Overview
A Sabi Sands stalwart
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is situated within the wider Sabi Game Reserve, a sanctuary for South African wildlife home to an astonishing variety of wildlife and an exceptional safari experience.
The lodge has a heritage here dating back some four decades, with second generation staff giving a truly welcoming feel while the luxury has been updated to keep up with the best in the area. It has 25 suites, including a pair of two-bedroom villas with private swimming pools and the expansive Madleve Deluxe Suite.
At the main lodges, two pools and decking areas overhand the Msuthlu riverbed, while the lounge and bar area are convivial shared spaces. The Amani spa is a highlight, too.
Facts
At a glance
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25 suites
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Two swimming pools
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Amani spa
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EleFun children's centre
Experiences
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![Sabi sabi safari 26]()
Game drives
Explore the reserve on morning and late afternoon drives in search of its 200 mammal and 300 bird species, with close encounters with the Big 5 a regular occurrence.
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![Sabi Sabi Bush Lodgef walking safari]()
Walking safaris
You can also head out with a ranger on foot for a more hands-on experience of the bush and learning about the smaller things you may miss on a drive. Meeting larger species on their own is always a thrill.
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![Sabi Sabi Bush Lodgemazanyane pre school]()
Community tours
An authentic experience, you will have the chance to view life from the perspective of the lodge's staff, as the majority of our staff are from the local communities of Lillydale, Justicia and Huntington.
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![Ele Fun Centre Bush Lodge 1]()
EleFun centre
The lodge is family friendly and children of all ages can enjoy the EleFun Centre, a fully-fledged children’s facility. Interesting environmentally themed activities, including hands-on ‘edutainment’ for several distinct age groups, are designed and supervised by qualified childcare professionals. The beautifully planned centre is strategically placed within the lodge environs, minimising any disturbance to the adult guests.
Community & Culture
It is one of Sabi Sabi’s core philosophies that in order for conservation to be successful in Africa, there needs to be an integral and participatory relationship between tourism operations and the neighbouring communities which border the reserve. Sabi Sabi has long recognised that its greatest asset is its staff, the majority of whom hail from local communities and many of whom have been part of the Sabi Sabi story since the very beginning. Today, there are second generation employees based across the four Sabi Sabi lodges, in the hospitality and safari sphere.
With this in mind, Sabi Sabi has always endeavoured to focus its community involvement on projects that benefit and involve staff, their families and respective communities, including supporting a digital learning centre, healthcare facilities, teacher training, sports programmes and local businesses.
Conservation
Sabi Sabi is situated within a recognised hotspot of biodiversity in South Africa. The reserve supports over 300 species of birds, 47 large mammal species, 57 species of reptile as well as a myriad of smaller animals such as bats, small rodents, amphibians and invertebrates such as spiders, scorpions and insects. It has over 90 species of trees and many more shrubs and grass species. Key to protecting this all is active habitat management, which includes controlled burns, waterhole rotation, erosion management, alien plant control and employing a dedicated anti-poaching unit. A portion of your stay here is a levy that directly funds supports conservation, security and anti-poaching initiatives in the reserve.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
