This was our 5th visit to Elephant Plains. It's the most affordable option in the Sabi Sands and an excellent place to stay. Since our 2022 visit, they have updated the rondovels. They're super comfortable with everything you need. Staff were great. They seem to have simplified the food options (an improvement) and the quality is great.
You go to the Sabi Sands for the exceptional leopard sightings and amazing safaris. This place does not dissapoint - in one drive we had 2 leopard cub...
This was our 5th visit to Elephant Plains. It's the most affordable option in the Sabi Sands and an excellent place to stay. Since our 2022 visit, they have updated the rondovels. They're super comfortable with everything you need. Staff were great. They seem to have simplified the food options (an improvement) and the quality is great.
You go to the Sabi Sands for the exceptional leopard sightings and amazing safaris. This place does not dissapoint - in one drive we had 2 leopard cub...
Love everything about our stay! Wish we booked for longer! It was incredible!
Such an amazing experience, fantastic staff! Highly recommend the Boma Dinners and Private Dining in our Lodge was outstanding! We will be back
Love everything about our stay! Wish we booked for longer! It was incredible!
Such an amazing experience, fantastic staff! Highly recommend the Boma Dinners and Private Dining in our Lodge was outstanding! We will be back
We arrived at Skukuza airport in the early afternoon… picked up by our guide it was a short 5min drive to Shalati. If you are lucky you can see the train on the bridge from the plane!
Let me get this out of the way: the check in and check out process was not the best. We were ushered by an impatient staff to fill our paper work and finish lunch on arrival. We were left without hospitality on departure with numerous miscommunications by staff (eg. departure times / park ticket / exit letter...
We arrived at Skukuza airport in the early afternoon… picked up by our guide it was a short 5min drive to Shalati. If you are lucky you can see the train on the bridge from the plane!
Let me get this out of the way: the check in and check out process was not the best. We were ushered by an impatient staff to fill our paper work and finish lunch on arrival. We were left without hospitality on departure with numerous miscommunications by staff (eg. departure times / park ticket / exit letter...
Cuong
Reviewed September 9, 2023Reviewed September 9, 2023
The staff, super friendly and were happy to go out of there way and listen to your personal preference to make you stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Cleanliness 110%
Completely worth the price you pay!
Luxury lodges
Great food
the game drives were beyond expectations
Could not have asked for a better experience!
Hope to return in the near future
The staff, super friendly and were happy to go out of there way and listen to your personal preference to make you stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Cleanliness 110%
Completely worth the price you pay!
Luxury lodges
Great food
the game drives were beyond expectations
Could not have asked for a better experience!
Hope to return in the near future
Natasha
Reviewed September 27, 2016Reviewed September 27, 2016
Rhino Post was a lovely experience. The food was exceptional and staff friendly and helpful.Our animal sightings were a bit slim but that is the luck of the draw.
Rhino Post was a lovely experience. The food was exceptional and staff friendly and helpful.Our animal sightings were a bit slim but that is the luck of the draw.
Luxury exclusive lodge with stunning suites and amazing staff. We loved our stay and the safari drives gave us so many viewings of the big five and so much more.
Luxury exclusive lodge with stunning suites and amazing staff. We loved our stay and the safari drives gave us so many viewings of the big five and so much more.
Anonymous traveller
Reviewed September 21, 2019Reviewed September 21, 2019
The minute we arrived we were greeted by lovely staff and elephants at the pool. What followed was a once in a lifetime experience.
The positives - Beds are super comfy with electric blankets for those cold nights and a fan for the warm days. The food was AMAZING. I LOVED being seated with fellow safari mates and getting to know people from across the world even though we are total introverts. Our guide Leighton was brilliant, knowledgeable and an excellent driver. And the wildlife…. Wow. ...
The minute we arrived we were greeted by lovely staff and elephants at the pool. What followed was a once in a lifetime experience.
The positives - Beds are super comfy with electric blankets for those cold nights and a fan for the warm days. The food was AMAZING. I LOVED being seated with fellow safari mates and getting to know people from across the world even though we are total introverts. Our guide Leighton was brilliant, knowledgeable and an excellent driver. And the wildlife…. Wow. ...
