There are a number of stunning lodges in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve which is renowned for having the best Big Five game viewing in South Africa South Africa Sand River Sabie River Africa . Over two hundred different species live in abundance, whilst the ever-changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds. Such is the environment that the wildlife, save for the migratory birds, remain in their territories all year round.
Wildlife viewing here is second to none. The Sabi Sand Reserve enjoys good quality viewing of leopard (the most elusive of predators), as well as elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species. In fact, a checklist of the reserve would yield no fewer than 330+ tree species, 110+ reptile species, 500+ bird species and 145+ mammal species, all occurring in their own natural environment.
Open safari vehicles, seating between 4 and 10 visitors each, head out into the wild under the expert guidance of experienced rangers and insightful trackers. Guests are able to get in close contact with Africa 's most exciting wildlife species, and are presented with unparalleled photographic opportunities. Early morning safaris head out as the sun rises and as the bush stirs to life. The ranger and tracker teams search for animals by tracking their spoor, and by listening for the tell-tale signs of activity. The bush has its own language, and it is fascinating to watch those who possess the tools to encode it. Late afternoon safaris commence as the sun burns its way towards the horizon. The animals are now getting more active, many preparing for the great hunt after dark. After sundowners, the drive continues with the aid of powerful spotlights that reveal nocturnal species in another world. On average, approximately 6 hours a day or more are spent out in the bush on safari.
Most of these lodges follow the Wildlife Safari format: arrive for lunch on the first day. Check in and orientation and introduction to the bush. Out on game drive from about 15h30 or 16h00. Sundowners are enjoyed in the bush. Return after a period of night driving where the nocturnal species are searched for by spotlight. These drives are in open Land Rover safari-type vehicles. The driver is an experienced guide who will make the drive more interesting. A tracker sits in front and follows the animals, often off road to secure sightings that are often really close and clear. Early next morning you are awakened at dawn, tea/coffee and rusks are served and out on a game drive again, returning to breakfast. After breakfast there is an opportunity to go on a guided walk in the bush with an armed ranger. This usually focuses on the tracks, insects, birds and the smaller animals. Alternatively relax at the lodge. Many have a lovely outlook into the bush and possibly a water hole at which a variety of animals visit during the day. Lunch and then the cycle repeats itself with the afternoon safari game drive. On your last day there would be the early game drive, followed by breakfast after which you would depart. This is dependent on the time that your flight leaves - if you are traveling with your own transport, its approx 11h00.
The most convenient way to do this safari is to fly directly from the Johannesburg International Airport
The Sabi Sand Reserve boasts a selection of superb lodges that are masters in the field of hospitality - perfecting what has become known as the luxury photographic safari experience. Beautiful accommodations, breathtaking landscapes, fine cuisine, skilled and personable guides and rangers are but a few of the aspects that a visitor may expect to enjoy. Each lodge has something unique to offer and I recommend any of the following lodges:
(Click on links below to make your Booking or Phone / e-mail Far & Wild Safaris on 031 2083684 / farwild@iafrica.com)
Arathusa Safari Lodge: Between R2300 and R4700 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between standard and luxury rooms and seasonal periods.
Cheetah Plains : Between R3300 and R3600 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between standard and luxury rooms and seasonal periods.
Chitwa Chitwa : R4600 to R6000 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Chitwa House : R26400 to R35000 per night for this lodge which sleeps four persons. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Djuma Galago : R9500 per night for this self-catering lodge which sleeps a maximum of ten persons.
Djuma Vuyatella : R4500 per person sharing per night.
Dulini Lodge : Between R4630 and R6650 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Elephant Plains : Between R1580 and R2680 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between rondawel and luxury rooms and seasonal periods.
Exeter River Lodge : Between R4630 and R6650 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Idube : Between R3000 and R3900 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Inyati : R3300 to R4400 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between standard and executive double rooms and seasonal periods.
Kirkmans Kamp : Between R3780 and R5395 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Leadwood Lodge : Between R5545 and R8290 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Leopard Hills : R7900 per person sharing per night.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge : R9500 per person sharing per night.
Lion Sands River Lodge : Between R5780 and R8920 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between standard and luxury suites and seasonal periods.
Lion Sands 1933 Lodge : Tariffs are between R84850 and R94790. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods for this sole-use lodge.
Londolozi Founders Camp : Between R5841 and R6950 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between standard and luxury rooms and number of nights reserved.
Londolozi Pioneer Camp : Between R8550 and R9500 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between numbers of nights reserved
Londolozi Private Granite Suites : Between R9450 and R10500 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between numbers of nights reserved.
Londolozi Tree Camp : Between R8550 and R9500 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between numbers of nights reserved.
Londolozi Varty Camp : Between R5900 and R6225 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between standard and luxury rooms and number of nights reserved.
Mala Mala Main Camp : Between USD625 and USD700 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between luxury rooms and suites. This USD tariff is converted into ZAR at time of confirmation.
Mala Mala Sable Camp : USD775 per person sharing per night. This USD tariff is converted into ZAR at time of confirmation.
Nkorho : Between R2050 and R2485 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Nottens : Between R2750 and R3350 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Rattrays on Mala Mala : USD925 per person sharing per night. This USD tariff is converted into ZAR at time of confirmation.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge : Between R5300 and R6500 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge : R8500 per person sharing per night. Amber Presidential Suite, which includes a private Land Rover, at R16200 per person sharing per night.
Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp : Between R4900 and R5500 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge : Between R5550 and R6700 per person sharing per night. Tariffs vary between seasonal periods.
These are the current 2011 rates and are subject to change. The variation in rates at some of the lodges varies from lodges within the one group, or is dependent upon seasonal "high" or "low" tariffs. October / March is generally high season.
At all of the lodges, this rate includes the following:
- Luxurious accommodation
- Three delicious meals daily including all teas and coffees
- Two scheduled game-drives daily in an open 4 x 4 safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced Ranger and Tracker
- Interactive bush walks (one hour) accompanied by experienced armed Trackers
- VAT / Taxes
At many of the lodges, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water are also included in this rate.
Credit: Far & Wild Safaris
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