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Lower Sabie Rest Camp
Lower Sabie Rest Camp is one of the more popular main rest camps of Kruger National Park (KNP) which is located in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The camp is located in the south-eastern part of the park and the closest entrance gate is Crocodile Bridge.
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
6 Sleeper - Camp Site (CK6P)
*Excludes camping equipment
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R560 for 2 persons |
| R710 for 3 persons | |
| R860 for 4 persons | |
| R1010 for 5 persons | |
| R1160 for 6 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, Communal Ablutions, Powerpoint, Water Outlet, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Camping Equipment, Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
1 Sleeper - Hut (EH1)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R660 for 1 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, 1 single beds, Airconditioned, Communal ablutions, Communal Kitchen, Fridge, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Caterting
2 Sleeper - Hut (EH2)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R1100 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, 2 single beds, Airconditioned, Communal ablutions, Communal Kitchen, Fridge, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
3 Sleeper - Hut (EH3)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R980 for 3 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, 3 single beds, Airconditioned, Communal ablutions, Communal Kitchen, Fridge, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
4 Sleeper - Hut (EH4)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R980 for 4 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, 4 single beds, Airconditioned, Communal ablutions, Communal Kitchen, Fridge, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Lux Safari Tent - Bush View (LBVST2)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2395 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite with Shower and Bath, 2 Single beds, Air-conditioning, Braai area, Fridge, Fully equipped Kitchen, Bush View, Veranda, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Lux Safari Tent - River View (LRVST2)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2,230 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite with Shower and Bath, 2 Single beds, Air-conditioning, Braai area, Fridge, Fully equipped Kitchen, River View, Veranda, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Bungalow (BD2)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2495 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite, 2 single beds, Kitchenette, Veranda, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
3 Sleeper - Bungalow (BD3)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2895 for 3 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite, 3 single beds, Kitchenette, Veranda, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Bungalow - Perimeter (BD2U)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2895 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant onsite, En-suite with Shower and Bath, 2x single beds, Room Airconditioned, Kitchen, Utensils, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
3 Sleeper - Bungalow - Perimeter (BD3U)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R3295 for 3 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite with Shower and Bath, Room 1 – 2x single beds, Room 2 with 1x double bed, Lounge with 2 bench beds, Airconditioned, Kitchen, Utensils, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
Family Cottage (FU4P)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R4395 for 4 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite, 2 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds Aircon & ceiling fan, Kitchenette with utensils. Satellite TV, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie
4 Sleeper - Family Cottage - Perimeter (FU4V)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R4395 for 4 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite, 2 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds Aircon & ceiling fan, Kitchenette with utensils, Perimeter view, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Lower Sabie - Self Catering
6 Sleeper - Keartland Guest House (GKG)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R9495 for 6 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite, 3 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds Aircon & ceiling fan, Kitchenette with utensils, Perimeter view, SANPARKS Community Levy
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Overview
The rest camp is situated on the banks of the Sabie River, one of the few rivers to flow through the Kruger National Park. Visitors can relax and enjoy the view over the river from various lookout points in the camp.
The camp is perfect located as guests do not have to drive all that far from the main gate to reach it. Because the camp is right next to the river, there are plenty of animals and birds to see, as well as a lot of plant life that is unique to the area. The camp is known for having the second largest number of trees after Letaba and its shaded lawns make it a real favourite amongst visitors.
Staying in any of the camps of the KNP is a top experience where you can be guaranteed to see the Big 5. It is one of the more affordable safari vacations that you can book in South Africa.
The camp offers a variety of accommodation to choose from and it also has a designated day visitor area where day visitors and visitors from other camps can braai (barbecue) and picnic.
Why would you want to visit Lower Sabie?
Spending a few days in the Lower Sabie camp provides a true African experience like few other and is definitely something to add to your safari vacation.
Large numbers of wildlife are attracted to the plentiful water and at night the diversity of animals seen in the area is hard to equal anywhere in the KNP. All the larger mammals can be seen regularly which include lion, cheetah, elephant, hippo, rhino, herds of buffalo and many warthogs. A wide variety of bird species will appeal to the bird lover.
The camp is host to large riverine trees and the sycamore fig tree is very prominent which provides generously for the livelihood of many animals, birds and insects The vegetation of the area is mostly knob thorn and marula savannah on basalt soils. Other prominent trees are the leadwood and sausage trees. The sweet grass attract many grazing species. Just west of Lower Sabie is an area of delagoa thorn thicket on ecca shale soil with many delagoa thorn and the magic guarri growing there.
The camp is an ideal destination for families with a wide range of activities. Going out on an open vehicle safari during the day or at night is the preferred way to see animals but the best way to spot animals is right in the camp from the various vantage points.
The camp offers great bird watching opportunities as it provides a walking route on the inside perimeters of the camp. You will get a general offering of fauna and flora and being close to animals that you might catch a glimpse of on the other side of the electrified fence.
