Discovering the Magic of Sabi Sand
Let me take you on an imaginary exclusive luxury trip into South Africa, and hopefully I inspire you to come and experience this for real.
Let’s step into a journey to the Sabi Sand, a game reserve that I deeply love. Here is where exclusive luxury meets pristine wilderness. Offering an exceptional high-end experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. From the private game reserves within the Sabi Sand, to the ultra-luxurious lodges. Sabi Sand is a destination where every moment is just unforgettable. Having explored this paradise myself, I can tell you that it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
A Symphony of Wildlife:
In Sabi Sand, every game drive is a private encounter with wildlife and nature at its best.
Imagine yourself sitting in a game vehicle, driving off into the African bush and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. The only sounds you hear are the engine, the rustling leaves and the distant roar of a lion. You come around the bend and you see a herd of elephant browsing their day away. It is so magical to be able to see these animals roaming free.
At Cheetah Plains, for instance, the game drives are taken to the next level with the use of electric vehicles. These silent drives are truly something special—imagine gliding quietly through the bush, getting closer to the wildlife without disturbing the natural serenity. This innovative approach adds a new dimension to the exclusive luxury safari, making it not only more intimate but also eco-friendly. One of my most cherished memories is of a silent sunset drive, where we followed a leopard on the prowl, the only sounds being those of the wilderness itself.
Unparalleled Safari Adventures:
The reserve is part of the greater Kruger National Park, boasting an unparalleled array of wildlife and is famous for its leopard sightings. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of days here and going on over 100 game drives. It is a privilege to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat, a sight that never loses its spell on me.
The safaris in Sabi Sand are made for those who seek the exceptional. Whether you’re on a private game drive or a walking safari, the experience will be unforgettable. Imagine going on a walking safari accompanied by expert rangers and trackers, you’ll explore the wilderness like never before. One cannot describe the feeling nor the smell of the bush.
Did you know that when a leopard male marks his territory, it smells like butter popcorn?! I am not kidding you!
The combination of stunning landscapes and close wildlife encounters creates an exclusive luxury safari experience that is simply unrivalled.
Ultra-Luxury and Exclusivity:
When it comes to accommodations, Sabi Sand is in a league of its own. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at top ultra-luxury lodges like Londolozi, Cheetah Plains, Royal Malewane or MalaMala, where the emphasis is on privacy and exclusive luxury.
Imagine having your own private villa with 4 double bedrooms, your private butler, chef, pastry chef, sommelier, massage therapist and ranger. In the morning you walk to your game vehicle and your coffee-to-go is waiting for you, exactly the way you like it. In between exciting game drives, you spend time with your loved ones around the pool, sipping a cool drink and chatting about all you have seen. Doesn’t this sound like a fairytale? It can be reality!
Here every detail is designed for your comfort and indulgence. These lodges offer exceptional high-end experiences, from gourmet dining to personalised service, ensuring that your stay is as luxurious as it is unforgettable. Every aspect of your visit, from the spa treatments to the bespoke activities, is tailored to create a private and opulent experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
For example Londolozi offers guided jogging adventures for those who love to go for an early morning run. Or join a Wildlife Photographic Experience. Perfect for beginner and enthusiast photographers who are wanting to make photography the main focus of their safari. For this safari option, you will be paired with a photographic tutor who will assist you both in the field and in post-processing and editing.
Londolozi is known across the world as a destination which offers remarkable photographic wildlife opportunities and is the perfect place to learn and craft this incredible art form.
Royal Malewane prouds itself to have the most experienced and qualified guiding team in Africa. Out of own experience, I can say they really are amazing! When you choose a safari destination, it’s the guiding team that makes the difference to the memories you’ll take home with you.
A Commitment to Conservation:
Sabi Sand’s commitment to conservation truly deepened my experience there. It’s not just about exclusivity, there’s a genuine effort to protect the wildlife and landscapes that make this place so special. I was really impressed when I learned about the ongoing conservation projects during my stay. Going ‘behind’ the scenes at Londolozi was so special, it added a whole new layer of meaning to my visit.
It is great knowing that by being there, you contributing to something bigger. It feels good to know that spending time in such a luxurious place is also helping to preserve it for future generations and supporting the local communities.
Cultural Connections:
Sabi Sand’s exclusivity offers more than just a safari, it’s about the people as well, as I think it is the people that make a place feel at home. For me, connecting with the locals was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Spending time with them, hear their stories, and learn firsthand about their traditions while embracing sustainable ways of living. It added so much more to my experience, making it more than just a luxurious safari. It’s in those moments that you realise Sabi Sand isn’t just a beautiful place, it’s a community, and being part of that, even for a short while, is incredibly special.
Conclusion:
Sabi Sand is the ultimate when it comes to luxury, service and wildlife! Offering breathtaking landscapes and exceptional high-end experiences that go beyond the ordinary. No matter if you are looking for a private villa for you and your family or just a boutique place. Sabi Sand is the place to go, offering boutique accommodation and private use villas. From the intimate wildlife encounters to the private game drives and ultra-luxurious accommodation. At Sabi Sand every aspect of your visit is designed to be exclusive and extraordinary!
If you’re looking for the ultimate safari experience that combines the best of luxury and nature, do not hesitate to contact me and we can start planning your luxury adventure!
Written by Daphne Wijnveldt
Top Travel Tip
“..Waking up at 5am, doesn’t get better than in the African Bush! Waking up to the sounds of the wildlife, the smell of fresh coffee and the knowledge that soon you will see amazing things during a morning game drive” – Daphne, Africa Safari Specialist
