The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of the finest places in Africa for watching leopards. The reserve lies on the western edge of Kruger National Park with no fences between them, and its private lodges allow off-road driving, night drives and close encounters that are not possible in the national park. Leopards here are used to vehicles and are often seen resting in trees, hunting at dusk or carrying kills.
All of the Big Five are found here, together with cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra, hippo and many antelope. The lodges are some of the best in the country, with expert guides and trackers, comfortable rooms and excellent food. Sabi Sand is about an hour's flight from Johannesburg, which makes it an easy bush stay.
Sabi Sand has some of the best leopard viewing in Africa and large prides of lion. Elephants, buffalo and white rhino are common, and black rhino, cheetah and African wild dog are seen less often. Spotted hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, waterbuck and warthog are everywhere. At night, you can find genets, civets, honey badgers and aardvark with luck.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Flat bushveld with marula, knobthorn and mopane trees is dotted with granite outcrops and cut by dry rivers. The Sand River winds through the middle, with pools that draw animals in the dry season.
Activities here
Sabi Sand has hot, humid summers, with days of 30°C to 35°C, and mild, dry winters, with warm days and cold mornings, sometimes close to 8°C. The rains fall from November to March, often as afternoon thunderstorms.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 21 | 110 |
| Feb | 32 | 21 | 90 |
| Mar | 31 | 19 | 80 |
| Apr | 29 | 16 | 45 |
| May | 27 | 11 | 15 |
| Jun | 25 | 8 | 10 |
| Jul | 25 | 7 | 8 |
| Aug | 27 | 10 | 8 |
| Sep | 29 | 13 | 20 |
| Oct | 30 | 16 | 50 |
| Nov | 31 | 18 | 90 |
| Dec | 32 | 20 | 100 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to September is the dry season. The vegetation thins, animals gather at waterholes, and the clear air makes for excellent game viewing. Early mornings are cold, so bring a jacket.
November to March is hot and green, with afternoon storms. The bush is thick, and sightings can be harder, but baby animals, migrant birds and fewer visitors balance it out.
May to September is the best time for game viewing, with September being especially good. The wet months have fresh green scenery and lower rates, and leopards are active all year.
Best time to visit May to Sep
Most guests fly from Johannesburg to the Skukuza, Sabi Sand or Kruger Mpumalanga airports in about 50 to 60 minutes, then transfer to their lodge. The road from Johannesburg takes about five to six hours, via Hazyview.
Reserve fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
Sabi Sand is in a malaria area, with the highest risk from October to April, so please take advice before you travel. The sun is strong, and winter mornings are cold.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for familiesSafaris from
US$3,572 per person
Plan your time in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
