Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge Review

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World portfolio. This eco-conscious luxury safari lodge is refreshingly original. As the name suggests, the buildings appear to be sculpted out of the earth. Innovative architectural features and organic textures capture the spirit of the African bush, and allow you to further connect with this precious environment.

Location // How to Get There

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is situated in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve within the South-Western section of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is one of South Africa’s most coveted safari regions, known for close encounters with the Big Five, as well as cheetah, hyena, giraffe, wild dog and over 350 species of birds.

There are daily flights from Johannesburg to the Sabi Sabi airstrip with Federal Airlines. Airlink also runs daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Sabi Sabi provides open air 4x4 vehicle transfers to/from the airport. You’ll start seeing wildlife within minutes of your drive from the airport, so your safari adventure begins immediately.

sabi sabi watch for animals traffic sign

Lodge Details // Room Tour

This quiet hideout is made up of a main lodge structure, and thirteen villas, surrounded by nothing but the open savannah. At certain angles the buildings are invisible, so don’t be surprised if animals pop by for a visit. The design at Sabi Sabi deviates from the common colonial style safari lodge. Though the architecture and decor is more contemporary, and it may not be for the safari purists, it is one of the most unique hotel rooms in the world.

The cavernous underground villas feel like the set of the Flintstones movie. The walls are literally made from the earth - you’ll notice straw and twigs mixed with the plaster. Stone and leather details top off the prehistoric ambiance. Although you are quickly reminded of your modern-day life with luxurious amenities like a sunken tub, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private pool. At night, the moon and stars shining through a skylight provide a celestial glow.

A stand-out design feature is the tables and chairs set in ankle-deep water, perfect for a soak after a dusty game drive. A bar made from a slab of twisted wood is another convivial gathering spot, where G&Ts and stories from the day are shared. If wine is more your thing, head down to the underground cellar with over 6,000 bottles of wine to choose from.

Inventive meals highlight local ingredients, but with an international twist. The food is contemporary African, which fits the vibe of the lodge. Morning and afternoon tea, a hearty breakfast and lunch, and a multi-course dinner will keep your belly happy. Some evenings, dinner is served in the outdoor boma formed by tree roots, which is a particularly special experience.

A Day in the Life // Safari Schedule

There are no fences around the lodge, so you have the opportunity to see wild animals onsite and during your daily activities. Experience the bush in an open air safari vehicle or by foot, always accompanied by your armed and knowledgeable Game Ranger and eagle-eyed Shangaan Tracker.

Safari life is all about the game drives and spotting wildlife. You have two drives a day - one in the morning and one in the early evening. Après-game drive, escape the heat with a plunge into your shady pool or relax with a massage.

This schedule will give you an idea of what a day on safari looks like.

Sustainability

Sabi Sabi’s commitment to preserving the environment and empowering the surrounding Shangaan communities, from which many of the staff are drawn, translates into an exceptional safari experience. By staying at Sabi Sabi, you are helping to contribute to these efforts.

Rates and availability are listed here. It’s expensive, but it’s all-inclusive so it is worth it.

If you are looking for a more traditional safari accommodation, you can stay at one of their sister properties like Sabi Sabi Selati, Sabi Sabi Little Bush, or Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.

If you need help planning your African adventure, please contact me.

xx Kathryn