Sabi Sabi Selati Camp

Accommodation

Selati Camp

Imagine the Africa of the great safari era, when blazing sunsets melted into lantern lit romance and service was an effortless whisper. This is the Africa you will experience at Sabi Sabi's Selati Camp, an award winning luxury game lodge in South Africa.

During the 1870's, high in the crevices of the Drakensberg escarpment which rises to the west of Sabi Sabi, gold was discovered. To transport the gold, the parliament of the Old Transvaal Republic commissioned a railway line from the interior to Delagoa Bay in Mozambique. A branch railway known as the Selati Line crossed the Sabi Sand Reserve.

Today the line is disused but the old railbed can still be seen in the north-eastern section of Sabi Sabi, close to Selati Camp. Sabi Sabi's intimate all-suite Selati Camp is the most unforgettable of all African experiences. It offers the perfect accommodation for travellers looking for a romantic luxury safari lodge in South Africa. Selati is furnished with a historic railway theme and colonial charm and is meticulously created as an authentic home in the bush. The railway theme extends from the original steam engine name plates, signals and shunter's lamps lighting the way to your suite, to interesting memorabilia and other collector's pieces in each room.

Originally created without electricity to preserve the ambience, Selati Camp has now installed overhead fans, air-conditioning and all the trimmings expected from a luxury safari lodge. Nights at Selati are quiet, intimate and possessed of a rare magic. Under the spectacular canopy of the Southern night sky the camp is still romantically lit by the gentle flicker of oil lamps and lanterns, and the warm glow of fires

Fashioned in a colonial "Out of Africa" style, this exclusive lodge comprises eight opulent thatched suites, each with full bathroom en-suite and private alfresco shower nestled under majestic indigenous trees. World-class cuisine is served on wooden thatched decks built alongside the Msuthlu riverbed, in the open air "boma" or in the "farmhouse kitchen".

Selati has 8 suites on offer. The premier accommodation at Selati Camp is the sumptuous and spacious Ivory Presidential Suite, which is a favourite amongst Kings, Queens, and those just looking for exceptional accommodation. It offers colonial grandeur in the form of original antiques, a draped four-poster bed, private terrace, and fireplace. The magnificent en-suite bathroom, complete with Persian carpet and antique chaise-lounge, also features a very private plunge pool. The separate dressing room features an antique wardrobe and matching dressing table.

The Lourenco Marques Suite is a must for honeymooners or the romantic at heart. Whether it is the fragrant flower petals strewn on the exquisite bedlinen, or the candles illuminating the bathroom on return from the evening safari, a stay in this romantic suite will always be remembered.

Sabi Sabi's Selati Camp combines turn of the century elegance with personalised safari luxury - a rare experience.

Activities

Safaris At Sabi Sabi

Southern Africa captivates everyone who is lucky enough to experience its power and magic. The concept of 'Safari' conjures up images of adventure, dramatic landscapes and exciting wildlife. Sabi Sabi's four luxury safari lodges are located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve which is geographically integrated with the Kruger National Park.

Sabi Sabi epitomises Africa's magic. With no fences between the reserve and the Kruger Park, big game abounds, moving freely through this unspoiled part of the ancient African continent. The Reserve is blessed with a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife giving an excellent chance of close encounters with the 'Big Five' - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard - as well as wild dog and cheetah. With over 300 bird species, the reserve is a birdwatcher's delight.

There has been no hunting here for over half a century and the animals have become habituated to - and relaxed in the presence of - safari vehicles. The ultimate destination for a luxury safari; visitors to Sabi Sabi can look forward the unique experience of close encounters with animals as they continue unperturbed in their natural daily patterns of hunting, feeding, courting and suckling.

Safaris take place each morning and evening in open Land Rovers which drive through a wide variety of habitats, allowing visitors to view the vast interactions of the wild. After breakfast, guests on guided walking trails can experience the natural environment on foot. The dedicated, highly trained and experienced Rangers lead you to discover miracles of nature you may never have dreamed existed.

Read about the latest bush sightings at Sabi Sabi

Luxury African Safaris
Morning Safaris
An early morning call from the Ranger will wake you before first light, while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares cool fruit juices with a muffin, rusk or other freshly made delicacy. So begins the morning safari.

The bush is already alive, the air filled with birdsong as the rising sunlight dances off beads of dew on spiders' webs. Nobody, not even the tracker who can read the bushveld like a book, knows what's in store. He will watch the road for spoor, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt in the dark. There may be hushed discussions in Shangaan between Ranger and Tracker, and brief radio interactions from one vehicle to another. Sharing information ensures that the occupants of each Land Rover have the best chance of a wide range of sightings during their drives - and also ensures control and responsible behaviour as the vehicles move in close to the animals.

