Intimate Big 5 Experience
Five Days of Close Encounters in the Sabi Sand
Overview
Five days in the Sabi Sand deliver the complete Big Five in style, without the ultra-luxury price tag. Stay at celebrated owner-run lodges famed for warm hospitality and superb guiding, where twice-daily private game drives bring you face to face with leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino on exclusive private land.
This is the sweet spot of African safari — genuinely luxurious lodges, exceptional wildlife and intimate camps that never feel crowded. Expect elegant suites, excellent cuisine, and the kind of personal attention that turns first-time safari-goers into lifelong returnees.
Who It's For
Ideal for couples and first-time luxury travellers who want world-class Big Five viewing and refined comfort, with an intimate, unhurried atmosphere.
Package Highlights
Complete Big Five
Leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo & rhino on private land
Private Game Drives
Twice-daily off-road drives with skilled rangers
Intimate Luxury Camps
Owner-run lodges famed for warmth and character
Sundowners in the Bush
Classic gin-and-tonic stops as the sun sets
Boma & Bush Dining
Lantern-lit dinners under the African sky
Optional Bush Walks
Track the small wonders on foot with an armed ranger
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive by light aircraft or scenic transfer and settle into your intimate luxury camp. After lunch and a chance to relax by the pool, your first afternoon game drive introduces you to the reserve's celebrated wildlife.
🏨 Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge / Nottens Bush Camp
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
📍 Sabi Sand Game Reserve
A warm, family-friendly five-star lodge with elegant suites, a superb spa and the renowned Amani Spa — celebrated guiding and Big Five at the doorstep.
From $1,450 per person per night
Nottens Bush Camp
📍 Sabi Sand Game Reserve
An intimate, owner-run camp lit by lantern and candle, with no Wi-Fi in rooms — pure, romantic, old-school safari and outstanding personal guiding.
From $950 per person per night
Arathusa Safari Lodge
📍 Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Overlooking a productive waterhole, Arathusa offers contemporary suites, fantastic photographic opportunities from the deck and excellent value within the Sabi Sand.
From $890 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Signature
(~$2,000/night)
Five-star intimate lodge, shared luxury vehicle, all-inclusive
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$2,625/night)
Private vehicle & guide, premium suite, premium beverages
Get QuotePrivate
(~$3,500/night)
Top suites, private vehicle & tracker, private bush dinners, transfers
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All accommodation as specified (or equivalent in chosen tier)
- ✓ All meals as per itinerary and selected beverages
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert ranger and tracker
- ✓ All park, reserve and conservation fees
- ✓ Scheduled internal and light-aircraft transfers as per itinerary
- ✓ Airport meet-and-greet and private road transfers
- ✓ Laundry service and Wi-Fi at lodges
- ✓ 24/7 on-trip concierge support from Private Tours Cape Town
- ✓ Scheduled light-aircraft or road transfers Johannesburg–Sabi Sand
- ✓ Optional guided bush walk with armed ranger
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to/from Africa
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- ✗ Visa fees where applicable
- ✗ Premium imported champagne, cellar wines and spirits
- ✗ Spa treatments and wellness extras
- ✗ Gratuities for guides, trackers and lodge staff (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses and curio purchases
- ✗ Optional activities not specified (helicopter flips, private vehicle upgrades)
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Sabi Sands delivers world-class leopard sightings year-round, but the dry winter months of May to September concentrate game and offer the highest predator-viewing success rates on Earth.
Why Choose This Package
Big Five, Beautifully Done
Exceptional wildlife on private land at a price that opens the Sabi Sand to more travellers.
Intimate, Never Crowded
We choose smaller, owner-run lodges where you feel like a guest, not a number.
Private Land Advantage
Off-road traversing rights deliver closer, more exclusive sightings than national parks allow.
Personally Curated
Hand-picked lodges and seamless logistics, arranged and supported by our team throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Intimate Big 5 Experience?
From $8,000 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
