How to get to Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Travelling to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Depending on your individual travel needs, you can get to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in a variety of ways. Most people choose a scheduled flight or shuttle flight to the reserve. Travellers on a longer journey travelling by rental car also have easy access to the Sabi Sands.
Getting to Sabi Sands by air
There are many flight possibilities available for travellers that seek for the quickest way of getting to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. From Johannesburg and Cape Town travellers can make use of scheduled flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) near Nelspruit. From here you can travel onwards to your preferred lodge by making use of a road transfer or a by means of a small (chartered) aircraft. Airlink and CemAir also serve Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, which is conveniently located for travellers staying in the northern section of the Sabi Sands (see our Sabi Sands map). Also from Hoedspruit you can make use of a road transfer to your lodge. Skukuza Airport (located in Kruger National Park) was recently reopened and is perfect for travellers staying in the southern section of the Sabi Sands. Please see our Skukuza Sabi Sands page for all information related to this convenient travel option.
In short there are three major airport serving the Sabi Sands:
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (for lodges in the western sector)
- Skukuza Airport (for lodges in the southern sector)
- Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (for lodges in the northern sector)
Sabi Sands lodge link flights
Visitors of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve arriving at Kruger Mpumalanga or Skukuza may want to make use of a short onward transfer flight on a small aircraft to their preferred lodge. Many of the lodges have their own airstrips, making it extremely easy getting to your destination. These short flights are an experience in itself and very scenic as the aircraft will stay at a low altitude offering you picture perfect views over the South African Bush. These flights can be booked only in conjunction with a confirmed accommodation booking. Please contact us for more information and rates.
In short, there are three airstrips to which you may arrive:
- Ulusaba airstrip (for lodges in the western sector)
- Arathusa airstrip (for lodges in the northern sector)
- Londolozi Airstrip (for Londolozi lodges only)
Sabi Sands shuttle flights
The fastest and most convenient option to get to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is by making use of a scheduled charter flight from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. Federal Air serves almost all lodges in the reserve daily. View our Federal Air Sabi Sands page for all details.
Getting to Sabi Sands by road
Travellers making use of their own rental car when travelling in South Africa can easily reach the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. From Johannesburg the driving distance is approximately 450 kilometres. Most of the route from Johannesburg takes you along the N4 national road, making it an easy and comfortable drive. Including some stops for refreshments, the total driving time adds up to about 6.5 hours. Please note: access to the northern section of the Sabi Sands (access to for instance Chitwa Chitwa, Cheetah Plains and Arathusa lodges, also see our Sabi Sands map) is through Gowrie gate which takes 7 hours to get to from Johannesburg.
Sabi Sands access gates
The Sabi Sands has three access gates:
Each gate serves different lodges. Please make sure you access through the correct gate when travelling to the lodge of your choice. See our Sabi Sands map for the exact location of the different Sabi Sands access gates.
Sabi Sands Gate fees
Upon entering the Sabi Sands Game Reserve through one of the above mentioned gates, you are required to pay ZAR 340 per vehicle. Further, an amount of ZAR 154 per person is charged. These rates are inclusive of VAT and valid until 31 December 2022. Credit cards are accepted at all Sabi Sands entry gates.