Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Deep in the African bushveld, within the Greater Kruger National Reserve, ‘something enchanting lies in wait’ – the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. This award winning private game reserve offers world-class standards in luxury accommodation, exceptional close wildlife encounters, personal service and delicious cuisine.

The Sabi Sabi philosophy of ‘yesterday, today and tomorrow’ stems from over 100 years of safari experience; a history richly woven into the atmosphere of each of its four uniquely individual safari lodges. South Africa and its warm hospitality echo through the style and flavour of each and every one.

‘Something special is happening deep in the heart of the wilderness…’ The reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), as well as cheetah, wild dog and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and plants indigenous to the area.

Highly trained and experienced rangers and trackers ensure that your safari experience ranks amongst the best in the world. You can look forward to fantastic close-up experiences with Africa’s wildlife on every game drive.

LUXURY SAFARI LODGE
Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other.

Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa. Earth Lodge reveals itself in a series of sensory revelations. On arrival a hidden corridor leads you down on a journey to a unique and unforgettable experience.

The unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. As in nature everything at Earth Lodge exists in harmony and you are immediately aware of a sense of calm and a restoring spirit.

Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation.

Each of the suites at this luxury lodge features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom and indoor and outdoor shower. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic.

The Amber suite is a glorious celebration of generous size and space. Beyond belief in its beauty, from the magnificent carved wooden headboard to the deep egg-shaped bath, the suite boasts its own study and kitchen. It captures the spirit of nature and luxury in one unique experience.

The outdoor boma, its walls sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, captures the drama of the African night and evokes the power of the wilderness.

An indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and unending bushveld, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden; and an underground wine cellar with a collection of over 6000 bottles of rare wines, the venue for an unforgettable dining experience – everything at this luxury lodge has been created for your indulgence.

While on safari escape to the Amani Spa and indulge in holistic body, skin and beauty rituals, treatments and massages. The gym facilities at Earth Lodge offer cardio equipment in a safe and air conditioned environment while still capturing the beautiful views out towards the bush.

Each morning and evening you will depart from this luxury safari lodge into the wilderness, either by open safari vehicle or on foot for a walking safari, accompanied by your armed and knowledgeable Game Ranger and Shangaan Tracker. Close enough to share in a thrilling encounter with Africa’s beautiful wild creatures.

AMBER PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
Earth Lodges presidential suite, the Amber Suite is a study in elegance, sophistication, luxury and indulgence. From the enormous proportions to the private pool, from the private dining facility to the sumptuous decor to the unending bushveld view, the Amber Suite matches up to the best in the world.

Comprising a double bedroom with magnificent carved wooden headboard; en suite bathroom with huge, egg-shaped stone bath, study, kitchen and dining area, the suite captures the spirit of nature and luxury in once unique experience.

The Amber Suite features Earth Lodge′s unique, unadorned finish that belies the 5 Star luxury that has made it a favourite the world over. A booking at the Amber Suite comes standard with a private open safari vehicle for game viewing

AMANI SPA
While on safari, escape to the Amani Spa at Earth Lodge and enjoy a luxurious facility that reflects the soul of Africa. Revel in a spa experience that is pampering and memorable, relaxing and indulgent.

Every detail of the spa at Earth Lodge has been carefully considered. Natural elements and textures, a sense of peace, space and timeless beauty combine effortlessly with Amani’s holistic body, skin and beauty rituals, treatments and massages – all designed to stimulate the body’s innate healing processes and naturally inhibit the ageing process.

The perfect place to rest, relax and rejuvenate, our unique spa also offers a couples treatment suite and a Zen meditation area for quiet and solitude.

At the Amani Spa at Earth Lodge we create magical moments and turn them into special memories. Treat yourself to one of our individually designed treatment packages for any occasion – honeymoon, birthday or anniversary. Share the experience with your partner in the couple’s treatment suite. Or simply indulge yourself because you deserve it!

LUXURY SAFARIS
Southern Africa captivates everyone who is lucky enough to experience its power and magic. The concept of ‘Safari’ conjures up images of adventure, dramatic landscapes and exciting wildlife.

