Set in the world-renowned 6,500 hectare Sabi Sand Wildtuin (Game Reserve), sharing the southwestern border of the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sabi is a wildlife oasis where big game abounds and roams freely. Sabi Sabi sets out to provide its guests with an unsurpassed, luxury safari experience. This is achieved not only through its highly trained and experienced rangers and trackers, but also through the atmosphere, services and facilities at each of its unique and luxurious lodges. The Sabi Sabi philosophy is 'yesterday, today and tomorrow' which has developed over 100 years of safari experience ... and an acknowledgement of the need to look to the future.
Each of Sabi Sabi's four luxurious and award-winning lodges has a distinctive character. Selati Camp reflects the “yesterday” element of their philosophy, with its romantic and ‘original safari’ feel, whilst Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp are contemporary in style and elegance. The Reserve’s final lodge, Earth Lodge, features innovative and forward-looking design. However, the Sabi Sabi philosophy does not extend only to the styles of its lodges, but also to its approach to conservation and community. Here the need to conserve rapidly dwindling wilderness areas and to provide a sanctuary for South Africa's flora and fauna is seen as the first and most important value, in a true example of ecotourism: linking conservation, community and tourism effectively. This resulted in Sabi Sabi becoming the first and only 5-Star lodge in South Africa to be recipients of the Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) trademark.
THE LODGES
SELATI CAMPReminiscent of a bygone era, Sabi Sabi presents the indulgence of “Yesterday” at Selati Camp, infused with memorabilia, vintage décor and an old world charm. Selati’s beautifully appointed suites offer intimacy with a dash of colonial opulence - all set against a background that is unashamedly seductive and romantic.
Nights at Selati are quiet, intimate and possessed of a rare magic. Perhaps it is the gentle glow of the oil lamps or the fact that the lodge’s authentic vintage finishes evokes half remembered memories of times gone by. Whatever the secret, it has made Selati Camp an essential pilgrimage for romantic souls far and wide. The camp offers huge decks, allowing for great game viewing while enjoying a refreshing drink. You can also cool off in your plunge pool, and while away the time on your private veranda. Selati Camp is one of the smallest camps in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve and is comprised of only 8 luxury, thatched suites, each with en-suite bathrooms and private, alfresco shower. Expect to find flower petals and candles in your room upon your return from a night drive, when staying in the romantic Honeymoon Suite.
BUSH LODGEThe “Today” experience is found at Bush Lodge, which remains a firm favourite with visitors looking for a vibrant and companionable visit. Arriving at Bush Lodge, you are greeted with a warm smile and a lemonscented towel. What will be there to meet and greet you each and every visit will be the vast, untamed bushveld. Bush Lodge’s charm is evident from the outset. It isn’t simply the breathtaking surrounds. Bush Lodge’s strength lies in its people and the warm and vibrant atmosphere they generate around them. Looking across the Msuthlu riverbed to unspoiled veld and a well-utilised water hole, Bush Lodge’s two enormous, comfortable viewing decks are ideally situated to view the hundreds of animals and birds resident at Sabi Sabi. Secluded, glass-fronted bathrooms in all the suites allow private uninterrupted views of the bush and add to the feeling of wide open spaces. Lodge comprises 25 air-conditioned thatched suites which are decorated in an ethnic style in keeping with the bushveld environment. Each suite has a private patio and lounge area. On your visit, you will notice that Bush Lodge features artistically designed open courtyards with wooden carvings by renowned South African sculptors, created from wood salvaged from the bushveld.
Hidden on the banks of the Msuthu River lies the newest addition to Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve’s family of 5-Star lodges, Little Bush Camp. Little Bush Camp continues the “Today” experience. The lodge is small – just six suites – and carries on the warm, contemporary feel of Bush Lodge – an ideal retreat for small groups, families and friends seeking an idyllic hideaway. With all of the six suites overlooking the riverbed, Little Bush Camp boasts all the features of an exceptional bush lodge – beautiful setting, excellent cuisine and abundant wildlife. All suites are fully equipped and feature contemporary African design, complete with air conditioning, double beds, en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers and private viewing decks. Thatched roofs, draped mosquito nets and wooden and stone finishes complete the picture of an exclusive getaway.
EARTH LODGEEarth Lodge represents “Tomorrow” in the form of a unique, ultraluxurious lodge inspired by Earth Shelter Architecture from the Middle Ages. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, the use of texture, space and light have created a lodge like no other. The organic architecture literally merges with the environment, creating an earthy vitality that pervades every room. Earth Lodge reflects Africa’s immense artistic talent and is, quite simply a world first, breaking from the traditional style of lodge to set a new standard in design. Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites to accommodate guests, each one features a private pool, butler, en-suite glass fronted bathroom, outdoor shower and specially commissioned furnishings. The indoor-outdoor dining area overlooks a waterhole and unending bush, and the lodge has a library, underground wine cellar, Zen garden and Earth Nature Spa. The lodge's Earth Nature Spa, exercise centre and meditation garden are a unique and luxurious part of the facilities at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge offering a variety of skin treatments, relaxing or energising massages and a host of other traditional therapeutic body spa and skincare treatments.
