Four luxurious lodges and some of the world’s premier game viewing leave one spoiled for choice at Sabi Sabi. We headed up there one balmy summer evening as the warm African air seeped through the vast expanse of bush which stretched as far as the eye could see.
We dumped down our bags and checked out Little Bush Camp – six, small, secluded thatched suites hidden behind a valley of trees. We cooled down with a couple of ice-cold beers at a particulary picteresque bar set on the banks of the Msuthu River. The views were stunning and we were served a superb supper in an open-air boma which conjured up images of the African bush as an open fire roared unabated into the night. It was too good for words.
The tours and lodges at Sabi Sabi. however, are certainly more catered to groups. While Little Bush Camp was delightfully secluded, the rest of the accommodation would probably not best suit foreign, independent travellers. Nonetheless, all of the camps are well-furnished with thatched verandas and all the requisite frills and fancies. The attention and service was nothing short of fantastic and we were well-looked after throughout our stay.
Established almost 40 years ago, Sabi Sabi amounts to a private reserve itself in the southwestern corner of the enormous Sabi Sand Reserve. And what makes it so fascinating is the distinct lack of fences separating any of the reserves within the greater ecosystem. Animals are free to roam as and when they please, and this lends their safaris a certain authenticity. Unfortunately, Sabi Sabi is one of the smaller reserves in Sabi Sands so you will need a couple of days to guarantee spotting any of the Big Five as they meander their way uninhibited through the bush.
Some of the best game viewing took place right across from our camp where a waterhole bought animals of all creed and colour to within striking distance of our rooms. And though it may not have provided the perfect safari, Sabi Sabi certainly gave us a few days to remember.