Morning Guided Bush Walk
Renowned for luxury experiences, Sabi Sabi isn't all about phenomenal game drives and exceptional dining. Opportunities for education and adventure are definitely on the cards for those interested and energetic. On the morning safari walk you can be part of a small group that sets out on foot after breakfast. The walk is an opportunity to feel the pulse of Africa through the soles of your feet and experience the bushveld at close quarters.

Sabi Sabi boasts approximately 350 different species of birds, a paradise for birdwatchers. Raptors are plentiful, including 11 species of owl, the seldom seen cuckoo hawk and rare bat hawk. There is an endless diversity of trees, shrubs and flowering plants, and whatever the time of year, no two walks are ever the same.

Evening Safaris
Evening falls and you prepare for the night safari. As the fierce heat of the day cools, the inhabitants of the bush become restless, and the animals move out of the shade of the trees. The call of the crested francolin reverberates through the bushveld and birds increase the volume of their song. You will be aware of colours softening to the beautiful, gentle hues that vary with each season. New scents fill the air and as the sun dips behind the horizon your Ranger will choose a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners alongside the vehicle. Watch in awe as the sky turns to the sensational vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset. There is a lull as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger. It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey needs to be alert for survival through the night.

During your safari you may be lucky enough to watch lions prepare for their evening hunt. Their long bodies stretch to ease muscles cramped from lying in the shade during the day; sinews are lengthened and claws sharpened against a tree; the vegetation is marked with scent, and the wind checked for smells; only then do they set off in a slow, loose-jointed, arrogant amble. There are numerous nocturnal hunters and on your evening safari, with the help of a spotlight, a leopard's eyes may reflect back from a nearby tree. Or you may be lucky enough to spot another smaller predator, a genet, African civet or African wild cat. One can come across scenes at night that become etched in memory: elephants moving heavily but silently in the moonlight; the incredible flying leaps of bushbabies from treetop to treetop, and the red shine from a lion's eyes as it looks up from its kill. A Sabi Sabi evening safari will never be forgotten.

Ranger's Stories - captivating experiences of our Rangers.

Whilst staying at Sabi Sabi you will experience the greatest luxury safaris on offer - view our luxury African safari specials.

Directions

Getting To Sabi Sabi

Getting There By Air

• Daily scheduled flights from O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport (previously known as Johannesburg International) directly to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip.
• Daily scheduled flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) (Nelspruit) with a short hop to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip.
• Daily scheduled flights from Durban and Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit) with a short hop to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip
• Sabi Sabi is a two-hour scenic drive from Nelspruit. Transfers can be arranged.
• Private air charters on request.
• Helicopter transfers on request.
• Complimentary transfers between the Sabi Sabi Airstrip and the Sabi Sabi safari lodges.
Getting There By Road

• 500 km from Johannesburg, an easy five-hour drive on National Roads.
• Road transfers from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Sabi Sabi can be arranged on request.
• Sabi Sabi is a two-hour scenic drive from Nelspruit. Transfers from the airport can be arranged.
The Sabi Sand Reserve levies a cash vehicle entrance fee of R80-00 per vehicle (subject to change)

View a printable map of how to get to our luxury safari lodges in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve or contact us should you require more information.

Map / GPS

General Information

Awards

Tourism Awards Won by Sabi Sabi

• 2008 Travel & Leisure - "100 Best Hotels" - Sabi Sabi was voted 8th Best Hotel in the World, 4th Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East, & received a service rating in the Top 10 World Service Awards

• 2008 Africa World Travel Award - Sabi Sabi has been named as Africa's Leading Safari Lodge

