Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (Afrikaans: Sabi Sand Wildtuin), often shortened to Sabi Sands, is a private game reserve in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It is named after the Sabie and Sand Rivers that flow through the park. It covers an area of 60,000-65,000 ha. Situated near to the Kruger Gate, the park shares a common 50 km unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park to the east. Sabi Sand is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in southern Africa, and is the oldest of all the private reserves in South Africa. It has only ever been a wilderness area and is home to a vast wildlife population, which includes The Big Five, besides a number of endangered species. Flanking the Kruger National Park, animals pass unhindered between the reserves.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is an association of freehold landowners, many of whom manage commercially active safari operations. Sharing a common environmental management program, this association is administered by a warden reporting to an elected executive committee. Opportunities for wildlife viewing is diverse. The reserve enjoys good quality viewing of leopard (the most elusive of predators), as well as elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species. A checklist of the reserve would yield no fewer than 330+ tree species, 45+ fish species, 30+ amphibian species, 110+ reptile species, 500+ bird species and 145+ mammal species, all occurring in their own natural environment, which has been preserved in its original state.
The Sabi Sand Reserve boasts a selection of lodges which are masters in the field of hospitality - perfecting what has become known as the luxury photographic safari experience. Beautiful accommodations, breathtaking landscapes, fine cuisine, skilled and personable guides & rangers are but a few of the aspects that a visitor may expect. Each lodge has something unique to offer.
This park, together with others, makes up the Greater Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sand Reserve itself consists of various private game reserves:
The combined area is also in the process of being further enlarged within the Peace Park concept with an expected integration and amalgamation with protected areas in Mozambique, and eventually Zimbabwe.
Two rivers supply the game reserve with a valuable water source. The Sand River flows through the reserve for 50km (31 miles) from northwest to southeast whilst the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary. The sustenance of these rivers ensures that this area enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa. Over two hundred different species live in abundance, whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds. Such is the environment that the wildlife, save for the migratory birds, remain in their territories all year round.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa. It is largely owned and operated by 3rd & 4th generation families who share a common vision with their ancestors.
Focus & Foresight is on Conservation: The Sabi Sand Reserve is the oldest of all the private reserves in South Africa. It was formed in 1934, and became a formal association in 1948
OBJECTIVES OF THE SABI SAND RESERVE TODAY "If we do not preserve our flora and fauna and if we do not limit our human population to a level sustainable by our natural resources, we will cease to be a game reserve. We will lose our unique capacity to share with tourists an authentic wilderness experience. We will become just another tourist resort" - Nan Trollip, founder member of the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Wilderness: The Sabi Sand Reserve is part of the largest conservation area in Southern Africa Part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park: It has only ever been a wilderness area. It is home to a number of endangered species, including:
Wild Dog: The most endangered species in Southern Africa. The Kruger National Park contains the only viable South African population of Wild Dogs. Bats: They are the only flying mammals that are blind; 10 of the species are on the endangered list. Honey Badgers: Badgers can be useful in reducing the population of rats, scorpions, and dangerous snakes. Oxpeckers: With scissor-like movements, the Red-billed Oxpecker combs their host's hair in search of ticks. Ground Hornbill: There are less than 1500 Ground Hornbills left in South Africa.
The Lodges are involved in environmental management programs and studies. These include: Alien plant control Micro catchment management to combat erosion Monitoring of wildlife and habitat densities Anit-poaching units Control of runaway fires Community Empowerment: Including activities which help them to generate income; provision of health care and provision of drinking water.
ABOUT THE SABI SAND RESERVE - OUR COMMUNITY What is a country without its collective community? Recognising this, many of the members of the Sabi Sand Reserve are dedicated to the upliftment of local neighbours living in the area. Many of these communities have been defined by poverty, and a lack of opportunity to improve their standard of living.
These members have embarked on initiatives such as: The establishment of infrastructures to educate children, enabling them to seek a brighter future. The creation of homes for children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. The establishment of education programmes to equip younger and older adults alike about how the pandemic of AIDS in Africa can be avoided. Employment and development opportunities. Provision of basic needs such as access to food, electricity, water and health services. Skills development projects such as beading, candle making, sewing, hat making, baking and shoe making. Sports training (including soccer, netball, cricket and hockey) at primary school level to help youngsters cultivate their innate physical talents.