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 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
Tswalu Loapi Tented Camp
Loapi offers one of Africa's most innovative luxury safari experiences through a collection of private tented homes designed for complete exclusivity. Dedicated hosts, private safari vehicles and exceptional flexibility allow every stay to be tailored entirely around your interests, creating an immersive wilderness experience unlike any other.
Best Suited For
Honeymooners
Couples
Luxury travellers
Wellness escapes
Guests seeking complete privacy
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive • Contemporary • Private • Immersive
Tswalu The Motse
As Tswalu's flagship safari lodge, The Motse combines understated luxury with warm hospitality in the heart of the reserve. Spacious suites, elegant communal spaces and beautiful views across the Kalahari create a welcoming atmosphere where couples, families and friends can experience one of Africa's most remarkable wilderness areas in comfort.
Best Suited For
Couples
Families
First-time Tswalu guests
Luxury travellers
Multi-generational holidays
Lodge Atmosphere
Elegant • Relaxed • Spacious • Timeless
Tswalu Tarkuni Homestead
Tarkuni is an exclusive-use private homestead designed for families and groups wanting complete privacy within the vast wilderness of Tswalu. With dedicated staff, a private guide and vehicle, and luxurious living spaces, every safari is crafted entirely around your pace, interests and preferred style of travel.
Best Suited For
Families
Private groups
Multi-generational travel
Milestone celebrations
Exclusive-use safaris
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive • Residential • Bespoke • Private
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 WhatsApp or video meeting to get to know you better.