Home » Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Getting to Sabi Sands – Sabi Sands Lodges Reservations
Getting to Sabi Sands Game Reserve - Kruger National Park
If you are asking how do I get to Sabi Sands game reserve, the answer is very simply. It all depends where you are coming from and which lodge you will be staying at. There are many options to get to Sabi Sands game reserve and they are all vary in price, time spent on the journey and we are here to assist you deciding which route to take.
The most popular way to get to Sabi Sands game reserve is to fly to the nearest airport or airstrip, sometimes you will make a stop along the way if you are using South African Airlink or you will be going directly if you are using the services of the air shuttle service of Federal Airlines. Remember that there is a restriction on the amount of luggage you are taking with is you are taking the Fed Air shuttle.
Driving to Sabi Sands game reserve is another option, it all depends on your personal preferences. If you like road trips and stopping along the route to explore the many scenic places, we would recommend driving from Johannesburg and spending one or a couple of nights to check out the highlights of the panorama route (Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, The Waterfalls and much more).
One thing you must consider when planning your route to Sabi Sands is which gate you should enter from! Every lodge uses a different gate to the Sabi Sands game reserve, after all we don't want you to arrive at the wrong gate and having to turn back to drive another 100 kilometers or more!
Speak to one of our consultants and we will happily advise you on all aspects of your trip. We can book your flights, airport transfers and all extra activities available. The best part is, we don't charge extra for this service.
Testimonials
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.
From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.
Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.
Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see
...read moreWe’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!
Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.
Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly
...read moreOur experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%
...read moreRecommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.
Sabi Sands by Region
Flying to Sabi Sands Game Reserve Lodges
Federal Airline
The most convenient and direct way to get to Sabi Sands game reserve is to use the air shuttle services offered by Federal Airline. The service runs from Johannesburg OR Tambo International airport and you will land at the air strip closest to your lodge. There are 2 flights daily to and from all Sabi Sands lodges. Enquire about Federal Airline flights schedule and we will book your flights for you at no additional cost.
SA Airlink
If you are planning to arrive at one of the larger airports close to Sabi Sands game reserve, (KMIA"Nelspruit" - Skukuza or Hoedspruit) with South African Airlink, you might want to consider making use of their lodge hopping service. Although luggage restriction can be an issue but it serves as a very convenient option. You can also use this service when moving from one lodge to another.
Private Charter Services
If you have explored all flight options and nothing makes sense, you will require a flexible, very personal and convenient way to travel to Sabi Sands game reserve. This option of private charter flights will save you time and hassle so you can arrive at your lodge in time for your first game drive. Speak to us and we will gladly assist you with booking your private charter flights to Sabi Sands game reserve.
Driving to Sabi Sands Game Reserve Lodges
Sabi Sands Airport Transfers
GETTING TO SABI SANDS BY ROAD
Driving to Sabi Sands game reserve can be an enjoyable trip on its own. There are many places to visit en-rout from Johannesburg including Blyde River Canyon, Bouk's Luck Potholes, God's Window and many waterfalls. Let us not forget the historic little town of Pilgrim's Rest and the grassy summit of Graskop. If you are a trout fishing enthusiast, you may stop in Dullstroom and enjoy the amazing landscape where time stands still for you to enjoy the fresh air and greenery. Remember that you need time to plan your road trip as there are different routes to the different gates of Sabi Sands game Reserve.
Traveling from Johannesburg to the Sabi Sands can be from 5 to 6 hours depending on the route you take and how many times you stop for gas, food and to admire the scenic road. Most of journey will be on the national highway called N4 which connects Johannesburg with Nelspruit all the way to Maputo (Mozambique). The most important part of your road trip to Sabi Sands is which gate you should use for which lodge. For example, if you are staying at one of the lodges in the western section you should enter from the Newington Gate and no other gate. The security guards at the gate will simply tell you to go back and enter from the correct gate.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve Gate Fees
Sabi Sands Game Reserve Access Gates
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve has three access gates:
- Shaw's Gate: Open from 05:00 to 22:00
- Newington Gate: Open from 05:00 to 22:00
- Gowrie Gate: Open from 05:00 to 22:00
Each gate is for different lodges, we will advise you which gate you should use when booking your accommodation with us.
*All travel or gate entries/exits before 05:00 and after 23:00 will attract a fee of R150.00, payable in cash at the gate.
SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE - ENTRANCE FEES
Entry type | 01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025 | 01 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Light vehicle under 3500kg GVN | R350.00 per entry | R370.00 per entry |
Heavy vehicle over 3500kg GVN | R620.00 per entry | R660.00 per entry |
Per person fee | R160.00 per entry | R170.00 per entry |
Staff vehicle (SVP) with valid permits & cards | R160.00 per entry | R170.00 per entry |
Billable Members Permits (BMP) with valid permits and cards | R160.00 per entry | R170.00 per entry |
* Credit card and cash payments are accepted
2025 Conservation Fees
2025 Tier (excluding VAT) | Charge (including VAT) |
|---|---|
Tier 1 (R30,001.00) | R957.50 |
Tier 2 (R17,501.00) | R573.99 |
Tier 3 (R1.00) | R310.13 |
2026 Conservation Fees
2026 Tier (excluding VAT) | Charge (including VAT) |
|---|---|
Tier 1 (R50,000.00) | R957.38 |
Tier 2 (R30,000.00) | R574.00 |
Tier 3 (17,500.00) | R310.19 |
Tier 4 (R1.00) | R106.38 |