants

Dining at the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

The earthy yet luxurious ambience at Earth Lodge lends itself to cuisine which reflects the very latest international trends, prepared with fresh ingredients. The Executive chef prepares a menu that could best be described as 'Afro-Asian'. The focus is on new South African produce with a delicate Asian twist.

Each meal is carefully conceptualised taking into account the time of day, weather, dining setting and season. Dishes served at Earth Lodge are prepared to look as good as they taste, with Sabi Sabi's magnificent bush being the perfect backdrop for delicious gourmet dining.

Dining at the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

The Executive chef at Bush Lodge has a wealth of vast world experience and describes his cuisine as Contemporary African.  New international trends blend with traditional African fare to create a unique and delicious menu. The dishes include South African braais/ barbeques and African mezze platters.

The chef's trademark is cooking as much as possible freshly over the grills, thereby capturing the freshness and barbeque taste which combines excellently with the fusion of fresh ingredients.  Being also very well trained in Indian vegetarian cuisine and catering to individual needs, makes dining here a pleasant affair.

Dining

The head chefs at the Selati Camp and the Little Bush Camp concentrate on home cooked South African menus. The emphasis is on preparing dishes with the freshest ingredients, and unique flavours brought together in a unique and delicious, traditional South African way.  The menus served at the Selati, and Little Bush Camp are hearty, scrumptious and deliciously different.
 

Spa

Spa Facilities

Spa treatments at the Amani Spa - Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

The Amani African Spas is an award winning resort group which specialises in African Safari Spas at exclusive African Lodges.  Guests staying at the Bush Lodge are invited to treat themselves to the health and luxury offered at the  Amani Spa at Bush Lodge. 

Being the perfect place for relaxation, this retreat of tranquillity provides the ultimate African Spa experience.  Guests may enjoy full body, skin and beauty rituals, rejuvenating massages and soothing treatments which enhance health and vitality.

At the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge, Spa therapists create special moments and turn them into lasting memories.  Guests relax through individually designed treatment packages for all occasions - honeymoon, birthday or anniversary.  Sharing a spa experience with a partner in the couple's treatment suite can also be arranged.

Spa treatments at the Amani Spa- Earth Lodge

The exclusive Amani Spa at Earth Lodge was awarded the Safari Spa Award at the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques 2009 Spa Awards.

While on safari, guests have the unique opportunity to escape to the Amani Spa at Earth Lodge.  Guests may enjoy a unique spa experience which is pampering and memorable, relaxing and indulgent.

Natural elements and textures, a sense of peace, space and tranquillity combine full body, skin and beauty rituals, treatments and massages at the Amani Spa Bush Lodge.  The spa treatments are designed to stimulate the body's well-being.  This wellness centre in the African bushveld provides the perfect place to rest, relax and rejuvenate.  It also features hydrotherapy, a couples treatment suite and a Zen meditation area.

Treatment rooms:

  • Two single treatment rooms
  • One doubles treatment room

Products used:

  • Skincare - Babor
  • Body - Amani Body Products

Specialised spa equipment:

  • Hydrotherapy and Jacuzzi Bath

Other spa speciality areas:

  • Zen Meditation Garden and Outdoor Shower

Activities, Sports & Leisure

Morning safaris

An early morning call from the game ranger at the Private Game Reserve in South Africa awakes guests before sunrise, while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares refreshing fruit juices with a muffin, rusk or other freshly made delicacy.  

The Bush is already alive during this early morning hour, the air filled with birds as the rising sunlight can be seen.  The tracker watches the road for spoor, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt of the previous night. 

Guests have the unforgettable opportunity of observing Africa's untamed wildlife in their natural surroundings including lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebras, elephants and many more.

Morning walking safari

Besides exceptional dining and exciting game drives, guests staying at one of Sabi Sabi 's luxurious game lodges may experience a walking safari through the bush.

On the morning safari walk at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, guests set out on foot after breakfast. The walk is an opportunity to feel the pulse of Africa through the soles and experience the bushveld up close.

The Sabi Sands Reserve, which is home to this luxury game lodges, is home to about 350 different species of birds, making it, therefore, a paradise for birdwatchers. Raptors are plentiful, including 11 species of owl, the seldom seen cuckoo hawk and rare bat hawk.

There is an endless diversity of trees, shrubs and flowering plants, and whatever the time of year, no two bush walks through the reserve are ever the same.

Evening and night safaris

When the evening falls over the bush, guests and rangers, prepare for the night safari. As the temperature changes and sunset approaches, the inhabitants of the bush become restless, and the animals move out of the shade of the trees.

Guests can feel the change in atmosphere as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger. It is during these exciting evening safaris at the Reserve that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey needs to be alert for survival through the night.

During the evening safari through the Sabi Sands reserve, guests may be lucky enough to watch Lions prepare for their evening hunt. There are several nocturnal hunters in the bush and on the night safari, with the help of a spotlight, a leopard's eyes may reflect back from a nearby tree.

Children activities

Exciting and adventurous activities are available for young and old at the Private Game Reserve in South Africa making it an ideal family vacation destination for safaris. At Sabi Sabi, the guided family safaris offer unforgettable opportunities for guests including children to experience the magnificent beauty and variety of the untamed African bush.

EleFun Centre at the Bush Lodge: Kids Club
 

Family accommodation is provided at the Bush Lodge. The EleFun Centre offers a fully equipped children's facility which enhances children's awareness and appreciation of nature. This Kids Club has been designed by childcare professionals who created a space that is fun, safe and educational.

The EleFun Centre offers hands-on, interactive activities designed for two distinctly different age groups. The Junior Tracker programme is for 4 to 8-year-olds, and the Junior Ranger programme is for children between the ages of 9 and 12.

The Elefun Centre at the Bush Lodge, South Africa provides age-appropriate bushveld themed activities and 'edutainment' which are designed and supervised by qualified staff and include interesting bushcraft subjects - animals, bugs and birds, tracking, map-reading - a long list of environmentally sensitive topics that every child will find fascinating.

Hobbies, Arts and crafts and fun-filled bushveld games are offered. Selected Rangers offer bush walks and talks for children, as well as specially planned children's game drives. Set itineraries are scheduled every morning and afternoon.

Children are also welcome to enjoy the facility between formal sessions. Parents have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the incredible safaris, get pampered in the spa, or just enjoy some private time, knowing that their children are learning in their special bushveld experience.

Shangaan Community Tours

Guests staying at this Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sands, South Africa, have the opportunity to learn about the local Shangaan culture and customs of nearby villages.

The Shangaan staff members share stories at the Lodge.  With their rich heritage, in-depth knowledge of the African bushveld and local legends adding a fascinating dimension to a memorable safari.

Guests are welcome to gain insight into an authentic village life by taking part in a tour of neighbouring communities during their stay at one of the Sabi Sabi luxury game lodges. Homes, schools, community centres and sports facilities are visited during this unique and informative tour.  The proceeds from the small fee levied to guests go directly back to the community.

Conferences & Events

Conference venues at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

This Private Game Reserve in South Africa's Mpumalanga Province offers magnificent conference venues which are ideal for meetings, team building events and conferences.  An excellent way to guarantee a successful conference is to combine business with pleasure, and a business safari is a perfect way to achieve this.  The Lodge offers an exceptional safari conference venue in South Africa which does not disappoint.

The safari conference lodge provides guests access to the finest facilities, exciting wildlife opportunities and spectacular vistas.  To make a conference even more special, the following additional incentive and conference lodge touches can be provided.

