Sabi Sabi Game Reserve rebrands as Sabi Sabi Collection

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Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is rebranding to Sabi Sabi Collection as the family-owned private reserve in the Greater Kruger Park expands beyond its four luxury lodges — Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp and Earth Lodge. Jacques Smit, Marketing Director at Sabi Sabi Collection shared details with LATTE this week while in Sydney, discussing the brand’s new chapter of growth. He confirmed the landmark reserve will retain its original identity, under Sabi Sabi Collection.

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“We are excited to be entering a phase of exploration and growth with the aim of extending Sabi Sabi’s conservation and community-led ethos and over 45 years of experience to other parts of Africa, starting with the procurement of Sandringham Private Game Reserve,” Smit said. Sandringham is a joint venture with a longstanding guest and philanthropist wanting to invest in areas where the company can make a difference and include guests in foundation driven upliftment.

“We saw potential in Sandringham and were captivated by its location against the backdrop of the Timbavati River, along with the opportunity of rehabilitating an old, neglected hunting area and turning it into a pristine eco-tourism protected area,” Smit explained. Located at the convergence of four rivers, bordered by Thornybush, Timbavati, and Ngala Reserves, the 6,500-hectare former hunting reserve is being regenerated by Sabi Sabi. This mammoth task focuses on rehabilitation, rewilding and introduction of Sabi Sabi as protectors and custodians of this land and its inhabitants.

Sabi Sabi Collection are in the process of working with local authorities to get this pristine environment proclaimed a protected area which will then provide an open wildlife corridor to Kruger National Park, enabling the free movement of game across the Greater Kruger Protected Area. The name ‘Sandringham’ holds historical significance, tied to early settlers and gold mining in the area, with a recorded link to royalty visiting the area in its intriguing past. With plans to build a lodge on the reserve, a crucial part of future-proofing the growing portfolio is training staff to the high standard that Sabi Sabi is renowned for. To this end, the company and its foundation, continues to promote opportunities and provide platforms for local community members to be exposed and trained to the safari and hospitality industry.

Looking ahead, the Sabi Sabi Collection will continue its exploration to grow and will be looking at opportunities throughout South Africa.

“Being a proudly South African owned and run family business – we will seek out complementary guest experiences throughout the region,” Smit adds.

“Our vision is to be trusted globally in providing immersive and authentic experiences, always exploring to grow, yet balancing the protection and sustainability of the land and its people,” he concluded.

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