Lower Sabie has a designated day visitor area. There are also picnic sites nearby at Nkuhlu a drive of about 20 km, Mlondozi Dam, about 17 km and Tshokwane which is 43 km away.
Where is Lower Sabie located?
Lower Sabie is located in the south-eastern part of the KNP, about 34 km from the Crocodile Bridge entrance gate. The GPS coordinates for the camp is S 25 7′ 16″ E 31 55′ 2″.
How to get to Lower Sabie
Travelling time from Johannesburg to the closest entrance gate at Crocodile Bridge by car is at least five to six hours.
Travel on the N4 to Nelspruit and head on to Malelane and then Komatipoort. It is a distance of about 110 km. Turn left onto the R571 at Komatipoort and head on to the Crocodile Bridge gate. The camp is 34 km north of the gate. You should allow at least 2 hours for the drive to the camp. However, due to the abundance of animals in this area it might take you much longer to reach Lower Sabie.
You can also travel by air and the closest airport to Lower Sabie is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) which is situated between Nelspruit and White River. Nelspruit is about 25 km from KMIA and about 120 km from Crocodile Bridge entrance gate.
There are daily scheduled flights between KMIA and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Flights from Cape Town and Durban International Airports are also available but less frequent.
A map of KNP can be bought at the entrance gates or any of the camps in the park.
Be aware of the gate times for entering and departing from the park. It is as follows:
Entrance gates:
- January, February, November and December – gates open at 05:30 and close at 18:30
- March and October – gates open at 05:30 and close at 18:00.
- April, August, and September – gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00.
- May, June, and July – gates open at 06:00 and close at 17:30.
What to do while staying at Lower Sabie
There are many activities on offer at the camp that will ensure an exciting bush experience. All bookings, and further details for these activities are available from reception.
The following is on offer:
- Guided Bush Walks
- Game Drives with trained field guides
- Bush Breakfast and Bush Braai (Barbecue)
- Sunset Dam is 1 km from camp
- Nthandanyati Bird Hide is about 11 km from camp
These activities will ensure an exciting bush experience. Various open vehicle safari operators are available to book a trip with. They offer affordable yet exclusive safari trips for singles, couples, families with children or small groups.
What to watch out for when staying at Lower Sabie
Staying at Lower Sabie is an exciting experience and guests will encounter the flora and fauna that this area offers.
The perfect safari begins just before the sun rises so you should try and get out as early as possible. The earlier you get out there, the better your chances of seeing what you have come to see. The best routes in KNP are situated around Lower Sabie.
Being close to a dam and the river means you should probably see wildlife of all kinds. Of the animals, you will find grazers like elephants, rhino, giraffes, water buck, impala, kudu, warthog, wildebeest, hippo, and buffalo, to mention but a few. The animals are drawn to the constant water sources in the area and where you find grazing animals, you will also find predators, like lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and jackal. Staying at Lower Sabie ensure that you will see the best Kruger has to offer.
Bird watchers will find many different bird species right in the park. You can also go and sit at Sun Set dam or visit the Nthandanyati bird hide.
What type of accommodation does Lower Sabie offer and what amenities/facilities are available at the camp?
Lower Sabie provides a variety of accommodation types for singles, couples, and families with children. Whether you prefer luxury, self-catering, caravanning or camping, you will find accommodation to suit you for your stay in the wilderness.
Accommodation availability changes from day to day and all inquiries about general availability are subject to change without notice. Last minute reservations in less than 31 days prior to arrival date, are payable within 24 hours after receiving a confirmed provisional reservation via e-mail.
Your accommodation is only guaranteed once you receive a provisional reservation confirmation and to secure your reservation full pre-payment is required a.s.a.p.
Lower Sabie’s accommodation also boasts wheelchair friendly accommodation in some of the units as well as chalets. The Keartlands Guesthouse and some of the safari tents are also wheelchair accessible. The shops, restaurants, main building, pool and boardwalk along the river can be accessed via wheelchair.
Lower Sabie has also added accommodation for couples looking for something more romantic in the form of semi-luxury 2-bedded tents, positioned so as to secure intimate privacy for each one. Each has its own small bathroom and kitchenette, and some have the added advantage of a river view.
At Lower Sabie the following accommodation types is available:
Campsites
Camping is the most affordable and the most rustic style of accommodation that Kruger offers. The camp has 33 tent or caravan sites, with power point for a maximum of 6 people per site. Guest use the communal ablutions and cooking facilities that has 24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities.
Huts
Various huts are available with 1, 2, 3 or 5-beds all using the communal ablutions and kitchens. The huts come equipped with a fridges and air-conditioning but no cooking utensils, crockery or cutlery.
Safari Tents
The camp has 24 permanent furnished canvas tents on stilts. They are fully equipped, with 2 single beds, a fridge, fan and small veranda. You can also choose between a river view or not.
Bungalows
The camp boast 58 air-conditioned units with 2 single beds, en-suite bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet, and fridge. There are no cooking utensils, crockery or cutlery, and guest use the communal kitchen. You have a choice of with or without perimeter view.
