Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

OVERVIEW:

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is the largest lodge in the Sabi Sabi collection, with elegant, modern décor and a gorgeous bush-home feel. The area is excellent for game, with lion, leopard, spotted hyena and elephant in abundance. It’s booked on a full-board basis, which includes all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, vehicle and walking safaris, transfers from Sabi Sabi Airstrip, and Wi-Fi. The lodge is open all year round and children of all ages are welcome (6 years for safari activities). One of the suites may be suitable for some disabled travelers.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand South Reserve, within the Kruger region of South Africa. It has a stunning location in the middle of the bushveld; benefiting from views not only over a waterhole, but also across miles of expansive plains. The lodge can be accessed by light aircraft from Johannesburg or other airstrips in the Kruger, then it’s a 20 minute transfer from Sabi Sabi airstrip to the lodge and you are game viewing from the start!

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT SABI SABI BUSH LODGE:

There are 25 suites, one deluxe suite, and two villas. All the rooms are spaced on either side of the main lodge, amidst well-kept gardens. Stylishly constructed from timber, stone, thatch, and glass, each suite contains a double or twin beds, bedside tables with lighting, a writing desk, and a separate seating area. There’s a good selection of amenities such as air conditioning, fans, a telephone, a tea-and-coffee station, a mini-bar, a safe, and a hairdryer. The spacious washroom offers twin washbasins, a shower, a flush toilet, and a bathtub. Outside on the tiled deck there’s an outdoor shower too, with chairs and table providing a lovely spot to relax and enjoy your views.

The property’s deluxe suite is known as ‘Mandleve’, and it’s very popular with honeymooners and couples. Extras include a king-size bed, a private patio, and a private pool. The two villas are more lavish still, each boasting an immense master bedroom with en-suite facilities, including twin bathtubs. There’s a second bedroom as well, featuring a washroom with a big bathtub and a rainfall shower. Villa guests also have access to their own beautifully appointed private lounge and dining areas, patio, and pool, all reached via a rustic swing bridge.

The main communal buildings are linked to the guest accommodation along tidy pathways through the grounds. The luxurious lounge is stylishly lit with plush leather seating around coffee tables and ottomans, indoor plants for a touch of greenery, and artefacts on walls and other surfaces for a dash of intrigue! The dining area has individual or group tables, in readiness for delicious meals. There’s also a well-stocked bar and a wine cellar. Guests can choose to dine al fresco on the decking, or within the traditional boma.

The property’s boutique stocks curios and essential items. And anyone in need of a little pampering can head to the Amani Spa for massages, facials, mani-pedis, and more! A meeting room can be made available for business clients. For younger guests, there’s the ‘EleFun Centre’. The lodge has two swimming pools, perfect for either splashing about or cooling off in the heat of the day.

ACTIVITIES AT SABI SABI BUSH LODGE:

With its wonderful safari location and excellent facilities, there’s an exhilarating range of activities available here. Most are included with the price of the lodge, but some have extra local fees. Please note, some safari activities have a minimum age requirement.

• Expertly guided game drives

  - Why not focus on exploring the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve and viewing the region’s wildlife? The savanna, forest, and local water sources (including the glorious Sabi river) support all sorts of mammals and birds. Among the highlights are the Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. You can look out for smaller predators such as cheetah, hyena, jackal, serval, civet, honey badger, and the rare wild dog, while the herbivore collection features giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and an excellent assortment of antelopes!

• Walking safaris

  - This activity involves plenty of birding! Almost 350 species of bird were recorded during the most recent count, not least the Big Six – martial eagle, lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing owl, saddle-billed stork, southern ground hornbill, and Kori bustard. You can also enjoy animal tracking and taking a closer look at the reserve’s insects and plant life.

• Night drives

  - Head out at night, when all the big predators come alive. It’s always an unforgettable experience, watching what goes on in the dark of the night!

• Photographic safaris

  - These are available on request and at additional cost. Take to the reserve with a professional photographer and improve your technique. The activity must be booked in advance, and equipment can be rented.

• Community tours

  - Trips to the local Shangaan villages provide opportunities to visit homes, schools, and care centres. Also, performances involving singing, drumming and dancing are often enjoyed in camp, usually after the evening meal. Stargazing is offered at this time too.

• Elefun kid's center

  - Guests aged 4–12 years will find loads to occupy their time here, including child-friendly vehicle and walking safaris, bush survival techniques, arts and crafts, and a thrilling Junior Ranger Programme!

• Golf

  - Yes, we did say golf! There’s a nine-hole course about an hour’s drive away at Skukuza Rest Camp, although you would be swapping the beauty and calm of the reserve for a much busier experience.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.