Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge – Immersed in the Heart of the Wild
After checking out of Little Africa Tented Camp, we met Mike, our transfer driver, and began the journey toward Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. The drive, via Hoedspruit, was expected to take around two and a half hours, but ongoing roadworks and potholes stretched it closer to three and a half. A reminder that African travel often comes with a sense of unpredictability and patience.
Arriving later than planned, we were grateful to be welcomed into a cool, air-conditioned dining space where a generous lunch spread awaited – fresh salads, seasonal fruits, cheeses, and a selection of hot and cold dishes that immediately revived us.
We were warmly greeted by Lauren, the General Manager, and welcomed with a chilled towel infused with citrus oil, a small but thoughtful touch along with a refreshing signature drink.
The lodge’s main lounge opens out onto sweeping plains, and within moments of arrival, we were rewarded with our first sighting, an elephant grazing peacefully nearby. Over the coming days, this view would continue to deliver, with zebra, impala, wildebeest, and more elephants wandering close to camp, creating a constant sense of connection to the wild.
After lunch, we were escorted to our suites. The first impression? Space, style, and indulgence. Our trainee host, Nmo, proudly showed us through, highlighting every detail from the luxurious finishes to the fully stocked complimentary minibar. The resort pool looked incredibly inviting, though time was not on our side, we had a 3:30pm briefing ahead of our 4:00pm game drive.
Heading out with our guide Neo and tracker Tamba, the afternoon delivered unforgettable highlights. A leopard draped lazily across a tree branch, completely at ease in its elevated sanctuary, and later, a rare and powerful sighting of mating lions: raw, intense, and utterly captivating.
Over the following days, each drive brought something new. While hyenas remained elusive, there was never a sense of missing out. Around every bend, there were fresh discoveries – lion prides resting in the shade, elephants crossing the tracks, and countless impala dotting the landscape.
When the larger game proved more elusive, the smaller details stepped in to impress. Birdlife was abundant and fascinating, starlings flashing iridescent colours, the distinctive call of the hoopoe, drongos darting through the air, and intricately woven nests of weaver birds. Our guides also shared insights into the bush itself, plants used traditionally for soap, shampoo, and even toothpaste, along with tree bark strong enough to be used as rope. It’s these layers of knowledge that deepen the safari experience beyond sightings alone.
One morning’s “spotto list” included rhino and we were not disappointed, finding one resting peacefully along the riverbank, a truly special and humbling encounter.
Dining at Sabi Sabi was equally memorable. Meals were both creative and comforting – think mashed potatoes with beetroot, crispy potato skins, vibrant carrot, pineapple and raisin salad, and fresh apple and beetroot combinations. Dinner brought more adventurous flavours, including perfectly prepared ostrich steak and antelope, along with local cheeses infused with caraway seeds.
Beyond the game drives, we had the opportunity to explore the broader Sabi Sabi collection. A site inspection of Sabi Sabi Selati Camp revealed a romantic, vintage safari charm, with standout suites including a honeymoon and presidential option, each featuring private plunge pools.
At Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, the atmosphere felt intimate and exclusive, while Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge impressed with its striking architecture – sculpted into the earth with a contemporary concrete design, an exceptional wine cellar, and spacious suites, most with private plunge pools.
Every lodge showcased beautiful décor and carefully curated African artefacts, adding a strong sense of place and authenticity.
Of course, no safari is complete without a touch of adventure. One afternoon of “bush bashing” resulted in a punctured tyre, an experience that quickly turned into an unexpected highlight, watching the team expertly change it in the middle of the African bush.
And just when you think the magic might fade, it doesn’t. Even outside Earth Lodge, an elephant family casually wandered past, reminding us that here, the wilderness is never far away.
An excuse I never thought I would ever use to a host for being late for dinner .. ‘held up due to some mating lions on the road ‘ preventing us from being back to the lodge on time .. strengthens the guides motto – animals before food
Little Africa tented camp – well curated and definitely next level up in accommodation/camp surrounds and facilities .
Friendly staff and guides .. after a lunch of lasagne and salad we headed off on our first afternoon safari drive .. justice and ? .. once again showed their keen eyes for the wildlife and found us a herd of zebra shortly after we started . This is encouraging for guests who now look eagerly themselves to see what we find next .. reports over the two-way alerts the guides to some elephants activity along the boundary fence line so we make our way to where the sighting has been reported.. the roads are in poor condition due to recent flooding and the vehicles cope well with the washouts but client would be shaken about and those who might have back issue would be advised about this situation.
We find the reported elephants-2 younger male and one older one .. this was another one of those experiences that linger in your mind when you are visually present in the elephants natural habitat. Viewing from open sided vehicles allows you to hear the interaction between the animals .. the breathing the breaking of branches gives you the expectation of something else, another bull elephant, 🐘 coming through the trees .. guides quietly advising you of behaviour triggers of the animals ..
After our elephant encounters we head off to enjoy some sundowner drinks near a dam .. we had seen hippos in this dam as we passed but they were at the furthest end away from our road area .. but curious to see what was going on or just peeved they were not asked for drinks as well the group of 5 hippos made their way very quickly for such a large animal through the water to be close to us and they preformed a show of gaping their mouths and grunting..
Our return to camp for dinner which was a traditional South African meal – small pot n South Africa, a potjiekos /ˈpɔɪkiːkɒs/, literally translated “small-pot food”, is a dish prepared outdoors. It is traditionally cooked in a round, cast iron, three-legged cauldron, the potjie, descended from the Dutch oven brought from the Netherlands to South Africa in the 18th century and found in the homes and villages of people throughout southern Africa.[1] The pot is heated using small amounts of wood or charcoal or, if fuel is scarce, twisted grass or even dried animal dung.[ of impala stew type and stump ..
