One of the world's finest safari destinations
Widely regarded as Africa’s premier game reserve, Sabi Sands is world renowned for the abundance of game (particularly leopards). A luxury Sabi Sands safari is also one of the best places to see all of the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa.
Due to its huge populations of many species, Sabi Sands is one of the most rewarding reserves in Africa; you’ll be able to spot some of the continent’s most famous predators. Africa’s highest density of leopards can be found here and your skilled safari guide will do their best to help you spot these elusive cats among the bush.
Sabi Sand’s private reserve is over 60,000 hectares in size and shares an unfenced boundary with the enormous Kruger Park. This means game-rich experiences where animals roam free. The landscape is Savanna Bushveld; a landscape of scrub, small trees and grass land, punctuated by the Sabi and Sand Rivers. On a luxury Sabi Sands safari, you can track leopards or wild dogs as they hunt, making for a thrilling experience.
On a luxury safari with Jacada, our experienced Africa specialists will use their extensive first-hand knowledge to craft a journey that’s completely bespoke to you. We know the finest Sabi Sands safari lodges and have met with many of the skilled guides.
We will create an authentic experience that places you at the heart of the African wilderness. Get in touch with our travel designers to begin planning your Sabi Sands safari.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
I’ve been lucky enough to go on safari in the Sabi Sands many times. It’s a truly magical experience for any wildlife lover. The animals here are so easy to spot due to the huge populations of many species and the fact that they’re fairly accustomed to jeeps. For me though, the fact that this reserve is private, keeping visitor numbers low is key. Safaris here feel exclusive and luxurious, a truly special adventure.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Sabi Sands safari lodges
There are many incredible places to stay in the Sabi Sands. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our safari experts
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive Impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Sabi Sands example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
10-Day Trip
Sabi Sands Safari and Seychelles Family Adventure
10-Day Trip
Sabi Sands Safari and Seychelles Family Adventure
13-Day Trip
An Awe-Inspiring Journey to Namibia and South Africa
13-Day Trip
An Awe-Inspiring Journey to Namibia and South Africa
13-Day Trip
Cape, Safari and Beach Family Vacation
13-Day Trip
Cape, Safari and Beach Family Vacation
Destinations to combine with your Sabi Sands safari
Cape Town
Vibrant and beautiful, Cape Town is an essential stop on any South Africa trip. Table Mountain dominates the skyline and offers exciting outdoor pursuits while the streets below are full of history, culture and buzzing bars and restaurants.
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg mountains are an epic and exciting place to visit. Huge tabletops, massive ranges, ancient san rock-art sites and crashing waterfalls can be explored on hikes, exhilarating zip lines and expedition horse rides.
Durban
A subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and laid back atmosphere makes Durban a great city to spend time in. It also holds plenty of cultural and political importance as the capital of the KwaZulu Natal region.
Eastern Cape Safaris
South Africa’s Eastern Cape continues to win visitors over with its pristine coastline, accessible and malaria-free wildlife reserves, picturesque villages and surreal hinterland landscapes.
Johannesburg
South Africa‘s ‘Big Apple’, this sunny city is not only one of the world’s largest urban areas and South Africa’s commercial and economic hub, it’s also been branded the new capital of cool.
KwaZulu Natal
Known as the ‘Kingdom of the Zulu’, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s most north-easterly coastal province, quite literally has it all.
Limpopo Province
Known as ‘The Great North’ Limpopo is characterised by majestic scenery, ancient landscapes and millions of hectares of protected land. There are numerous outdoor activities including some of the best horse riding safaris in the country.
Luxury Rail Travel
Luxury trains cut through dramatic landscapes, enjoyed from the comfort of stylish carriages. Any journey through South Africa will be a beautiful one and taking the journey by train delivers a wonderful sense of calm or romance.
Madikwe
Madikwe, in the northwest corner, boarding Botswana and the Kalahari desert is a hidden gem for safari-goers. A great spot for families with little children as there’s no malaria-free area.
Northern Kruger National Park
The Makuleke is the northernmost section of the Kruger National Park. It is something of an open secret among safari aficionados, a diverse and dramatic region that is perhaps the park’s most beautiful, yet kept wonderfully quiet thanks to its remoteness and community run concession status.
Phinda
Phinda is a private reserve offering exclusivity, conservation-lead hospitality and exciting wildlife encounters. A varied collection of habitats attracts plenty of wildlife and with its proximity to the coast, beach and bush combine perfectly.
Pretoria
Located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, this handsome city is one of South Africa‘s three capital cities. Pretoria is made up of grand buildings, large, leafy green suburbs and wide, tree-lined streets.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a place of magnificent natural beauty. The coastline is made up of small bays, beaches and quaint towns. In the distance rolling, green hills and forestland runs down to meet the coast, laden with marine life.
The Kalahari
The Kalahari showcases the massive diversity of the country's landscapes. Unique desert species roam the arid plains, waiting for the rains to bring dry land to life with a flurry of desert flowers.
The Western Cape Mountains
The Cape Mountains span the northern and southern capes, taking in the Cederberg mountains and most of the Karoo plateau. A perfect place for jaw-dropping road trips on the famous route 62 and all just a convenient distance from Cape Town.
The Whale Coast
On the Atlantic shoreline of the western cape there’s a beautiful collection of bays, towns and villages. Whale watching boat trips can be arranged to spot southern right whales and evenings are spent in fine restaurants and stylish hotels.
The Winelands
Pretty towns and villages punctuate the green rolling hills of South Africa’s Wine Region. Home to fantastic wine, restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities that make the most of the stunning landscapes.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit Sabi Sands
June through to September are the drier winter months at Sabi Sands, when the vegetation is much more sparse and game tends to congregate around the watering holes, making this generally the best time to spot game. The warmer months from October through to April have more rains, turning the landscape a beautiful green and bringing abundant birdlife.
Safari
June - September
Birdlife
October - April
Very dry
August - September
South Africa travel guides
Plan your trip to
The Sabi Sands
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Sabi Sands, our team of safari experts are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