Sabi Sabi’s four luxury safari lodges are located in the Sabie Game Reserve which is geographically integrated with the Greater Kruger National Park. Sabi Sabi epitomises Africa’s magic. With no fences between the reserve and the Kruger Park, big game abounds, moving freely through this unspoiled part of the ancient African continent.

The Reserve is blessed with a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife giving an excellent chance of close encounters with the ‘Big Five’ – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – as well as wild dog and cheetah. With over 300 bird species, the reserve is a birdwatcher’s delight.

There has been no hunting here for over half a century and the animals have become habituated to – and relaxed in the presence of – safari vehicles. The ultimate destination for a luxury safari; visitors to Sabi Sabi can look forward the unique experience of close encounters with animals as they continue unperturbed in their natural daily patterns of hunting, feeding, courting and suckling.

Safaris take place each morning and evening in open safari vehicles which drive through a wide variety of habitats, allowing visitors to view the vast interactions of the wild. After breakfast, guests on guided walking trails can experience the natural environment on foot. The dedicated, highly trained and experienced Rangers lead you to discover miracles of nature you may never have dreamed existed.

MORNING SAFARIS
An early morning call from the Ranger will wake you before first light, while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares cool fruit juices with a muffin, rusk or other freshly made delicacy. So begins the morning safari.

The bush is already alive, the air filled with birdsong as the rising sunlight dances off beads of dew on spiders’ webs. Nobody, not even the tracker who can read the bushveld like a book, knows what’s in store.

He will watch the road for spoor, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt in the dark. There may be hushed discussions in Shangaan between Ranger and Tracker, and brief radio interactions from one vehicle to another.

Sharing information ensures that the occupants of each safari vehicle have the best chance of a wide range of sightings during their drives – and also ensures control and responsible behaviour as the vehicles move in close to the animals.

MORNING GUIDED BUSH WALK
Renowned for luxury experiences, Sabi Sabi isn’t all about phenomenal game drives and exceptional dining. Opportunities for education and adventure are definitely on the cards for those interested and energetic.

On the morning environmental awareness walking safari you can be part of a small group that sets out on foot after breakfast. The walk is an opportunity to feel the pulse of Africa through the soles of your feet and experience the bushveld at close quarters.

Sabi Sabi boasts approximately 350 different species of birds, a paradise for birdwatchers. Raptors are plentiful, including 11 species of owl, the seldom seen cuckoo hawk and rare bat hawk. There is an endless diversity of trees, shrubs and flowering plants, and whatever the time of year, no two walks are ever the same.

EVENING SAFARIS
Evening falls and you prepare for the night safari. As the fierce heat of the day cools, the inhabitants of the bush become restless, and the animals move out of the shade of the trees. The call of the crested francolin reverberates through the bushveld and birds increase the volume of their song.

You will be aware of colours softening to the beautiful, gentle hues that vary with each season. New scents fill the air and as the sun dips behind the horizon your Ranger will choose a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners alongside the vehicle.

Watch in awe as the sky turns to the sensational vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset. There is a lull as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger.

It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey needs to be alert for survival through the night. During your safari you may be lucky enough to watch lions prepare for their evening hunt.

Their long bodies stretch to ease muscles cramped from lying in the shade during the day; sinews are lengthened and claws sharpened against a tree; the vegetation is marked with scent, and the wind checked for smells; only then do they set off in a slow, loose-jointed, arrogant amble.

There are numerous nocturnal hunters and on your evening safari, with the help of a spotlight, a leopard’s eyes may reflect back from a nearby tree. Or you may be lucky enough to spot another smaller predator, a genet, African civet or African wild cat.

One can come across scenes at night that become etched in memory: elephants moving heavily but silently in the moonlight; the incredible flying leaps of bushbabies from treetop to treetop, and the red shine from a lion’s eyes as it looks up from its kill. A Sabi Sabi evening safari will never be forgotten.

Rooms: 13

Price: from 1.720 EUR per night

Source: www.sabisabi.com