Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge for a spectacular family safari in South Africa
When luxury, service excellence and the savannah come together in Africa, here's the result: a fantastic Lodge to stay with family and experience the best safaris.
By Sut-Mie Guibert
Going on a safari in Africa is one of the most impactful experiences one can have, especially when this excitement can be shared with the family. However, most African lodges do not accommodate children; typically, exploring the savannah is a type of journey reserved for couples. Fortunately, some hotels understand how much this adventure brings in terms of teachings and memories for everyone. Among the various luxury lodges scattered throughout the region, the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge stands out as the most family-oriented lodge of the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve group, a sophisticated retreat that offers visitors the opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the beauty and wildlife of Africa.
EXCELLENT LOCATION
Situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the largest animal reserve in South Africa and one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge enjoys a privileged location. It is one of the few lodges that share no physical boundaries with either Kruger or neighboring reserves. This allows wild animals to roam freely in the area, offering guests a unique opportunity to witness the majesty of African wildlife in its natural habitat.
AUTHENTIC AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY SAFARIS
This exceptional location changes everything about the safari experience! Unlike within Kruger Park, the roads in Sabi Sabi Reserve are not paved but rather natural, dirt tracks created by animals and 4×4 vehicles. There are also no restricted areas, allowing for off-road excursions in pursuit of wildlife. Animals roam freely, and if they happen to cross into another reserve (across a river or road), the vehicle simply stops and searches for other wildlife. There is no pursuit involved. This brings us to a crucial point: the indispensable role of Rangers (highly experienced and certified, who know how to drive in the savannah) and guides (seated at the front of the vehicle). They work in perfect harmony, equipped with excellent training, deep knowledge of flora and fauna, and immense respect for all aspects of nature. Having experts accompany you while traversing the savannah amidst wild animals provides an extra layer of safety, especially compared to self-driven safaris. Moreover, conversing with them, observing footprints, listening to stories, and learning about each species contribute to an elevated experience. Children are captivated and continuously enriched by the experience.
The vehicles are open (unlike safaris in other African destinations) and are replaced every 3 years for optimal maintenance. The game drives accommodate a maximum of 8 passengers, and if a family is staying in a Luxury Villa, the private vehicle is included, ensuring a personalized experience.
Game drives depart twice a day: at dawn and dusk, the ideal moments when animals hunt and feed. The excursions last an average of 3 hours. Like any nature-dependent tour, external factors dictate the day’s course: there might be periods without sightings, or the famous big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinos) might all be spotted at once. This is beyond control. However, the fauna encompasses numerous other animals such as impalas, colorful and rare birds, giraffes, hippos, and more. Emotions are sure to abound! The youngsters receive a booklet with explanations about each animal, and it’s a joy to tick off each animal as it’s discovered. It becomes a game that engages and entertains every family member.
Children above 6 years old are welcome, but they must still “behave,” refraining from shouting and remaining seated. This is a matter of safety. Generally, they understand and enthusiastically participate in the experience, brimming with excitement. Don’t forget the binoculars! For younger children, families can opt for a private vehicle or stay in a Luxury Villa.
A KID-FRIENDLY AND EDUCATIONAL LODGE
A rarity in this type of travel, with such a luxurious and couple-oriented ambiance, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Camp welcomes all children, regardless of age. On the other hand, the three other lodges in the group – Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp, and Earth Lodge – only accept youngsters above 13 years old. Truth be told, children need to reach a minimum age to fully enjoy the adventure.
The main attraction will be right there, outside, right in front of the Lodge, where animals gather to drink water by the lake: elephants, impalas, zebras…
But during downtime, between two game drives and after lunch, kids can enjoy the Elefun Centre, a unique and ecological kids club. Yes, even though the surrounding environment exudes cozy luxury, the children’s area is intentionally simple, with outdoor wooden toys, swings made from tires, and activities related to learning about fauna and flora. The person in charge of the area engages in ecological games, painting, recycling crafts, seed planting, and identifying animal tracks. The goal is to teach about ecology and sustainability, raising awareness in the new generations. The touching moment comes when the kids paint their hands and leave them on the walls, saying “my handprint in Africa.”
Since everyone communicates in English, if a child chooses not to participate in the activities (even though play is a universal language), they can take a dip in the pool before embarking on another game drive to discover new animals. During snack or breakfast breaks on the safaris, the Rangers remember the little ones and bring juices, fruits, and cookies – small gestures of attention.
