Overview
Part of the earth
Blending invisibly into the landscape, Earth Lodge has been described as one of the most environmentally sensitive lodges in Africa. The Lodge exists in true harmony with nature and its décor takes inspiration from the surrounding African wilderness.
Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolizing a new era in luxury South African lodges. Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites, all with private plunge pools and outdoor showers, and beautifully decorated. Nature is really at the core of everything in Earth Lodge and you will immediately feel a sense of calm even before you escape to the lodge’s Armani Spa and Meditation Garden.
Uninterrupted bush stretches out in front of Earth Lodge and gives you a taste of Africa infamous ‘Big 5’ when you head out on safari drives. However, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of the lodge to hear the grunting of wildlife at the bustling waterhole just outside your home. Earth Lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. It’s a unique and marvelous place that will draw you back time and again.
Facts
At a glance
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Private plunge pool
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Wine cellar
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Spa
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Meditation garden
Experiences
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![Sabi Sbai safari]()
Safari Drives
Each morning and evening you will depart from this luxury safari lodge into the wilderness, either by open safari vehicle or on foot for a walking safari, accompanied by your knowledgeable Game Ranger and Shangaan Tracker. This is a thrilling encounter with Africa’s beautiful wild creatures.
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![Sabi Sabi boma]()
Boma nights
Warm up around the fire within the boma walls sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, captures the drama of the African night and evokes the power of the wilderness.
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![Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge SA spa]()
Spa days
Indulge in holistic body, skin and beauty rituals, treatments and massages. Or use the gym facilities that still capture the beautiful views out towards the bush.
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.
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.
Footprint
When constructing the building all the furniture and décor used in and around the lodge are from local materials and sources. Environmentally friendly construction materials are used in the building and upgrade of the lodge. Even to the smallest detail, like using toothpicks that are wrapped with paper and not plastic, is an indication of their commitment to the little things, that really make a difference on a bigger scale.
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.
