Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Rank : 10.0 (average on 3 votes)

If you know this place, give your vote: 1 (Worst)2345678910 (Best) 

Coordinates : -24.995643, 31.593084 (Open in Google Maps)

Subjects : Around 300 species of bird. 145 species of mammals.The big 5 Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopards. Probably the best place in the world to view and photographic leopards at close quarters. There are also wild dogs in Sabi Sands and while not a common sight, the length of your stay will also increase your chances of seeing these rare carnivores. We stayed 8 nights and did see wild dogs on the hunt. Also lizards, snakes and insects.

Recommended equipment : DSRL. Most photography is done by 4x4 vehicle so a bean bag but some lodges will supply. A monopod would be more suitable for this type of vehicle than a tripod. You will often get very close to the action in Sabi Sands so for photographers with a telephoto lens of 300mm+ it is recommended to have a second lens such as as 70-200mm. Photographers with a super telephoto zoom such as 150-600mm should have most situations covered. There may be some opportunity for speedlight photography but night photography is mostly done by spot light so a flash is not a must.

Best months : There is good photography all year round at Sabi Sands but the wet/summers season can be very hot and humid. I would recommend the dry season running from around late April through to the around mid October. The weather is drier and cooler and the sparser foliage makes for easier photography. There may be some very hot days in September and October.

How to get there : For international visitors the usual method would be to fly into Johannesburg. Those who are doing multiple parks and lodges sometimes choose the self drive option. Be advised that although it is not difficult to drive yourself in South africa, when moving around private game reserves such as Sabi Sands easement restrictions between properties can mean have to take long detours to get to the desired property. The easiest though not cheap option is to fly into an airstrip located near your lodge flying Federal Air or SA Airlink. SA Airlink you can book online but Federal must be booked through your lodge.

Visits : Sabi Sands is a private game reserve. All lodges are on private land and while you can drive around the outside you cannot drive yourself within any of the private game areas. The cost of your time in Sabi Sands will be the cost charged by your lodge. There is a conservation fee that you will be advised of by your lodge.

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