Conference services include:

  • Personalised welcome notes in each room with a plate of dried fruit, biltong or 'dry wors.'
  • Room drops supplied by the guest
  • Personal welcome at the Airstrip by Sabi Sabi Rangers with lemon scented hand towels and refreshments
  • Each team is given a checklist to complete, with teams being scored on the animals they spot during safaris
  • Company banner displayed on arrival or at a predetermined location; this is possible only if Lodge is reserved exclusively for the conference group
  • Pre-registration of guests (guests full names, passport numbers and addresses required)

Services which are available at an additional charge:

  • Traditional Shangaan dancing in the 'boma' around the fire
  • Local Community Choir
  • Selected items from our curio shop: e.g. 'township art', bead-dolls, wooden carvings, Ngwenya glass animals, safari outfits, bush hats, scarves, peak caps, T-shirts, bags or cigarette lighters and mouse pads can be provided for guests upon checking into their rooms. All clothing and other selected items have Sabi Sabi logos. Client logos can also be imprinted if ordered timeously
  • A bottle of quality South African wine in each room on arrival - comprehensive wine list available on request
  • Sundowners in the bush with the chef - the cost depends on the available variety
  • Themed Dinner - possible only if the Bush Lodge is reserved exclusively

Services

Check in and Check Out Times
  • Check in: 14:00
  • Check out: 10:00
General Services
  • Airport transfers
  • Babysitting
  • Concierge services
  • Health & Fitness Centre
  • Housekeeping service
  • Individual climate controlled room
  • Laundry services
  • Massage treatments
  • Medical Air Rescue Service
  • Porters
  • Safari drives
  • Secure parking
  • Tours & Transfers on Request
  • Wake-up call
  • Walking safaris
  • Wellness & Beauty treatments
Children Policy
  • Bush Lodge

    Rates:

    • 2 Years & Younger: Stay free of charge in a cot.
    • 3 to 12 Years: Sharing with adults pay child rate.
    • 13 Years & over: Sharing with adults pay adult rate.
    • Children occupying their room will pay the full adult price for the first child (if four children sharing the remaining three will pay the applicable children's rates).

    Conditions:

    • Children under the age of 6 years will not be allowed on safaris.
    • Children between the age of 3 and six years may only accompany their parents/guardians on safari if there is exclusive use of a safari vehicle.The usage of a private vehicle is subject to availability, a surcharge and restrictions at sightings due to possible disturbance to animals and guests on other cars.
    • If Land Rover exclusivity is required and there are less than six people on the Land Rover a surcharge will be levied at R950-00 per empty seat per day.Land Rover exclusivity is subject to availability.
    • Land Rover exclusivity must be pre-booked and the surcharge, where applicable, will be charged to the extras account.
    • Babysitters can be arranged per child per hour which is to be paid directly to the babysitter.
    • Babysitters are to be booked on arrival.
    • Children 5 years and younger will not be allowed in the Boma for dinner. Dinner will be arranged in the Safari Lounge between 17h00 and 19h00. Breakfast and lunch as per normal with parents/guardians.
    • The reserves the right of allowing or disallowing children on safari for any possible reason and this is at the discretion of the General Manager & Ranger of the vehicle.

    Selati Camp, Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp & Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

     Providing there is the exclusivity:

    • 2 Years and younger: Stay free of charge in a cot.
    • 3 - 5 Years: Sharing with 1 or 2 adults pays an individual fee per night
    • 6 - 12 Years: Sharing with 1 or 2 adults pays to pay a single fee per night
    • Children occupying their room will pay the full adult rate for a maximum of 1 child (if four children sharing the remaining three will pay the applicable children's rates).

    Conditions:

    • Selati Camp can accommodate two family rooms with a maximum of 2 children per room.
    • Little Bush Camp can help one family room with a maximum of 1 child per room.
    • Earth Lodge can accommodate three family rooms with a maximum of 2 children per room.
    • Children 13 years and older are considered adults.
Children Activities
  • Exciting attractions and activities are available for young and old in the Private Reserve making it an ideal family vacation destination for safaris.  At Reserve, the organised family safaris offer extraordinary opportunities for guests and children to experience the magnificent beauty and variety of the untamed African bush.

