
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 Leadwood
Set among mature riverine forest at the confluence of the Sand and Mabrak Rivers, Dulini Leadwood is an intimate contemporary lodge where the wilderness feels wonderfully close. With just four expansive suites, each opening towards the Sand River with its own private heated lap pool, the lodge has an unmistakable sense of privacy and space. Days unfold through exceptional Sabi Sands game viewing and guided bush walks before returning to a sleek, serene retreat designed around the surrounding landscape.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners seeking privacy and romance
Small groups or families wanting a secluded safari
Travellers who appreciate contemporary design and sophisticated interiors
Wildlife enthusiasts looking for exceptional Big Five and leopard viewing
Guests who value a small, intimate lodge over a larger safari property
Travellers wanting a luxurious and private Sabi Sands experience
Lodge Atmosphere
Contemporary • Secluded • Intimate • Serene



Dulini Moya
Tucked into a bend of the Mabrak River beneath ancient ebony and leadwood trees, Dulini Moya feels like a private sanctuary within the Sabi Sands. Its six suites are surrounded by dense riverine vegetation, with wide windows and private decks drawing the bush into the experience. The lodge combines the romance of a classic safari with understated luxury, creating a particularly peaceful base from which to explore the reserve's exceptional leopard and Big Five country.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Travellers drawn to classic safari style
Guests looking for a peaceful and intimate lodge
Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers
Travellers who appreciate a strong sense of place
Guests wanting a smaller lodge with a relaxed atmosphere
Lodge Atmosphere
Classic • Peaceful • Intimate • Romantic
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Dulini River
Set above the perennial Sand River, Dulini River brings a sense of space and calm to the Sabi Sands. Six suites sit beneath mature riverine forest, each opening onto a wide private terrace with a heated plunge pool and views towards the river and surrounding bush. The lodge's understated interiors and natural textures keep the focus on the landscape, while the elevated position creates an ever-changing view of wildlife moving along the river below.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Travellers who value river views and a peaceful setting
Guests looking for understated contemporary luxury
Wildlife enthusiasts wanting to be immersed in the Sabi Sands landscape
Travellers who enjoy spacious private suites
Guests seeking a relaxed alternative to a more formal luxury lodge
Lodge Atmosphere
Understated • Riverside • Serene • Elegant



Londolozi Founders Camp
Founders Camp brings together the heritage of Londolozi with a clean, contemporary interpretation of the safari lodge. Set beside the Sand River, its spacious chalets look into the surrounding riverine forest, while private plunge pools and open decks create an easy connection with the wilderness. The camp retains the warmth and character of Londolozi while offering a particularly comfortable setting for families and small groups.
Best Suited For
Families travelling with children
Small groups and multi-generational families
Couples wanting contemporary comfort without a formal atmosphere
Travellers drawn to the Londolozi story and heritage
Guests looking for a stylish but relaxed safari camp
First-time safari travellers wanting a well-rounded Sabi Sands experience
Lodge Atmosphere
Contemporary • Welcoming • Family-Friendly • Stylish



Londolozi Tree Camp
Hidden beneath the canopy of ancient leadwood trees, Londolozi Tree Camp is an elegant and deeply romantic interpretation of safari. Just six suites surround a tranquil camp where sophisticated interiors, private plunge pools and lantern-lit evenings create a feeling of understated indulgence. The setting is particularly special for its connection to the river and the leopards that have long been part of Londolozi's story.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Travellers seeking a sophisticated safari experience
Leopard enthusiasts and wildlife photographers
Guests who appreciate distinctive design and elegant interiors
Adults looking for a quieter, more refined camp
Travellers celebrating a special occasion
Lodge Atmosphere
Elegant • Romantic • Sophisticated • Intimate



Londolozi Varty Camp
Varty Camp is the heart of Londolozi, with a history stretching back almost a century and a campfire that has burned for generations. Brick pathways, ancient riverine forest, flowing water and views towards the Sand River give it a sense of having grown organically from the landscape. The atmosphere is warm and personal, with a strong emphasis on family, heritage and the timeless rituals of safari.
Best Suited For
Families travelling with children
First-time safari travellers
Travellers who value history and heritage
Guests looking for a warm, welcoming safari camp
Small groups and multi-generational families
Travellers wanting the classic Londolozi experience
Lodge Atmosphere
Heritage • Warm • Family-Friendly • Classic

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Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a lively and welcoming safari lodge where traditional African influences meet contemporary comfort. Set among the bushveld with views towards a productive waterhole, the lodge has a warm, social energy that makes it particularly inviting for families and groups. Days are centred around Big Five game drives, while the lodge itself offers plenty of space to relax, dine and enjoy the rhythm of the bush between adventures.
Best Suited For
Families travelling with children
Multi-generational groups
First-time safari travellers
Guests who enjoy a lively and sociable lodge
Travellers wanting traditional safari character with modern comfort
Guests looking for a well-rounded luxury safari experience
Lodge Atmosphere
Welcoming • Vibrant • Family-Friendly • Traditional
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Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Almost disappearing into the earth, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is one of the most distinctive architectural experiences in the Sabi Sands. Sculpted into the surrounding landscape, its curved forms, dramatic textures and natural materials create a lodge that feels more like a living work of art than a traditional safari camp. Behind the striking design is an intimate connection with the bush, with private suites opening onto uninterrupted wilderness.
Best Suited For
Design-conscious travellers
Couples and honeymooners
Guests seeking contemporary luxury
Architecture and art enthusiasts
Travellers celebrating a special occasion
Guests wanting a safari lodge that feels genuinely different
Lodge Atmosphere
Architectural • Exclusive • Sophisticated • Ultra-Luxury



Jamala Madikwe
A small boutique lodge on the eastern edge of Madikwe, Jamala Madikwe brings an intimate and highly personal character to the safari experience. Its five private villas combine colonial-inspired comfort with African design, each opening towards the bush with a private pool and expansive deck. The lodge's waterhole becomes part of everyday life, with the famous Sofa Safari allowing guests to watch wildlife arrive from the comfort of the lodge.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Travellers who appreciate boutique luxury
Food and wine enthusiasts
Guests seeking an intimate safari experience
Travellers who enjoy watching wildlife from camp as well as on game drives
Guests celebrating a special occasion
Lodge Atmosphere
Boutique • Intimate • Refined • Relaxed



Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Scattered across a rocky hillside beneath ancient Tamboti trees, Madikwe Hills feels naturally woven into the landscape. Its glass-fronted suites are spacious and private, each with a plunge pool and views across the reserve, while the elevated position creates a strong sense of space. The lodge is particularly well suited to travellers who want generous accommodation and classic Big Five safari experiences, with the option of a private villa for families and small groups.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Families and multi-generational groups
Travellers wanting spacious private suites
Guests who enjoy elevated bush views
First-time safari travellers
Small groups wanting the option of private accommodation
Lodge Atmosphere
Spacious • Private • Scenic • Refined



Molori Safari Lodge
Hidden in the remote western reaches of Madikwe, Molori is an intimate safari retreat where contemporary architecture meets the surrounding bushveld. Large glass walls and open spaces bring the landscape into the lodge, while the small number of suites creates a deeply personal atmosphere. Days can move between Big Five game drives, bush walks and time spent simply watching the wilderness unfold around the lodge.
Best Suited For
Luxury travellers seeking privacy
Couples and honeymooners
Families and multi-generational groups
Design-conscious travellers
Guests wanting a quieter side of Madikwe
Travellers looking for highly personalised safari experiences
Lodge Atmosphere
Sophisticated • Secluded • 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 consultation call or video meeting to get to know you better.

