The Sabi Sands formed in 1948 and is actually made up from a number of smaller private game reserves, which include Djuma Game reserve, Exeter Game Reserve, Singita Game Reserve, Mala Mala Game Reserve, Londolozi Game Reserve, Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sabi and Ulusaba... Phew! The Sabi Sands covers an area of 65 000 hectares (153 000 acres)

If all that isn't enough for you the Sabi Sands borders the world famous Kruger National park and forms part of the 2,3 million hectare (5,7 million acre) Kruger National Park game preservation area. With no fences between them the animals have free range over a vast area of the South African bush, you are guaranteed some exceptional african wildlife encounters.

What can I expect to see?
There is a massive diversity of wildlife on the sabi sands reserve with 145 mammal species alone. Some of the more common sightings include lion, leopard, elephant, white and black rhinoceros, buffalo (all of the true big 5!) as well as cheetah and wild dog, which together make the magnificent seven! You may also encounter hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra and many of africa's antelope species including impala, kudu, klipspringer, Tsessebe, Blue Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Eland, Roan Antelope and Sable Antelope.

There are also too many bird species to list, but a few of my personal favorites that have been recorded in the area include: Ostrich, Grey Heron, the Hamerkop with it's huge nests, Saddlebill Stork, Marabou Stork, Lappet-faceVulture, Tawny Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Fish Eagle with is magnificent cry of Africa, Gymnogene, Coqui Francolin, Diederik Cuckoo, the tiny Pearl Spotted Owl and the huge Giant Eagle Owl, Malachite Kingfisher, Lilac-breasted Roller and many many more.

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Map of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Map Showing the location of the Sabi Sands game reserve next to the Kruger National Park in South Africa

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Where to stay?
All of the Private Game Reserves which make up the larger Sabi Sands Reserve, have luxury safari lodges on them, with the types of accommodation including luxury tented camps, exclusive lodges and family friendly game lodges, which one do you choose? Below is a list of a few that I am sure you wont be disappointed whichever one you choose.

Privately Run Accommodation

Londolozi Lodges

Londolozi have four newly refurbished camps and the Private Granite Suites located along the Sand River and blending into the bush.

Pioneer Camp: Steeped in the early history of Londolozi. Eighty years ago, the Varty and Taylor ancestors arrived after three days of hard travel by rail, wagon and foot. They pitched their tents in the failing light. When the dawn broke, they beheld an ancient land of breathtaking beauty. Unique, peaceful and remote, this untrammelled wilderness is still the defining essence of Pioneer Camp.

Varty Camp: Consists of Eight Chalets and Two Superior Chalets. All rooms have private swimming pools framed by timber decks that overlook the riverine bush. The living spaces are raised off the ground and shaded under a cathedral of trees. The camp has a pleasingly down-to-earth quality and the emphasis on family heritage means that children always have a place at Varty Camp.

Tree Camp: Consists of Six Private Suites where guests spend lazy afternoons on their decks, champagne in hand as they survey the ancient landscape, elephants feeding below in the river.

Founders Camp: Intimate and child friendly, Founder’s Camp is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view of the secrets of river life. Seven idyllic chalets, repose in the shade of ancient ebony and matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River.

Granite Suites: The Private Granite Suites offer an extraordinary experience for the exclusive use of six Guests.

Contact:
Tel: +27 11 280 6655
Web: Londolozi to Indigo Bay - Platinum Tours

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Djuma Game Reserve

Djuma Game Reserve is as mentioned above, part of the Sabi Sands and offers guests the choice of three luxury safari lodges, from the magnificent Bush Lodge to the private Galago, as well as the unique Vuyatela.

Anyone for a Family Safari Holiday?
The Djuma Galago Lodge named after the lesser bushbaby in latin, is a perfect option as it is a self catering safari lodge and can offer you and your family or small group the entire camp with complete exclusivity. You will also get your own personal guide, tracker and Land Rover to make this your perfect safari holiday. Galago has 5 en-suite bedrooms all with air-conditioning. You can bring your own food and drinks or if you wish catering can be arranged to allow you complete flexibility.

Djuma Galago Lodge
Private camp for groups of up to 10 guests.
5 luxury bedrooms all en suite with fans and air conditioning.
1 pilot/guide/chef room (single).
Viewing deck with plunge pool.
Catering and bar by arrangement or self catered.
Includes fully equipped kitchen with indoor and outdoor cooking facilities.
Game viewing vehicle with a ranger and tracker.
2 safaris (game drives) per day.
A guided walk in the bush each day.

Rates: Approx SA Rand 6850 (2007) for the whole lodge and includes two game drives an 1 bush walk per day.

Djuma Bush Lodge
The luxurious Djuma Bush lodge is again family friendly and consists of eight thatched chalets all with en-suite rooms, air-conditioning, overhead fans and mosquito nets; two viewing decks and a magnificent swimming pool situated under some magnificent Tamboti trees.

The Bush Lodge caters for a maximum of 16 guests with 8 luxury thatched bedrooms all individually situated. There are two viewing decks a library and plunge pool. Enjoy a full English style buffet breakfast, high tea and a four course dinner under the stars.

There are 2 safari game drives daily and a guided walk in the bush.

Djuma Reservations: P. O. Box 338, Hluvukani, 1363, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Tel: (+ 27 13) 735 5118
Fax: (+ 27 13) 735 5070
djuma@djuma.co.za

Is the Sabi Sands a high risk malaria area?
No not really there has only been 1 reported case since 1979, still I think it wise to take the precautionary anti malaria tablets which your doctor will prescribe you before arriving. But Malaria (or the lack of it) is definitely not a reason not to visit this beautiful part of the world.