We traveled as a couple and spent three nights in Hoyo Hoyo. Our trip was all about the two three hour game drives morning and evening. They were sensational. Andrew, our guide was a treasure.
Our bungalow was fantastic and beautifully appointed (NB tailor your expectations. This is in the middle of the bush and not an 80th floor suite in a 6 star hotel in China). Nonetheless, all our needs were catered for with a smile and a joke from the delightful staff, always at the ready.
Highly...
We traveled as a couple and spent three nights in Hoyo Hoyo. Our trip was all about the two three hour game drives morning and evening. They were sensational. Andrew, our guide was a treasure.
Our bungalow was fantastic and beautifully appointed (NB tailor your expectations. This is in the middle of the bush and not an 80th floor suite in a 6 star hotel in China). Nonetheless, all our needs were catered for with a smile and a joke from the delightful staff, always at the ready.
Highly...
Adam
Reviewed October 24, 2026Reviewed October 24, 2026
Amazing location within the reserve. Animals right within camp. Staff are so friendly. The village tour is very worthwhile and contributes to the community if there on a Thursday.
Amazing location within the reserve. Animals right within camp. Staff are so friendly. The village tour is very worthwhile and contributes to the community if there on a Thursday.
Everything about this lodge was perfect, From the safaris, the guides, the super friendly staff, high quality food, atmosphere and facilities, we had a view of the elephants, buffalo and impala everyday whilst having lunch. Highly recommend staying here and would definitely come back again. Saw the big 5 in the space of 4 game drives, lots of up close encounters, what a trip!
Everything about this lodge was perfect, From the safaris, the guides, the super friendly staff, high quality food, atmosphere and facilities, we had a view of the elephants, buffalo and impala everyday whilst having lunch. Highly recommend staying here and would definitely come back again. Saw the big 5 in the space of 4 game drives, lots of up close encounters, what a trip!
Tom
Reviewed February 14, 2018Reviewed February 14, 2018
Family holiday with kids and parents, wanting a bit of comfort when compared with the accommodation options at the Kruger Park rest camps. Great location, forever friendly staff and comforts of a good hotel. We loved the deck for sundowners, spotting elephants with our torches at night, the buffet was diverse and plentiful, and sitting next to the file with a glass of wine whilst being entertained to some wonderful African dancing and singing! The kids had a ball watching the bushbuck that...
Family holiday with kids and parents, wanting a bit of comfort when compared with the accommodation options at the Kruger Park rest camps. Great location, forever friendly staff and comforts of a good hotel. We loved the deck for sundowners, spotting elephants with our torches at night, the buffet was diverse and plentiful, and sitting next to the file with a glass of wine whilst being entertained to some wonderful African dancing and singing! The kids had a ball watching the bushbuck that...
Wayne
Reviewed September 21, 2014Reviewed September 21, 2014
What is the best area to stay in Sabi Sands Game Reserve?
The best area to stay in Sabi Sands Game Reserve is within the western sector, particularly around the Sand River and its tributaries.
This region is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for leopards, as the riverine habitats attract a high concentration of animals. Lodges here are typically unfenced, allowing wildlife to roam freely, and offer a more secluded and wild safari experience. It's a prime location for those seeking an authentic and luxurious safari.
Couples looking for an exclusive and intimate safari will find this area ideal. The lodges often feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and romantic dining experiences under the stars. The focus is on personalised service and unparalleled wildlife encounters, making for a memorable and special trip.
Families seeking a high-quality safari adventure will also appreciate the western sector. Many lodges offer family suites and tailored activities for younger guests, such as guided bush walks, tracking lessons, and educational programmes.
When is the best time to go to Sabi Sands Game Reserve?
The best time to go to Sabi Sands Game Reserve is during the dry winter months, from May to October.
During this period, the vegetation is sparse, making it much easier to spot animals as they congregate around the limited water sources. The weather is generally pleasant, with warm, sunny days and cooler nights, ideal for game drives. This time of year offers consistently excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, which is superb for travellers looking for a high-quality safari experience.
For those prioritising comfortable weather and exceptional animal sightings, this is the prime window.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Sabi Sands Game Reserve with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Sabi Sands Game Reserve hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Sabi Sands Game Reserve?
Prices for hotels in Sabi Sands Game Reserve often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$62 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.