Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of the most renowned safari destinations in South Africa.

Boasting 65,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sands is home to an abundance of wildlife and a host of unforgettable safari experiences. Within the park, you’ll find various safari lodges, including Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, affectionately known as Sabi Sabi, includes not just one, but four luxury safari lodges within this prestigious safari destination. Having operated here for over 40 years, Sabi Sabi is one of the finest lodges to visit and the best place to discover the premier Sabi Sands Game Reserve. It is here that you will see the Big Five and the other special animals that call these untamed landscapes home.

The Essence of Sabi Sands Game Drives with Sabi Sabi

There is so much more to a game drive with Sabi Sabi than simply driving through the bush. In this blog, we will share everything from the wildlife you can expect to encounter on a game drive in the Sabi Sands to how the seasons impact the wilderness.

At Sabi Sabi, our guests are guided into game-rich wilderness areas by the finest rangers and trackers in South Africa, keen to share their unending knowledge of the African wild.

Our rangers take the time to recognise our guests’ hopes for their once-in-a-lifetime safari, and we tailor the experience to ensure we meet them. Whether a keen photographer or an avid safari enthusiast, we’ll curate your journey for you.

Never losing sight of a luxurious experience, there is a touch of indulgence in everything we do. Imagine a warm drink in the cooler mornings and chilled sundowners during the golden hour, a surprise bush breakfast or picnic or simply the joy of intimate wildlife sightings.

Sabi Sands Game Drives: The Seasons

Every season brings a plethora of unique experiences to game drives in the Sabi Sands, and we tailor our drives to match.

The lush greenery, a result of the abundant summer rains, brings the migratory birds to the reserve. The winter months cause the vegetation to dry and thin, allowing us to see further into the wilderness. Each season is so different, and every moment spent on a game drive with Sabi Sabi is an unforgettable experience. Read more about the vast differences the seasons bring below.

How The Seasons Affect The Game Drive Experience

Our seasons transform the landscape. From December to March, the rains in our summer months bring lush, vibrant scenes and turn the plains verdant green. In the summer, game drives in the Sabi Sands start early, as it’s cooler, more animals are active at this time, and the abundance of food and water often means we see many offspring.

In our winter months, the vegetation dries out and the landscape turns a warm golden colour. As the season continues, the vegetation thins out significantly, allowing us to spot animals more easily. The waterholes dry up, and during game drives, we often see wildlife travelling further distances and congregating at waterholes that remain.

Hunting strategies must adapt as the seasons change, too. In the drier months, predators can see further into the bush where there may be prey. This could also be a disadvantage, as they are no longer concealed from the full bushes that fill our landscape in the summer.

Sabi Sands Game Drives: May to September - Dry Season

From May to September, the landscape changes subtly at first in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and then we begin noticing its impact on the reserve during our game drives. These are our winter months, and as the vegetation thins out and becomes sparse from a lack of rain, we’re able to see further into the bush and spot wildlife easily. The daytime temperatures are moderate, and our nights and mornings are crisp.

As the waterholes dry up during these months, animals crowd around the last shallow pools, journeying further afield to find life-giving water sources.

The dry season is also the most popular season to travel. Our lodges at Sabi Sabi are busy at this time of the year, and there is an undeniable excitement in the air.

Spotting Animals in the Dry Season

During game drives, we start to notice how the dry landscape, devoid of rain, begins to wilt under the sun’s heat, and the once-abundant water sources shrink. The remaining waterholes are the most visited by us and the wildlife. Often, animals have to wait for a predator to finish drinking and leave before they can enjoy a sip.

As the bush changes from green to gold, some animals are better camouflaged than others, often testing the keen eyes of our expert rangers and trackers. in the Sabi Sands become more frequent in winter as the terrain is open and dry.

The landscape gives way for us to witness the wild and experience a variety of thrilling wildlife encounters, and there are great opportunities to witness a hunt. As the daytime temperatures are more moderate, the animals are out more during the day.

