SABI SABI BUSH LODGE

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE

SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

 

ABOUT SABI SABI BUSH LODGE

Deep in the bushveld overlooking a waterhole and an open plain, lies a lodge that pulses to the rhythm of Africa’s heartbeat. This is Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, steeped in tradition, vibrant and warm, reflecting the Sabi Sabi of “Today”. With a history spanning over 35 years, the lodge has earned a reputation of a “luxury home in the bush”, due to its service excellence and effortless personal attention. Its conventional safari style showcases a vibrant and eclectic mix of furnishings and decor, garnered from all corners of the African continent.

ABOUT SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE KRUGER

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is situated in the iconic 65 000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the south-western section of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa. It is a wildlife oasis where the natural interaction between predator and prey has remained unchanged over the centuries.

The reserve is home to 47 large mammal species, 57 reptile-, more than 300 bird- and a myriad of smaller wildlife species. It is famous as a hotspot for the iconic Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. More than 90 tree species, as well as a wide variety of shrubs and grasses make up the reserve’s diverse flora. Big game abounds in this pristine wilderness, making it perfect for spectacular wildlife sightings.

Sabi Sabi Kruger has four exquisite lodges that set the benchmark in luxury accommodation, service and cuisine.

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE SABI SANDS KRUGER

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Kruger’s contemporary and stylish design allows for ample space in which to unwind and savour the tranquillity of the African wilderness.

Steeped in tradition – with a history spanning 35 years – this vibrant and warm luxury Kruger safari lodge reflects the Sabi Sabi of today. It has built a reputation over the years as a “luxury home in the bush” where service excellence and personal attention are the norm.

The main lodge’s stylish lounge and intimate bar area are where friends, old and new, form special bonds around their bush experiences which will last a lifetime. The quirky bar offers a wide selection of craft beverages, while the safari dinging area with its high thatched ceiling creates a cool and comfortable space in which to enjoy superb cuisine.

The beautiful decks overhanging the Msuthlu riverbed, are perfect for spending lazy afternoons immersed in a good book or lazing in one of the pools, while observing the wildlife at the busy waterhole.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is child-friendly, which makes it a pristine destination for the ultimate family safari holiday. Qualified childcare professionals will keep the young ones busy with “hands-on edutainment”, tailor-made according to specific age groups.

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE ACCOMMODATION

Guests can choose from 25 pristine suites, including 2 luxury villas and the Mandleve Deluxe Suite, all offering the utmost in privacy and sophistication.

All the suites are air-conditioned with huge en-suite glass-fronted bathrooms with al-fresco shower, leading onto a private patio.

Luxury Villas

The two new exquisite luxury villas, Mahlatinin and Tumbela, compliment Bush Lodge’s philosophy of offering a pristine safari experience to global travellers, to perfection.

These two suites exude opulence – pure linens, wooden chandeliers, sisal rugs and natural oak doors create 5-star luxury in the heart of the bush.

The huge master bedroom boasts a king-size four-poster bed, draped in mosquito netting, and leads onto an en-suite bathroom, complete with in- and outdoor shower and his and her basins. The second bedroom has a private bathroom with a huge tub and outdoor shower.

The stylish lounge area flows onto and outdoor patio and private pool. A rustic bridge allows access to both suites. Pristine views of the busy waterhole add to these suites’ allure.  Attention to detail and a host of luxurious amenities make these two villas the perfect choice of discerning nature lovers in search of complete rejuvenation.

Mandleve Deluxe Suite

The Mandleve Deluxe Suite is an ultra-luxury suite, perfect for honeymooners or those looking for intimate but luxurious safari accommodation. Spacious interiors create an ambience of opulence and tranquillity. From the beautifully decorated open-plan lounge that leads onto a private deck with splash pool, to the stylish bedroom with the huge king-size bed elegantly draped in mosquito netting and en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower, everything about this suite ooze exclusive style and comfort. The rich textures and earthy tones of the decor, perfectly complimented by a variety of African art, complete the service offering to perfection.

