Many friends had told me that their African safari experiences were the best of their lives. Not being one for early morning starts or sitting in a vehicle for long periods, I doubted if I would have a similar response. Well, I haven’t stopped raving about Africa… it surpassed all my expectations and touched me in many ways. The wilderness reaches something deep within the body, mind and soul and leaves you yearning to come back. And you can experience those feelings without sacrificing the creature comforts to which business and incentive travellers have become accustomed.

On safari in Sabi Sabi
The days follow the schedule below with no shortage of fabulous dining and beverage options, including the delicious Amarula (an African version of Baileys but even nicer!). However, each day is filled with new experiences and sightings, coupled with the joy and excitement of being alive in Africa.
5:30am Wake-up by ranger followed by tea and freshly baked pastries in the Safari Lounge
6:00am Depart on morning game drive (three hours) with halfway stop for more tea and cookies
9:00am Sumptuous buffet breakfast
9:45am Walking safari
1:00pm Buffet lunch
3:30pm Afternoon tea with pastries
4:00pm Depart on afternoon/evening game drive
7:30pm Gourmet dinner

Tracking
The absolute experiences of a lifetime were the safaris each morning and evening. I am never one to get up early and dislike the cold immensely. But each morning I jumped out of bed at 5.30am and into the freezing open Landrover covering myself with two blankets, a water bottle, gloves, beanie, scarf and numerous layers of clothing for a mid-winter in South Africa. Under the guidance of Sabi Sabi’s qualified game rangers and renowned Shangaan trackers, we took to the bush and experienced the incredible exhilaration of tracking the paw prints of the wild animals.

We learned about the lives of these wild creatures and the ecosystems of the wilderness. We saw prides of lion at a kill, lions sleeping together at dawn, walking together in their incredible formations, leopards following our Landrover, a leopard eating a recently killed baby elephant, lions circling herds of buffalo, mother and baby hippos, zebras, giraffes, mongoose, monkeys, waterbucks, ignala, impala, owls and other exotic birds.

On one particular tour we came across hyenas and leopards competing over the carcass of an enormous elephant, just metres away from us. It was incredibly exciting and exhilarating and nothing quite like any other experiences I have had!

Luxurious Lodges
Sabi Sabi comprises three distinct and unique lodges based on the theme of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Yesterday is found at romantic eight-suite Selati Lodge with its early colonial style, and has a look and feel and atmosphere reminiscent of days’ gone by. Today’s contemporary warmth and vibrancy is found at the 25-suite Bush Lodge, while tomorrow is depicted by the ground-breaking 13-suite Earth Lodge, with its minimalist design and avant garde look.

All three lodges share the philosophy of giving visitors an experience that will stay with them long after they have left Sabi Sabi. The lodges offer all-suite, luxury accommodation, excellent cuisine, big five game viewing and personal attention from staff. My favourite was Bush Lodge which has a great ambience and is superbly positioned in the heart of the Sabi Sabi veldt overlooking a river plain and waterhole where animals regularly come to drink.

We saw elephants, water buck, impala, birds and much more from the windows of our suite, and twice during lunch an enormous herd of more than 50 elephants, including babies, came to the waterhole. Bush Lodge is ideal for small incentive groups as it has a conference centre which can accommodate up to 90 delegates theatre-style, and boasts a full range of technical equipment. It offers guests a diversity of leisure, motivational and team-building activities which can be incorporated into a conference or incentive trip, making a stay a unique and unforgettable experience.

We also stayed at Earth Lodge which is sculpted into the earth and features unparalleled views across the African veldt. All of the suites (including a stunning Presidential Suite) have a private butler and plunge pool, and there is a health spa. The entire lodge features an unusual unadorned finish that has been produced by blending natural elements such as straw, stone and pigment into the cement plaster.

The atmosphere at Earth Lodge is slightly more formal and suits those who really like their privacy. Sabi Sabi has won the AA Accommodation Award for Best Lodge in South Africa on numerous occasions, Best Game Lodge in Southern Africa in the Diners Club ASATA Awards and has been named one of Conde Naste Traveler’s top destinations worldwide.

Wild Incentive
Sabi Sabi has hosted some high profile incentives and events with clients such as BMW and guests including Hollywood stars, and world-renowned business leaders. Activities can include private charter flights, themed dinners, competing safaris (who can see the most wildlife in a trip!), golf, spa treatments and lots more. South Africa is a beautiful and diverse country with exotic culture and breathtaking wildlife.

Being there and hearing of the threats of extinction to many species makes you realise how important it is to always protect the wilderness and honour it as a sanctuary for flora and fauna, for wildlife and for future generations. Sabi Sabi is an unforgettable escape and an ideal place to discover the true essence of Africa. This was a special time in a special place under wide African skies… dramatic, different and very magical. I highly recommend it for an incentive, conference or just to celebrate being alive!

For details on Sabi Sabi telephone : +27 11 483 3939, email res@sabisabi.com or visit www.sabisabi.com