Weather and Climate in the Dry Season

The dry winter months bring cooler temperatures to the Sabi Sands. Moderate daytime temperatures are comfortable and pleasant. During the night and early morning, the outdoors are chilly between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. For these cooler mornings, we come prepared with hot water bottles and blankets for our game drive through the Sabi Sands reserve.

Dry Season Monthly Temperature Overview

May
High: 28°C (82°F)
Low: 11°C (52°F)

June
High: 25°C (77°F)
Low: 8°C (46°F)

July
High: 23°C (73°F)
Low: 11°C (52°F)

August
High: 24°C (75°F)
Low: 12°C (54°F)

September
High: 27°C (81°F)
Low: 15°C (59°F)

Ideal Time Schedules for Game Drives During the Dry Season

Waking slightly later, our days start around 6:30. The first game drive of the day begins around 7:00 when the sun is up and the animals are warm enough to start their daily activities.

A Sabi Sabi game drive typically lasts about three hours on an open safari vehicle, although our game drives are customisable and depend on our guests' needs.

Arriving back at the lodges around 10:00, our guests enjoy a hearty brunch, and then there is a bit of downtime. Guests can choose what to do with this time - read a book, enjoy a spa treatment, lounge about in their rooms or relax in the lodge's main area.

Around 15:00, guests are welcome to join High Tea before heading out on the second game drive of the day. Again, lasting about three hours, the drive ends with a sunset stop in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Once the sun has set, guests return to the lodge where dinner is served.

Sabi Sands Game Drive: October to April - Wet Season

October marks the start of summer in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the start of our rainy season. Rains bring life to the wilderness, turning the landscape a delightful green, and as water levels rise, we can see the plains shifting.

New shoots, shrubs and grasses mean more food, and we see the wildlife taking advantage of this. During the season, we see many animals giving birth. Migratory birds return for another season to find a mate, and the vibrant landscapes are a true highlight.

The weather is ideal for morning game drives in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As the sun rises earlier, we set out on game drives in the morning mist and can expect the temperatures to warm up quickly. A warm beverage is enjoyed, and our cosy blankets are soon packed away as the sun brings the warmth of the day.

Spotting Animals in the Wet Season

The vegetation becomes lush, the rains fill up surrounding waterholes, and the wildlife no longer needs to travel far distances for the life-giving water sources.

More evenly spread out, there is a rejuvenation to the Sabi Sabi game drive experience. The abundant vegetation offers ample sustenance, and many wildlife births take place. This creates an interesting dynamic between predator and prey.

Mothers in the animal kingdom are fiercely protective of their offspring, and we may encounter mother and offspring in tricky situations. Often vulnerable and weak, newborns are easy prey.

Checking the wet sand for fresh tracks and listening out for alarm calls for signs of predators in the area. The thicker vegetation means we become more creative with spotting animals.

Weather and Climate in the Wet Season

Our hot and humid summers in the Sabi Sands are paired with merciful afternoon rains. Showers that can last minutes at a time. The heat rising into the sky creates the perfect conditions for friction in the air, and we experience frequent thunder and lightning storms.

The showers cool down our hot days and bring life in the form of lush vegetation. This vegetation not only feeds the animals in the wild, but also gives them extra protection and shelter.

Wet Season Monthly Temperature Overview

October
High: 29°C (84°F)
Low: 17°C (63°F)

November
High: 30°C (86°F)
Low: 18°C (64°F)

December
High: 31°C (88°F)
Low: 19°C (66°F)

January
High: 34°C (93°F)
Low: 17°C (63°F)

February
High: 34°C (93°F)
Low: 17°C (63°F)

March
High: 33°C (91°F)
Low: 16°C (61°F)

April
High: 31°C (88°F)
Low: 14°C (57°F)

Ideal Time Schedules for Game Drives During the Wet Season

Our days start as the sun rises around 5:30. After a coffee in one of our luxurious lodges, we set off into the morning mist. A typical game drive lasts around three hours, depending on our guests and sightings.

We return to the lodge for breakfast at 9:00 and some downtime. A walking safari is always a good idea at this time. Then, at 13:00, we meet again in the main area for a hearty and wholesome lunch, which is followed by an afternoon siesta.

