SABI SABI EARTH LODGE
SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
ABOUT SABI SABI EARTH LODGE
Celebrating the future…..
Beautifully sculpted into the earth, and almost invisible in the natural landscape, the magnificent Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge sets a brand-new benchmark in luxury Kruger safari destinations.
Here, texture, space and light masterfully fuse together to create an architectural masterpiece in which every detail is an authentic reflection of its pristine wilderness surrounds.
Located in the magnificent Sabi Sabi Game Reserve within the well-known Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park, a wealth of iconic wildlife species roams freely here, making Earth Lodge Kruger a sought-after and award-winning African safari destination.
Earth Lodge draws its inspiration from nature. Stone and wood, and rich earthy tones reflecting Africa’s mineral wealth such as opulent gold, copper, silver, platinum and beige, cleverly combine to create harmonious and tranquil spaces, and an ambience in which rejuvenation and relaxation take centre stage.
Each individual piece of decor at Earth Lodge is an original work of art, with wooden art pieces – created from salvaged trees torn down by elephants – by renowned sculptor, Geoffrey Armstrong.
From the impala-horn shaped table legs and tables sculpted in the form of lily leaves, to the tree-branch counter tops, the decor reflects a deep-seated connection with nature. The massive chandeliers in the living spaces are each a unique piece of art in their own right.
The whole design however, is ultra-modern, but features such as rough mud walls constantly remind you that you are, in fact, in the heart of the African wilderness. As such, the whole ethos of Earth Lodge Kruger is based on environmentally friendly principles.
Upon arrival guests are lead down a hidden corridor into the stylish and spacious guest areas, all with panoramic views of the uninterrupted bushveld. The bar area is perfect to sit in ankle-deep water, sipping a refreshing cocktail, while enjoying the tranquillity of the bush surrounds.
The indoor/outdoor lounge and dining areas overlook a busy waterhole. The outdoor boma with its unique walls constructed from attractively positioned tree roots, is the perfect venue to enjoy scrumptious meals around the inviting fire under the African sky.
Wine connoisseurs will find delight in the opulent underground cellar with its stylish decor and acclaimed wine collection of more than 6 000 bottles of rare vintages.
The lodge also have a spa and library, and working out in the fully equipped gym is a sensory experience as it boasts beautiful views of the wilderness.
ABOUT SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE KRUGER
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is situated in the iconic 65 000-hectare Sabi Sand 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 species, more than 300 bird- and a myriad of smaller wildlife species. It is famous as a hot spot 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 EARTH LODGE ACCOMMODATION
The 13 ultra-opulent suites at Earth Lodge all are futuristic and elegant masterpieces in their own right. Each suite features individually designed and specially commissioned furnishings perfectly complimenting its natural surrounds. With its own private pool, en-suite glass-fronted bathroom with stone tub, and indoor and outdoor showers, it offers guest a royal experience in the heart of the bush. Your personal butler will cater to every whim, and all you need do is immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind safari indulgence.
Luxury Suites
Each of these 13 opulent luxury suites is beautifully decorated in sculpted furnishings and rich fabrics and boast beautiful views of the wilderness.
A private deck with plunge pool, private butler and en-suite glass-fronted bathroom with stone bath and outdoor shower, ensures supreme comfort whilst on safari.
The floors are adorned with Nguni hides and hand-crafted twig chandeliers with glided metal branches, create an opulence ambience at night. The huge king-size beds are covered in beautiful linen and draped in mosquito netting. Wooden artwork adds that exclusive touch.
Amber Presidential Suite
Everything about this majestic suite ooze sophistication, luxury and pure indulgence. Boasting huge living spaces and ultra-modern decor with uninterrupted views of the bushveld, it captures the spirit of Africa and opulent luxury in one unique experience.
Facilities include a double bedroom with king-size bed and beautifully hand-crafted wooden headboard and amber-encrusted chandelier, en-suite bathroom with egg-shaped stone bath and in- and outdoor shower, in- and outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole, kitchen, study, steam room and private deck with plunge pool.
The Earth Lodge Amber Presidential Suite comes standard with its own private safari vehicle and private butler.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge Suite Facilities
• In- and outdoor dining area
• Veranda
• Plunge pool
• En-suite bathroom with stone bath tub and in- and outdoor shower
• Bathrobes
• Air-conditioning
• Mosquito netting
• Fan
• Heater
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe
• Internet access (complimentary)
• Wi-Fi (complimentary)
• Tea / coffee-making facilities.
