A Taste of a Sabi Sabi Safari

Driving from Skykuza Airport to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in South Africa with my group was a dream come true. I have always wanted to go on a South African safari and this was my first taste, with two nights at a wonderful five-star lodge. As we pulled up to the lodge, we were greeted by the General Manager, who described the lodge and our accommodations as we enjoyed welcome drinks.

The lodge is open to wildlife passing through, which I first evidenced as I walked to my room and saw a family of wart hogs playing in “my” backyard. Further proof was when the wake-up call for my morning game drive included a warning to stay in my room until someone could fetch me as there were lions roaming the camp! This did not frighten me at all but thrilled me! Knowing I was so close to nature and game was an incredible feeling, and the staff are so knowledgeable I felt safe during my entire stay.

Meals at Sabi Sabi were delectible. While breakfast and lunch menus remained the same, there was a different dinner menu every night. Additionally, each night dinner took place in a different location. My group was lucky enough to enjoy dinner in the boma (outdoor dining area) one night and the lodge’s wine cellar the second night. Even out here in the wilderness, each course was well executed and delicious and exceeded our expectations. Special requests and allergies were all met.

Our stay included two game drives each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We had the same guide and tracker throughout our stay, which was wonderful because they knew what we had already seen and what we were hoping to encounter. These game drives are by far the highlight of being on an African safari, and I would have loved to have stayed out on game drives all day.

My group was lucky enough to see the Big Five (buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard and lion) as well as a multitude of other wildlife. Our guide and tracker were extremely knowledgeable, and they could answer any question we threw their way. Our tracker even spotted a chameleon in a tree using his spotlight–on a night drive!

As expected, my Sabi Sabi safari experience has me hooked. I cannot wait to return to Africa and explore different lodges, countries, and wildlife encounters; however, my heart will always remember my first safari experience at the wonderful Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

Courtney Lavarnway