July 2003

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is now home to three 5-Star lodges, following a successful 5-Star grading for Bush Lodge by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) last week.

Earth Lodge and Selati Camp - Sabi Sabi's other two lodges - were amongst the first game lodges to receive 5-Star grading under the TGCSA's new Stars Grading System. Recently upgraded and refurbished, Bush Lodge comprises 24 suites plus the Mandleve Presidential suite, all styled and decorated in a contemporary African theme, and reflecting today's relaxed atmoshphere.

To comply with 5-Star grading criteria, Bush Lodge had to measure up to world-class standards of accommodation, service, cuisine, special facilities and overall experience. This, says Sabi Sabi managing director, Patrick Shorten, together with highly trained staff and years of experience, paved the way for the new grading.

"The past few years have been ones of consolidation for Sabi Sabi, with the upgrading of Selati, total refurbishment of Bush Lodge and the establishment of our groundbreaking Earth Lodge. Hard work and clear strategy have paid off, and we are now in a position to confirm our status as one of Africa's premier private game reserves.

"It is a great honour to become an all 5-Star property, and we will continue to work hard to retain this grading and maintain these very high standards," says Shorten.

Sabi Sabi recently launched a new 4-night package to include 2 nights at Selati Camp and 2 nights at Earth Lodge - this being in line with their new philosophy of '100 Years of Safari Experience', with a theme of 'yesterday, today and tomorrow'. This reflects the diversity of the lodges, with Selati Camp portraying the elegance and colonial tradition of the early 1900's, Bush Lodge depicting today's vibrant lifestyle and Earth Lodge showing a glimpse of the future. While distinct in appearance and ambience and each with a unique blend of luxury, the lodges share a spirit of warm hospitality that has become synonymous with the Sabi Sabi bush experience.

Situated in the exclusive Sabi Sand Reserve, Sabi Sabi is home to hundreds of species of animals, birds and plants, including the 'Big Five'. Hightly trained rangers and trackers ensure that safari experiences rank amongst the best in the world.

Sabi Sabi holds the Diners Club/ASATA Travel Award for the Best Game Lodge as well as the AA Accommodation Award for Best Game Lodge in South Africa and Earth Lodge was voted one of the top 50 international hot spots for 2002 by Conde Naste Traveler (US).

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve