Extraordinary Africa>South Africa>Kruger, Sabi Sands and around>Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is one of Sabi Sand’s most well-known safari lodges with its unapologetically contemporary safari styling and classic Big Five game viewing wrapped in more than a little luxury.
What’s Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge really like?
Set in the heart of the reserve, overlooking a busy waterhole, Bush Lodge is the flagship offering of the Sabi Sabi collection and has been welcoming guests since the owners bought three portions of the farm in the 1980s & 90s on which the lodge now stands. Whilst the property has evolved over time, what remains unchanged is its welcoming social atmosphere. Its design blends earthy tones, thatch, timber and bold African art and has a lovely flow thanks to open‑sided lounges, wide viewing decks overlooking the waterhole and the two main pools, and shaded courtyards creating a sense of space and connection to the bush.
Accommodation is generous with 22 airconditioned thatched suites and 3 exclusive villas. The luxury suites are spacious standalone rooms with king beds, daybeds for children, air‑conditioning, minibars, tea and coffee stations and private patios overlooking the bush or waterhole. Bathrooms are large and luxurious, with indoor and – more importantly for us – outdoor showers. The villas, meanwhile, each have two bedrooms with a private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor living spaces and his and hers baths. The biggest luxury, however, are the exclusive‑use safari teams, making them ideal for families or small groups seeking space and personalised guiding. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are well taken care of at the EleFun Centre where there’s a range of arts and crafts on offer, as well as bush walks and child friendly game drives.
The lodge is known for its attentive service and the food is top notch. There’s plenty on offer (the buffets and live cooking stations are excellent though there are plated dinners too) with evenings spent eating in the convivial setting of the boma lit by lanterns and a crackling fire.
What can I do at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge?
Activities revolve around the reserve’s exceptional wildlife. Guests enjoy twice‑daily game drives with highly trained rangers and trackers, offering superb chances to see the Big Five, along with cheetah, wild dog and abundant birdlife. The plus of it being a private reserve is that you can go off road to track elusive animals like leopards – but it’s worth being aware that they’ll only do that if the conditions are right. Guided bush walks, treatments at the serene Amani Spa, cool down time in one of the two swimming pools (or a session in the gym) and relaxed afternoons on the viewing deck complete the rhythm of the day. Evenings bring atmospheric boma dinners under the stars, often heralded by the call of a kudu horn.
Giving Back at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge:
Sabi Sabi’s “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” philosophy is more than just a poetic tagline – it’s a commitment to conservation and community upliftment. Each camp channels its charitable initiatives through the Sabi Sabi Foundation that supports a number of environmental and community initiatives including a clean water project. Should you wish to see the good work for yourself, it’s possible to arrange a community tour as part of your stay.
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