Sabi Sands to Madikwe
From the famous to the quietly extraordinary.
At A Glance
Collection | Discovery Safari Collection |
Journey Type | Two-destination Safari |
Destination | Sabi Sands Nature Reserve & Madikwe Game Reserve |
Recommended Stay | 6 Nights (3 nights at each destination) |
Choose From | 4 Sabi Sands Lodges & 3 Madikwe Lodges |
Nearest Airport | Ulusaba Airstrip (Dulini) or Sabi Sabi Airstrip / Madikwe Eastern Airstrip |
Wildlife Highlights | Sabi Sands: Leopard, Big Five, cheetah, wild dog, exceptional predator sightings. Madikwe: Lion, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, abundant plains game |
Ideal For |
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Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
Two Remarkable Wildernesses
Pair the celebrated wildlife of the Sabi Sands with the expansive wilderness of Madikwe.
From Riverine Bushveld To Open Country
The landscape shifts beautifully as you leave the Sabi Sands behind and enter Madikwe’s broad, open bushveld.
Different Wildlife Stories
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The Sabi Sands is renowned for its predator encounters, while Madikwe adds its own character with wild dog, cheetah and diverse plains game.
Two Safari Rhythms
Experience the focused excitement of tracking in the Sabi Sands alongside the spacious, unhurried feeling of Madikwe.
A Wonderful Introduction To Variety
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You get the thrill of a renowned safari destination without limiting yourself to one landscape or style of wilderness.
For Travellers Who Want Both
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A beautifully balanced choice for anyone who wants to experience how differently two South African safaris can feel.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
With a choice of lodges in both destinations, you can shape this safari around the experience you want, from intimate and romantic to family-friendly and wonderfully indulgent. We will help you find the combination that feels right.
Dulini Moya
Tucked beneath a canopy of ancient Ebony and Leadwood trees overlooking the Mabrak River, Dulini Moya offers one of the most intimate safari experiences in Sabi Sands. With just six luxurious suites, private plunge pools and a peaceful riverside setting, it is the perfect destination for couples and honeymooners seeking privacy and romance.
Best Suited For
Couples
Honeymooners
Anniversary celebrations
Luxury travellers
Guests seeking a boutique safari
Lodge Atmosphere
Intimate • Romantic • Boutique • Elegant
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Dulini River
Nestled beneath tall Ebony trees along the Sand River, Dulini River Lodge blends classic safari charm with refined luxury. Spacious thatched suites, tranquil river views and warm hospitality create an atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed, making it an excellent choice for guests wanting a timeless safari experience.
Best Suited For
Couples
Honeymooners
First-time safari travellers
Luxury travellers
Repeat safari guests
Lodge Atmosphere
Classic • Elegant • Relaxed • Timeless
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Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
As the original lodge within the Sabi Sabi collection, Bush Lodge combines contemporary luxury with warm hospitality in a vibrant safari setting. Spacious suites, welcoming communal areas and excellent family facilities make it one of the reserve's most versatile lodges while still delivering the exceptional game viewing Sabi Sands is renowned for.
Best Suited For
Families
Couples
First-time safari travellers
Celebration trips
Multi-generational travel
Lodge Atmosphere
Welcoming • Contemporary • Vibrant
• Family-Friendly
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Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Carved into the earth and seamlessly blending into its surroundings, Earth Lodge is regarded as one of Africa's most iconic luxury safari lodges. Its award-winning architecture, exceptional privacy and world-class hospitality create a safari experience unlike any other, where contemporary design meets the untamed beauty of the African bush.
Best Suited For
Honeymooners
Luxury travellers
Design enthusiasts
Milestone celebrations
Repeat safari travellers
Lodge Atmosphere
Architectural • Exclusive • Sophisticated • Ultra-Luxury
Jamala Madikwe
Jamala is one of South Africa's most celebrated luxury safari lodges, renowned for its intimate atmosphere, personalised service and exceptional dining. Overlooking a busy waterhole, guests often enjoy remarkable wildlife sightings without leaving the lodge. With only five ultra-luxurious villas, Jamala delivers an exclusive safari experience centred around privacy, making it an outstanding choice for honeymooners, couples and guests seeking boutique luxury.
