Sabi Sand South
Southern Sabi Sand is the home of modern luxury safaris. It has been variously fenced ‘in’ and ‘out’ of the Kruger since 1934. Twenty five years ago, fences were dropped to form the Greater Kruger allowing game to roam freely.
Five lodge groupings have varying levels of access to highly desirable Sand river frontage. Oddly, it contains some of the cheapest and the most expensive Sabi Sand lodges (see below). Great value is delivered by the high concentrations of game.
This area continues to be the crucible of innovation.
Generally, road access is through Shaws Gate, close to the Kruger gate to the Park. It takes two hours to drive here from Nelspruit, or an hour from Skukuza airport/ restcamp (in the park). But do note that some lodges use a restricted private access road from the airport which their own game drive vehicles are allowed to use to effect much quicker transfers.
You will need at least 90 minutes to exit the western Sabi Sand to re-enter the south. The northern sector (Gowrie gate) is three hours away.