FACILITIES, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES AT SABI SABI BUSH LODGE
• Lounge
• Dining area
• Deck with pool
• Bar
• Sunken lounge with boma
• Library
• Wine cellar
• Amani Spa
• Zen garden
• Gallery
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge Services
• Fax/telephone
• Card Facilities
• Parking
• Airport Shuttle
• Butler
• Internet access
• Wi-Fi (complimentary)
• Laundry service (available).
• Conference room with TV.
CUISINE AT EARTH LODGE
Cuisine at Earth Lodge compliments the magnificence of this safari setting beautifully.
A wide range of scrumptious dishes and treats is meticulously prepared by the highly trained and very creative executive chef and his team.
Only the freshest – an often local – ingredients are sourced, and although the food reflects the latest international trends it has a distinct African flavour. Each meal is meticulously planned according to the time of day, dining location, weather and season. Creativity, preparation and presentation merge effortlessly to create a culinary feast of the senses. Meals are perfectly paired with the finest of vintages from the impressive cellar.
With a wide choice of locations, such as the in-/outdoor lounge or dinner in the boma around the fire under the vast African sky, dining at Earth Lodge surpasses all expectations each and every time. Why not enjoy a dinner in the sunken wine-cellar? It is a culinary celebration like no other.
Guest can also request intimate dinners to be served in the privacy of their suites. The lodge caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.
SABI SABI EARTH LODGE KRUGER ACTIVITIES
Game drives
At dawn and dusk daily, an experienced field guide and tracker will accompany guests into the bush in an open-vehicle safari vehicle. These experts know the bush first-hand and will use their expertise to track a wide variety of wildlife species.
In the early morning the wilderness awakes and prepares for the new day. The animals are at their most active as they prepare to retreat to the shade to escape the onslaught of the African sun. Your wake-up call will sound at first light, and after a hot cup of coffee and some rusks, you will set out in search of up-close sightings of the iconic Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion, and a host of other animal species. With so many habitats to explore, each game drive presents a surprise around every corner.
After whiling the day away immersed in a good book, or relaxing next to the pool, it is time for a late afternoon/early exploration of the bush. As the sun prepares to dip over the horizon, your guide will choose a scenic spot from where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail, while appreciating the spectacular African sunset and, as darkness envelopes the bush, nocturnal beasts start to stir.
Encountering a pride of lion on the prowl, or – the ultimate reward – a lone leopard feasting on its prey on a rocky outcrop or high in a tree, is a priceless experience which will stay with you forever. Upon your return to camp, it is time to share your adventures of the day around the campfire in the boma, while dining on delicious cuisine.
Bushwalks
If adventure is what makes your heart beats faster, why not accompany an armed ranger on a walking safari? It offers a unique perspective of the bush as it awakens all your senses. The anticipation of what lies around the next corner, will leave you spellbound. Bushwalks take place in the early morning before it gets too warm for man and animal.
You will feel the pulse of Africa in your veins and your ranger will divulge secrets of the bush that will leave you in complete awe. And, of course, there is the possibility of an up-close encounter with a magnificent beast! Remember to pack those comfy walking shoes!
Cultural excursion
Sabi Sabi takes great pride in community upliftment and, apart from conservation, its social responsibility ethos centres around the well-being of its people.
Guests can get an insight into local customs and traditions by visiting the surrounding Shangaan villages of Lillydale, Justicia and Huntington. Most of the staff hail from these communities.
Interacting with the locals and experiencing their way of life, offer a unique insight into ancient African customs. This excursion must be pre-booked and is offered at an additional charge, the proceeds of which is ploughed back into the community via a range of social upliftment programmes and initiatives.
* These tours are available for a minimum of 4 up to18 guests. Please contact the lodge for additional information, such as the itinerary and costs.
Amani Spa
If the opportunity for quiet contemplation and solitude in which to reconnect with your spirit, appeals to you, look no further than the magnificent Amani Spa. Here a wide range of holistic body, skin and beauty treatments, designed to innate natural healing processes, are offered by highly trained therapists. Natural elements and textures create a tranquil space in which to relax and rejuvenate, and the Zen meditation garden offers time for quiet contemplation.
Treating yourself to a pampering treatment is an experience guaranteed to stay with you long after you have left the African shores.
In-suite treatments are also available upon request.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES AT SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
• Photograpic safaris
As Sabi Sabi Kruger is famous for its breath-taking 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 in 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 commentary and information 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.
• 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 birdlife. Winter makes for the most spectacular bird sightings as the vegetation is sparser.
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.
• 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.
• 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 us, whilst indulging in massages, sunset cocktails and morning and evening safari.
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 turn down 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 our 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 vehicles 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 will be 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.
* Additional charge apply to entertainment.
– 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 experienced. 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 the 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.