• 2007 Travel & Leisure - "100 Best Hotels" - Sabi Sabi was voted 7th Best Hotel in the World & 2nd Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East
• 2007 Luxury Link - Winner - World's Best Hotel
• 2007 Voted Best Lodge - By Resorts Web Magazine (Italy)
• 2006 The ASATA/Diners Club Travel Award - For the best Game Lodge in Southern Africa - This award is voted by the members of the Southern African Travel Industry
• 2006 Diners Club Platinum Winelist Award - In honour of an excellent selection of wines
• 2006 Professional Management Review Diamond Arrow Award - For the highest rated in the category "Executive Lodges (5 Star) in the Mpumulanga Province"
• 2006 Professional Management Review Golden Arrow Award - For the highest rated in the category "Private Game Farms and Parks in the Mpumulanga Province"
• 2006 Travel & Leisure - 4th in Africa & Middle East
• 2005 Travel & Leisure - Top 5 in Africa & Middle East and Top 35 in the world
• 2005 Tattler UK - Top 101 Hotels in the World
• 2005 Conde Naste Traveler - Gold List
• 2005 The ASATA/Diners Club Travel Award - For the best Game Lodge in Southern Africa - This award is voted by the members of the Southern African Travel Industry
• 2004 Travel & Leisure - World's Best Award
• 2004 Elite Traveller - Voted us as having one of the greatest suites in the world - Amber Suite at Earth Lodge
• 2004 Travel and Leisure - World's Best Award - In Top 100 Hotels in the World & In Top 10 Hotels in Africa & Asia
• 2004 Conde Naste Traveller - UK - One of the Top Health Spa's Hotels in the world
• 2004 The ASATA/Diners Club Travel Award - For the best Game Lodge in Southern Africa - This award is voted by the members of the Southern African Travel Industry
• 2004 AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards - Hall Of Fame - Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
• 2004 AA Travel Guides - Gold Achiever - Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
• 2004 Conde Naste Traveller - The Gold List

Sabi Sabi Luxury Safaris

Deep in the African bushveld, within South Africa's famous Sabi Sand Reserve, something enchanting lies in wait - the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. This award winning private game reserve offers world-class standards in luxury accommodation, exceptional close wildlife encounters, personal service and delicious cuisine.

The Sabi Sabi philosophy of 'yesterday, today and tomorrow' stems from over 100 years of safari experience; a history richly woven into the atmosphere of each of its four uniquely individual safari lodges - Selati Camp, Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp and Earth Lodge. South Africa and its warm hospitality echo through the style and flavour of each and every one.

Something special is happening deep in the heart of the wilderness... The reserve is home to the 'Big Five' (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), as well as cheetah, wild dog and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and plants indigenous to the area. Highly trained and experienced rangers and trackers ensure that your safari experience ranks amongst the best in the world. You can look forward to fantastic close-up experiences with Africa's wildlife on every game drive.

For further information on an unforgettable South African safari, contact Sabi Sabi today. You'll soon find out why we're continuously voted one of the best private game reserves in South Africa and the world.

Fabulous photographic tuition makes the most of your safari
Every Sabi Sabi visitor leaves with a lifetime of treasured safari memories. Many also take away beautiful photographs of their time in the bush. In response to demand from guests, Sabi Sabi now offers photographic tuition on safari, with renowned wildlife photographers, Chris van Rooyen and Albert Froneman. Well known for their photography of birds and animals, the duo from Afrimage have won numerous awards and accolades worldwide; and now offer a hands-on introduction to photography while on safari. They accompany guests on their safari, showing them camera set-up, the principles of wildlife photography from a vehicle and step-by-step guidance at a sighting. Back at the lodge, they explain computer processing of images, a critique of the day's work and ways to maximise the shots taken. Click here for more information.

About Sabi Sabi

Since 1978 Sabi Sabi has hosted visitors from all over the world, drawn to this unique area by the promise of the safari experience of a lifetime. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated in the world-renowned 65000 hectare Sabi Sand Wildtuin in the South-Western section of the Kruger National Park, is a wildlife oasis, where you can observe at close quarters the age-old natural relationship between predator and prey.

Big game abounds and roams freely throughout this pristine part of the ancient African continent. The diverse habitat is home to spectacular wildlife including the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant - as well as cheetah, wild dog and some 200 other animal species indigenous to the area.

There is nothing quite as stirring as the sight of a lion, elephant or rhino roaming free in the bush; as haunting as the sound of a hyaena laughing in the dead of night; as electrifying as the tension one feels when following spoor along a dry riverbed. This is what makes the Sabi Sabi experience so memorable. Day and night safaris in open Land Rovers, led by highly trained Game Rangers and qualified Trackers, follow the animals on and off-road, deep into the heart of the wild African Bushveld. Walking safaris allow guests to feel the pulse of untamed Africa through the soles of their feet.

Sabi Sabi is also home to a remarkable 350 species of birds. On a single summer's day, a visitor from the Northern Hemisphere will probably see more bird species than he is likely to see in a lifetime in his home country. In fact, almost 5% of the world's bird species have been recorded in this region of South Africa.

Sabi Sabi offers four completely separate luxurious, all-suite, award-winning lodges with very distinct characters and atmospheres - those of "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" which is encapsulated in the "Yesterday" experience at the romantic Selati Camp; "Today" at the more contemporary lodges of Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp and "Tomorrow" at the ground-breaking Earth Lodge.

