Sabi Sands, South Africa

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Sabi Sabi Selati Camp

Classic Lodge
Birding
Butler Service
Communal Pool
Heritage
Honeymoon
Outdoor Shower
Photography
Romantic
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South Africa

Overview

COMFORT
AC
Bathtub
Fans
In-vehicle charging
Laundry Service
Outdoor Shower
Personal bar
Pool
Safe
QUICK FACTS
7
Rooms
Private Vehicle at extra cost
Cancellation POLICY
Strict, typically 100% from 60 days
Kids POLICY
From 14
The most intimate and romantic of the four Sabi Sabi lodges, Selati Camp is a colonial "Out of Africa" tribute to the golden age of steam-era safari, named after the historic Selati railway line that once crossed the reserve to carry Drakensberg gold to the Mozambican coast (the old railbed is still visible nearby). Just seven thatched suites overlook the Msuthlu riverbed and its watering pan, dressed in original steam-engine nameplates, signals and railway memorabilia, and though the suites now have air-conditioning and electricity, the camp is deliberately lit at night by the flicker of oil lamps, shunters' lanterns and fires. There's a cosy lounge and bar, à la carte dining on riverside decks and a boma, and the whole Sabi Sabi collection has been proudly family-owned and run since 1979, days run on twice-daily open-vehicle drives and walks in prime Big Five and leopard country.

Plan

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Access Type
Fly-in or Road Access
Transfer Time from Airstrip
30
mins
Baggage limit
20
kg
Soft-bag only
Wildlife Highlights
Leopard
Rhino
Birding
Great for birders

Location

Map pin marker icon with dark green abstract pattern and a central circular cutout.

Getting there

Fly to Skukuza Airport (SZK) on daily Airlink flights from Johannesburg (OR Tambo) or Cape Town, then a short transfer to the lodge, alternatively fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International (KMIA) and transfer by road (about 90 minutes), or self-drive from Johannesburg (roughly 5.5 hours); transfers to and from the Sabi Sabi airstrip are included in the rate.

Stay

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COMFORT
AC
Bathtub
Fans
In-vehicle charging
Laundry Service
Outdoor Shower
Personal bar
Pool
Safe
Vehicle
Private Vehicle at extra cost
WI-FI
Available in all areas
Medical
Malaria Zone
Insect protection
Antimalarials and repellent, with draped mosquito nets in the suites; fewer mosquitoes in the dry winter
Activities
Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives (off-road, with night drives, in-vehicle charging) and environmental-awareness walking safaris; the Amani Spa and gym at Bush Lodge

Our Favorite Rooms

Seven thatched suites named after railway stations, each with a full en-suite bathroom, an outdoor bathtub and a private alfresco shower, dressed in railway memorabilia, antique collector's pieces and draped mosquito nets. Among the five standalone Luxury Suites, the Lourenço Marques and Murchison are the standout picks (Lourenço Marques is the secluded honeymoon suite, with a private garden and deck overlooking the waterhole). The palatial Ivory Presidential Suite is the top choice, an open-plan master and lounge flowing onto a viewing deck, with an expansive en-suite, a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and its own private safari vehicle. Suites have air-conditioning, ceiling fans and in-vehicle charging on drives, and the camp suits couples, newlyweds and small-group exclusive use.

Dining

World-class à la carte cuisine served on thatched wooden decks over the Msuthlu riverbed, in the open-air boma or in the characterful "farmhouse kitchen", with all drinks included except French Champagne and Private Collection cellar wines, and the honeymoon and Ivory Presidential suites can request intimate private dining in-suite.

Tips

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Packing Tips

Neutral safari layers with a warm jacket and beanie for cold winter dawn drives in open vehicles (May–August), lighter clothing for hot summers, closed shoes for bush walks, a sun hat, sunscreen and binoculars, insect repellent and antimalarials, swimwear, smart-casual for dinner, a good camera with a long lens for the leopards, and a small torch, handy given the lantern-lit paths at night.

Insider Tips

Selati is the romance-and-history choice among the Sabi Sabi lodges, so book it for a honeymoon or special occasion, and ask for the Lourenço Marques suite for the most privacy or the Ivory Presidential for grandeur (it includes a private vehicle). Being a private reserve, your ranger and tracker drive off-road and after dark for exceptional leopard sightings, and the honeymoon and Ivory suites can arrange private in-suite dining. Note the spa and gym are at sister lodge Bush Lodge (a short transfer away).

Impact

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Reserve type
Private Reserve
Conservation
Sabie Game Reserve's anti-poaching, security and community work in the leopard-rich Sabi Sand
Conservation fee
495
No Conservation Fee
per person per day

Conservation Efforts

Selati sits within the Sabi Sand, the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in southern Africa and part of the unfenced Greater Kruger, where wildlife moves freely across the ecosystem. The guest conservation levy funds the Sabie Game Reserve NPC (a non-profit) and its conservation, reserve management, security, access control, anti-poaching and community-development work, alongside Sabi Sabi's long-standing community and staff-development commitments, and the deliberately low-electricity, lantern-lit ambience keeps the camp's footprint gentle.

Per Person, Per Night from
28900
Per Person
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