Sabi Sabi Collection to debut new private game reserve

The renowned South African game reserve expands its conservation and hospitality footprint with the addition of Sandringham Private Game Reserve.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, a well-known luxury safari destination within South Africa’s Greater Kruger Park, has announced its rebranding to Sabi Sabi Collection. This rebranding marks a significant milestone as the family-owned reserve aims to expand its influence and conservation efforts beyond its established lodges—Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp, and Earth Lodge.

Jacques Smit, Marketing Director of Sabi Sabi Collection, shared details about the rebranding during a media tour in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. “We are excited to be entering a phase of exploration and growth to extend Sabi Sabi’s conservation and community-led ethos and over 45 years of experience to other parts of Africa, starting with Sandringham Private Game Reserve,” Smit stated.

Sandringham Private Game Reserve is the first addition to the Sabi Sabi Collection. This new venture is a partnership with a longstanding guest and philanthropist committed to eco-tourism and community upliftment. At the convergence of four rivers and bordered by Thornybush, Timbavati, and Ngala Reserves, the 6500-hectare former hunting reserve is undergoing significant rehabilitation. The project focuses on re-wilding and converting the land into a pristine eco-tourism area.

The name ‘Sandringham’ carries historical significance, linked to early settlers, gold mining, and even royalty visits. Plans for the reserve include building a lodge to accommodate guests and provide immersive wildlife experiences. The Sabi Sabi Collection is working with local authorities to have Sandringham proclaimed a protected area, enabling the creation of an open wildlife corridor to Kruger National Park. This corridor will allow free movement of game across the Greater Kruger Protected Area.

A crucial aspect of the expansion is maintaining the high standards of hospitality and conservation that Sabi Sabi is known for. The company and its foundation will continue to promote opportunities and provide training for local community members, ensuring they are well-equipped to support the growing portfolio of properties.

Looking ahead, the Sabi Sabi Collection plans to explore further opportunities throughout South Africa. “As a proudly South African-owned and family-run business, we will seek out complementary guest experiences throughout the region,” Smit explained. “We envision the Sabi Sabi Collection as an umbrella brand under which Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Sandringham Private Game Reserve, and any future properties will coexist seamlessly.”

The vision for Sabi Sabi Collection is to provide immersive and authentic experiences while balancing the protection and sustainability of the land and its people. Smit concluded, “Our vision is to be trusted globally in providing immersive and authentic experiences, always exploring to grow yet balancing the protection and sustainability of the land and its people.”

sabisabi.com