At 16:00, we invite our guests to gather in the main lounge before setting out on an afternoon drive in the Sabi Sands. The drive ends with a sundowner stop to enjoy the last warm rays of the day, and we head back to the lodges before dinner.

Sabi Sands - Night Game Drives

A night game drive in the Sabi Sands reserve is one of our favourite experiences. Once the sun sets, predators are on the prowl and the darkness is filled with territorial roars, incessant hyena laughter, and bird calls that travel like waves through the night air.

The thrill of a night drive in the Sabi Sands is palpable. There is an abundance of animals that only come out after dark, and our mission on a night safari is to find them. The nocturnal creatures are carefully tracked by our expert rangers and spotted with well-trained eyes.

After dinner with torches and blankets, the twinkling lights of the starlit sky guide us as they did our ancestors. Years of searching for wildlife in the dark pay off when our passionate rangers spot a genet, porcupine or leopard in the dark. Stripped of your sight, peering intently into the darkness, there is no telling what the wild has in store. A night drive is arguably one of the most thrilling safari experiences.

Sabi Sands - Day Game Drives

Daytime game drives typically take place in the early morning and late afternoon. This offers guests the opportunity to see wildlife in the cooler times of the day, when they are more active.

With seasonal changes, we adjust the times of our day drives to maximise time spent in the bush when it is most comfortable. Every game drive in the Sabi Sands is unique, and we can always expect the unexpected. From the comfort of the game drive vehicle, experience the raw and untouched vistas and encounter wildlife close up.  Sabi Sabi's game drives are always conducted in a respectful manner towards nature and its natural ecosystems. We take great care and have spent years developing a trusting relationship with the wildlife, which means we can get closer to the animals and fully appreciate the magnitude of their beauty.

navigate through the wilderness and share their immersive and intrinsic knowledge of the wild. They have a deep understanding of nature and will leave you feeling richer and humbled by the untamed wild.

Whether in the early morning to late afternoon, there is so much to be seen on a game drive. From the iconic Big Five to the smallest beetles and the loudest of birds, a game drive with Sabi Sabi is an immersive and holistic experience.

Sabi Sands - Early Morning Game Drives

We begin at dawn. As the sun starts its ascent into the sky, our vehicles are prepped with blankets and hot water bottles, and the game drive begins.

Our vehicles head off in different directions, hopeful and looking forward to what the wild has in store. Game drives in the Sabi Sands cannot be planned down to the details. We find that we are often changing course once we hear a call reverberate through the wilderness or the unmistakable sounds of an alarm call of an antelope or bird.

The crepuscular wildlife are active, and we find that both nocturnal and diurnal species like porcupines and lions can be seen in the early mornings. As the sun warms up the day, the daytime temperatures are comfortable and pleasant. This is also the time when predators are most active. Hunting in the heat of the day is no walk in the park, so predators like to use the cooler weather to their advantage.

Waking up before the sun can be difficult in the colder winter months, but the possibility of spotting an animal on the hunt or some of the nocturnal animals making their final round before they retreat for the daylight hours is worth the early wake-up call.

Sabi Sands - Mid-Day Game Drives

The middle of the day is generally when rangers and guests take a welcome pause. A quiet and relaxing respite that is filled with a siesta, reading a book or chatting quietly in the shaded lounge areas.

This is the perfect time to relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or simply watch the wildlife of the Sabi Sands walk by the front of our lodges.

Every now and then, we might hear an unexpected roar ringing through the still wilderness, or the sound of hippos fighting over territory. If any guests are eager to witness this, we would happily take a drive out to inspect the ruckus.

Sabi Sands - Afternoon/ Sunset Game Drives

After some downtime, a recharging siesta and a wholesome high tea, we’re ready for the afternoon drive in the Sabi Sands.

Setting out as the temperatures start to drop, animal activity returns after the hottest hours are spent under bushes and in trees. The anticipation of what could be is palpable as we visit some of our favourite afternoon wildlife sighting areas. As cooler temperatures drift in, predators start to target potential prey. Species like genets, porcupines, leopards and owls find the night more appealing.

