Sabi Sand has a special history in South Africa. As the first private game reserve in the country, it has built a longstanding reputation for superb wildlife conservation, community development and spectacular wildlife sightings. The Sabi Sand region is adjacent to Kruger National Park in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Sabi Sand: The World’s Premier Safari Destination
The Sabi Sand region is a world-renowned wildlife hotspot. A vast and varied grassland and woodland savanna, thousands of native trees, grasses and shrubs support the healthy populations of herbivores and omnivores. With both the Sabi and Sand Rivers flowing through the region, the vibrant riverine vegetation provides high-quality habitat for leopards, white rhinos, reedbuck, cheetahs, elands, sable antelopes, nyalas and hyenas to thrive and flourish.
Sabi Sand is also a premium bird-watching hotspot with more than 350 documented bird species prevalent in the region. Widow finches, buntings, cisticolas, mannikins, red-billed oxpeckers, comb ducks and purple herons dot the skies. Additionally, the region supports 47 large mammal species, 57 species of reptiles, 90 species of trees and many more shrubs and grasses.
The Big Five—lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant and black rhinoceros—are nearly a guaranteed sight at Sabi Sand. The region is well known as one of the best places to see leopards, one of Africa’s more elusive species. Sabi Sand also provides travelers with the opportunity to see Africa’s “Secret 7”, extremely rare nocturnal animals that have adapted to survive in the surrounding wilderness. The “Secret 7” are the serval, African wild cat, aardvark, pangolin, civet, porcupine and large spotted genet.
The Outstanding History of Conservation and Sustainability at Sabi Sand
Today, Sabi Sand’s conservation efforts are recognized for supporting the highest concentration of African wildlife in South Africa. Before the land was designated for wildlife conservation and ecotourism, farmers drilled boreholes that now serve as a consistent water supply for the region’s abundant fauna and flora. These watering holes provide a year-long supply of water that isn’t impacted by the seasons. This allows the region to support hundreds of species on any given day.
The self-sustaining nature of this diverse ecosystem deserves protection. The stewards who founded Sabi Sand understood this and knew the region was a remarkably intact piece of wilderness that deserves to be protected and preserved to ensure a positive future for the people, wilderness and wildlife. These values are at the core of how Sabi Sand has managed the land and have led to many notable conservation wins.
Sabi Sand, alongside partners, is spearheading efforts to reintroduce the southern ground hornbill—one of South Africa’s most iconic and culturally significant birds. Intensive wildlife protection programs also support rhino populations and have successfully reintroduced the African wild dog to the region.
With 12 surrounding rural villages, Sabi Sand actively supports these communities through environmental education outreach programs as well as training and skills development. Additionally, many of the lodges employ a large number of community members to ensure the community gains directly from this tourism.
A South Africa Tour with Natural Habitat Adventures
Natural Habitat Adventures is a trusted partner and supporter of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Nat Hab’s Secluded South Africa is a premier safari for those looking to experience one of the most highly regarded private wildlife sanctuaries in the country. Travelers will stay in intimate and distinctive accommodations where sustainability and conservation are integral values. Nat Hab has exclusive access to MalaMala Private Reserve, which provides one of the finest experiences in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
One of the major advantages of Sabi Sand Game Reserve is that Nat Hab’s highly trained and experienced Expedition Leaders take travelers to explore varied habitats in solitude, viewing abundant wildlife away from crowds of other visitors. Guides and drivers can venture off-road in order to track animals and get closer to wildlife, and guided bush walks and night drives allow travelers to see rare nocturnal species.
Enjoy an Exclusive Safari Excursion at MalaMala Private Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve lies in the heart of the legendary Sabi Sand region. The reserve spans 33,000 acres and shares a 12-mile unfenced border with Kruger National Park. This reserve was one of the region’s first to transition from hunting to becoming a sustainable wildlife viewing destination.
Today, the reserve is celebrated for conservation programs and initiatives that have successfully reintroduced the iconic African wild dog. Now, MalaMala is one of the premier locations to see abundant populations of this endangered canine. The Sand River flows through the old-growth riverine forests, making this private concession home to diverse wildlife. MalaMala is famous for its leopard viewing, and of course, the Big Five—lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, elephant and black rhinoceros will be abundant.
This private reserve offers the most secluded safari available in the heart of Southern Africa. While the rest of the private reserves in Sabi Sand allow vehicles to travel freely between them, no outside visitors or vehicles are allowed into MalaMala’s areas.
The rustic eco-lodging available at the MalaMala Main Camp places visitors along the Sand River, whose flowing waters regularly attract wandering wildlife. Wildlife viewing can continue in the comfort of lodges that provide a deck with views of the river or when taking a dip in the infinity pool.
Samantha Miller is a passionate and engaged storyteller focused on shifting environmental narratives to support both people and the planet. She is currently a content coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation’s community-based conservation programs. She is a contributing author to one of the first books to document the role of women in wildlife sciences and a board member of the Black Girl Environmentalist online community.
