Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge – More Than a Safari, It Was a Journey
Safari is a Swahili word that simply means “journey.”
Before arriving in South Africa, I thought that my Africa safari/journey would be about seeing lions, elephants and leopards in the wild.
I was wrong.
It became a journey that changed something inside me.
As our vehicle pulled into Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, I was speechless.
The entrance wasn’t just beautiful—it felt like stepping into a living museum. Rich African artifacts, historic photographs and carefully curated pieces celebrated the culture and traditions of this remarkable continent.
Through the open-air lobby, my eyes were immediately drawn to the watering hole beyond. It honestly looked as though someone had pressed a button moments before we arrived to get the animal actors into position.
Vervet monkey creating crazy antics by water hole - Elephants are not impressd.
Flips head up quick when done to control blood flow and maintain balance. Must splay legs to reach water.
Elephants stood drinking. Warthogs running in the background with tails straight up Giraffes moved gracefully to the edge and spread their legs to dip down for water. Zebra, antelope quietly grazed nearby. And then there were the annoying monkeys who were constantly bothering the elephants.
We hadn’t even checked in, and Sabi Sabi had already welcomed us.
Located in the southern section of Sabi Sands near a river system, the lodge seems to attract an incredible abundance of wildlife. There are no fences separating the lodge from nature, and from our very first moments there, it felt as though the animals were simply part of everyday life.
Bush Lodge is the oldest property in the Sabi Sabi collection, blending timeless luxury with authentic African heritage. With twenty-one luxury suites, three villas and a fully accessible suite, it’s considerably larger than our previous camp, yet still feels connected to the wilderness that surrounds it.
Our villa was extraordinary. Sherry in a decanter, beautiful decor, a reading room, large bathroom and outdoor shower. And of course out outside sitting area that was freely visited by Bushbucks.
A handwritten welcome /anniversary note and chilled champagne were waiting for us, and every detail had been thoughtfully prepared. It was luxurious in every sense of the word.
Yet despite all its beauty…something felt missing.
The lodge was quiet. Not peaceful—that was expected—but quiet in another way.
People admired the scenery, sat by themselves with their cameras and binoculars, and kept mostly to themselves. There wasn’t much conversation. Little laughter. Very few introductions. People felt distant.
Maybe everyone was simply soaking it all in.
But I realized this almost immediately. A different vibe from Arathusa.
If “safari” meant journey, then I wanted mine to include people as much as wildlife.
So I made a decision thanks to the encouragement of my husband. “you can create it”
Instead of waiting for conversations to happen, I’d start them. Those who know me are well aware that I will ask questions and lean in to learn.
At three o’clock we gathered for high tea. OMG the spread. Wilfred had certainly outdone himself.
At 4:30 we were climbing aboard our Land Cruiser for our first game drive. I noticed that a large gun case sat in the front dash. Our other location had a wood stick in that place. Interesting. Was this because there are more dangerous animals??? Or maybe an expectation of the clients at this 5 star location?? Maybe both???
We met our vehicle companions, a couple from Germany, a couple from the United States. and a mother and daughter from Ontario Canada. 8 in total plus our guide & tracker. This group of 10 would become THE infamous group at the camp.
Our guide, Albert, and our tracker, Jack, quickly proved why they are so respected. Albert’s knowledge seemed endless, Jack was learning and studying for more credentials.
Kudu buck
Every drive became part wildlife documentary, part storytelling session and part comedy show. My nickname from Albert was Vana. Making props, setting up opportunities for the group and filming it all. I loved every minute including watching group do kudu dung spitting a from a traditional game called “Bkdrol Spoego” (Afrikaans for “buck droppings spitting”).
Omg… not me. But was fun to watch and certainly a great memory. Not many can say they did that.
Only eight minutes after leaving camp we encountered our first elephant herd which included a baby. So cute. The herd certainly do protect the young.
Then came a Southern Ground Hornbill—a bird so rare it’s considered vulnerable to extinction.
And that was only the beginning.
We watched rhinos on foot, an experience that definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone. This was on a walking tour. Only 3 of us and two guides. Before we left the safety of the vehicle, each quietly checked that their rifles were ready and gave us very specific details on hand language AND we must be quiet
I swear our feet were so noisy on the dry grass and honestly, I had a furball in my throat. I needed to clear but was afraid because of the eminent danger.
Standing on the ground, knowing four enormous rhinos were only a short distance away, was both exhilarating and terrifying.
I’m pretty sure my heart skipped several beats.
Every drive seemed to reveal another unforgettable moment. Morning in the musty fog and late afternoon. I can’t tell you which is better. Each is different.
