Lion Sands
The Sabi Sand Reserve is the oldest of South Africa’s private reserves, and the origin of wildlife tourism in Southern Africa. It is home to a vast natural animal population including The Big Five and countless other species (some of which are critically endangered). Flanking the Kruger National Park, animals pass unhindered between the unfenced reserves. Known for its extraordinary leopard viewing, safari enthusiasts could not find a better place for close-contact animal sightings that many would insist are the best in the world.
The Sabi Sand Reserve (Sabi Sand Wildtuin) shares a 50km (31.25 miles) unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. This extraordinary and unique wilderness area comprises a collection of privately owned game reserves which combine to form a mammoth tract of pristine game land (65 000 hectare/ 153 000 acres). Being privately owned, safaris are not restricted to specific times and routes. Open vehicles are able to traverse off road and into the dense bush, tracking animals in their natural habitat.
The Sand River flows through the reserve for 50km (31 miles) from north west to south east, while the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary. Because of these continuous water sources, the area enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations in Africa. Over two hundred different species live in abundance, and the dynamic bird life will appeal to both seasoned “twitchers” and amateur enthusiasts alike.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is renowned for the quality of its leopard viewing (the most elusive of predators). Visitors will also be treated to close contact sightings with elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species.
