Imagine seeing elephants, rhinos, and lions from the luxury of your own personal lodge in the South African wilderness. At Sabi Sabi Lodges, it’s possible to do just that. Located three hours away from Hoedspruit Airport, Sabi Sabi Lodges can be found at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve within the renowned Sabi Sand Reserve (say that ten times fast!).
The area was first settled in the 1830s by European hunters who set up a camp on the Sabie River. Later, the reserve became renowned for its astounding views during the advent of leisurely railway travel in the early 1920s. The resort itself wasn’t built until the 1980s, but it has been dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area ever since its inception.
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is open to only hotel guests, and the lack of crowds makes the experience feel entirely authentic. Guests get to go on a personal safari and can catch a glance of leopards, cheetahs, and buffalo. Sabi Sabi Lodges employs experienced rangers to take guests out into the wild and educate them as well.
Sabi Sabi Lodges is a luxury resort complex, and while each lodge blends seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness, none are lacking in modern amenities: Selati Camp hearkens back to a previous time with the décor evoking the vintage luxury of the mid-20th century. Bush Lodge is immense but filled with private suites, encouraging a sense of community without sacrificing privacy. Little Bush Camp is more intimate and is surrounded by only the natural music of the wild animals. Last but not least is Earth Lodge, designed in a more modern style to evoke total interconnectivity with its surroundings. Earth Lodge is home to 13 suites and also houses the Amani Spa.
There’s nothing more relaxing than a Kurhula body ritual next to unbound nature. It begins with a full-body massage and culminates in a rejuvenating mini-facial. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Earth Lodge’s outdoor dining area. Rates run from 10,500 to 25,000 ZAR a night in the high season and 9,000 to 25,000 ZAR a night in the low season. Be sure to reserve your stay ahead of time, as the lodges are consistently popular. Follow Sabi Sabi Lodges on Instagram.