Sabi Sabi daily rates range from R3,600 to R13,000 per person per night sharing, fully inclusive of open Land Rover safaris by day and at night, environmental awareness walking safaris as well as delectable meals, selected beverages and South African house wines.

Ask about our special seasonal offers.

Sabi Sabi is a one hour flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) directly to the Sabi Sabi private airfield. Alternatively one can fly via Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit) or opt for a scenic 5-hour chauffeured or self-drive from Johannesburg.

Come spoil yourself at unspoilt Sabi Sabi. It is an experience that will awaken something deep in your soul.

Lodges At Sabi Sabi

In the heart of the African wilderness lie four luxurious safari lodges that each epitomise style, comfort and opulence. Thrilling safaris, plush surroundings and gourmet cuisine combined with Sabi Sabi's legendary five star hospitality ensure that each and every guest experiences true African magic during their stay.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Stemming from over 100 years of thrilling safari history, each of Sabi Sabi's four luxury safari lodges embraces a particular point in time.

Yesterday: Step back in time to capture the romance and magic of Africa's great safari era at Selati Camp, a favourite for honeymooners.

Today: The contemporary Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp offer luxury, true African hospitality, a warm and vibrant atmosphere and exquisite contemporary design.

Tomorrow: Reflecting Africa's immense artistic talent, the internationally acclaimed Earth Lodge showcases simplicity, avante garde luxury and award winning design.

Our Commitment to the Earth
The wilderness is vital to mankind. For in the wilderness we strengthen our bonds with the earth and find peace with ourselves. So many of the answers we are searching for lie hidden within it.

We believe it is our duty to protect the wilderness. To make it a sanctuary. For flora and fauna. For wildlife. For future generations.
By creating stable employment for our indigenous communities through eco-tourism and sharing our respect and love for the wilderness with our guests and our staff, we believe we can.

Sabi Sabi's Conservation Philosophy

Sabi Sabi's conservation philosophy is based on two principles:

The first is the need to conserve rapidly dwindling wilderness areas and to provide a sanctuary for fauna and flora as part of South Africa's heritage.

The second is the belief that the business must be a true example of eco-tourism effectively linking tourism with conservation and the community. Sabi Sabi's environmental management system is a holistic one, where the ecological needs are balanced with the needs of people and their communities, i.e. focusing on the interdependence of tourism, conservation and local communities.

Our Environmental Management Policy
"We need to conserve our rapidly dwindling wilderness areas and to provide a sanctuary for fauna and flora of our heritage. The only way a wildlife sanctuary can survive the onslaught of socio-economic pressures is by:

Employing people.
Earning foreign currency.
Paying tax.
And promoting sustainable tourism.

Each member of the Sabi Sabi team receives ongoing training in all areas of our business, empowering them and improving their skills; and each has a thorough understanding that an individual's performance reflects and is dependant on the performance of other members of the team.

In the rural subsistence areas surrounding Sabi Sabi, the ratio of breadwinner to dependant is over 1 to 7. Therefore our 170 local employees at Sabi Sabi, support over 1200 dependants. These people are directly or indirectly dependant for their livelihood on the success of our enterprise.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve defines eco-tourism as the interdependence of tourism, conservation and local community thereby ensuring the optimum tangible benefit to each of the above.

Local community includes all of the staff employed at Sabi Sabi and the neighbouring communities where they reside. The empowerment of all staff through training and development is a key policy at Sabi Sabi.

Packages

Selati Camp & Earth Lodge Package

• 4 Night Package - High Season (2009)R24,725 per person sharing for 2 nights at Selati Camp and 2 nights at Earth Lodge

• 4 Night Package - Low Season (May - July 2009)R22,525 per person sharing for 2 nights at Selati Camp and 2 nights at Earth Lodge

The above packages include: Luxury accommodation, open Land Rover safaris by day and at night to see Africa's big game accompanied by qualified rangers and Shangaan trackers, environmental awareness walking safaris, full breakfast, lunch and boma dinner, sundowner drinks, selected beverages, South African house wines and local taxes.

