Sabi Sand Reserve Safari Camps | Natural Habitat Adventures

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Location
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Sabi Sabi is one of the original architects of attaining the fine balance between tourism and conservation, and Sabi Sabi's Little Bush Lodge is a testament to that commitment. Set among majestic native trees on the banks of the Msuthlu River, a seasonal tributary of the great Sabi River, the lodge is an elegant oasis for those who appreciate remote yet luxurious locales, blending the finest in accommodations seamlessly with its wild African setting. Just six suites are impeccably appointed with every amenity, incorporating a contemporary African flair with classic safari ambience. Each thatched chalet features en suite facilities, indoor/outdoor showers and a private deck for secluded relaxing. After an early morning wake-up with hot tea, guests enjoy adventures into the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a contiguous private concession adjacent to Kruger National Park. After an exciting safari outing, return to camp to enjoy the swimming pool, a private drink on your veranda, or a relaxing interlude with a book in the lounge. No matter what you do, you'll feel comfortably at home in this magnificent camp, under the guidance of some of South Africa’s finest wildlife conservationists.

MalaMala Main Camp

Location
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Though the spirit of MalaMala Main Camp is rooted in a much simpler safari age, the camp has taken the essence of its history and translated into one of the finest experiences in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The sepia photographs on the lounge wall weave in a tale of exploration from decades past, which is still there for guests to experience in the present day.

The camp's 18 luxury rooms and suites are constructed in a traditional thatched bungalow style, providing a cozy respite from the excitement of each day’s events in the bush. All have en suite facilities, individual temperature control and direct-dial telephones. The common areas include a boma dinner area and an air-conditioned library with satellite television, Internet connectivity and DVD player—affectionately referred to as the Monkey Club.

The Big Five—lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant and black rhinoceros—are nearly a guarantee in MalaMala’s large private concession, where the Sand River winds its way through the old-growth riverine forests, providing sustenance for diverse wildlife. Exploration on foot or by vehicle offers thrills at every turn. Afterward, guests return to the comfort of the lodge’s expansive lounge or sweeping deck with views of the river, or even a dip in the infinity pool. At each spot there are views to the bush so you can continue your wildlife viewing even from the lodge.

Savanna Lodge

Location
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Savanna's location is as exclusive as the lodge itself. In the western sector of the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Savanna lies in an area where Big Five sightings are so frequent that it is not unusual to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino in a single game drive. The elegantly appointed suites are tucked among indigenous bush and shade trees that provide privacy, quiet and a haven for birds. The epitome of luxury and comfort, Savanna's decor blends colonial and classic elements with handcrafted furniture, dark woods, fine linens and exquisite artwork.

Three Executive and four Luxury Suites have canvas roofs above draped ceilings with permanent walls for quiet and security. All have huge en suite bathrooms with freestanding porcelain soaking tubs and both indoor and outdoor showers. Other amenities include ceiling fans, air conditioning, electronic safe, telephone, mini bar, and tea/coffee station. Private decks look onto waterholes regularly frequented by wildlife. In addition, the larger Executive Suites have plunge pools. The thatched Savanna Suite is ideal for families, with two en suite bedrooms on either side of a spacious shared lounge and large covered patio.

Public spaces at Savanna Lodge are equally inviting. Relax in the lounge with adjacent patio, or at the main pool that surveys lush gardens and a floodlit waterhole where guests are frequently treated to fantastic views of birds and game as they come to drink and bathe. A viewing loft above the lounge makes a peaceful nook for a game of chess as well as a bird's-eye view of the waterhole, while an adjoining library provides wireless broadband Internet access and offers guests the means to transfer digital photographs, freshly captured on their safari, onto CD or DVD.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Location
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

River Lodge is located in the heart of the private Lion Sands Game Reserve. On the banks of the Sabie River, the east-facing lodge catches the sunrise over adjacent Kruger National Park while offers a sumptuous respite from the midday Lowveld heat, shaded by trees that are more than 800 years old. In 2010 River Lodge underwent a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, tripling the size of the rooms and updating them with exquisite furnishings and amenities. Twenty thatched luxury suites overlook the unfenced African bush or the Sabie River. Suites feature contemporary decor in tranquil shades of cream and beige. All have air conditioning, ceiling fans, a spacious bedroom, separate lounge with mini bar, and a private wooden deck from which to survey the wilds beyond. En suite bathrooms have sleek white double vanity basins and stand-alone soaking tubs with a view. Two classes of rooms are offered: 12 luxury and eight superior luxury.

Suites are linked to the common areas by raised wooden walkways. River Lodge offers guests a magnificent lounge with soaring thatched ceiling, dramatic chandelier, fireplace and bar, an outdoor safari lounge, both indoor and outdoor dining areas, a curio shop, two swimming pools (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, and a secluded bird hide. Three different tree houses on the reserve offer a magical night under the stars.

Another River Lodge highlight is its romantic treehouses, which offer a magical night of luxury under the stars. Guests arrive at sunset for a picnic dinner, as dusk begins to envelop the vast bushveld. When it's time to turn in, you'll sleep beneath the Milky Way, where you may well lose count of the shooting stars – it's like you're in a planetarium surrounded by the sounds of African animals below you! Three treehouses are available to book in conjunction with your accommodation. Guests pack an overnight bag with essentials, leaving other belongings back in their suite.

Dulini Lodge

Location
Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

For those seeking an intimate and authentic safari experience with personalized care, look no further. Dulini Lodge is the quintessential home away from home luxury safari camp. Dulini is owner run and managed by Ian, and it is clear he puts his heart and soul into making each guest experience truly special. Here, everything up to the smallest details are thoughtfully planned out to make sure you have a memorable stay.