    EleFun Centre at the Bush Lodge

    Families with children are welcome to stay at the Bush Lodge. The EleFun Centre is a fully equipped children's facility within the lodge reserve which enhances children's awareness and appreciation of nature. This Kids Club has been designed by childcare professionals who created a space that is fun, safe and educational. The EleFun Centre offers hands-on, interactive activities designed for two distinctly different age groups. The Junior Tracker programme is for 4 to 8-year-olds, and the Junior Ranger programme is for children between the ages of 9 and 12.

    The Elefun Centre Bush Lodge, South Africa provides age-appropriate bushveld themed activities and 'edutainment' which are designed and supervised by qualified staff and include interesting bushcraft subjects - animals, bugs and birds, tracking, map-reading - a long list of environmentally sensitive issues that every child will find fascinating.

    Hobbies, Arts and crafts and fun-filled bushveld events are offered. Selected Rangers offer bush walks and talks for children, as well as specially planned children's safari drives.   Set itineraries are scheduled every morning and afternoon.  Children are also welcome to enjoy the facility between formal sessions.  

    Parents have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the incredible safaris, get pampered in the spa, or just enjoy some private time, knowing that their children are learning in their particular bushveld experience.

    Junior Tracker (age 4 - 8) & Junior Ranger (age 9 - 12) Programmes

    10:00 - 11:00 adventures with nature

    This is the time dedicated to the interactive bush activity.
    Depending on the age of the children, exciting adventure walks with a ranger into the bush or around the lodge are offered. The young junior tracker group will learn interesting facts about the bushveld and the animals, bugs and birds which live here. Even the trees and plants provide loads of fun and educational opportunities.

    Weather permitting, a ranger will guide the older children on exciting outdoor adventures. These activities may include nature walks, tracking, bird watching, map reading and different other Bush-related subjects. In the case of inclement weather, rangers make use of the display table in the Elefun Centre and engage the children in fascinating bush activities.

    12:00 - 13:00 hobbies and crafts

    The teacher offers a beautiful arts and crafts session, organising creative, hands-on projects for boys and girls with all subjects being related to nature.  Junior Rangers have the opportunity to undertake and master more complicated crafts during this time.

    14:30 - 15:30 Play time

    Children may join the indoor and outdoor afternoon events which are fun and educational.  Treasure hunts, blindfold adventures as well as bushveld activities, keep children entertained. Junior Rangers learn environmentally inspired board and stone games at Sabi Sabi, have contests such as scavenger hunts or play team games.

Available Rooms

Bush Lodge: Suite

# Rooms:
25

The Bush Lodge is famous for its warmth, vibrancy and legendary hospitality.  The Bush Lodge offers guests a luxurious safari getaway which nestles in the heart of the Private Game Reserve overlooking a waterhole and the scenic African plain.  Each of the 25 spacious, air-conditioned thatched suites at the Lodge is beautifully appointed, offering exquisite African ethnic décor in keeping with the bushveld environment. The en-suite bathrooms at the Bush Lodge feature al-fresco as well as glass-fronted indoor showers, affording magnificent views of the bushveld.

Large viewing decks provide a beautiful place to relax while observing the game and watching birds.  Meals and the unforgettable dinners in the open air boma at the Bush Lodge are characterized by delicious food.  The Bush Lodge has artistically designed open courtyards with spectacular wooden carvings by the renowned South African sculptor.

The spacious Mandleve Suite is a luxury suite suited for honeymooners or those in search of lavish accommodation.  This Suite includes an open plan lounge and the wonderful bathroom with outside shower. Secluded pool, private safari experience and optional in-room dining all combine to make this suite an absolute treat.

Selati Camp: Suite

# Rooms:
8

The intimate Selati Camp offers the perfect accommodation for travellers seeking romantic luxury safari accommodation in South Africa.  The Selati Camp at thePrivate Game Reserve is furnished with a historic railway theme and colonial charm and has been beautifully designed as an authentic home in the bush.

The railway theme extends from the original steam engine nameplates, signals and shunter's lamps lighting the way to the suites, to interesting memorabilia and other collector's pieces in each room.

