There’s a visceral connection to wildlife encounters that can’t be replicated through screens or zoos. It’s a humbling – a way to be reminded of our small place in the universe – and one of the reasons why an African safari dances on the horizon in so many travel dreams.
From afar, the African safari is a concept so vast, with options so plenty, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Some questions: Is it safe to travel to Africa? Which country is best for an African safari? And can you go on safari with kids?
For 45 years, the family behind Sabi Sabi Collection have been guiding first-timers and passionate safari aficionados through life-altering African safaris from their four luxury lodges, set within a private reserve the Greater Kruger (protected land to the west of Kruger National Park, with an unfenced border).
They have always believed in slow and sustainable safaris but more recently their guests are proving the concept – post-Covid, they’ve seen the average length of stays stretching to four nights or more. Not only do these longer, slower stays allow time for the unpredictable whims of weather and wildlife, but for some vitally important downtime, too.
For Sabi Sabi, tourism is conservation – their regeneration and community projects simply can’t operate without tourism plugged in. Quality guiding is key, in a reserve that was the first in South Africa to employ a black ranger and one of the first to employ a female ranger. In July the company launched an innovative Ranger Academy – providing training in luxury safari and hospitality over six months, followed by six months of placement.
After garnering generations of devotees to their four luxury lodges – Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp and what’s been called ‘Africa’s most environmentally sensitive lodge’, Earth Lodge – Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve recently announced their rebranding to the Sabi Sabi Collection. This new umbrella brand will include the addition of Sandringham, a joint-venture rewilding project which will open with a new luxury lodge in 2026, with future projects to be announced.
Located at the convergence of four rivers, bordered by Thornybush, Timbavati, and Ngala Reserves, the 6,500-hectare former hunting reserve is being regenerated by Sabi Sabi and once protection is afforded by local authorities, will provide an open wildlife corridor to Kruger National Park.
As well as providing the ultimate slow safari experience – with guests really sinking into the landscape and allowing themselves the luxury of time to soak up all that Sabi Sabi has to offer (including the spa) – interestingly, Sabi Sabi believe families are the new frontier when it comes to African safaris.
Due to demand, the Honeymoon Lodge is currently being transformed into a family villa at Bush Lodge, which takes children of all ages. Sabi Sabi Collection Marketing Director, Jacques Smit, says he is seeing families gaining so much from the (age-appropriate) safari experience. “Post pandemic we have seen a huge increase in family travel and in particular multigenerational travel where families reconnect in the bush.”
Regardless of age, walking safaris offer an opportunity to slow down even more and connect with the heartbeat of the bush. Combined with game drives, community tours, and the all-important sunset G&Ts that form the African safari experience, these walks are designed to let the wildness and all its beauty crack open your heart.
How to get there: You can fly or drive (around five hours) to Sabi Sabi from Johannesburg with daily scheduled flights from O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport to Skukuza Airport – 60 minutes drive from the lodges.