Situated along the Mabrak River within a riverine grove sanctuary on its own private reserve, Dulini consists of six exquisite thatched suites each with connecting bathrooms, a private deck, and a private plunge pool overlooking the bush. The main lodge is a welcoming communal area where guests can warm up by the fireplace, or enjoy a meal in the dining room paired with a glass of wine from an array of selections within the wine cellar. Guests also have the option to dine outside in the traditional boma for al fresco meals around the fire. If a siesta is not on your agenda, don’t hesitate to take a dip in the central swimming pool, stop by the fitness center, or visit the curio shop.

During your stay, the guides and trackers make sure everyone sees a variety of wildlife. The Sabi Sand is notorious for leopard spotting, black and white rhinos, as well as the rest of the Big Five. Back at camp, you can still get up close and personal with the grazing animals right off your own private veranda. Explore the reserve’s natural beauty beneath ebony and leadwood trees and watch birds and animals in the river below from the bridge too!

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge enjoys a privileged location within the historic Lion Sands private game reserve bordering Kruger National Park. Winner of multiple international awards, the lodge is the apex of luxury and exclusivity. Each of its six suites is operated as a private villa, for the utmost in privacy and personalized service. Villas have a separate living room, heated swimming pool, and an open en suite bathroom with private outdoor shower. The ebony and ivory color scheme is interpreted in contemporary furnishings, while African accessories blend old-world character with new stylings to create Afro-Euro chic. Ghe Sabie River, with flowing water year-round, is on display through each villa’s oversized windows and from private viewing terraces. Baby elephants bathing in the river, zebra, gnu and large crocodiles are the only neighbors you’ll see. Public areas at Ivory Lodge include a library lounge, private bar with fireplace, well-stocked wine cellar, health spa and gym, curio shop, and a magnificent wooden viewing deck built over the river. Both indoor and outdoor boma dining are available.

Another Ivory Lodge highlight is its romantic treehouses, which offer a magical night of luxury under the stars. Guests arrive at sunset for a picnic dinner, as dusk begins to envelop the vast bushveld. When it's time to turn in, you'll sleep beneath the Milky Way, where you may well lose count of the shooting stars – it's like you're in a planetarium surrounded by the sounds of African animals below you! Three treehouses are available to book in conjunction with your accommodation. Guests pack an overnight bag with essentials, leaving other belongings back in their villas at the lodge.

Rattray's on MalaMala

Location
Sabi Sand, South Africa

The Rattray family brings 40 years of experience as purveyors of traditional African hospitality to their luxurious camp at MalaMala Game Reserve within the famed Sabi Sand region. Evoking the gracious ambience of a historic era, the property’s colonial-style decor features fine teak, leather and crystal. Eight luxury suites, or khayas (Zulu for "home"), accommodate up to 16 guests. Each functions as a private home, resplendent with carefully selected furnishings, private verandas overlooking the river, and a private heated plunge pool. Lavish his-and-hers bathrooms in each suite include a claw-footed tub, double shower, radiant floor heating, and a secluded outdoor shower. In-room dining is possible with both indoor and outdoor private dining areas. Individual 24-hour temperature control ensures guests' comfort at all times, with heating, air conditioning and ceiling fans. Amenities in each suite include direct-dial telephones, hairdryers, mini bar, safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and optional satellite TV, DVD player, and laptop with wireless Internet access.

Facilities shared by all camp guests include a meticulously appointed library containing rare books and works of art, an elegant air-conditioned dining room, and a historic bar featuring photographs of the area’s early pioneers. Outstanding meals are also served on the spacious wooden deck, which offers a superb game-viewing experience in itself. A fully stocked wine cellar houses a selection of fine South African wines to complement the dining experience. A large infinity pool provides views across the river, and guests can stay in shape on the gym equipment in the small fitness facility, which also includes a steam room. Massage service is available on request.

Singita Boulders Lodge

Location
Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

Boulders Lodge was named for its innovative construction around a massive boulder. The lodge overlooks the Sand River and elegantly incorporates elements of African nature into its design. The lodge is a harmonious confluence of both the wild and tranquil characteristics of this region. The camp merges so seamlessly with its surroundings, you will never feel like a disturbance to the nearby animals grazing just outside. Boulders Lodge is a true hidden gem and a prime destination for wildlife sightings.

Boulders Lodge is without a doubt the embodiment of luxury. The camp consists of 12-suites, each with adjoining bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, a private heated swimming pool, lounge, and viewing deck. Each suite also comes equipped with a plethora of other amenities such as a double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, and air conditioning. It is clear that no detail has been spared when creating these unique spaces. Venture over to the main lodge for a meal in the traditional boma, or a relaxing retreat in the library, lounge, spa, or gymnasium.

Singita Ebony Lodge

Location
Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

Located on the world-renowned Sabi Sand Reserve, Ebony Lodge is the essence of elegance and comfort. This deluxe and secluded campsite serves as a peaceful respite along the banks of the Sand River. Nestled in an ancient riverine forest, your time here will be as enchanting as the eclectic spirit embedded within the architecture. The main lodge is adorned with African flavors and Egyptian influences, as well as a multitude of amenities like a lounge, bar, traditional boma, gymnasium, and a library. Regardless of your place in the lodge, or the time of day, there is an abundance of wildlife just waiting for you to observe.

12 thatched suites scattered along the property offer all the accommodations your heart could desire. Guests are treated to a double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, air conditioning, and of course on en suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, a deep bathtub, and a private heated swimming pool.