The Selati Camp features overhead fans, air-conditioning and all the trimmings expected from a luxury safari lodge.  The nights at the five-star Selati Camp in the Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa, are quiet and tranquil where a rare magic of the surrounding untamed African bush can be felt.   Under the magnificent canopy of the Southern night sky, the Selati Camp is still romantically lit by the gentle flicker of oil lamps and lanterns.

Decorated in a colonial "Out of Africa" style, the Selati Camp consists of eight opulent thatched suites, each of which provides a full en-suite bathroom and private alfresco shower nestled under majestic indigenous trees.   Delicious and mouth-watering cuisine are served on wooden thatched decks built alongside the Msuthlu riverbed, in the open air "boma" or the "farmhouse kitchen" of the Selati Camp.

The Lourenco Marques Suite is lovely for honeymooners or the romantic at heart. Whether it is the fragrant flower petals on the exquisite bedlinen, or the candles illuminating the spacious bathroom on return from the evening safari, a stay in this romantic suite will never be forgotten.

Earth Lodge: Suite

# Rooms:
13

Them Earth Lodge is a luxurious sanctuary Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape. This extraordinary Lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its lead from the beautiful and natural surrounding environment, the Earth Lodge has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.

On arrival at the Earth Lodge, a hidden corridor leads guests down on a journey to a unique and unforgettable experience. The unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of the uninterrupted bush. Featuring 13 exclusive suites including the Amber Presidential Suite, the Earth Lodge offers a masterpiece of artistry and innovation.  Each of the suites feature individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom and indoor and outdoor shower. 

From the magnificent carved wooden headboard to the deep bath, the Amber Suite boasts its private steam room, study and kitchen. It captures the spirit of nature and luxury in one unique experience.

Little Bush Camp

# Rooms:
6

Set in the shade of indigenous trees right on the banks of the Msuthlu river, one can find the Little Bush Camp.  The Little Bush Camp offers luxury accommodation for family, friends, or small groups.  Guests staying at the Little Bush Camp may experience unparalleled intimacy and seclusion.

Six luxury suites, each of which features a private viewing deck and heated spa bath overlooking the riverbed of the Sabi Sands reserve, are decorated in contemporary African design, complete with luxury furnishings, full bathroom en-suite, indoor and outdoor showers and air-conditioning.

The unique thatched roofs; romantic mosquito nets draped over the comfortable beds, and beautiful wooden finishes complete the picture of the Little Bush Camp.

Bush Lodge: Luxury Villa

# Rooms:
2

The Bush Lodge features Luxury Villas, which offer travellers lavish accommodation consisting of two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a lounge and library, a dressing room as well as a patio and pool.  These villas are extraordinarily expansive, architecturally attractive and stunningly decorated in the eclectic Bush Lodge style.

Both bedrooms and the lounge open out onto an enormous reed-covered patio, which includes a private plunge pool. With upholstered lounging chairs and couches, the patios are an excellent addition to the amenities of the suites.

Master Bedroom

The spacious master bedroom which features a king size draped four-poster bed leads into a dressing area furnished with hiding-covered chairs and ottomans.  The floor to ceiling glass walled bathroom makes for a unique feature in the villa. The two warm baths offer sliding windows to the outdoors. His and hers vanities, armchairs and an open 'rain' shower complete this superior room. But there is even more: an outside alfresco shower, almost invisible, tucked away in an indigenous tree.

Luxury Villa features:

  •  Two bedrooms
  •  Two bathrooms
  •  Lounge
  •  Library
  •  Dressing room
  •  Patio
  •  Pool.

Bush Lodge: Mandleve Suite

Earth Lodge: Amber Presidential suite

Selati Camp: Ivory Presidential Suite

Selati Camp: Lourenco Marques Honeymoon Suite

The Lourenco Marques Suite is lovely for honeymooners or the romantic at heart. Whether it is the fragrant flower petals on the exquisite bedlinen, or the candles illuminating the spacious bathroom on return from the evening safari, a stay in this romantic suite will never be forgotten.

