Located on the south-western boundary of the Kruger National Park, there are no restricting fences between the Sabi Sand and the Kruger, enabling the animals to roam freely in a vast conservation area that covers almost five million hectares (over two million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey.
With no boundary fences between it and the Kruger Park, the Sabi Sand benefits from the great diversity of animals found in one of the richest wildlife areas on the African continent and is particularly well known for leopard sightings. Normally notoriously elusive, the Sabi Sand leopards have grown accustomed to safari vehicles, thereby permitting close-up sightings and extraordinary photographic opportunities.
Along with Africa’s famous Big Five, visitors are likely to observe territorial and individually recognisable leopard and lion, which are tracked on a daily basis, as well as several clans of hyena and various antelope species, from impala, waterbuck and grey duiker to kudu and bushbuck. Waterholes attract elephant, white rhino, giraffe and warthog, while hippo reside in the river.
Along with the reserve’s famous leopard, mongoose and civet cat are frequently encountered on night drives. The Sabi Sand consists primarily of bush savannah, which is made up of dense trees and shrubs, interspersed with grasslands. White rhino, as well as a variety of antelope species, giraffe and warthog can be found in the savannah. Both the Sabi and Sand Rivers intersect the reserve, although the flow of the Sand River varies according to season and it is often lined by wide, sandy banks. A forest of tall trees and thickets growing along the river’s course remains green throughout the year and attracts leopard, bushbuck, buffalo and other animals.
With a high density of wildlife, guests to the Sabi Sand are virtually guaranteed to encounter most, if not all, of the Big Five, as well as a variety of other species.
Game drives in the Sabi Sand are only conducted in the company of professional guides and traverse an area shared by a number of game lodges or camps. Sensitive off-roading practices are implemented, allowing close-up animal sightings, while afternoon game drives continue after dark, allowing a glimpse into the nocturnal life of the bush.
Why Visit?
- Sabi Sand-offer some of the best interpretive game viewing on the continent.
- There are no fences between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, so wildlife roams freely in huge natural environment.
- The Sabi Sands is in particular well known for its amazing leopard sightings.
- Follow nocturnal wildlife on exhilarating spot lit night drives.
Climate
Summer (October – April)
Min 24°C/75°F Max 32°C/90°F
Winter (May – September)
Min 8°C/46°F Max 23°C/73°F
Rainfall varies by region. Perfect for year round travel. The hot, lush summer is perfect for baby animals. Winter ushers in cooler days and cold nights. The bush thins for great game viewing.
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