Sabi Sand is a group of adjoining private reserves on Kruger's western boundary, with no fence between them. Visits are based on private lodges and guided drives rather than self-drive.
- Country
- South Africa
- Type
- Private conservancy
- Approx. area
- 650 km²
- Best time
- June to September
- Suggested stay
- 3–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Low risk: check with a doctor
Why go to Sabi Sand
- Unfenced border with Kruger of about 50 km
- Well known for leopard sightings
- Open-vehicle drives with a ranger and tracker
- Off-road tracking permitted under lodge rules
- Private lodges with limited vehicle numbers
Best time to visit Sabi Sand
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Sabi Sand is June to September.
The dry winter offers the best viewing; early mornings and nights are cold on open vehicles, so pack warm layers.
Summer is hot and rainy, with green landscapes, newborn animals and migrant birds.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 21–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 19–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| April | 16–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 11–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 6–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 6–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 9–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 14–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 17–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 19–33 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 20–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Sabi Sand includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, white rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs, hyenas, kudu and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Guests usually fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International or Skukuza and transfer by road to their lodge, or take light-aircraft flights to airstrips inside the reserve.
Trips to Sabi Sand
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Sabi Sand for families
- Sabi Sand for a honeymoon
- Sabi Sand for photographers
- Sabi Sand for a first safari
- Sabi Sand on a budget
- Sabi Sand for luxury travel
Compare with
- Sabi Sand vs Kruger
- Sabi Sand vs Madikwe
- Sabi Sand vs Pilanesberg
- Sabi Sand vs Addo
- Sabi Sand vs Hwange
- Sabi Sand vs Lower Zambezi
Travelling to Sabi Sand from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sabi Sand?
Generally June to September. The dry winter offers the best viewing; early mornings and nights are cold on open vehicles, so pack warm layers.
How many days do I need in Sabi Sand?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Sabi Sand?
Guests usually fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International or Skukuza and transfer by road to their lodge, or take light-aircraft flights to airstrips inside the reserve.
Is there malaria in Sabi Sand?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Sabi Sand Game Reserve site · Wikipedia - Sabi Sand Game Reserve · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.