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Launching 2027
An eight-suite camp in the Sabi Sand, where the day starts before dawn with coffee and a Land Rover, and ends around a fire with the lions somewhere close.
The Sabi Sand shares an open border with Kruger and has the best big-cat viewing in Africa, and Sable Plains is a small, unfenced camp right in it. Eight suites, a waterhole out front, and animals that wander through camp as if they own it, which they do.
Each suite is its own thatched building, glass on the bush side, with a deck, a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. There is a main lodge for meals, a deck over the waterhole and a boma for dinner under more stars than you have seen.
“You come back from the morning drive, elephants are at the waterhole, and breakfast can wait.”
Two game drives a day with a ranger and tracker, walking safaris for the brave, and a kitchen that feeds you far too well between them. Crew who do this once tend to start saving for the next.
Reviewed in person by Meghan, Crew Portfolio
Suites
Each suite is its own thatched building with glass on the bush side, a deck, a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. Private and quiet, with the bush right there.
The two family suites add a second room, for the trip you bring the older kids on. Over-12s on the game drives.
Eating
All meals are included, from a bush breakfast after the morning drive to a boma dinner round the fire. The kitchen is far better than it needs to be.
Sundowners come with the evening drive, and the bar and deck over the waterhole run on their own time.
On safari
Two game drives a day with a ranger and tracker, in open vehicles, for the Big Five and everything around them. Only 8 suites, so sightings are never crowded.
Walking safaris for the brave, a hide by the waterhole, and stargazing after dinner. The camp runs it all; you just turn up.
What we love
Facilities
Location
Sable Plains is in the Sabi Sand, part of the Greater Kruger in north-east South Africa, unfenced to the national park, about 45 minutes from the Skukuza airstrip.
By air
Fly to Johannesburg, then a light aircraft to Skukuza (SZK); the camp meets you for the 45-minute transfer. Nelspruit (MQP) is the alternative with a longer road.
Getting around
You do not need a car; the camp runs all game drives and transfers. Days are built around the morning and evening drives.
Good to know
Getting there
Jo’burg, then a light aircraft to Skukuza and a 45-minute transfer. Nelspruit is the road alternative.
The food
All meals included, from bush breakfasts to boma dinners. Dietary needs handled with notice.
Worth doing
Two drives a day for the Big Five, a bush walk, or the hide by the waterhole. Stargazing after dinner.
The detail
8 suites, all-inclusive. Unheated plunge pools. Over-12s on game drives. Malaria area, take advice.
A few things to know
- It is a malaria area; get medical advice before you travel.
- Early starts; the best drives leave before dawn.
- Over-12s only on game drives.
- Green season (Nov to Mar) is lush and cheaper but hotter and wetter.
- Light-aircraft baggage limits are strict; pack soft bags.
What crew say
Captain, A350
First Officer, B777
Cabin Crew
