4 Day Exclusive Sabi Sand Safari

Guests are met at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, or any other agreed location in Johannesburg or Pretoria, before boarding a scheduled flight bound for Skukuza Airport in the Kruger area. From here, a scenic road transfer in an open safari vehicle takes you into the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger conservation area. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, set along the Sabie River and renowned as one of South Africa’s most exclusive lodges, will be your home for three unforgettable nights in the heart of Big Five territory.

After settling into your ultra-luxurious suite, enjoy some time to relax on your private deck, soaking up the views and listening to the bush come alive around you. Later this afternoon you head out on your first open 4x4 game drive with a highly skilled ranger-and-tracker team, returning after dark for an elegant dinner under the stars. The day ends with a nightcap around the fire as you anticipate the adventures that await in this coveted safari destination.

In addition to the Big Five, many antelope and other mammal species may be spotted on the early morning and late afternoon game drives conducted today. The open grasslands often support herds of blue wildebeest and zebra grazing together, using their combined vigilance to detect predators. The thickets and riverine vegetation along watercourses may reveal more secretive species like bushbuck and nyala, while the broader Sabi Sand is famous for its excellent leopard and lion sightings. Giraffe, hippo and crocodile may also provide memorable encounters near the Sabie River.

Between drives, you are invited to relax at the lodge, taking advantage of its quiet decks, pool and optional spa treatments. Your ranger will share insights into tracking, bird behavior and the dynamics of life in this predator-rich reserve, helping you interpret every track and call. As the day cools, an afternoon drive with a classic sundowner stop lets you watch the sky blaze with color before returning for another fine dinner and stories around the campfire.

Today, two game drives and a guided bush walk bring guests even closer to the famous Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino – as well as countless smaller inhabitants of the reserve. Early morning game viewing often reveals predators still on the move, while late afternoon focuses on dusk activity and nocturnal species. The area around Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is particularly well known for leopard sightings, and your experienced guide and tracker use their skills to find and safely approach these elusive cats.

Walking through a wilderness area with nothing but your guide and his rifle to protect you is a surprisingly peaceful experience. Once you overcome the initial thrill of being on foot in big game country, your senses reawaken to the smells of crushed vegetation, birdsong and the subtle sounds of the African bush. Your guide will introduce you to tracks, insect life and medicinal plants, deepening your understanding of the ecosystem. Returning to the lodge, a final gourmet dinner invites quiet reflection on the experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.

The bushveld bids you farewell with a final early morning game drive, offering one last opportunity to seek out any wildlife you may not yet have encountered. It is a fitting chance to savor the cool morning air, the calls of birds and perhaps a final glimpse of elephants or a pride of lions in the first light of day. Returning to the lodge, a leisurely breakfast is served as you say goodbye to the staff who have hosted your stay.

After breakfast, you are transferred back to Skukuza Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, retracing your route over the wild landscapes of the Greater Kruger. On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, your unforgettable exclusive safari in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve comes to an end. From here, you may connect with your onward international flight or continue your Southern African journey with additional touring as desired.