Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a luxurious safari accommodation lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve bushveld. Overlooking a plain and a waterhole where wildlife congregates to drink.
There are 4 lodges that make up the Sabi Sabi Collection. For decades Bush Lodge has been Sabi Sabi’s flagship lodge. Famed for its warmth, vibrancy, and legendary hospitality. It is also the largest of the group so is ideal for groups and families. The other lodges in the Collection are Sabi Sabi Selati Camp, Little Bush Camp. And the ultra-luxurious Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a favorite among travelers in search of luxury accommodation in the game-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Bush Lodge’s charm is evident from the outset. Here you will savor uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency, and personalized attention.
There are 25 x spacious, air-conditioned thatched suites. This includes 2 x Luxury Villas and the Mandleve Suite.
Each standalone suite is designed with privacy in mind and is generously proportioned with an open plan flow. There are day beds that convert into two child friendly single beds.
Each suite features en suite bathrooms and alfresco, glass fronted showers. All with wonderful views of the bushveld. One of the suites is disabled-friendly.
Luxury Suite
The Mahlatini and Tumbela air-conditioned Luxury Villas are a haven for larger families or a set of friends. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with side-by-side couples bath tubs indoors. In addition, there are 2 outdoor rain showers.
The second en-suite bedroom can be twin for kids, or a King-size bed. It’s en-suite with bath tub and shower. The suites have sumptuous linen and classic leather and wood furnishings.
There is a private pool, a library / lounge, and a beautiful patio facing a waterhole. The Luxury Villas include a private game-drive vehicle for the ultimate flexible safari.
Luxury VillaSide-by-side baths
The Mandleve Villa at Bush Lodge is an ultra luxury suite that is perfect for honeymooners. Or those in search of sumptuous accommodation. The beautiful spacious suite includes an open plan lounge. And a gorgeous bathroom with an outside shower. The Mandleve Suite comes with its own secluded private pool, and optional in room dining. All combine to make this suite an absolute treat.
Mandleve Suite bedroomMandleve Suite private plunge pool
South Africa Family Safari ↓
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Family Safari Activities
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is family friendly and children of all ages are welcome. It is the ideal family safari destination with a fully fledged children’s facility. The EleFun Centre will teach your kids awareness and an appreciation of nature. Offering hands on, interactive activities designed for children between the ages of 4 and 12 years. Age appropriate safari themed activities are guided, and supervised, by qualified staff. These include bushcraft subjects such as bush survival, bugs & birds, and tracks & signs of wildlife. All are environmentally sensitive subjects that every child will find fascinating.
There is time for creative hobbies and fun filled games. Selected rangers lead bush walks and talks. And the childcare professionals provide specially planned midday child friendly game drives. These are all based on the topics covered in the rangers course, at the time of your visit.
The center also includes a wonderful, secure outdoor play area. While set itineraries will take place every morning and afternoon, children are welcome to enjoy the facility between formal sessions. Parents and / or guardians can enjoy their safaris, have a pamper session in the Amani Spa. Or just kick back and enjoy some private time knowing that their children are safely reveling in their own special bushveld experience.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge kids fun
Child Policy at Bush Lodge
Children under 4 years need to be accompanied to the EleFun Center by an adult or a childminder. The EleFun Center coordinator works until 9.30 pm. After this time; a childminder can sit with the children (at an additional cost).
Children under the age of 6 years will not be allowed on safaris; unless you book exclusive use of a safari vehicle. The usage of an exclusive vehicle is subject to availability, a surcharge, and restrictions at sightings; due to possible disturbance to animals and / or guests on other vehicles. No children under the age of 12 years are allowed on the environmental walking safari.
Kids’ dinner is in the Safari Lounge between 5 pm and 7 pm or as room service. Breakfast and lunch as normal with parents or guardians.
Activities and Facilities
Meals, including the wonderful dinners in the open-air boma, are heralded by blasts on a kudu horn. A summoning to delicious food. This luxury safari lodge also features artistically designed open courtyards with spectacular wooden carvings by renowned South African sculptors. Created from uprooted trees and wood salvaged from the surrounding bushveld.
