Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger

By Hoda Alzubaidi

Nestled within the renowned Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in South Africa, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge stands as a beacon of luxury unlike any other.

And you know it must be special if both TripAdvisor and Google rank this lodge a perfect 5 stars!

The Greater Kruger National Park is a must for any safari enthusiasts and Sabi Sabi proudly flaunts a total of four exclusive lodges in this region – the others being Selati Camp, Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp – each reflecting different design features.

The lodge

Day bar at Earth Lodge.

First impression is the calm yet sophisticated décor that oozes African flair. A world-class interior that immediately awakens your senses to the magic of what awaits. The moment I checked in, I noticed the interiors were adorned with luxurious furnishings, contemporary African art and innovative design elements.

My eyes are instantly drawn to the impressive hand-carved wooden masterpiece that acts as a modern bench. A sleek yet eco-friendly design that compliments its surroundings perfectly.

The rooms

Luxury suite.

Earth Lodge offers 12 ultra-luxurious, spacious suites with soaring ceilings, each boasting indoor and outdoor showers, a fully inclusive bar filled with all the best wines and gins that South Africa has to offer, a luxe bathtub, toiletries and an extra-large private swimming pool that overlooks the vast landscape. If you are lucky, you might have a herd of thirsty elephants sipping from your pool.

My personal favourite is the large outdoor private deck that transforms into an exclusive dining area for two in the evenings. What makes this extra special is the wildlife you spot from the comfort of your suite. The Reserve is not fenced, meaning you might get to see wild animal around the lodge environs at any given time!

Wildlife & experiences

Safari at Sabi Sabi.

Sabi Sabi is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros. In addition to the Big Five, the Reserve is home to a rich diversity of other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas and a dazzling array of bird species.

Every game drive or bush walk offers the chance to encounter these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. My favourite however, during one lunch I was enjoying in the open-air dining area was seeing some warthog graze on the green lawns.

In addition to the morning and evening safari available each day, guests can also enjoy community tours and walking safaris on site.

Getting there

Getting to Sabi Sabi is convenient and fast.

The cheapest and most common way is by domestic flight. Skukuza Airport is only a short 50-minute drive to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge while Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is a two-hour trip. Alternatively, if you prefer to start the journey in luxury you can also opt for a private scheduled charter with Federal Air which arrives on the Sabi Sabi landing strip. For those wanting to experience the journey by car the drive is approximately 5-6 hours from Johannesburg city.

Food and wine

Amazing dining settings.

A true celebration of South African flavours, dining at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a culinary experience like no other. If you are game enough to try some game, then this lodge offers an array of local meats and dishes which celebrate South African gastronomy, where every meal is a celebration of the country’s rich flavours and the lodge’s commitment to excellence.

The all-inclusive resort will have you eating breakfast, lunch and dinner and somehow be still hungry for more. Luckily, there is no shortage of exceptional and mouth-watering food options. A visit to the Day Bar Pool is a must, a unique dining experience while dipping your feet into the fresh cool water.

The bush dinner under the picture-perfect starry night is also an experience unlike any other, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Kruger National Park. My personal recommendation on the menu is the succulent warthog wrapped in bacon and the iconic Malva pudding drenched in custard.

For an unmissable experience, the wine cellar at Earth Lodge transforms into a private candle-lit dining space. This dining experience can be truly enchanting, offering a blend of exquisite cuisine, fine wines, and an intimate atmosphere surrounded by rows of carefully curated fine wine from all over South Africa and beyond.

Overall, it’s a magical experience that elevates the senses.

Final thoughts

What truly sets Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge apart are its people and the quality of service. From the moment you check in, you are transported to a South African sanctuary for the soul and senses, a place where personalised luxury is the true purpose that fills ever magical moment.

The staff are not only attentive and informative but hold a sense of pride for one another and what they do.

It’s an extraordinary lodge, blending beautifully the opulence of eco-conscious design and unparalleled wildlife experiences.

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