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Open 4 x 4 Game Drives
- The real thing
When you arrive in the Sabi Sand Reserve a qualified and experienced
game ranger with his .458 rifle and his local Shangaan tracker
will be assigned to you for the duration of your Sabi
Sands Safari. For your 'off road' wildlife viewing they will guide you on
three totally open '4 x 4 Land Rover' game drives each day - early
morning, late afternoon and at night.
The open vehicle game drives are carried out at these times because the animals
are most active moving around the reserve during these cooler
periods of the day searching for either fresh grazing or water.
The predators take the opportunity to hunt during these same periods.
During the heat of the day (10.00am to 3.00pm) most of the animals
stay under shade. There is not much animal movement so during
these times it's everyone's opportunity to be at the lodge chatting,
having a siesta or a swim. Just relaxing out of the heat.
On the open vehicle game drives we search for animals by traversing the Sabi
Sands using the narrow dirt roads that have been formed over the
years. The dirt roads criss-cross the reserve in all directions
- to water holes, across rivers, through open plains of grassland,
thick woodland bush and even down dried river beds.
Although we all search for the animals it's
your local Shangaan tracker who will do the spotting. If fresh
animal tracks belonging to one of the Big Five are found crossing
the road, we will then use the Land Rover 'off road' following
the tracks, driving further into the bush. We will follow any
fresh Big Five track to ensure your chances of seeing all of the
Big Five.
At the end of the afternoon game drive, as the sun starts to set
we stop in the middle of the bush. You are allowed to jump off
the Land Rover to have a stretch, a call of nature and to enjoy
'sun downers' (drinks). A table is set up with a selection of
drinks - beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Small snacks are
also offered.
This traditional method of
open vehicle game viewing is comfortable, safe,
exciting and of course very rewarding.
When a pride of Lions are found, we will follow the pride through
the bush, keeping close to them, waiting and hoping for an opportunity
to occur which results in you seeing the pride in action, bringing
down suitable prey. Imagine! Safely sitting in a Land Rover in
the middle of the South African bush only a few metres away from
a pride of Lions on a fresh Zebra kill!
It's also important
to know that in the Sabi Sands Reserve there is an agreed policy
between the lodges that only 3 game viewing vehicles are allowed
at a Big Five sighting at any one time. It's important not to
pressure or stress animals in the wild and of course your
viewing experience whilst at the sighting is kept exclusive. The
game viewing is excellent and wilder in the northern sector of
the Sabi Sands with the Big Five regularly being seen.
Ever heard of the Big Seven? You may also see Cheetah - the fastest
land animal in the world or the Cape Hunting Dog more commonly
known as Wild Dog. Both these animals are on the endangered wildlife
list and they form part of what is known as the Big Seven!
The Sabi Sands Reserve is the best reserve to
witness many incredible sightings, very much happening as nature
intended. Our Sabi Sands
Safari has it all.
Walking Safari -
Included
Each day your ranger and local tracker will take you on an hours
leisure bush-walking safari which starts shortly after breakfast. The
walking safaris are not compulsory but they do provide you the
opportunity to get a closer look at some of the smaller animals,
the flora and fauna and to learn a little about bush survival
and tracking.
The walk is a relaxing change and brings one even
closer to nature.
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Note
The game drives are not compulsory. If you wished
to stay in bed one morning you would be more than welcome to do
so.
Sabi
Sands Reserve | Sabi Sand | Sabi Sands | Sabi Sands Safari
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