Sabi Sabi Suite Facilities

Room Facilities

• Air conditioning
• Lounge
• Deck bath
• Plunge pool
• En suite bathroom with in- and outdoor shower
• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Mosquito nets
• Heater
• Minibar
• Wi-Fi (complimentary)
• Safe
• Tea / Coffee-making facilities.

FACILITIES, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES AT SABI SABI BUSH LODGE

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE KRUGER FACILITIES

• Lounge
• Dining area
• Bar
• Deck
• Two pools
• Boma
• Wine cellar
• EleFun children’s centre
• Amani Spa
• Boutique shop
• Conference centre.

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE SERVICES

• Airport shuttle (available)
• Baby-sitting service
• Card facilities.
• Laundry service.
• Parking.
• Internet connectivity
• Complimentary Wi-Fi.

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE CUISINE

Cuisine at Sabi Sabi bush Lodge is a luxury indulgence. The lodge’s executive chef has worked in kitchens all over the world, and his passion and experience are beautifully reflected in the range of scrumptious dishes on offer. The latter can be described as “contemporary African”,

as it is a fusion of traditional African fare and the latest international culinary trends.

Only the freshest ingredients are sourced daily, and dishes range from authentic African braais (barbeques) to African mezze platters. The menu evolves constantly and will appeal to all palates.

From scrumptious breakfasts to formal three-course dinners, accompanied by matching silverware, meals at Bush Lodge are a satisfying and festive experience.  All these delicious dishes are perfectly paired with a fine vintage from the wine cellar.

Afternoon High Tea is a highlight, as it is complemented by the tastiest home-baked delicacies.

Whether you dine on the deck or in the boma under the open sky, or even in the privacy of your suite, there is no compromise on taste, flavour or presentation.

Sabi Sabi also caters for all dietary requirements upon request.

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE KRUGER ACTIVITIES

With such a rich diversity of wildlife and thousands of hectares of traversing wilderness, life at Sabi Sabi revolves around Africa’s majestic beasts. Daily safaris afford guests the opportunity of up-close encounters with a variety of iconic animal species.

• Game drives

Morning and late afternoon/early evening game drives in open safari vehicles, under the guidance of an expert ranger and tracker, create the opportunity to experience the bush and its secrets up close. The expert tracker will utilise all his bush skills to enable close encounters with members of the Big Five, as well as a host of other species.

Morning drives depart shortly after dawn, as this is when the animals are most active and temperatures are still cool. Scrumptious treats can be enjoyed en route and a delicious breakfast awaits back at camp.

After whiling the day away on the deck or in the pool, and indulging in the afternoon’s High Tea, it is time for a late-afternoon safari. As the sun dips over the horizon, the animals prepare for the night and the bush brims with activity. Now is the perfect time for a refreshing cocktail whilst watching the breathtaking hues of the African sunset.

Then it is time to take out the spotlight as the nocturnal creatures come out to play. The sight of a cackle of hyena feasting on leftovers under the cover of darkness, is a just reward, as is that of an elusive leopard scouring the bush from high up in a tree. By the time you get back to the lodge you will have worked up an appetite, and the boma dinner is perfect for refuelling and sharing tales of the bush around the welcoming campfire.

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• Bushwalks

A guided walking safari takes place daily after breakfast. In the company of an armed and knowledgeable field guide and tracker, it offers a whole new dimension to the bush experience. This activity involves all the senses and quickly gets the adrenalin pumping, as the anticipation of a close encounter with one of the Big Five, or even elusive animals such as the African wild dog, will demand all your focus.

Your guide will also point out nature’s smaller intricacies, such as an energetic dung beetle hard at work, or a majestic spider’s web ready to entrap prey.

By utilising your sense of smell and touch – and even taste at times – a whole new magical world will open up right in front of your eyes. A pair of comfortable working boots and nerves of steel are essential.

• Birdwatching

With over 350 recorded species. Sabi Sabi is a bird lover’s paradise as its diverse habitats, such as dry woodland savanna, open grass plains and riverine bush, are home to a wide diversity of species. Winter makes for the most spectacular bird sightings as the vegetation is more sparse.

From the bigger species such as Pel’s fishing owl and martial eagle, to the smaller like the Diederick’s cuckoo and the kori bustard, novice and expert birders are spoiled for choice.

The Sabi Sabi guides are experts in birds and will share their wealth of knowledge about our feathery friends in an informative and practical manner, whether on an open-vehicle safari or during a walk in the bush.

• Amani Spa

At the Sabi Sabi Amani Spa guests can indulge in holistic body, skin and beauty treatments and massages to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. This Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Amani Spa is a haven of spiritual tranquillity and offers a range of tailor-made treatments to enhance and maintain health and vitality. The spa specializes in hydrotherapy and phytotherapy. Here you can share the spa experience with your partner in the couple’s treatment suite or simply treat yourself to some quiet time filled with pure indulgence.

The spa has a range of individually designed treatment packages for all occasions. Operating times are from 8h00 to 17h00, seven days a week. Guests can also book a treatment outside these times, subject to therapist availability.

All treatments are administered by highly qualified therapists. Feeling beautiful and renewed from head to toe has never been this easy or indulgent!

* Amani Spa is an award-winning spa group specialising in African Safari Spas at exclusive African lodges.

• Children on safari

ELEFUN CENTRE AT SABI SABI BUSH LODGE

As children are very welcome at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Kruger, the EleFun Centre was established as a fully-fledged children facility on the premises, with the aim of fostering an appreciation for – and awareness of – the environment among the young ones.

Designed by childcare professionals – and supervised by qualified staff – it offers hands-on interactive activities for children aged 4 to 12 years.

Activities include fun-filled game sessions, bushwalks and -talks, child-friendly game drives and a variety of arts and crafts.

The children can also undergo a practical ranger programme to qualify as Junior Rangers.

The centre also boasts a secure outdoor play area. Knowing that the young ones are cared for, parents can kick back and enjoy some private time.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES AT SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

• Photograpic safaris

As Sabi Sabi Kruger is famous for its breathtaking wildlife encounters, it goes without saying that avid photographers regard this wilderness area as a pristine location for capturing that perfect picture. Many astounding photographs captured here, grace the pages of the most pristine coffee table books all over the world.

Novice and experienced photographers get an opportunity to be guided and tutored by a professional photographer who acts as photographic host during Sabi Sabi’s photographic safaris. Your expert host will guide you through the intricacies and secrets of getting that perfect shot while on safari. At the end of the safari, your instructor will also assist you with post-processing. You can also take all your selected photos home on a flash drive.

Cost: R30,000 for a 2-day course conducted by a professional host photographer for up to six guests, including the use of an exclusive photographic vehicle. Gear hire, which includes the use of photographic equipment equivalent to Nikon D3S with a 200-400mm lens, is available at R3 000 per person per day.

* Photographic tuition is subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Groups bigger than six will necessitate an additional photographic host at extra cost.

• Stargazing

The unobstructed splendour of the Milky Way can be appreciated to the full at Sabi Sabi Kruger due to the absence of light pollution. Stargazing is definitely one of the highlights of a Sabi Sabi safari experience!

Knowledgeable rangers will provide enlightening and informative commentary about a wide variety of southern- hemisphere constellations. Stargazing activities are tailored to guests’ preferences. Whether you choose a night safari or set up a telescope in camp, these signature night-sky safaris will delight and surprise every time.

The best time for stargazing is close to new moon of each lunar month.

