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.
For decades Bush Lodge has been Sabi Sabi Collection’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.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a favorite among travelers in search of luxury accommodations 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.
Each of the 22 spacious, air-conditioned thatched suites is generously proportioned. Featuring exquisite ethnic décor in keeping with the bushveld environment. The en-suite bathrooms feature al-fresco as well as glass-fronted indoor showers. Affording wonderful views of the bushveld.
Each standalone suite is designed with privacy in mind and is with an open plan flow. There are day beds that convert into two child friendly single beds.
One of the suites is disabled-friendly.
Luxury Suite
Luxury Villas
The luxury villas are exclusive, impressive, and synonymous with being THE premier destination for safaris in Africa. They are called Mahlatini, Tumbela, or Mandleve. A huge master bedroom with a king draped four-poster bed leads onto an en-suite bathroom. Complete with indoor and outdoor showers and his & her baths.
Side-by-side baths
The second en-suite bedroom can be twin beds for kids or a king bed. Its en-suite has a big bath and an open ‘rain’ shower.
Untold opulence is evident throughout. With pure linens, natural fabrics, wooden chandeliers masquerading as impressive art pieces, sisal rugs, natural oak doors, and generous proportions. All combine to make an unforgettable private suite. Crafted around natural Leadwood sculptures, the suites combine a respect for the environment with all the luxuries of a world class, 5 star destination.
The central indoor lounge / library opens onto an outdoor covered patio and private pool. Accessed by a rustic bridge, the suites are equipped with air conditioning, mosquito nets, a minibar, and myriad details to make your stay unforgettable. An unspoiled view overlooking a private waterhole completes the picture.
The Luxury Villas include an exclusive game drive vehicle. Along with a skilled guide and tracker team. Ensuring a personalized and undisturbed safari adventure.
Luxury VillaMandleve Villa bedroom
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. 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, or have a pamper session in the Amani Spa. Or just kick back and enjoy some private time knowing their children are safely reveling in their own special bushveld experience.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge kid’s 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 game drive 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 are as normal with parents or guardians.
Activities and Facilities
This luxury safari lodge 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 can supply a G clamp and Manfrotto 501hdv head; on request for a small daily hiring charge. This head and clamp work 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 dogs and cheetahs. 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).
A short hop flight 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
Bush Lodge Rates
1st March 2025 – 28th February 2026
1st March 2026 – 28th February 2027
Luxury Suites
R24 000
R26 900
Luxury Villas*
R120 000*
R135 000*
** The Luxury Villas rate is per villa per night for up to 4 people. Thereafter, the per person sharing rate of the Luxury Suites will apply. Or relevant children’s ages (up to a maximum of 6 per villa). They also all include 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 is no single supplement for up to a maximum of 2 suites per booking. Thereafter, guests occupying single suites will pay a single supplement of an additional 50% of the specified daily rate. Excluding the Mahlatini, Tombela, and Mandleve Villas.
Accommodation Rates for Kids
Children of all ages are welcome at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Kids aged 3 and younger stay free of charge in a cot. Those 13 and over pay the full adult rate.
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.
1st March 2026 – 28th February 2027
From 4 to 7 years pay R10 500 per child per night.
8 to 12 years pay R13 500 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
There are 4 lodges that make up the Sabi Sabi Collection. The lodges in the Collection are Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, Sabi Sabi Selati Camp, Little Bush Camp. And the ultra luxurious Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. Sabi Sabi Collection’s latest addition, The Claremont in Cape Town, is set to open on 1st September 2025. Formerly The Andros Hotel, this charming heritage property in Claremont is being carefully refurbished and reimagined with 4 Classic Rooms, 10 Deluxe Suites, and the elegant Sauer Villa. Located just minutes from Kirstenbosch Gardens, it will offer boutique wines, craft drinks, and a farm-to-fork dining concept at The Vine & Veld Bistro.
From 1st June 2026, N’Weti Camp and Shisaka Camp will open in the newly formed Sandringham Private Game Reserve in the Timbavati (Kruger).
All offers are valid for travel every year from 1st March – 28th February (excluding the Christmas peak period from 20th December – 5th January).
Free Night at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Stay for four nights and get a night for free!
This offer can be used at all Sabi Sabi Lodges. So you can spend 2 nights at each or all nights at one lodge. The lowest priced night will be free. Plus it includes The Claremont in Cape Town from 1st September 2025. And N’Weti Camp and Shisaka Camp from 1st June 2026.
Sabi Bush & Cape Town Combo:
Stay 3 nights at any Sabi Sabi lodge and enjoy 2 complimentary nights in Cape Town
The Claremont room pairing: Classic Rooms (with Bush Lodge, Selati, Little Bush Camp) and Deluxe Suites (with Earth Lodge)
Sabi Sand and Timbavati Combination Safari
Stay 3 nights at any Sabi Sabi lodge and 3 nights at Sandringham and get free flights between the two reserves – one way (Can be done either way).
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Family Package
The first child stays for free when staying 3 nights or longer.
Valid for Luxury Suites, and the Luxury Villas.
A “child” is 12 years old and younger, at the time of travel.
If more than one child, the free child policy will apply to the oldest child (highest rate).
Honeymoon Safari Offer at Bush Lodge
Celebrate the start of your journey together with an unforgettable safari honeymoon at Sabi Sabi. Let us create extraordinary experiences and lifelong memories with this exclusive offer.
Get 2 nights complimentary for one partner sharing when staying a minimum of 4 nights.
The marriage certificate must be valid and issued within 6 months of travel.
This offer is available for all Sabi Sabi Lodges or a combination of lodges. Where lodges are combined, the complimentary nights will be applied to the lowest rated lodge.
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. 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. Plus, 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.
Optional Gear hire: R3500 per person per day. This includes the 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 perfect for 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.
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).
Jabulani is a 5* soulful safari lodge in the Kruger National Park, offering not only safaris but unique elephant and sustainable experiences – rates and offers