Kruger National Park, South AfricaSabi Sand
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Earth-sheltered safari lodge
Sabi Sand Kruger National Park, South Africa
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Sabi SabiEarth-sheltered safari lodge
The lodge burrows into the hillside rather than rising above it, setting open-air living directly beside an active waterhole.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Excavated earth-sheltered suites blend into the bushveld slope using straw-and-stone plaster.
Notable
Trackers from neighbouring Shangaan villages share generational knowledge of the bushveld.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In the Sabi Sand Wildtuin bushveld, surrounded by wilderness overlooking an active waterhole.
The rooms
Suites are cut into the hillside like polished caves, and each opens onto a private deck with its own plunge pool.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and gym
Treatment rooms open onto a courtyard water feature, and the gym looks straight out into the bush.
Main Bar and Lounge
A massive tree root carved by sculptor Geoffrey Armstrong forms the bar counter, looking out over the waterhole.
At the table
Lunch is served with bare feet in a shallow wading pool. Inside, tables sit beneath chandeliers of sculpted branches.
How it began
Co-owner Jacqui Loon broke with colonial safari styles by burrowing underground, letting native grasses cover the roofs where elephants now graze.
Kruger National Park
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.