• Shangaan cultural visits

For almost 4 decades, visitors to Sabi Sabi have been intrigued by the local Shangaan culture and customs of the nearby villages. After breakfast guests will have the opportunity to experience the Shangaan culture first-hand by visiting the villages of Lillydale, Justicia and Huntington, home to most of the Sabi Sabi staff members.

Here they can interact with community members to gain more insight into village life.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve Kruger has formed partnerships with its local communities in support of schools, sports facilities, cultural activities and community upliftment. The reserve’s community programme focusses on education, health care, sport, culture and conservation.

* This activity must be pre-booked at an additional charge, and these funds are invested back into the community. The tour is available for a minimum of 4 up to18 guests. Please contact the lodge for additional information, such as the itinerary and costs.

• Safari weddings

Sabi Sabi’s pristine environment offers couples the most exquisite wedding locations on the African continent. The choice of location is up to you – whether you prefer next to a waterhole at sunset, in a bush clearing with the wildlife in attendance, or on the deck of one of the exquisite lodges, weddings at Sabi Sabi are exquisite.

The enthusiastic and very capable staff will design a wedding experience tailored to surpass that of your dreams!  All the bridal couple needs to do, is to relax and leave the wedding preparations up to the capable Sabi Sabi team, whilst indulging in massages, sunset cocktails and morning- and evening safaris.

Sabi Sabi will treat you to the most luxurious and adventurous “I do” experience imaginable.

The Sabi Sabi Wedding Package include:

• Personal welcome at the Sabi Sabi Airstrip with lemon-scented hand towels and refreshments

• Bridal couple upgrade to the Presidential Suite on wedding night (subject to availability)

• Welcome notes in all guest suites by management, with complimentary fruit basket

• Sparkling wine, fruit & nut platter and congratulatory note on evening turndown for the bridal couple

• In-room dining for bridal couple.

Package exclude:

• Minister

• Flower arrangements for tables and bridal bouquet

• Hairdresser and beautician

• Amani Spa at Bush Lodge

• Amani Spa at Earth Lodge

• Photographer

• Video recording

• Shangaan dancers and drummers

• Local community choir

• Canapés on arrival

• Gift items from the curio shop

• Themed dinner (subject to availability and exclusivity).

* Prices and profiles are available upon request

Sabi Sabi Kruger Wedding Venue Options

• Selati Camp: Out on the deck near the pool overlooking the Msuthlu riverbed

Out at a clearing in the bush

• Bush Lodge: Out on the deck overlooking a waterhole and open plain

Out at a clearing in the bush

• Little Bush Camp: Out at a clearing in the bush

• Earth Lodge: In the foyer in front of the water feature

Out at a clearing in the bush.

Reception venue options:  Lodge boma, lodge terrace, or the Farmhouse Kitchen (Salati Camp).

* Please note: All venues are subject to availability and weather conditions.

• Honeymoon safaris

There is no better way to start your life as newly-weds together than embarking on a luxurious South African honeymoon safari with your new spouse. A safari honeymoon at Sabi Sabi Kruger allows you to experience the wonders of nature together in the most luxurious and intimate of environments. Early morning open safari-vehicle game drives, Big Five encounters, excellent African cuisine and luxurious pampering at the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge combine beautifully to create your dream honeymoon!

Honeymooners are treated to a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and a welcome platter upon arrival, and will also enjoy romantic turndowns. The happy couple can also choose to enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight in their suite or on their private patio.

• Themed dinners

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Kruger is proud to introduce its new themed dinners, tailored to weddings or any special occasion. Guests can choose from three magical themes, namely Under African Skies, Elegant Indulgence and Starlight Bush Dinner.

– Under African Skies: Guests can experience true traditional African culture and cuisine first-hand. The outdoor boma, with its ancient indigenous trees, is decorated in a fusion of Afro-chic pieces, traditional printed and embroidered linens, and original carved figurines. The table also boasts hand-woven placemats and and designer African tablecloths. This sensory experience is enhanced by the rhythmic sounds of Marimba players and Shangaan dancers.

