About this hotel
General information
Bush Lodge is the oldest lodge in the Sabi Sabi collection and the first to be built on the reserve. In Sabi Sabi’s philosophy it stands for “today”: a lively, contemporary safari lodge where the traditions of the bush meet relaxed comfort, its safari-themed furnishings and décor gathered from across Africa. The thatched dining deck looks over a waterhole where wildlife comes to drink in full view.
There are 25 places to stay, suites and three villas, and the lodge is one of the few in the region to welcome children of all ages, with its own children’s centre and junior menu. Meals, drinks and house wines (except French Champagne and Private Collection wines), day and after-dark game drives and guided walks are included.
Location
The lodge lies within Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, close to the Sabie River, in the Sabi Sand (Sabie Game Reserve) in the south-western Greater Kruger, some 500 km east of Johannesburg. Federal Air flies daily from Johannesburg straight to the Sabi Sabi airstrip, with a short hop there from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport as well; a ranger meets guests at the airstrip for the included drive to the lodge in an open safari vehicle. Airlink flies to Skukuza, and transfers from there or from Kruger Mpumalanga International (around 1.5–2 hours by road) are arranged on request; Johannesburg is about five hours away by car.
Spa
Bush Lodge has its own Amani Spa & Wellness, with two single treatment rooms and a double. The menu covers massages, body, skin and beauty rituals, treatments for couples and rituals drawn from African healing traditions, using organic Amani products inspired by African botanicals.
Sports & leisure
Game drives with a ranger and tracker go in search of the Big Five, giraffe, hippo and hyena, with the afternoon drive returning after dark. Guests can also enjoy:
- walking safaris with experienced guides, reading the plants, insects and tracks easily missed from a vehicle;
- birding and photographic safaris;
- a community experience;
- a gym with views over the bushveld;
- a safari deck and outdoor lounges for watching wildlife;
- the Bush Boutique, with curios and locally made keepsakes;
- conference facilities.
For children
The EleFun Children’s Centre, designed by childcare professionals, takes children aged 4–12 in two groups, Junior Trackers (4–8) and Junior Rangers (9–12). With trained childminders they go on nature walks, learn to identify tracks and birds (the older ones also read maps), make nature-themed crafts, play on an obstacle course, maze and jungle gyms, and join child-friendly game drives with a guide; the programme runs from 10:00 to 15:30 and is included for children up to 12. There is also a shallow children’s pool, a junior menu and child-minding on request.
Restaurants & bars
The kitchen takes African recipes and ingredients in a modern direction, caters for dietary needs with a dedicated plant-based menu, and talks through the children’s menu with each family.
- Bush Kitchen — an open-air space around a towering log fire, with live stations of dishes from across the continent and grills;
- the thatched dining deck — breakfast, light lunches and dinner overlooking the waterhole;
- high tea — cakes, savouries and drinks with views of the bush before the afternoon drive;
- private dining under the stars on the pool deck, on request;
- the bar and two deck lounges — flagship local wines, locally made spirits and international labels.
Swimming
The lodge has two pools, the main pool and a shallow children’s pool. Each of the three villas has its own plunge pool on the deck.
Rooms
Twenty-one standalone Luxury Suites and three Luxury Villas — Mahlatini, Tumbela and Mandleve — are spread through the bush, with wildlife often passing within sight of the decks.
Each suite and villa has air-conditioning, mosquito nets, a minibar with snacks, a tea and coffee station, an electronic safe, a telephone, hairdryers, gowns and slippers, luxury toiletries and complimentary drinks.
Luxury Suite
A standalone suite with a generous open-plan living area, a king-size or twin beds, a bathroom with bathtub and rain shower, and an outdoor shower. The private deck faces the bushveld; two daybeds convert into single beds, so the suite sleeps two adults and two children.
Luxury Villa
A villa with two large en-suite bedrooms (bathtub, shower and an outdoor rain shower), a library and a lounge opening onto a deck with a private plunge pool overlooking a waterhole. It sleeps four adults (up to six with extra guests) and comes with its own safari vehicle and guide.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.