Best Suited For
Honeymooners
Couples
Luxury travellers
Romantic celebrations
Guests seeking personalised service
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive • Romantic • Elegant • Intimate
Madikwe Hills
Perched among rocky outcrops overlooking the reserve, Madikwe Hills combines luxurious accommodation with breathtaking views and exceptional game viewing. Private plunge pools, spacious suites and highly experienced guides create a safari experience that is both refined and deeply connected to the surrounding wilderness.
Best Suited For
Couples
Honeymooners
Luxury travellers
Wellness-focused guests
Repeat safari travellers
Lodge Atmosphere
Contemporary • Sophisticated • Peaceful • Scenic
Molori Safari Lodge
Molori is one of Africa's most exclusive safari lodges, combining contemporary architecture, world-class design and exceptional privacy. Expansive suites, private infinity pools, personalised service and complete privacy combine with exceptional guiding to deliver one of South Africa's most prestigious wildlife experiences for discerning travellers.
Best Suited For
Ultra-luxury travellers
Families
Exclusive-use groups
Special celebrations
Lodge Atmosphere
Ultra-Luxury • Exclusive • Contemporary • Bespoke
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 6 Nights | 7 Days
Three nights in the Sabi Sands followed by three nights in Madikwe creates a beautifully varied safari through two exceptional South African wildernesses. Begin among the riverine bushveld of the Sabi Sands before moving into the wide-open landscapes of Madikwe.
Day 1: Arrival at Sabi Sands
Arrive at your chosen Sabi Sands airstrip, where you'll be met for your transfer to your lodge.
Settle into your suite and enjoy lunch before relaxing at the lodge.
Head out for your first afternoon game drive, stopping for sundowners before dinner.
Inclusions: Air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 2-3: Discovering Sabi Sands
Begin each day with a sunrise game drive, stopping for coffee and light refreshments in the bush.
Return for breakfast before enjoying a relaxed morning at the lodge.
After lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive, finishing with sundowners before dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Day 4: From Sabi Sands to Madikwe
Enjoy a final morning game drive before breakfast and check-out.
Transfer by air towards Madikwe and arrive at your chosen lodge.
Enjoy lunch and settle into your new surroundings before your first afternoon game drive.
Stop for sundowners before returning for dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 5-6: Discovering Madikwe
Rise early for a morning game drive through Madikwe, stopping for coffee and refreshments.
Return for breakfast before enjoying time at leisure.
After lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive, followed by sundowners and dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy one final morning safari experience before breakfast and check-out.
Transfer by air for your onward journey.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, air transfer back to Johannesburg.
The All Out Safaris Perspective
This is one of our favourite combinations for showing guests the breadth of South African safari. The Sabi Sands and Madikwe are both exceptional, but their landscapes and safari experiences are distinctly their own. Together, they create a journey that feels varied, immersive and beautifully complete.
Questions about this safari
Why combine the Sabi Sands and Madikwe?
The combination gives you two distinct safari experiences. The Sabi Sands is renowned for its wildlife-rich riverine environment, while Madikwe offers expansive bushveld and its own exceptional wildlife encounters.
How many nights should I spend at each destination?
We recommend at least three nights at MalaMala and three nights at Madikwe. This provides enough time to experience both destinations properly, while longer stays can be added if you'd like a slower journey.
Which destination should I visit first?
We recommend Sabi Sands first, followed by Madikwe. Begin with its concentrated wildlife experience, then allow Madikwe's expansive landscapes to bring a different rhythm to the second half of your safari.
How do I travel from Sabi Sands to Madikwe?
The recommended option is an air transfer, allowing you to move efficiently between the two destinations while experiencing the dramatic change in landscape from the Greater Kruger to Madikwe. We'll build the logistics into the journey so the transition is seamless.
What wildlife will I see?
Sabi Sands is particularly renowned for leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino, while Madikwe offers excellent opportunities for elephant, lion, wild dog, cheetah, black and white rhino and diverse plains game.
Is this a good combination for a first safari?
Yes. It offers excellent variety without requiring you to move between too many destinations, making it an especially appealing introduction to South African safari.
Can I choose which lodges I stay at?
Yes. You can choose from all the Sabi Sands and Madikwe lodges we offer and we'll help you find the combination that best suits your travel style and priorities.
Can I stay longer than six nights?
Absolutely. Six nights is our recommended starting point, but either stay can be extended depending on how much time you have and how deeply you'd like to experience each destination.
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If two remarkable wildernesses sound like your kind of adventure, we'd love to help you start planning your journey.
Once we've received your contact request, Josh will set up a WhatsApp or video meeting to get to know you better.