Savor the tranquility of the bush at Bush Lodge; with ample space to relax, and unwind. The two swimming pools and large covered viewing decks overhanging the Msuthlu riverbed; are an invitation to cool off in the filtered water. Or to sit in comfort while spotting game at the waterhole. An exquisitely furnished lounge, atrium, and intimate bar area are perfect meeting places for friends old and new. As an extra indulgence, the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge offers the ultimate African Spa experience. With an African flavor.
Morning and afternoon safaris in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve are the highlight of your stay at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. All open safari vehicles have large steel roll bars in front of each seat. The lodges are able to supply a G clamp and Manfrotto 501hdv head; on request for a small daily hiring charge. This head and clamp work really well, especially with the bigger lenses.
Walking safaris are also available after your morning safari when the temperatures are not as hot. This enables you to see the little creatures and possibly even the larger ones too. Walking safaris are fantastic for keen birders.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is blessed with a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife; giving you an excellent chance of close encounters with the ‘Big Five’; elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. As well as wild dog and cheetah. With over 300 bird species, the reserve is a birdwatcher’s delight.
Getting to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
There are daily flights from O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport directly to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip. The lodge does complimentary transfers between the Sabi Sabi Airstrip and the lodge. Alternatively, there are daily flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) (Nelspruit) or Skukuza Airport. From Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town From KMIA, it is possible to connect to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) and Vilanculos (Mozambique). Short hop flights can be booked from KMIA to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip. Alternatively, we can arrange your transfer by road to the lodge. Private air charters or helicopter transfers on request.
Sabi Sabi is 500 km from Johannesburg, which is an easy five hour drive on National Roads.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Accommodation Rates
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Rates
1st March 2024 – 28th February 2025
1st March 2025 – 28th February 2026
Luxury Suites
R21 500
R24 000
Mandleve Villa
R25 000
R120 000**
Luxury Villas*
R32 500*
*Until 28th February 2025, the Luxury Villas include a private safari vehicle. The rates are for the first two people (per person sharing per night). Thereafter; the luxury suite per person per night rate applies.
**From 1st March 2025 – 28th February 2026 the rate is per villa per night for both the Mandleve Deluxe Suite (sleeps 2) and the Luxury Villas (up to 4 people). Thereafter a rate of R24 000 per person per night will apply. Or relevant children’s ages (up to maximum of 6 per villa). They also now both have a private safari vehicle.
A Christmas Peak Period surcharge of 15% will apply to all bookings arriving between 20th December and 5th January every year. The surcharge will apply to the entire booking regardless of the check-out date.
Single Room Policy
There will be no single supplement for up to a maximum of 2 suites per booking; except in peak season. Peak season is between 20th December and 5th January every year. Thereafter, guests occupying single suites will be levied a supplement of an additional 50% of the specified daily rate. This excludes the Deluxe Suites and Luxury Villas where a single supplement will apply.
Accommodation Rates for Kids
Children of all ages are welcome at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Kids aged 3 years and younger stay free of charge in a cot. 13 years and over pay the full adult rate.
1st March 2024 – 28th February 2025 From 4 to 7 years pay R8500 per child per night. 8 to 12 years pay R10 500 per child per night.
1st March 2025 – 28th February 2026 From 4 to 7 years pay R9500 per child per night. 8 to 12 years pay R12 000 per child per night.
Children occupying their own room will pay the full adult rate for a maximum of 1 x child. If 4 x children are sharing; the remaining 3 will pay the applicable children’s rates.
The above rates are per person sharing per night and include: Open vehicle safaris by day and at night, Environmental awareness walking safaris, Breakfast, lunch, “boma” dinner, A house selection of beverages, WiFi, Transfers to and from the Sabi Sabi airstrip.
Optional extras available are: Spa treatments at Amani Spa, A cellar wine collection, and premium brand drinks, Boutique purchases, Telephone calls, and laundry, Any other transfers (including to and from Skukuza Airport).
All rates exclude the Sabie Game Reserve Conservation Levy. This conservation levy supports conservation, security, and access control. And the anti-poaching initiatives of the Sabie Game Reserve NPC; a non-profit company.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Accommodation Special
Early Bird Free Night
Stay for four nights and get a night for free! If you book 6 months in advance. Valid from 1st March until 28th February every year. Excluding the Christmas Peak Period. This is from 20th December to 5th January every year. This offer can be used at all Sabi Sabi Lodges. These are Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Bush Lodge, Little Bush Lodge, and Selati Camp. So you can spend 2 nights at each or 3 plus 1 night. The lowest priced night will be free.
