ABOUT SABI SANDS
The most famous private game reserve of all. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, offers a safari experience found nowhere else in the world. Game viewing possibilities are simply unparalleled, including the much sought after 'Big 5'. Add a fantastic range of luxury lodges suiting all tastes and an African dream safari is born. There are no fences between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, so wildlife roams freely in a huge natural environment.
The Sabi Sands is in particular well known for its amazing leopard sightings. The most elusive animal of the Big 5 is frequently spotted when going on a game drive in the reserve. As such, Sabi Sands offers the ultimate photographic safari one can think of. You can be certain to return home with some absolutely stunning pictures and memories. Besides the Big 5, other game species occur in great numbers, among which are over 300 bird species. Sabi Sands possibly makes the best South African safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers alike.
So what is the 'secret' behind Sabi Sand's success? For this one has to have a closer look at the reserve's history. Much of of what now is the Sabi Sands Game Reserve used to be agricultural land. As cattle farms occurred in the area, a reliable source of water was needed on the farms. To provide this water, many boreholes were drilled, providing a steady supply of water. After the establishment of Sabi Sands as a game reserve, these waterholes and dams were kept intact and still function as water sources. It is now not cattle that drinks this water, but the many wild animals in the game reserve as the waterholes provide an abundance of water throughout the year.
In the 1970's and 1980's when the new concept of a luxury safari was being conceptualise and implemented at the Sabi Sands, the marketing teams played on the historical hunting concept of the Big Five; at the time, the five most dangerous animals to hunt, and altered it to become a list of the top, ultimate animals to see while on a safari.Today visitors embark on safaris with the goal of seeing the ultimate of game animals; Leopard, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant and the hunting concept has been completely adapted for a more environmentally friendly ethos.
WHAT WE HOPE TO SEE
Sabi Sands Game Reserve boasts some of the most diverse and unique wildlife species in Africa. Mammals you can expect to spot (apart from the Big 5) include the aardvark, African wild cat, hyenas, wild dogs, hippos, jackals, Cape porcupines, pangolins and many more incredible land-dwelling animals.
Lions roaming the open plains in their pride and rhinoceros congregating in front of your eyes are a sight to behold, but there’s one animal in particular that shares a unique bond with Sabi Sands; Leopards, the most elusive of the big cats and normally solitary creatures, are much easier to spot in the brushwood than they are in many other leopard reserves. They still favour a big tree, which they use as an observation platform or a resting place, but you can get within two metres of them before they run away. This unique, relaxed reaction is the result of the ban on hunting, which has lasted for over half a century. Several generations of leopards have never heard a gunshot, or had a reason to fear humans, so their passive attitude is a mixture of indifference and comfort.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sabi Sands is one of the most sought after locations for photographers and nature enthusiasts looking for the best of the best. Elephants, rhinos and buffalos are common place and never cease to amaze, whilst predators such as lions, wild dog and the iconic leopard are the main reason why Sabi Sands is so popular and highly regarded. Of course, with all these animals and predators sharing the same territories - it’s a melting pot of animal interactions and hunting. Game drives are conducted throughout the year at optimum viewing times when game activity is generally at its peak, i.e. early morning and late afternoon into evening. The morning safari departs at sunrise, and the evening drive leaves late enough in the afternoon for guests to enjoy a bush sunset and the opportunity to view nocturnal animals after dark.
We will be utilising a private 4x4 landcruiser and field guide, meaning we have complete control and maximum flexibility to get the best photographs possible. Our photographic group will comprise of only 3 guests, to ensure extra space and comfort whilst on game drive. This enables each guest to have an entire row to themselves to be able to get the ultimate and unobstructed views and angles for photography, but also alllows for space for that extra camera bag or monopod.
A smaller group also means that more attentive and focused photographic guidance and tuition is possible. This includes in-the-field guidance and support, making sure you not only don’t miss a beat, but also discover new creative skills and techniques to elevate your photography.
Back at the lodge between drives is the perfect time and location to look at photo cataloging and processing. Open up your laptop and we can look for ways to further improve and streamline your editing skills in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop... or alternatively we can go over photography basics such as creative composition, the exposure triangle and freezing the action depending on your needs and wants. Your game drives will be conducted by one of the local field guides with plenty of experience and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. They will be the one sharing animal information to help build your knowledge and appreciation of everything you come across. This, plus photographic guidance, means you get the best of both worlds for an unparalleled photographic safari experience in one of South Africa’s best game reserves.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Behind the banner of RAW Photographic is Samuel Cox, a professional wildlife photographer who spent many years in the field living in South Africa and teaching wildlife and conservation photography to international guests, volunteers and interns alike.
This gave him not only unparalleled access to the wildlife on his doorstep, but more importantly - the skills and years of experiences in teaching the specifics of ethical wildlife photography. This wealth of diverse, yet powerfully coupled traits, makes Sam unique amongst the crowd.
