Spot the Big Five at the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

AA group of tourists sits enthralled in an open game-viewing vehicle, breathing in the lioness’ rank scent, mingled with that of wild sage crushed beneath the wheels, listening to the ranger explaining lion behaviour in a quiet undertone. Meanwhile, the tracker scans the ground for other big-game spoor.

Perhaps they’ll be lucky enough to find a leopard stashing her kill in a tree tonight; or see jackals bounce through the high grass as they pursue invisible rodents, oblivious to the ranger’s spotlight.

TThe fact that two perennial rivers (after which the reserve is named) flow through it means that the area offers excellent wildlife viewing all-year round. Some of South Africa’s finest luxury game lodges are found here – some of the best known include Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, Singita, Londolozi, Ulusaba, Chitwa Chitwa, Idube, Lion Sands, Exeter and Djuma.
 

They all offer individual attention, privacy, outstanding cuisine and luxurious accommodation, while the decor is often breathtaking. Some of the lodges offer spas with masseurs, aromatherapy and reflexology. In addition, the guides at the lodges know every inch of their areas. They can often take you right to rare leopard sightings or to where wild dogs have hidden their pups in dens. Incidentally, the only hunting these days is done with a camera.