Lower Sabie Camp
Known for being in the heart of the best game viewing in the Park, as well as having the best lookout deck, Lower Sabie camp is situated on the lower portion of the Sabi River as the name suggests. With endless views along the river, the camp offers guests an opportunity all year round to see many of the parks animals from the comfort of a camp bench. The Camp is surrounded by mixed woodland with sweet grazing as a result of the nutrient dense soils. The underlying geology of the area is basalt that offers very loamy soils which the herbivores love. Large herds are attracted as a result with the far eastern corner near Mlondozi renowned for having the largest herd of buffalo in the Park.
Lowers Sabie offers some of the best Big 5 viewing in the Park because of its location along the perennial Sabi River. There is also excellent birding both in the camp and the surrounding savanna. The Camp is filled with large old Sycamore Figs, Marula's and Natal Mahogany trees.
Lower Sabie camp is built on the site of the original rangers out post and has long been regarded as one of the best locations in the Park. That said its popularity can also cause a few traffic jams as it connect directly to Skukuza camp which is roughly 43km north along the river.
History of the Camp :
Lower Sabie is a popular rest camp located in the southern part of Kruger National Park in South Africa, on the banks of the Sabie River. The camp is one of the oldest and most well-known rest camps in the park.
The history of the camp dates back to the early 1900s when the Kruger National Park was first established as a protected area to conserve the wildlife and habitats of the region. At that time, there were no tourist facilities in the park, and visitors had to bring their own camping gear and supplies.
In 1926, the park authorities decided to build a permanent camp for tourists, and Lower Sabie was chosen as the location due to its scenic setting and proximity to wildlife-rich areas. The camp was designed by the park's first ranger, James Stevenson-Hamilton, and construction began in 1927.
The initial buildings in the camp were made of wood and thatch, and included accommodation units, a restaurant, a shop, and a petrol station. Over the years, the camp has undergone several renovations and upgrades, with more modern facilities and amenities added to meet the changing needs of visitors.
Today, Lower Sabie Camp is a popular destination for tourists to Kruger National Park, offering a range of accommodation options, including chalets, cottages, and camping sites. The camp is known for its beautiful location on the banks of the Sabie River and its prime location for wildlife sightings, including the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The camp also offers guided walks, game drives, and other activities for visitors.
Key Mammal species in this area include :
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Buffalo
Key Bird species in this area include :
- African Fish Eagle
- Black Crake
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Saddle-billed Stork
- Martial Eagle
The Camp Accommodation :
Campsites
- 33 x tent or caravan sites, with power point. Communal ablutions and cooking facilities. (24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities) Maximum of 6 persons per site.
Huts
- 1, 2, 3 or 5-bed units (4 x 1-bed huts and 26 x multi-bed huts) with communal ablutions and communal kitchen. The units have fridges and air-conditioning but there are no cooking utensils, crockery or cutlery. A communal kitchen with scullery and electric stoves is available.
Safari Tents
- 24 x 2-bed permanent furnished canvas tents on stilts, (some accessible to wheelchairs), fully equipped, with 2 single beds, a fridge, overhead fan and small veranda. You have a choice of with or without river view. Please confirm when booking.
Bungalows
- 58 x 2 bed units, (one accessible to wheelchairs), equipped with ablutions (most with showers, but one with a bath), fridge and with air-conditioning. There are no cooking utensils, crockery or cutlery, but a communal kitchen with scullery and electric stoves is available. You have a choice of with or without perimeter view. Please confirm when booking.
- 2 x 3-bed units, fully equipped with en-suite bathroom (1 with shower and one with a bath), kitchenette, fridge and with air-conditioning.
Family Bungalows
- 2 x 5-bed units (2 separate bedrooms, one with 2 single beds and one with 3 single beds), fully equipped with a kitchenette and en-suite bathrooms. Located in budget accommodation area of camp, but with private braai area.
Guest House
- This is a large luxury unit in prime position, with river view. It is well-equipped with kitchen, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Limited channel DSTV television is provided. (No microwave oven)
- Keartland: Sleeps 6, with 3 bedrooms, (2 beds in each room)