Fly for Free Offer
We also have 3 night packages for Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge including return flights from Johannesburg to their airstrip. Or, the option to fly say from OR Tambo (Johannesburg) to Sabi Private Airstrip and onward to Nelspruit or vice versa. This is slightly cheaper than return OR Tambo (Johannesburg) flights so let us know what suits you best. This allows clients to either go to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, or Mozambique. Pre or post safari.
Packages are also available for one way flights so please inquire with us about these rates.
2024 Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge return Fly for Free Package Rates
1st March to 19th December 2024
Per Person Sharing
Luxury Suite
R60,900
Mandleve Deluxe Suite
R70,100
Luxury Villas*
R89,800
* Per person sharing per night for the first two adults. Thereafter, the luxury suite rate applies. The Luxury Villas include a private safari vehicle.
2025 Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge return Fly for Free Package Rates
1st March to 19th December 2025
Per Person Sharing
Luxury Suite
R67,950
In 2025, for the Mandleve Deluxe Suite and Luxury Villas rates, please check with us.
This package includes: Return flights from Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Federal Air Private Hangar & Lounge* to Sabi Sabi Private Airstrip, Luxury accommodation for 3 nights with normal inclusions as per above.
Honeymoon Safari at Bush Lodge
Set in the heart of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a waterhole and a plain; is the ultimate in luxurious South African safari honeymoon escapes. Between exciting safaris and delicious meals; you may want to indulge yourself with wonderful spa treatments at the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge.
Honeymooners will receive: A complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and a welcome platter Romantic turn downs Plus; one of your dinners can be held in the privacy of your suite or on the patio. With romantic candlelight.
Sabi Sabi Photographic Safaris ↓
2 Day Photographic Safari
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve has always been known for its breathtaking wildlife encounters. Ever since the first game drive took place at Sabi Sabi over three decades ago; photographers have clamored for the opportunity of visiting the reserve. With many of their pictures have graced the pages of glorious coffee table books.
Capturing safari experiences on camera has always been an integral part of the Sabi Sabi experience. Now the new digital age has made it easier for everyone to try their hand at taking the perfect picture. As equipment has evolved and more advanced cameras have become available to all levels of photographers; a new and rewarding way of securing those precious memories is to engage a professional photographer; to assist you with every step.
The Sabi Sabi Photographic Safari offers guests the unique experience of being guided by a professional photographer (Photographic Host). Showing you the intricacies of getting the very best out of a camera. And how to take that perfect ‘once in a lifetime’ wildlife picture.
These Photographic Safaris are available on request and must be pre-booked. A professional photographer will tailor your photographic safari including the opportunity of providing cameras and lenses if necessary; and customizing subjects such as camera setup, photography in the field, working with wildlife, light sources, etc. At the end of the safari; you and your instructor will review the images and you will discover the various methods and merits of post processing. All of your selected photos will go home with you on a CD or flash drive.
Sabi Photographic Safari vehicle
Photographic Safari Cost
R39,000 per professional host photographer based on a 2 day course for up to six guests*; within your party on an exclusive photographic vehicle.
* Should you request more than 6 guests per group an additional Photographic Host will be required; at the additional rate.
Optional Gear hire: R3500 per person per day. This includes usage of photographic equipment equivalent to Nikon D3s with a 200-400mm lens.
What an exciting way to brush up on skills, learn new techniques, and use technology; to get the best photos on safari.
Rates are subject to change as they haven’t increased for some time now.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve Safari Wedding
Have you always wanted to get married at a South African safari lodge? We do weddings at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge too! Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is ideally suited to cater to children of all ages. So it is an ideal safari wedding destination for the whole family.
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge offers luxury all inclusive accommodation in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa – perfect for honeymoons and even weddings
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the western Sabi Sand Game Reserve, for an incredible Greater Kruger National Park safari. Lots of offers and packages including family and honeymoon.
South Africa Holiday Safari Specials – Discounted rates for the ultimate South African safari at Kirkman’s Kamp in the Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger National Park).
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge offers luxury all inclusive accommodation in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa – perfect for honeymoons and even weddings
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the western Sabi Sand Game Reserve, for an incredible Greater Kruger National Park safari. Lots of offers and packages including family and honeymoon.