There are also 2 bungalows with 3 single beds. These are fully equipped with en-suite bathroom, small kitchenette, fridge and air-conditioning.
Family Bungalows
These two bungalows sleep five in 2 bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. They are fully equipped with a small kitchenette and a private braai area.
Keartlands Guest House
There is only one large luxury air-conditioned unit with river view that sleep 7 in 3 bedrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen, en-suite bathrooms, lounge and dining room, outside braai area, car port and limited channel DSTV television.
All accommodation provide linen and towels with the exception of camping provide linen and towels. All units and sites also has its own braai facilities.
Facilities
The following facilities are available:
- Information at Reception
- Public Telephone
- Post Box
- Restaurant
- Cafeteria
- Shop
- Laundromat
- Filling Station
- Communal Kitchens
- Communal Ablutions
- Swimming Pool
- Cutlery and Plates Hampers (from Reception)
- Basic First Aid Assistance
- Separate Day Visitors Picnic Area on periphery of camp
- Eco Information Centre
- DSTV in Guest House
- Cellphone reception
No ATM facility
What do you need to know and bring for a safe and comfortable stay at the Lower Sabie?
Plan properly for your stay at Lower Sabie to make it a relaxed trip and stay. Bookings need to be done well in advance from your planned date of arrival. KNP is a popular game reserve and accommodation is not readily available, especially in the holiday season and during the winter months.
Lower Sabie does not offer any bed and breakfast facilities and guests must bring their own food and drinks. Meals can be bought at the restaurant and the shop provides most items that will be needed on a daily basis.
Most parts of the KNP is situated well within a malaria area. This is much more than just an unpleasant illness but can be fatal if left untreated. Since it is being spread by mosquitoes, the best way to avoid getting sick is to prevent the mosquitos to bite you.
You can avoid mosquito bites if you take the necessary steps, such as wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening, using a reputable kind of insect repellent.
The best way to totally avoid a malaria scare is to get the necessary preventative medication prescribed by your doctor before journeying into the African bush.
Although it is basically impossible for larger, more dangerous animals to enter the camp, it is best to always be alert. Nocturnal animals like the civet, porcupines, and others are frequent visitors.
Ensure your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many unusual and dangerous creatures, such as bats, spiders, snakes, scorpions, to mention but a few, and without knowledge some of them could be dangerous.
If you must walk around at night, please do not do so without a torch. Although there is streetlights, it is not very bright and only along the footpaths.
Under no circumstances are you allowed to feed the animals. By feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become lazy and do not seek for food themselves which can cause them to starve. Some also become aggressive.
When to visit Lower Sabie
The best time of the year to make your trip to Lower Sabie in the KNP is either early spring or late autumn. Kruger is a summer rainfall area and such precipitation is usually convectional and can result in heavy downpours.
The hot summer months from October to April can make any safari tour unpleasant. Fortunately, Lower Sabie does have a with swimming pool where overnight visitors can cool down in.
The winters are warm and mild during the day and can sometimes be quite cold at night. If you are planning a trip to KNP in the winter that include a night-drive be sure to pack warm clothing that include a warm jacket, beanie, scarf and gloves.
Even animals sometimes shy away from the heat. During the summer months they tend to look for shade during the hottest time of the day and is not always easy to spot, especially since the bush is very dense.
During the winter months, wildlife tend to stay in the vicinity of water sources and can often be seen at the watering holes, rivers and dams. The bush is also less dense, and animals are spotted more easily than during the summer months.
FAQs
Where is Lower Sabie located?
The Lower Sabie camp is located in the south-eastern part of KNP about 34 km from the Crocodile Bridge entrance gate.
What to expect and look out for when staying at the Berg-en-Dal camp?
There is various organised activities like morning, sunset or night game drives and guided walks offered from Lower Sabie camp as well as bush breakfasts and braais. The camp has an Eco-display at reception and a seasonal kids educational programme is offered.
Guests can walk the perimeter trail of the camp spotting birds and wildlife. From various outlook points overlooking the Sabie River you may see animals of all kind. It is also a birders paradise.
What facilities are provided at Lower Sabie and what do you need to bring along?
All accommodation are equipped with linen and towels, with the exception of guests using the camping facilities. Campers need to bring everything with them that they need for their trip.
Cooking utensils or crockery are provided. All you need to bring is your own food, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and torch.
The camp has a shop on the premises that provide basic everyday items and food. If you prefer you can buy your meals at the restaurant. There is cell phone signal at the camp, a petrol station, swimming pool and laundry facilities. Take note that there is not an ATM at the camp.
Does Lower Sabie Rest Camp have a swimming pool?
Yes, the camp has a swimming pool.
Does the Lower Sabie Rest Camp have a restaurant?
Yes, there is a restaurant in the camp.
What is the closest gate to the Lower Sabie Rest Camp?
The Crocodile Bridge gate is the closest entrance gate to the camp.
Is there WiFi Connection at the Lower Sabie Rest Camp?
No, there is no WiFi Connection at the camp.
