Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Kruger Park

Overview

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.

Earth Lodge reveals itself in a series of sensory revelations. On arrival a hidden corridor leads you down on a journey and then opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. As in nature everything at Earth Lodge exists in harmony and you are immediately aware of a sense of calm and a restoring spirit. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic.

An indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and unending bushveld, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden; and an underground wine cellar with a collection of over 6000 bottles of rare wines, the venue for an unforgettable dining experience – everything at this luxury lodge has been created for your indulgence.

The Suites

Home to twelve ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of modern artistry and innovation. Each of the suites features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom and indoor and outdoor shower.

The Amber Suite is a glorious celebration of generous size and space. Beyond belief in its beauty, from the magnificent carved wooden headboard to the deep egg-shaped bath, the suite boasts its own steam room, study and kitchen. It captures the spirit of nature and luxury in one unique experience. Comprising a double bedroom with magnificent carved wooden headboard; en suite bathroom with huge, egg-shaped stone bath; study, steam room, kitchen and dining area, the suite captures the spirit of nature and luxury in once unique experience.

Activities

Each morning and evening you will depart from this luxury safari lodge into the wilderness, either by open safari vehicle or on foot for a walking safari, accompanied by your armed and knowledgeable Game Ranger and Shangaan Tracker. Close enough to share in a thrilling encounter with Africa’s beautiful wild creatures.

While on safari escape to the Amani Spa at Earth Lodge and indulge in holistic body, skin and beauty rituals, treatments and massages. The gym facilities at Earth Lodge offer cardio equipment in a safe and air conditioned environment while still capturing the beautiful views out towards the bush.

The outdoor boma, its walls sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, captures the drama of the African night and evokes the power of the wilderness.

In Pictures

Cedarberg Travel | Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge on the map

Rooms

Amber Presidential Suite

Earth Lodge’s presidential suite, the Amber Suite is a study in elegance, sophistication, luxury and indulgence. From the enormous proportions to the private pool, from the sumptuous décor to the unending bushveld view, the Amber Suite matches up to the best in the world.

Comprising a double bedroom with magnificent carved wooden headboard and hand-crafter amber encrusted chandelier; en-suite bathroom with huge, egg-shaped stone bath; study, kitchen and dining area, the suite captures the spirit of nature and luxury in once unique experience.

The Amber Suite features Earth Lodge’s unique, unadorned finish that belies the 5-Star luxury that has made it a favourite the world over. A booking at the Amber Suite comes standard with a private open safari vehicle for game viewing.

Luxury Suite

Each of the ultra-luxurious suites glows with warmth and light. The floors are adorned with Nguni hides, delicately shimmering with touches of gold, copper and silver. Individually designed and sculpted furnishings and deluxe beds are covered in soft, sumptuous fabrics. And overhead, the handmade twig chandeliers with gilded metal branches twinkle softly, mirroring the stars in the night sky. En-suite glass-fronted bathrooms with deep stone baths and indoor and al-fresco showers, lead to secluded private plunge pools with lounging chairs facing the bushveld.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – review by Kate

This is “tomorrow” in Sabi Sabi's theme of "yesterday, today and tomorrow" which characterises their camps. When I visited many years ago, I wasn’t 100% sure about it. BUT they have made some great changes which have made it much more accessible.

Naturally it still has the very avant-garde feel about it. It's a futuristic lodge. It’s very sleek and minimalistic with an ever so slightly retro 60’s vibe. Very stylish as long as you know that this is what you are coming to!

It doesn’t feel bunker-like, in my opinion, as they mixed in natural earth so it feels like it’s been made from natural materials. But it does have a sunken nestled in the bush ambience. All around are amazing giant wooden sculptures carved from river debris - very cool and interesting.

You dine in four different places: in the private wine cellar, the boma, garden, and a secluded honeymoon spot slightly away.

The suites have been recently redone in a lighter style. They added a white floating ceiling which has brighten the rooms. They also added a wooden ceiling to the covered deck. We really liked the rooms now! Each room has its own private pool.

The only thing that I didn’t 100% like was the ‘’subway’’ entrance to the lodge. However I don’t think the architects have ever lived/used the North London subway crossings of my childhood, so I doubt many would that association!