With RAW photographic safaris, Sam insist on delivering nothing but the best experience possible for his guests. Not only does he want to ensure a fun, educational and meaningful experience - it’s also important that we do so in a way that’s driven by authenticity and ethics.
A lot of research and effort goes into designing and building the products on offer and Sam only partners with those who mirror his ambitions in delivering great experiences whilst also remaining respectful to the land, wildlife and cultures we’re visiting.
For more about Sam and his photography, check out his website and socials via the icons below
ACCOMMODATION
Resting comfortably under a canopy of indigenous trees in the southern stretches of the Sabi Sand, sits the inimitable and understated Umkumbe Bush Lodge. This luxury tented camp offers all the creature comforts from home, and is the first of its kind in the reserve. The build of the lodge is based on the idea of glamping, but with a luxurious twist.
Built around a beautiful Weeping boerbean, the main lodge features a well-stocked bar, a large pool and sun lounge area, tea/coffee station, various secluded lounge areas, wildlife lookout points, open-air dining area, beautiful garden grounds, a public restroom, upstairs games room and a classic boma/campfire.
Accommodation wise, Umkumbe Bush Lodge accommodates guests in luxury Meru-style tented suites, ranging from standard to superior. Each tented suite has its own private deck or verandah and is fully equipped for a comfortable safari retreat. The stylish and spacious tents are all positioned on private raised wooden decks nestled in nature. A king size bed awaits to comfort you, alongside an en-suit shower and toilet, air conditioning and heating as well as power plugs for electronic equipment is also available in each tent.
Breakfast and lunch will be served alfresco at the main lodge on private tables and the evening dinner will be hosted in the boma area around a central roaring fire. All in all, Umkumbe Bush Lodge strikes the perfect balance of making you feel like you’re truly living amongst nature whilst also providing the luxury and comforts that help make a safari such a treat.
Included in thie Exclusive package is single supplement accommodation, meaning all three guests will have their own room unless desired otherwise, such as for married couples.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
The adventure starts in Nelspruit where you will be met at arrivals area outside the small airport taken to a local lodge for the night. This will be the place where you will meet Sam and get to know everybody in your small group. Take the time to relax after your long flight and enjoy a dinner with new friends before getting a good night sleep.
* Breakfast is included - but drinks, lunch and dinner is not included in the price.
DAY 2
After a relaxed start to the day and and a hearty breakfast, we will then start the journey to Sabi Sands. The drive is appproximately 2.5 hours and upon arrival you’ll be welcomed and have time to settle into the lodge before regrouping for lunch and our first afternoon safari. The game drive will see us exploring and being introduced to the game reserve, and after a quick drink stop, will take us into the early evening where we’ll lookfor active predators and nocturnal wildlife. We’ll get back to camp around 19:00 to enjoy drinks before dinner shared with quality conversation.
DAY 3 - 7
Game drives start early in Africa. We’ll head out around sunrise to take advantage of first light and the ensuing morning golden hour. Our focus will be on finding the best photographic subjects and wildlife experiences we can get; from looking for the large herds of elephants, occasional birding and of course, keeping on the lookout for predators. Having a private vehicle means the world is our oyster and we’ll decide as a groupwhat’s the best focus for each game drive. We’ll get back to camp in the mid to late morning for a delicious breakfast and some time to relax. This is also the perfect time to work with Sam on your photography and editing skills. Alternatively, the rooms are luxurious and cool, the pool is inviting, there’s a bar for drinksand don’t forget about lunch in the early afternoon - there’s certainly alot of food involved! Our second daily game drive will see us following up any sightings or information from previous drives - making sure that we stop at sunsets for the iconic sundowners experience. Dinner will follow as usual later in the evening upon return back to the lodge.
DAY 8
We’ll head out for our final game drive and have a short breakfast stop along the way before heading back to the lodge to pack up and check out. We aim to head out at about 9:30am so as to arrive back to Nelsoruit airport in time to catch noon flights, so it’s a good idea to pack the night before to save time and further enjoy your final hours at the lodge. After arriving back at the airport, we’ll say our goodbyes.
SUMMARY
Price
£4,950 per person
Meeting / Drop-off Location
Nelspruit KMIA Airport
Country
South Africa
Group Size
3 People
Start / End Date
11 - 18 August 2025
Focus
Predators, big cats, leopard
Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
INCLUDED
+ Local airport pickup
+ All local ground transfers
+ 1x night bed and breakfast accommodation in Nelspruit
+ 6x nights accommodation in Sabi Sands
+ All meals in Sabi Sands
+ Water, tea and coffee in Sabi Sands
+ Twice daily game drives
+ Private vehicle for duration
+ Photographic guidance in-the-field
+ Editing tuition back at lodge
+ All conservation fees and gate levies
+ Entire row each on game viewing vehicle
+ Single supplement accommodation
EXCLUDED
- Any transport or accommodation outside of itinerary
- Dinner and drinks in Nelspruit
- Additional drinks in Sabi Sands
- Laundry
- Bushwalks (available at extra cost, availability depending)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance