The Sabi Sands Game Reserve, is sometimes known as an area of the "Greater Kruger", is actually divided into a variety of traversing segments. This is so the game rangers and also trackers associated with particular safari lodges are able to take visitors into adjacent properties for wildlife game drives. Open four wheel drive jeeps with hop-on seating located on the top left on the hood are used for wildlife game drives so that your tracker can easily check out the bush as well as dirt roads for indicators and signs of animal tracks.
Unquestionably the best and most exclusive private game reserve within South Africa, is Sabi Sands. The Sabi Sands safari provides a game encounter that is certainly difficult to beat. Not one but two perennial waterways, the irrigation systems circulate throughout this park preserving the diversified fauna and flora within the location, which abounds in some of the greatest and most rich wildlife populations throughout the african continent. Sabi Sands also know as "Sabi Sand Wildtuin" is situated close to to the Kruger Gate and is 60-65 thousand hectares in size.
I was really blessed to be invited to participate in a Sabi Sands safari recently. Having flown directly into Johannesburg via Cape Town I then boarded a once daily South Africa airline flight which took me to the Mala Mala landing strip within the Sabi Sands. The final moments of the journey prior to touchdown provided magnificent views across the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. A number of four wheel drive safari jeeps from various lodges in the local area accompanied this quiet landing strip. The airstrip was encircled by heavy African bushveld. The actual lodge representatives were their waiting patiently for their guests' planned arrival. Immediately after being welcomed and then offered a rejuvenating cool beverage by one of the Sabi Sands Safari representatives, I then appreciated the short 35 minute game drive throughout the wildlife reserve on the way to the lodge.
The Sabi Sands private game reserve has many different lodges and various types of accommodation available for people traveling to the area. Soon after checking in to my lodge, lunch was being served on the elevated wood terrace overlooking the waterway. The large choice of refreshing tasty meals had me enjoying a lot more than my usual fair share. There's a old saying throughout Afrikaans which is "maagie vol, oogies toe" which means belly full, eyes shut. It was the perfect time to amble away to my room to have an mid-day nap.
That night I didn't do much because I was so exhausted from the traveling, but what followed was an adventure I will never forget. Morning, afternoon and evening safaris, outdoor bush meals and plenty of hospitality. The people of Sabi Sands are just the most wonderful people you will ever meet, so hospitable and friendly. I would definitely recommend a Sabi Sands safari to anyone looking for the adventure of a lifetime, I can't wait to go back!
The normal daily routine for all safari adventures at Sabi Sands offer guests the luxury to completely take it easy and relax when not chasing game. Your Sabi Sands safari will be full of adventure, taking in the magnificent African wildlife as well as more relaxing luxuries. Written below is an example of what you can expect from from a typical day in your Sabi Sands safari.
An early wake up call just before daybreak, a quick mug of coffee as well as some fresh fruit or perhaps a biscuit and then a three to four hour adventure drive where you might have the opportunity to spot not just the Big five, but also numerous types of other wildlife game species. You'll then come back to your lodge for a fantastic spread of scrumptious meals for breakfast and have some time to unwind. Take pleasure in the sunshine at the swimming pools edge, take advantage of the health spa and luxuriate in a full bodied therapeutic massage, sleep within the comfort of your luxurious room, or on the hammock over-looking the river perhaps? There is also a possibility of a bush walk accompanied by an experienced game ranger, a very recommended activity. The times for these hikes will fluctuate dependent upon the time of the year as well as the temperature of the day.
By now it's lunch time. Yet another delicious meal accompanied by even more leisure time, reading through a book or maybe talking to the game rangers regarding their safari encounters. A River Expedition can also be provided, that will enable you to get nearer to the rivers edge and also to big pools of water where hippos can be seen. Various gigantic Nile crocodiles can even be observed.
Afternoon tea is then normally provided right before your afternoon wildlife game drive. The adventure drive should run into the nighttime just after sunset, which in turn provides a chance to discover nocturnal animal species including the ant bear, pangolin, numerous owl varieties, bush babies and even brown hyenas. Your wildlife tracker will sit on the front of the jeep throughout the game drives and will control a spot light. Throughout wintertime these afternoon and morning game drives will get rather nippy. These open game vehicle offer a wonderful 360 degrees of wildlife game observation, be warned however, these vehicles don't provide warmth! That being said the lodge are able to offer blankets, your personal thick jackets, scarves, mitts as well as woolen hats are going to be good during wintertime.
Dependent on the weather, your lodge will likely give you a unique and stimulating heated bush style meal every other night. Guests are usually driven to a dried up riverbed or beneath the African skyline in an open plain. Lit up solely by paraffin lights and one huge open campfire, this particular dining experience creates one of the more outstanding memories of your Sabi Sands safari. Listen closely to the night time sounds and revel in a delicious supper baked over the open-coals of the bush fire.
I hope this information has helped you appreciate the benefits of a safari in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Although peoples experiences differ it is clear that the overwhelming majority of visitors absolutely love Sabi Sands safaris.