The Sabi Sands Game Reserve South Africa

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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.

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.

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.