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Wildlife Safaris in Sabi SandsZA
A 65,000-hectare private reserve sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger, and the most reliable leopard-viewing destination on earth.
Why here
Sabi Sands is a 65,000-hectare private reserve sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, and it is widely regarded as the most reliable place on earth to watch leopards: lineages at Londolozi have been tracked and named for decades, and sightings that are a lottery elsewhere are the daily expectation here. Private traverse rights change the grammar of the drive, with off-road tracking and night drives that the national park cannot permit. Londolozi was the first game reserve in the world accorded Relais and Chateaux status, and Sabi Sabi has run guest safaris since 1979; between them the guiding standard is the industry benchmark.
Best months
May to September is the dry season: thinning bush, animals concentrated at water, cool clear mornings. Summer (November to March) is green, hot, and better for birding, with afternoon storms. Malaria prophylaxis is standard for the lowveld; check current guidance.
Getting there & around
Fly to Skukuza or Hoedspruit via Johannesburg, or drive five to six hours. Lodges are all-inclusive with two game drives daily; book the dry season many months out.
Skill levels: beginner
Schools & guides (2)
Londolozi Game Reserve
OutfitterThe reserve's flagship lodge and the first game reserve worldwide accorded Relais and Chateaux status, with leopard lineages tracked by its rangers for decades.
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
OutfitterSafari operator running guest drives in the reserve since 1979, with four lodges and Shangaan tracker-and-ranger teams on every vehicle.