Sabi Sand Private Safari Lodges & Camps

Kirkman’s retains the atmosphere of the original 1920s homestead, with traditional sitting and dining rooms rather than contemporary safari architecture. Its riverfront position and experienced ranger-and-tracker teams complete the classic safari experience.

The waterhole is central to the experience at Arathusa, attracting elephant, antelope and other wildlife throughout the year. Guests can choose a suite facing the water or a more secluded bush suite with a private plunge pool.

Leadwood is particularly well suited to honeymooners and small groups seeking a quiet safari. Each suite has separate sleeping and living areas overlooking the river, while guided drives explore Dulini’s private part of the reserve.

Moya is the most traditional in style of Dulini’s three Sabi Sand lodges. Its riverine setting feels sheltered and peaceful, while the surrounding reserve is known for rewarding Big Five and leopard viewing.

The river is always present at this intimate lodge, whether guests are resting in their suites or dining beneath the trees. Morning and afternoon drives explore Dulini’s private traversing area in search of leopard and the other members of the Big Five.

This established lodge offers good value in a reserve known for exceptional wildlife viewing. Two drives and a guided walk are offered each day, while the choice of room categories suits couples and families alike.

Morning and evening drives explore around 10,000 hectares with an experienced guide and tracker. Wildlife is also regularly seen around the lodge, particularly from the suite patios and hide reached by a swing bridge.

Leopard Hills combines a small lodge atmosphere with broad views over the reserve. Wildlife may be seen from the suites and main areas, while morning and afternoon drives search the surrounding woodland for the Big Five.

Ivory Lodge is the more exclusive of Lion Sands’ two Sabi Sand properties. The spacious suites are widely separated along the riverbank, while guided drives and walks explore a reserve known for excellent leopard and Big Five sightings.

River Lodge works particularly well for families, friends and first-time safari travelers. Wildlife is often visible beside the river, and daily drives explore Lion Sands’ private Sabi Sand reserve with a guide and tracker.

Tree Camp has a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere and is intended mainly for adult travelers. Elephant and other wildlife sometimes pass through the river below, while Londolozi’s experienced guiding teams explore 34,000 acres of private wilderness.

A stay here is centered on wildlife rather than elaborate contemporary design. MalaMala’s large private reserve includes a particularly productive stretch of the Sand River, while the camp retains the relaxed atmosphere of South Africa’s early photographic safaris.

There is a sociable energy at Bush Lodge that distinguishes it from smaller, more secluded camps. Its contemporary African interiors and welcoming approach suit guests who enjoy generous facilities alongside twice-daily wildlife drives.

The Notten family has created a warm, unhurried alternative to the reserve’s more formal luxury lodges. Daily drives explore the wildlife-rich reserve, and the small camp provides plenty of personal attention throughout the stay.

Rattray’s is the most private lodge at MalaMala, with large riverside villas set beneath mature trees. Unhurried drives explore a reserve known for consistently rewarding wildlife viewing, while walks and birding are also available.

Bush Lodge combines an established safari atmosphere with facilities designed for couples and families. Guided game drives explore the surrounding Sabi Sand wilderness, while spacious public areas overlook a waterhole.

Earth Lodge is aimed at travelers who appreciate bold contemporary architecture as much as traditional safari activities. Its restrained design feels very different from that of a conventional thatched lodge, while the surrounding Sabi Sabi reserve offers excellent Big Five viewing.

Classic canvas-topped suites give Savanna some of the romance of an older tented camp without sacrificing modern comforts. Twice-daily drives explore a large traversing area known for regular Big Five sightings.

Boulders offers a highly refined stay on Singita’s private Sabi Sand reserve. Guests have access to 45,000 acres known for large concentrations of wildlife and frequent leopard sightings, which can be explored on private drives and guided walks.

Ebony was Singita’s first lodge and remains the more traditional of its two Sabi Sand properties. Shaded decks overlook the river, while private drives explore a large reserve known for productive big-cat and leopard viewing.

The setting is simple and unpretentious, with much of the attention placed on game viewing rather than elaborate lodge facilities. Morning and afternoon drives explore the reserve, while wildlife can also appear along the river in front of camp.