Selati Camp::Packages

Complimentary Flights From O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) - Sabi Sabi Return
Spend 3 nights in a world that is a little gentler and a lot more romantic at our legendary Selati Camp and we will fly you there and back on a complimentary basis

• 3 Night Package - High Season (2009)R17,400 per person sharing for 3 nights at Selati Camp
R19,200 per person sharing for 3 nights in the Lourenco Marques Honeymoon Suite
R22,500 per person sharing for 3 nights in the Ivory Presidential Suite

• 3 Night Fly-in Package - Low Season (May - July 2009)R14,100 per person sharing for 3 nights at Selati Camp
R19,200 per person sharing for 3 nights in the Lourenco Marques Honeymoon Suite
R22,500 per person sharing for 3 nights in the Ivory Presidential Suite

The above packages include: Return airfare on Federal Air (Johannesburg - Sabi Sabi - Johannesburg), luxury accommodation, open Land Rover safaris by day and at night to see Africa's big game accompanied by qualified rangers and Shangaan trackers, environmental awareness walking safaris, full breakfast, lunch and boma dinner, sundowner drinks, selected beverages, South African house wines and local taxes.

Terms & Conditions: (2009)
This package is not inclusive of any Federal Air increases, fuel levies or airport taxes. Please contact our reservations department for the surcharges when confirming your reservation.
Rates exclude cellar wines, premium brands, curio shop purchases, telephone calls, spa treatments and laundry.
Standard terms and conditions apply.
Limited accommodation available.
Not valid for groups (maximum of 3 suites) and all accommodation is subject to availability. Federal Air prices subject to change due to fuel increases.

Rates

Pricing

Rates

• Valid from 01 January - 31 December 2009
• All the above rates are quoted per person per night sharing fully inclusive
• Low season is from 01 May - 31 July 2009
• High Season is from 1 Jan - 31 April 2009 then from 1 Aug -31 Dec 2009.

• At Little Bush Camp, the exclusive rate is based on a maximum of 12 people, regardless of whether they are adults or children. Should the party have additional children, the applicable children's rate will apply per additional child.

Special Occasions

Weddings At Sabi Sabi

Choosing a South African wedding venue with a safari theme for your big day not only gives you the opportunity of experiencing something very different with your family and friends but also allows you to create the sensational wedding of your dreams. Of all of the South African wedding venues on offer, safari style wedding venues are beginning to attract more and more couples each year.

Luxurious Safari Lodge Weddings

Sabi Sabi, set in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve which is situated in the Southern section of the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, is one of the most exquisite South African wedding venues on offer. Whether you'd prefer your wedding to take place overlooking a waterhole at sunset, in a bush clearing with animals as curious onlookers, or in one of our luxurious lodges, Sabi Sabi will accommodate you with a wedding day to remember.

See Sabi Sabi Wedding Venues

All you need to do is sit back, relax and leave the wedding preparations up to us whilst you enjoy indulgent massages, sunset cocktails and morning and evening safaris. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and unforgettable memories.

Whether you are looking for a South African bushveld wedding venue or a wildlife safari honeymoon destination, Sabi Sabi will treat you to the most luxurious and adventurous experience imaginable.

Sabi Sabi Wedding Packages
No Charge Items

• Personal welcome at the Sabi Sabi Airstrip with lemon scented hand towels and refreshments
• Bridal couple upgrade to our Presidential Suite on wedding night (subject to availability)
• Welcome notes in all guest suites by Management with complimentary fruit basket
• Bridal couple suite: Sparkling wine, fruit & nut platter and congratulatory note on evening turn down
• In room dining for Bridal couple
Chargeable Items

• Minister or Magistrate
• Flower arrangements: includes table and bridal bouquet
• Hairdresser
• Beautician (massage, make-up etc)
• Amani Spa at Earth Lodge
• Amani Spa at Bush Lodge
• Photographer
• Video recording
• Approximately 15 local Shangaan dancers including drummers
• Local Community choir
• Canapes on arrival
• Selected gift items from our curio shop
• Themed dinner (subject to lodge availability and exclusivity)
Please Note: Prices and profiles are available on request

Sabi Sabi reserves the right to levy a service fee for arranging outsourced services.

Wedding Celebration Venue Options

• Selati Camp, Out on the deck near the pool overlooking the Msuthlu riverbed Out at a clearing in the bush.

• Bush Lodge, Out on the deck overlooking a waterhole and open plain Out at a clearing in the bush.

• Little Bush Camp, Out at a clearing in the bush.

• Earth Lodge, In the foyer in front of our water feature Out at a clearing in the bush.

Wedding Celebration Venue Reception Options:

• Lodge Boma
• Lodge Terrace
• Farmhouse kitchen (Selati Camp only)
• Conference centre (Earth Lodge only)
• Looking for a uniquely South African Wedding Venue? Look no further - Contact Sabi Sabi to book your dream wedding today.