 

GPS Co-Ordinates

Latitude: -24.946104

Longitude: 31.469892

Directions

Access to the Game Reserve:

- Daily scheduled flights from O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport directly to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip
- Daily scheduled flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) (Nelspruit) with a short hop to the Airstrip
- Airlink operates convenient and daily direct flights between Nelspruit and Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and connecting Livingstone (Vic Falls), Zambia to Nelspruit
- Daily scheduled flights from Durban and Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport KMIA (Nelspruit) with a short hop to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip are available
- The Private Game Reserve is a two-hour scenic drive away from
- Nelspruit from where road transfers can be arranged
- Private air charters can be booked upon request
- Helicopter transfers are available on request
- Complimentary transfers are offered between the Airstrip and the Sabi Sabi safari lodges

Road transfer access to the Game Reserve:

- 500 km from Johannesburg, an easy five-hour drive on National Roads
- Road transfers from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport KMIA and Nelspruit are available.

Please note that the Sabi Sand Wildtuin (SSW) charges a gate fee into the reserve for vehicles and persons.

Parking

On site parking facilities are provided for guests.

Star Rating

5 Star

Awards

Most recent Tourism Awards won by the Sabi Sabi Luxury Lodges, South Africa

  • 2010 Travel + Leisure - "Best in the World" - Sabi Sabi's Earth Lodge has been voted the 3rd Best Hotel in the world, and the 2nd Best on the African continent
  • 2010 Travel + Leisure - "Worlds Best Service Awards" - Sabi Sabi was voted 4th Best Hotel in the world, and 2nd Best on the African continent
  • 2009 Les Nouvelles Esthetiques South African Spa Awards  -  The new Amani Spa at  Sabi Sabi's Earth Lodge came 1st in the prestigious Best Safari Spa category
  • 2009 Travel + Leisure - "Best in the World" - Sabi Sabi's Earth Lodge has been voted the 3rd Best Hotel in the world, and the 2nd Best on the African continent
  • 2009 Travel + Leisure - "Worlds Best Service Awards" - Sabi Sabi was voted 7th Best Hotel in the world, and 2nd Best on the African continent
  • 2009 Conde Nast Traveler - Gold List
  • 2008 Travel & Leisure - "100 Best Hotels" - Sabi Sabi was voted 8th Best Hotel in the World, 4th Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East, & received a service rating in the Top 10 World Service Awards
  • 2008 Africa World Travel Award - Sabi Sabi has been named as Africa's Leading Safari Lodge
  • 2007 Travel & Leisure - "100 Best Hotels" - Sabi Sabi was voted 7th Best Hotel in the World & 2nd Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East
  • 2007 Luxury Link - Winner - World's Best Hotel
  • 2007 Voted Best Lodge - By Resorts Web Magazine (Italy)

Environmental Awards won by the Sabi Sabi Private Reserve in South Africa

  • 2007 EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust) - Cheetah Award
  • 2006 Imvelo Award - Finalist - Best Overall Environmental Management System
  • 2002 Imvelo Award - Overall Winner - Best Practice
  • 2002 Imvelo Award - Finalist - Best Overall Environmental Management System
  • 2002 Imvelo Award - Finalist - Best Practice - Accommodation Establishment Category
  • 2002 Imvelo Award - Finalist - Best ContributionTowards Natural Environment Programme
  • 2002 Imvelo Award - Finalist - Best Waste Management Programme Category
  • 2002 Imvelo Award - Winner - Best Practice in Water Conservation
  • 2000 EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust) - Cheetah Award
  • 1999 DRV (Deutsche Reiseverband Environment Award) - Finalist - International
  • 1998 Presentation from the World Wildlife Fund Affiliated Endangered Wildlife Trust - For extraordinary support to the Trust
  • 1998 British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards - Finalist
  • 1998 Africa Travel Association (ATA USA) Award - For the Development of "Responsible Tourism on the African Continent."
  • 1996 Africa Travel Association (ATA USA) Award - For the Development of "Responsible Tourism on the African Continent."

Memberships

  • Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa
  • Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection
  • SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association)