Meals are convenient, with self-service buffet featuring fresh and diverse products that blend local and international flavors (including a kids’ buffet on some days), or à la carte with a children’s menu. In the evening, an open-air dinner takes place under the African starlit sky, where various types of meat like impala, wildebeest, and crocodile can be tasted… yet what the children will truly enjoy is roasting marshmallows by the fire.
The excellence of the service lies in the small details, like the stuffed animal handmade by the neighboring local community, placed on the bed at the end of the day to serve as a comfort toy.
Photo 1: Animal sightings from the Lodge deck / Photo 2: Elefun Centre / Photo 3: Outdoor area with sustainable and recycled toys /
Photo 4: Instructor explaining about fauna and flora / Photo 5: End of vacation mural
LUXURIOUS AND COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge sets a prime example of first-class hospitality, offering luxurious accommodations that seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. The Luxury Suites and Villas are meticulously designed, blending modern and traditional touches to create a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Each unit is equipped with high-quality amenities, such as a king-size bed, mosquito net, air conditioning, hairdryer, mini-bar, spacious bathrooms with bathtubs, private sitting areas, and balconies with panoramic savannah views. It’s worth mentioning that one of the Suites is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Given the spaciousness of the Suites, they comfortably accommodate three to four individuals or a couple with two young children. If the guests include teenagers, in this case, everyone will find more comfort in the Luxury Villas, which are true homes featuring a living room and two en-suite bedrooms, and even a small private pool. Remember that the Villas also include the privilege of private game drives.
The common areas of the Lodge are also exquisitely decorated; numerous lounges offer plenty of sofas and small tables, ensuring that each guest feels at home in the heart of the savannah without the sense of overcrowding. With the day’s rhythm set by two game drives, there’s scarcely enough time to fully enjoy and appreciate all these amenities. However, there are several ideal spots to read a book, engage in leisurely conversations, or simply reconnect. And after a day of safari adventures, nothing compares to receiving a massage and unwinding at the Amani SPA, all before indulging in an open-air dinner.
Outside, pleasant pools overlooks the savannah, while long chaise lounges on the deck provide a vantage point for observing the nearby lake and the wildlife that comes to drink.
Photos 1 and 2: Living room and bedroom of Luxury Villa / Photo 3: Common areas /
Photo 4: Pool with deck overlooking the animals / Photo 5: Outdoor dining
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge also stands out for its commitment to sustainability and conservation. The lodge adopts eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of the region’s nature and wildlife.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is also involved in various social projects: the Sabi Sabi Dreamleague engages 15 schools from neighboring rural communities, participating in soccer and netball tournaments. The Lodge has set up a digital center that serves as a hub for schools, with a digital platform to teach English, mathematics, and literature. There’s also an apprenticeship program that allows hospitality schools to have their students learn and practice on-site at different lodges within the group.
Community Tours allow guests to explore neighboring local villages and discover the vibrant South African culture. These tours have a separate cost that directly benefits the communities. It’s a highly interesting family activity, showcasing different ways of life and schools to children, along with the joy, musicality, and hospitality of the people.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is more than just a luxury accommodation in South Africa; it’s an immersive experience in the natural beauty and captivating wildlife of this incredible continent. With the perfect combination of elegance, comfort, exquisite cuisine, and thrilling encounters with African fauna, the lodge offers visitors an unforgettable and enriching experience that will be etched in the memories of families forever.
Services
How to Get There?
Sabi Sabi Game Reserve is only 500km away from Johannesburg. You can reach it by car or, preferably, by plane. It can be private (the Lodge has its own airstrip, there are Federal Air flights, and the transfer is complimentary) or commercial flight, through Mpumalanga International Airport (about a 2-hour drive away), or even better, through Skukuza Airport, which is less than a 1-hour drive away. The hotel can arrange the transfer for you (additional cost).
2 Ways to make a reservation (all inclusive):
www.sabisabi.com – through the English website,
Through the travel agencies Viajar com Crianças (Traveling with Children) or Viajar com Adolescentes (Traveling with Adolescents), which can even arrange a complete itinerary including Cape Town and Mauritius.
Things the Way Family love to pack in their suitcase:
