Sabi Sand for a first safari

Sabi Sand is a good choice for a first safari.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why Sabi Sand for a first safari?

• With the Big Five present, it delivers a classic first safari.
• 3–4 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, white rhino, buffalo, giraffes and zebras.

Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 4 days. 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.

Activities that fit

game drives and walking safaris.

When to go

The best period overall is June to September.

The dry winter offers the best viewing; early mornings and nights are cold on open vehicles, so pack warm layers.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Sabi Sand guideBest safaris for a first safari

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

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.