Samp (or stump millies/kaboemielies) is a staple South African dish made from dried, pounded corn kernels, often cooked with sugar beans, butter, and potatoes. It is a hearty, slow-cooked staple, famous as Umngqusho (Xhosa) or served alongside rich stews. Common variations include adding lamb, chicken, or peanuts. Made from corn .. interesting combination.
Back to our beautiful rooms for a restful sleep ready for a 5 am game drive.
The morning alarm was not your Apple iPhone but the roar of a lion .. 🦁.. wow moment for anyone.. the guides were quick to let us know that the lion was not at our front door as it felt but not far away so we off in the jeeps to find him .. dominate male lion on his own .. full belly of zebra steaks from a recent kill .. was just letting his family know where he was .. to listen to his roar at such a short distance was truly amazing and goosebumps moment .. not long after we come across his family of mummy lions and their playful teenagers.
Next on our game of spotto was giraffe literally just outside the gate of little Africa.
We also managed to see a rhino at the riverbank resting.
Numerous families of impalas along the drive keep your eyes searching for other species to tick off the list .. we saw red billed stork along the riverbank fishing successfully.
Returning to camp we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast.
We were invited to do a site inspection on modillol river canyon resort .. which little Africa is part of.
What an extraordinary experience our time in the African bush has been. Undoubtedly, the highlight was waking in the early hours to the powerful roar of lions echoing through the wilderness, a true heart-stopping moment that will stay with us forever.
With our safari adventure drawing to a close, we transferred to Skukuza Airport for our 1 hour 15 minute flight to Cape Town with Airlink. As with any journey, delays are always a possibility and flexibility is key. A one-hour delay due to runway damage meant a slight adjustment to our plans, but with some quick pivoting, we were still able to keep our much-anticipated visit to Table Mountain on track.
On arrival, it was straight to the cableway and a tip for future travellers: skip-the-line tickets are essential, as queues can stretch up to two hours. From the road, there are around 60–70 steps to the station, though a lift is available for those with mobility concerns. The cable car itself carries approximately 23 passengers, with a rotating floor that offers a full 360-degree view during the ascent – a unique and memorable experience.
At the summit, nearly 1,000 metres above sea level, walking paths weave around the mountain top, showcasing a diverse array of native flora. There’s even a charming old chapel that has been converted into a shop, along with casual dining options. The boardwalks make the area accessible for all.
Unfortunately, the famous “Cape Town Doctor” winds had rolled in some cloud cover, limiting visibility but the experience was still nothing short of spectacular.
After checking into The Peninsula Hotel, we were warmly welcomed , the BDM, and shown to our two-bedroom apartment (Room 109), complete with kitchen facilities. While spacious and well-appointed, the bathroom layout, particularly the shower-over-bath design, may not be suitable for older guests or those with mobility concerns. A beautiful fruit platter awaited us on arrival, a thoughtful touch before we quickly changed for the evening ahead.
That evening, our driver Fazial took us to an exciting dining experience at SPYCED Restaurant. From the moment we arrived, being greeted as “my lady” and “my queen” by a Zulu prince added a touch of theatre and charm. The evening unfolded with a generous set menu featuring over ten shared starters and desserts, followed by vibrant African dancing, where guests were encouraged to join in. A highlight was the interactive spice lesson, teaching us how to unlock rich, aromatic flavours – perfect inspiration for our next dinner party.
The following morning, we set off on a full-day journey along the Cape Peninsula towards the Cape of Good Hope. Driving along dramatic cliffside roads, known for occasional rockfalls yet popular with cyclists and joggers, we made a stop in Noordhoek for coffee before continuing into the national park.
At Cape Point, guests can choose to walk up to the lighthouse or take the funicular. A short drive further brings you to the iconic Cape of Good Hope, often regarded as the southwesternmost point of the African continent, a must-see landmark.
On our return journey, we stopped for a delightful seafood lunch at Seaforth Restaurant in Simon’s Town, home to South Africa’s naval base. This charming coastal town deserves more time and is easily accessible by train from Cape Town. Nearby, we visited the endangered African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
Our day continued with a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, often described as the jewel in Cape Town’s crown. Beautifully curated, the gardens showcase South Africa’s unique flora, including the iconic protea and the striking golden “Mandela Gold” bird of paradise.
That evening, we experienced another side of Cape Town with a visit to The Claremont, part of the Sabi Sabi collection. Located in a peaceful, leafy suburb away from the bustling waterfront, it offers a more tranquil stay, ideal for guests seeking relaxation while still being close to golf courses and botanical gardens.
The next morning, we journeyed to Franschhoek, Cape Town’s renowned wine region. The scenic 90-minute drive through vineyards was a teaser for what lay ahead, with cellar doors inviting passersby to stop and indulge. After dropping our bags at our boutique hotel, The Last Word, we made our way to the tram terminal to begin a day of wine tasting via the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
With seven wineries on our list, we quickly discovered that three stops were more than enough to savour the experience. Each estate offered tastings guided by knowledgeable sommeliers, providing insight into the region’s exceptional wines.
Later, we visited the Franschhoek Spa & Resort for a site inspection, exploring their one- and two-bedroom villas as well as classic rooms. Set across beautifully manicured grounds, the estate features 79 rooms designed in classic Western Cape style. Dinner that evening was a relaxed buffet. It was tje perfect end to a leisurely day.
As our journey together comes to an end, we prepare to go our separate ways, some extending their stay, others returning home to Australia. What we take with us are not just memories, but stories filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable wildlife encounters:
Farting elephants, grumpy rhinos, lazy leopards, cheeky monkeys, teasing cheetahs, randy lions, and graceful giraffes.
You may leave Africa… but Africa never leaves you.