Hippos wallowed in the water just outside camp. Did you know that hippo sink to the bottom and that if you see them come to the top it is because they’re bouncing off the bottom and frequently will stand on top of tree roots. Who knew?
Massive herds of Cape buffalo reminded us why they’re considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals and one of the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo. You can even hear the buzz of flies as we approach.
We watched towering giraffes browsing peacefully through the trees, while elephant families quietly crossed the road in front of us. Watching the younger elephants practice charging at the vehicle was so fun. Their ears would fan out. Trunk curl and then for three or four courageous steps forward they lunge… and then suddenly stop. And run back to their group. So cute!!! I could’ve watched for hours.
One afternoon we were incredibly fortunate to witness two leopards mating—an extraordinarily sighting. Are you aware that this takes 3 to 5 days and maybe 100 different times? Video below
Albert explained fascinating details about the wildlife along the way.
Toilet seat Antelope - Waterbuck
Even calling the Water Buck, the toilet bowl antelope saying that the toilet had white paint on it when it sat
Any we saw numerous Kudo.
Many wildebeest, did you know that they have surprisingly poor eyesight and often stay close to zebras or rhinos relying on their sharper vision for protection.
Even the marula fruit found its way into the adventure when Albert happily demonstrated that it was perfectly edible. Like a peanut. I’ll stick to the Amarula alcohol thanks)
Every drive left us knowing a little more than when we’d started.
Back at camp, every meal felt like an event at the Braa.
The food was exceptional, and Wilfred and his team deserved a standing ovation.
As incredible as the wildlife was, some of my favourite memories happened around the dinner table.
Our first evening Albert decided to play a joke on our waiter and ME. He whispered that the waiter’s name was Khafana, explaining it simply that his name was difficult to say so not added to name tag.
waiter - alias Karfana
So naturally, when our waiter returned, I cheerfully called him by his “real” name.
His face instantly turned bright red. Albert burst into laughter.
Apparently Khafana means something closer to “hollow leg”—someone who can eat endlessly.
From that moment on, our Land Cruiser proudly became the Khafana Crew, complete with a sign hanging from the vehicle. ( phonetically roughly sounds like Car-Fun and thus I had the office create a sign)
The quiet group of strangers we’d met on day one had disappeared.
In its place was a group that laughed together, teased one another, danced at sundowners and genuinely looked forward to every drive.
Karfana Crew
It was exactly the safari I’d hoped for.
Not because of me alone, but because once one person opens the door, others usually walk through it.
One evening, as we returned to camp, hyenas circled our vehicle, clearly on the hunt.
Later that night one became bold enough to sneak into the lodge kitchen.
A loud commotion broke the peaceful evening as staff rushed toward the noise.
I’m still not sure what the hyena managed to steal, but considering how well we’d been eating, I can’t really blame it.
Our final evening brought one last unforgettable memory.
We drove to a hillside overlooking the endless African landscape for our last sundowner. We took group photos and did our signature dance move Albert taught us. (vide of blog of group found at bottom of blog)
As the sun slowly lowered on the horizon turn the sky shades or red orange and violet, one member of our group was encouraged to sing. She is a theatre singer in Ontario.
Softly, she began…
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
There couldn’t have been a more perfect song.
No stage. No audience.
Just eight new friends, two wonderful guides, the African bush and one last unforgettable sunset in Sabi Sands. I don’t think any of us will ever forget that moment.
Jack extended his thanks for making the journey/safari so fun, Explaining that what you give you get. . And Alberta personally thanked me, Vana, for orchestrating the group. Indicating that all the staff and guests wanted our experience. I have made that my mission from the beginning and I had succeeded!
People often think a safari is about checking animals off a list.
Yes, we were fortunate enough to see all of the Big Five. And many more.
But that isn’t what stayed with me.
What stayed with me was something much harder to describe.
There is something about Africa that reaches beyond what you see.
When you disconnect from emails, notifications and schedules, and immerse yourself completely in nature, something shifts.
You begin to slow down.
Morning coffee tastes better while watching the sunrise.
Conversations become longer.
Laughter becomes louder.
Silence becomes peaceful instead of uncomfortable.
You notice the smallest things.
And somewhere along the way, you reconnect—not only with nature, but with yourself.
I didn’t expect a safari to be emotional.
Yet as Albert and Jack wrapped me in a big goodbye hug the following morning, tears filled my eyes.
I wasn’t crying because our holiday was over.
I was crying because I knew I was leaving a little piece of my heart behind.
People often say that once Africa gets into your soul, it calls you back.
Now I understand exactly what they mean.
Thank you, Albert.
Thank you, Jack.
Thank you to my Karfana group.
Thank you, Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.
Thank you for a journey I will never forget.
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