– Elegant Indulgence: Enter a world of elegant indulgence, beauty and romance where the tables are exquisitely decorated in rich and cream linen, silverware, and traditional tribal artefacts. The result is a stylish and sophisticated African culinary experience. The gentle glow of candles and oil lamps, gorgeous flower arrangements and exquisite detail on the napkins, all fuse together to create a magical ambience.

The melodic sounds of local Shangaan singers create the perfect backdrop to this lavish banquet, while Sabi Sabi’s superb cuisine and legendary African hospitality make this a night to remember.

Cost: Elegant Indulgence 2018: R950pp and includes decor, set-up, and a special menu, as well as entertainment by the local Shangaan Community Choir.

– Starlight Bush Dinner: A magnificent dining experience under the African sky, set up with crisp linen, crystal and silver in a secluded clearing in the bush, and illuminated by delicate fairy lights Gourmet dishes, accompanied by fine vintages, are served while guests can enjoy background entertainment provided by local singing-, dancing- or drumming groups.

Cost: Starlight Bush Dinner 2018: R950pp and includes decor, set-up and special menu.

* Additional charge applies to entertainment.

• Conferences

Those who find it difficult to separate work from play are welcome at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge’s conference centre. It can accommodate 90 delegates in cinema style and 60 in classroom style, and boasts a wide range of conference amenities, such as a whiteboard, data projector and flip-charts, to name but a few.

Team-building does not get better than this – it is a superb bush experience with motivational and team-building activities as added incentives to promote group cohesion and productivity.

• 24-hour on-site medical assistance

Guests to Sabi Sabi now have access to 24-hour on-site medical assistance, thanks to the implementation of a programme by African SAFE-T (Safari and Adventure Emergency Team). Any medical complaint, from minor ailments to more serious conditions, and injuries are addressed by a fully trained medical team, one of whom is based in the reserve, with the others at an off-site facility.

SABI SABI BUSH LODGE LOCATION

HOW TO GET TO SABI SABI KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

By air – Federal Air

• Daily scheduled flights from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (ORTIA) directly to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip.

• Daily scheduled flights from ORTIA to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela – formerly known as Nelspruit – with a short hop to the Sabi Sabi airstrip.

• Private air charters on request.

• Helicopter transfers on request.

• Complimentary transfers between the Sabi Sabi airstrip and the Sabi Sabi safari lodges.

By air – Airlink

• Airlink operates daily scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza; and between Cape Town and Skukuza

• Airlink operates daily scheduled flights from ORTIA in Johannesburg to KMIA (Mbombela) with a short hop to the Sabi Sabi airstrip on Federal Air.

• Airlink operates convenient and daily direct flights between KMIA and Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg. It also operates from Livingstone (Vic Falls), Zambia to KMIA (Mbombela) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

• Airlink also operates daily scheduled flights from Durban and Cape Town to KMIA (Mbombela) with a short hop to the Sabi Sabi airstrip.

• Transfers between Skukuza Airport and Sabi Sabi can be arranged and charges will apply.

• Flights with Airlink are to be booked by guests directly.

By road

•  The Kruger National Park is situated 500km from Johannesburg, an easy five-hour drive on the N4 Toll Road to Mbombela (Nelspruit) en route to Mozambique.

• Road transfers from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Sabi Sabi can be arranged upon request.

• Sabi Sabi is a two-hour scenic drive from Mbombela. Transfers from KMIA can be arranged.

*The Sabi Sand Wildtuin (SSW) has advised that, with immediate effect, the gate fees into the reserve will be R280 per vehicle (this applies to vehicles larger than 3.5 tons). A further charge of R120pp will be levied.

Important to note:

• Driving time to Sabi Sabi is approximately 1h30 min

• Rates are subject to change due to Sabi Sand Wildtuin entry fees and fuel increases.

• Should guests request a dedicated vehicle please contact reservations for a quote.