Private Game Reserves & Sabi Sands★★★
For the ultimate safari experience, book a Private Game Lodge. The private reserves are unfenced with Kruger — animals move freely between the public park and private area. The difference: In the private reserves, there is off-road driving (you can drive cross-country), night safaris, and bush walks — all prohibited in Kruger itself.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
The most famous and expensive private game reserve in Africa. Borders Kruger to the west and is known for the best leopard sightings in the world. The leopards are accustomed to vehicles and can be observed from 5 meters away.
Top Lodges (All-Inclusive with Safari, Meals, Drinks)
| Lodge | Style | Price/Night (p.P.) | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Londolozi | Ultra-Luxury | from 800€ | Family-run since 1926. 5 camps, legendary leopard sightings. |
| Singita Sabi Sand | Ultra-Luxury | from 1,500€ | Regularly voted the best safari lodge in the world. Design magazine level. |
| MalaMala | Luxury | from 600€ | Oldest private reserve in Sabi Sands. 13,000 hectares, only 3 lodges. |
| Lion Sands | Luxury | from 500€ | Famous treehouses for sleeping under the stars. |
| Sabi Sabi | Upper Mid-Range | from 400€ | 4 different lodges, from bush-chic to ultra-modern. |
Cheaper Alternatives
- Manyeleti Game Reserve: Right next to Sabi Sands, but significantly cheaper. Tented camps from 200€/night all-inclusive. Fewer visitors, similarly good sightings.
- Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: North of Sabi Sands, known for the rare white lions. Lodges from 250€/night.
- Klaserie Private Nature Reserve: The largest private reserve at Kruger. Quiet, authentic, from 180€/night.
