
Sabi Sands to Tswalu
From Big Five country to the wild soul of the Kalahari.
At A Glance
Collection | Discovery Safari Collection |
Journey Type | Two-destination Safari |
Destination | Sabi Sands Nature Reserve & Tswalu Kalahari Reserve |
Recommended Stay | 6 Nights (3 nights at each destination) |
Choose From | 4 Sabi Sands Lodges & 3 Tswalu Lodges |
Nearest Airport | Ulusaba Airstrip (Dulini) or Sabi Sabi Airstrip / Tswalu Airstrip |
Wildlife Highlights | Sabi Sands: Leopard, Big Five, cheetah, wild dog, exceptional predator sightings. Tswalu: Kalahari black-maned lion, black rhino, cheetah, meerkat, aardvark, pangolin, brown hyena, rare desert-adapted species such as Bat-eared Fox. |
Ideal For |
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Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
Classic Safari Meets The Kalahari
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Begin amongst the extraordinary wildlife of the Sabi Sands before entering the vast, ancient landscapes of Tswalu.
Leopard To Meerkat

The wildlife story changes dramatically, from iconic predators to fascinating desert-adapted species.
From River To Red Earth

The transformation in landscape is spectacular; dense bushveld and waterways replaced by open Kalahari plains and ancient mountains.
Two Kinds Of Adventure

The Sabi Sands brings the thrill of tracking predators, while Tswalu opens up a wider world of exploration and discovery of rare desert animals.
A Photographer's Dream

Two landscapes, two types of light and an extraordinary variety of wildlife make this a journey rich in visual stories.
For The Curious Traveller

Perfect for anyone who wants the classic safari experience while also venturing somewhere completely different.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
We offer a carefully selected collection of lodges across both destinations, allowing you to choose the atmosphere and style that suits you. Your journey can be as relaxed, adventurous, intimate or indulgent as you wish.



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



Tswalu Loapi Tented Camp
Set beneath the vast Kalahari sky, Loapi is an intimate collection of private tented homes designed to make the landscape the centre of the experience. Each home has its own dedicated safari team, creating an unusually personal way to explore Tswalu's extraordinary desert wilderness. From desert-adapted wildlife and black-maned Kalahari lions to wide open landscapes, the safari here feels distinctly different from the reserves of the Lowveld.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Families and private groups
Travellers seeking a highly personalised safari
Design-conscious guests
Wildlife enthusiasts interested in desert-adapted species
Travellers looking for a completely different South African safari
Lodge Atmosphere
Contemporary • Private • Expansive • Immersive



Tswalu The Motse
Built into the slopes of the Korannaberg Mountains, Tswalu Motse is the original heart of Tswalu and a warm expression of Kalahari hospitality. Its suites are spread beneath the red desert landscape, each with wide views towards the mountains and plains. The experience extends beyond traditional game drives, with walking, horseback riding, meerkat encounters and specialist wildlife experiences revealing the many layers of this remarkable wilderness.
Best Suited For
Couples and honeymooners
Families and multi-generational groups
Travellers wanting a broad range of activities
Guests interested in specialist wildlife experiences
First-time visitors to the Kalahari
Travellers looking for a luxurious but deeply rooted sense of place
Lodge Atmosphere
Warm • Organic • Spacious • Soulful



Tswalu Tarkuni Homestead
Tarkuni is a private, exclusive-use safari home set apart in the Kalahari, created for families and groups who want to experience Tswalu entirely around their own rhythm. Five suites surround generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, with a private team creating a more residential style of safari. The surrounding desert becomes your playground, from private game drives and horseback rides to evenings beneath the stars.
Best Suited For
Families and multi-generational groups
Groups of friends travelling together
Guests seeking a private safari home
Travellers wanting a highly personalised itinerary
Special celebrations and milestone trips
Guests who prefer residential-style accommodation
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive-Use • Residential • Warm • Expansive
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 6 Nights | 7 Days
We recommend three nights in the Sabi Sands followed by three nights at Tswalu, creating a journey between two extraordinary wildernesses. Begin with the classic wildlife drama of the Sabi Sands before travelling into the vastness of the Kalahari.
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 some time at leisure.
Head out on your first afternoon game drive before sundowners and 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 Tswalu
Enjoy one final morning game drive before breakfast and check-out.
Take an air transfer towards Tswalu as the landscape transforms from the bushveld of the Greater Kruger to the Kalahari.
Arrive at Tswalu, settle into your camp and enjoy lunch.
Spend your first afternoon exploring this remarkable wilderness before sundowners and dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 5-6: Discovering Tswalu
Rise early for a morning safari experience through the Kalahari.
Stop for coffee and refreshments before returning to camp for breakfast.
Enjoy time at leisure or choose from Tswalu's range of experiences before lunch.
Spend the afternoon exploring the reserve, 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.
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The All Out Safaris Perspective
This is a journey of beautiful extremes. The Sabi Sands delivers one of South Africa's most celebrated wildlife experiences, while Tswalu offers an entirely different interpretation of wilderness. We love the contrast. You don't simply visit two destinations; you experience two very different sides of safari.
Questions about this safari
Why combine the Sabi Sands and Tswalu?
They offer an extraordinary contrast. The Sabi Sands brings iconic wildlife encounters and lush bushveld, while Tswalu reveals the vast landscapes and fascinating wildlife of the Kalahari.
How many nights should I spend at each destination?
We recommend at least three nights at Sabi Sands and three nights at Tswalu. This gives you enough time to settle into each destination and experience its unique character without making either stay feel rushed. Longer stays can easily be arranged and is encouraged.
Which destination should I visit first?
We recommend the Sabi Sands first, followed by Tswalu. Start with the excitement and wildlife intensity of the Sabi Sands, then let the journey slow down as you enter the vast Kalahari. The contrast creates a natural progression from classic safari to a completely different wilderness experience.
How do I travel from Sabi Sands to Tswalu?
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 the Kalahari.
What wildlife will I see at Sabi Sands and Tswalu?
Sabi Sands is renowned for leopard (especially), lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino (Big Five), while Tswalu offers fascinating Kalahari-adapted species including meerkat, aardvark, black rhino, cheetah and Kalahari lion.
Is Tswalu very different from a traditional safari?
Yes and that's part of its appeal. Tswalu offers traditional safari activities alongside a much broader range of experiences within a distinctly Kalahari landscape.
Can I choose which lodges I stay at?
Yes. The journey is fully customisable and you can choose from the Sabi Sands and Tswalu lodges we offer. 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 you'd love to experience both iconic Big Five country and the extraordinary world of the Kalahari, 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.

