A safari is nearly always an important part of a trip to South Africa - words cannot describe the thrill of tracking a leopard on the hunt or observing a breeding herd of elephants at a waterhole. The 65,000ha Sabi Sands is one of the premier wildlife destinations in Southern Africa, offering superb game-viewing and stylish lodges. It shares an open border with the Kruger so animals move freely between the two reserves.

Two perennial rivers, the Sabi and the Sand flow through this game reserve, sustaining the diverse fauna and flora of the area. Due to a long history of sensitive game-viewing, the animals are generally relaxed around game vehicles, especially leopard. So diverse is its habitat and wildlife that you have an excellent chance of experiencing close encounters with the 'Big 5' - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard - as well as many species of antelope, several dog-like species including spotted hyena, wild dog and jackal.

The Sabi Sands comprises a number of private game lodges which cooperate in conserving their valuable heritage. Some of the world's finest game lodges are found here, together with some less well-known bush camps.

A Sabi Sands safari is an intimate and informative experience. You enjoy game drives in open-vehicle game drives with an experienced ranger and a local Shangaan tracker who work together to give you a deeper understanding of the wildlife and the natural cycles of the bush. Drives are in the early morning and late afternoon when game is most likely to be active. The evening meal is often enjoyed in a 'boma' or even in the bush around an open fire, which many guests feel is a particularly evocative treat.