What to Expect on a Sabi Sands Game Drive with Sabi Sabi

With over 40 years of sharing this wilderness with guests, we've learned a thing or two about what to expect on game drives in Sabi Sands. 

Sabi Sands - Early Eve Game Drives

There is an exciting and yet relaxed atmosphere during a game drive in the Sabi Sands in the early evening. The crepuscular animals start to make their rounds, and as the day comes to an end for us, for some animals in the Greater Kruger area, they are just getting started.

Life is active in the bush at dusk. It’s when the creatures that are active during the day find their place for the night, and we see lots of antelope and plains game feeding in large herds. Hippos start to come out of the water to spend nights on dry land, and many animals convene at water sources.

Just before the sun sets, we set up to enjoy refreshing beverages in some of our favourite places to watch the wildlife. Watching the sun set while sipping on the iconic African G&T is not only a great way to end the day but an unmissable safari ritual.

Once the sun has disappeared below the horizon, it’s time to head back to the lodge for a wholesome dinner with the friends who have shared in this incredible experience with you. It’s a time to share stories of the day and cement lifelong friendships.

Sabi Sands - After Dinner Game Drives

After dinner, when darkness has enveloped the African plains, we set out on a night drive in the Sabi Sands. Torches at the ready, we are on the lookout for eyeshine and evidence of recent movement.

This is arguably the most thrilling of game drives, when all senses are dulled and you can only see where the spotlight shines.

Sabi Sands - Tips and Planning Your Adventure

Whatever the season, the bushveld experience will be unforgettable. There are so many things that make a safari great, and every season is unique. We’ve spent over 40 years watching guests fall in love with Sabi Sands. Along the way, we’ve learned the little things that make your journey smoother, and we’d love to share them with you.

What to pack?

Packing for a game drive in the Sabi Sands is simple. Focus on low contrast, natural colours. Beige, khaki and browns work best - pack for comfort and ease of movement. The daytime temperatures can be vastly different, so layering clothing helps to keep warm in the early mornings and at night. It also gives you the option to take off layers as the day heats up.

If you’ve got a steady pair of boots, hiking or otherwise, it’s a good idea to pack them. A trusty pair of trainers or sneakers works too - anything that closes over your toes.

Again, if you have a pair of binoculars, it would be worth bringing them along.

Best Times to Visit?

Every season has its advantages, and it all depends on you. If you are travelling with children, school holidays fall in our popular season, so be sure to book your safari adventure ahead of time.

For some, the best time to visit is the dry winter months when the grass is low, the bare trees are majestically silhouetted against the sky, and the scarcity of water has animals gathering around waterholes.

For others who prefer the heat, the lush.

May - September

Our winters may be cooler and drier, but they are the most popular time of the year. As the vegetation thins, guests can see more of the wildlife. Water sources become scarce, so you’ll experience many animals congregating where there is water.

September - April

Our summer months bring exceptional wildlife viewing with a difference. The vegetation is thick thanks to the welcome rains that cool down our extremely hot days. The rains bring a lush beauty to the landscape, and many wildlife species have evolved to give birth to their offspring when food is abundant. If you are looking to travel out of peak season, this is a great option for you.

Booking with Sabi Sabi means you have access to some of the best travel advisors. Allow us to plan a trip that’s completely tailored to you.

The Ultimate Sabi Sands Game Drive with Sabi Sabi

We know that a safari in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it’s important to us that we get it right for you. We’re committed to bringing you the ultimate luxury in our lodges and on every activity.

With over 40 years of caring for these untamed landscapes and endless passion, it’s our pleasure to share the Sabi Sabi experience with you. From the luxurious suites and authentic hospitality to intimate game sightings with expert rangers, we have perfected the art of indulging your senses. Discover a new understanding and appreciation for nature and allow yourself to slow down in this transformative destination.

We’ll show you the untouched landscapes of Sabi Sands and introduce you to a plethora of wildlife while remaining respectful in our encounters. Discover the ultimate Sabi Sands game drive with Sabi Sabi and experience the magic of the wild firsthand.