Although the names of its famous visitors are not officially known, because discretion and privacy prevail, many celebrities – including Hollywood actors, international musicians, magnates, members of royalty and aristocrats – have enjoyed a safari in the private Sabi Sabi reserve, part of the Sabi Sands game reserve. Spectacular African wildlife, exquisite lodges and the venue’s sustainable and environmentally friendly approach have attracted names such as Paris Hilton, Andrea Bocelli, the Emeritus Kings, Prince Harry or, the last, Tamara Falcó and Íñigo Onieva, who chose this African oasis for their honeymoon.
© @sabisabireserveAbout 500 kilometers from Johannesburg (5-6 hours drive), Kruger is known to be one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo that move at ease through an extensive protected space of almost 20,000 square kilometers in the shape of an “L” that dreams of growing and merging with the bordering reserves of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, to create the largest natural corridor for wildlife in Africa, as Mandela devised.
© Sabi SabiSo enormous is the Kruger territory that Each region of the park offers a unique ecosystem. The landscape changes from rolling hills and open plains where antelope graze to dense riparian forests, rivers and swamps that create diverse habitats for a wide range of species. That’s why, Each time of the year has its particular attraction in this northwestern national park of south africathe first to be created on the continent. In the dry season (after September), the climate is cool and the big five are better seen, which gather around rivers and water holes. While in the rainy season (October to April), the landscapes are green and lush and more migratory birds are observed.
© Devon Jansen/Sabi SabiIt overwhelms the fauna that is concentrated in this South African natural paradise, which serves as a refuge for 147 species of mammals, more than 350 species of registered birds that are a delight for lovers of ornithologyreptiles, elephants, buffaloes, impalas, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs and so one almost infinite list of animals. And if we talk about flora, 450 types of trees and 1500 types of plants.
Two or three days will be enough for a quick visit to see the Big Five, but a week will allow you to explore different areas of the park and increase the chances of unique sightings. There are many ways to approach Kruger, suitable for all budgets and travel styles. You can explore it on your own, renting a car and driving along its paved roads or gravel tracks from its 10 entrance gates, the most popular of which are: Paul Kruger Gate (near Skukuza), Malelane Gate and Crocodile Bridge Gate (to the south). and Orpen Gate (center). It is worth knowing that the majority of the fauna is concentrated in the southern half of the park and the maps of its observation points indicate the highlights of each area and the latest movements of the animals.
© DAVID_ROGERS, David Rogers/Sabi SabiFor the stay, the camps managed by SANParks (South Africa’s National Parks network) are ideal for those looking for an affordable and authentic experience; accommodation is offered in campsites, bungalows, wooden cabins or beautiful rondavels, circular lodges with quarter walls and thatched roofs spread throughout the Kruger. Another option is to reserve houses and lodges outside the protected area, in nearby towns such as Hazyview, Hoedspruit or Malelane, with easy access. Stay in one of the lodges of private reserves offers a complete luxury experience, that starts from the moment you land on them. The wealthiest arrive by private plane from the Kruger Mpumalanga airports –near Nelspruit–, Skukuza or Eastgate airports in Hoedspruit, connected to Johannesburg.
© @sabisabireserveChosen on numerous occasions among the best lodges on safari in the worldthere are four extraordinary properties that Sabi Sabi (sabisabi.com) has each with a particular style and theme, framed in the concepts of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Selati Camp is in style vintage, Inspired by the era of classic safaris and railways, ideal for those looking for a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere. Bush Lodge, with a modern approach, is designed for families, and intimate and exquisite is Little Bush Camp, perfect for couples looking for privacy.
© Sabi SabiAs a reflection of Africa’s immense artistic talent, Earth Lodge, the fourth of the lodges by Sabi Sabi and the most special, with an innovative and sustainable design integrated into the landscape, offers a contemporary luxury experience where guests have at their disposal suites with private pool and views of the savanna, manicured gardens or spa.
The accommodation, gastronomy – led by excellent chefs and accompanied by the most prestigious South African winess– and Sabi Sabi activities are at the same level of exclusivity. Your guided safaris rangers and trackers in open vehicles or on foot They allow you to enter the heart of the African continent and feel its heartbeat. Are sunrise and sunset departuresthe hours in which greater activity of wild fauna is appreciated, or also at night, give those iconic images of lions resting under a tree, elephants crossing a river, rhinos grazing in the savanna or attending one of those dreamy african sunsets that we have seen so many times in the movies.