one night in sabi sands - birthday
 

I really need some advice here. I am South African and will be in Kruger in November. I can afford to spend one night in a private game reserve. This will coincide with my birthday and will be a very special, once in a lifetime event. Which lodge would you choose? Price is not an issue because it is only one night.

You should really try and do at least two nights in the Sabi Sand as the full benefit, ie. getting to know your ranger and tracker and of course your chances of seeing more game is doubled.I would try some of the less expensive lodges to be able to spend two nights.Try Nottens Bush camp or Sabi Sabi's newest camp Little Bush Camp.Knowing both well they will certainly pull out the stops to make your birthday one to remember.

I concur that two nights would make it extra special if you can stretch to that.
I have stopped at the Leadwood Lodge, and the Inyati Lodge. However it really boils down to your budget. All of the game drives from the lodges in Sabi Sands drive the more or less the same routes, so stopping in a more expensive lodge does not mean that you are more likely to see more game. The drivers are all in radio contact with each other, and there is a time limit to the amount of time they are allowed to stop at a sighting. So usually everyone gets a turn to see the Leopard or Lion etc.
Try looking at www.mtbeds.co.za they run specials on the game reserves and always have something at Sabi Sands on offer, especially for SA residents.

Have a great time

Maurice

You'll spend a lot of time transferring from Kruger to the Sabi Sands, and you'll get there for the second game drive, have dinner, wake up, go on the morning game drive, maybe have lunch, then leave -- it hardly justifies the expense for one night. The animals don't know or care what lodge you're staying at, so see if you can find a less expensive lodge in the Sands for two nights. One night is an enormous waste of a lot of money, in my opinion.

Hi Leanapayne,
If gameviewing is a top priority, I would definitely pick MalaMala. For one night, if that is your choice, I would then pick Rattrays over the Main Camp, as the rooms are fantastic. I also loved the rooms at Ivory Lodge Lion Sands and while the gameviewing to me, wasn't as good, for one night I don't suppose it is a real issue! But I did find the amount of traffic to be excessive!
Kaye

leanapayne

Go to Ulusaba.com and check out their silent auctions for South African Residents.

You may very well be able to stay more than one night!

I can't think of a nicer place to celebrate your birthday.The Ulusaba team will spoil you.