Where To Go for Your First African Safari
A first-time safari is all about seeing wildlife, and Sabi Sands Reserve in South Africa offers the best chance to do that.
When it comes to planning a first-time African safari, Origin Travel Curator Holly doesn’t hesitate to recommend her top choice: the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa. It shares a border with the massive Kruger National Park, but this private reserve is only open to travelers staying in one of the handful of lodges on the Sabi Sands grounds, meaning more freedom, fewer people, and a much better chance of seeing wildlife—especially the Big Five.
Safari parks boast about the opportunity to see the elusive “Big Five'' species on their tours, which are African buffalo, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and lions. Getting to see the whole group is never a guarantee, so when Holly saw all five of them within the first hour of her trip, she realized Sabi Sands was truly something remarkable.
“I knew that sightings at Sabi Sands would be good, but I wasn’t expecting to see the entire Big Five on my very first safari drive,” she gushed. “The grand finale was when the jeep stopped under a tree with a leopard napping above.”
While there’s no denying the thrill of seeing a lion or an elephant in the wild, Holly reminds travelers that they’re just a small part of what you’ll see at Sabi Sands. “Giraffes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and cheetahs are all common sights, and it’s a birder’s delight with over 500 species.”
A safari lodge isn’t just a place to sleep; these accommodations also cook up your meals and organize game drives, so it’s important to choose wisely. While there’s no bad option in Sabi Sands, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all, either. Holly can help tailor the lodge to a traveler’s needs, whether that’s a family cabin overlooking a bustling watering hole or a romantic treehouse with sweeping views of the bush.
The lodges inside Sabi Sands aren’t just five-star properties, but they’re also leaders in sustainability and conservation. A number of measures are in place to protect the wildlife and support the local communities, ensuring the park’s welfare for generations to come.
It’s never too early to start planning a trip to the South African bush. Request a trip below and our curators can help personalize your next safari adventure.
Images: Wildlife photos from Holly. Ulusaba Rock Lodge from Sabi Sands Reserve.