Safari to Sabi Sand Reserve

an historic safari area, with famously rich wildlife

The Sabi Sand Reserve is located in the Kruger area of South Africa.

Although widely referred to as a single reserve, this area is actually a combination of several very well known private reserves including Singita, Londolozi, Mala Mala, Sabi Sabi and Lion Sands.

Together they cover around 660 square kilometres and contain around 40 small lodges, which works out around one square kilometre per person (which is actually quite busy, in Botswana the average is closer to 20 square kilometres per person). However it remains a world apart from the hectic battle for space around sightings inside the adjacent national park.

The reserve, which is unfenced to the east, forms part of the greater Kruger protected area, there being no barriers to impair the movement of animals between here and the distant border with Mozambique.

Human settlement encroaches on the western side of the reserve, but only tends to significantly impact on the safari experience at those lodges which lie close to that fence line. The presence of these habitations is compensated for by the vast empty wilderness that lies to the north and east.

The landscape here is the usual mix of undulating hills and thick thorn-scrub, but with some pronounced granite kopjes, modest open grasslands and very scenic riverine areas to provide variation. Although the wildlife is free to migrate in and out, wildlife viewing is very reliable year round. In fact this is one of the best areas for big cats and rhinos in all of Africa.

The Sabi Sand area is the default choice for high-end safari in South Africa and, as such, it tends to feature in a high proportion of trips.

The usual stay duration is 3-4 nights in one camp or 4-8 nights in two camps.

Seasonality

The best time to visit Kruger is generally considered to be the May-Oct dry season, but (surprisingly) the reserve remains popular year round.

Safari in the Kruger area is much more seasonal than most people would lead you to believe. Trip planning is complicated by the fact that the seasons here are almost diametrically opposite to those down in Cape Town (with which the area is most commonly combined in trips).

Dry winter : Jun/Sep

This period is characterised by a cool dry winter which is generally considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing, although day length is relatively short and nights can get very cold. Unfortunately it does coincide with a more conventional cool wet winter in Cape Town.

Hot transition : Oct/Nov

This is the start of the hot wet summer. Wildlife viewing is usually very strong, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high in advance of the first rains, which usually arrive mid November to cool things down. This coincides with a usually pleasant spring season in Cape Town. October therefore represents an interesting compromise month.

Wet summer : Dec/Mar

This period is characterised by a hot wet summer, which is generally considered to be the most challenging time for wildlife viewing, although sightings should remain reliable in the premium areas. Day length is nice and long, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high and rain can be a major issue. However these potentially adverse conditions happen to coincide with a hot dry summer in Cape Town.

Cool transition : Apr/May

This is a period of transition between the hot wet summer and the cool dry winter, with wildlife viewing continuing to improve as the foliage dies back. Day length, temperatures and humidities are all in the middle of their ranges. The period coincides with autumn/fall in Cape Town, making this perhaps the strongest time of year for the combination.

Where to stay

The Sabi Sand area includes many of the finest safari lodges in the country. Being a premium area, the majority of these properties command very high prices, but there are a few medium priced options here. If you are looking for better value, then nearby reserves like Timbavati and Klaserie may be worth investigating too.

convenient, easy and luxurious safari