A safari in South Africa is an experience like no other, offering the chance to connect with nature, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the African bush.
*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure
The Greater Kruger Area is one of the country’s premier safari destinations, encompassing the iconic Kruger National Park and a collection of private reserves that offer a more intimate wildlife viewing experience among other unique benefits.
While Kruger National Park is known for its accessibility and expansive landscapes, private reserves within Greater Kruger, such as Sabi Sands, offer a more intimate and exclusive safari experience. Guests in private reserves can enjoy off-road game drives for up-close wildlife encounters, guided bush walks, and luxurious lodges with impressive service.
Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing many luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Area, and have even spent a few nights in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. But as avid safari lovers, we are always keen for more, so when we had an opportunity to return to the region for a safari at Dulini, Sabi Sands this past November, we just couldn’t say no.
Traveling Soon? Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip!
About Sabi Sands
Located in Greater Kruger Area, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s most renowned private reserves, spanning 65,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. It’s home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the famed Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), as well as cheetahs, hippos, hyenas, giraffes, monkeys, and over 500 species of birds.
What sets Sabi Sands apart is its reputation as the best place in the world to see leopards in the wild, thanks to its high density and habituated individuals.
The reserve is home to over 30 lodges and camps, each offering its own unique take on luxury and wilderness exploration. Accommodation options range from ultra-luxurious properties with private pools and personal butlers to more rustic camps that provide a closer-to-nature experience.
No matter where you stay, it’s not a cheap reserve to experience on safari. And prices among the properties can vary significantly, starting around $500 per person per night for mid-range options and reaching upwards of $2,500 for the most exclusive stays.
This diversity allows visitors to find accommodations that align with their preferences, be it an intimate setting, family-friendly experiences, or a focus on sustainability.
It was the combination of luxury, intimacy, thoughtful design of their properties, as well as a reputation for exceptional service and conservation focus that helped us narrow on Dulini for our stay in Sabi Sands.
About Dulini
Dulini promise a luxurious yet down-to-earth safari experience in the heart of Sabi Sands. Their collection of properties blends comfort and African elegance with a genuine connection to the wilderness and natural environment. Each lodge—Dulini Moya, Dulini River, and Dulini Leadwood — is designed with its own personality and charm, catering to a variety of guests.
- Dulini Moya: Nestled under ancient ebony and leadwood trees, this lodge offers six suites with private plunge pools. It’s a lodge for those seeking a classic safari atmosphere combined with modern elegance.
- Dulini River: Located along the Sand River, this lodge provides breathtaking views and a tranquil setting. The six spacious suites are perfect for couples and offer a seamless blend of nature and luxury.
- Dulini Leadwood: The most intimate of the three, this lodge is ideal for honeymooners or small groups, with only four adult-only suites.
About Dulini Leadwood Lodge
Dulini Leadwood Lodge is the most intimate of the Dulini properties, making it an excellent choice for honeymooners or couples like us looking for a quiet and relaxing safari experience.
With only four suites, the lodge offers exclusivity and privacy in a setting that feels truly special. Perched at the confluence of two rivers, the lodge has that sense of seclusion with stunning views of the surrounding bush and wildlife.
The lodge is a great choice for a romantic getaway, but being so small, it is also perfect for a larger group of friends or family traveling together, as it is available for a full buyout. The attentive service and hospitality make the experience very curated and unique.
During our visit, the lodge was fully booked, but the care and attention we received from every member of the staff made us feel like we were the only guests on site.
The Rooms
The suites at Dulini Leadwood are spacious, luxurious, and designed to immerse guests in the beauty of their surroundings.
Each suite features:
- A private plunge pool with panoramic views of the bush. We loved lounging by the pool and even saw a large herd of elephants passing through, a highlight of our stay.
- A spacious living area with plush furnishings and earthy tones that reflect the natural environment. We spent hours with a glass of wine, reading books, and gazing out at the wildlife from the comfort of the living room.
- A king-size bed draped in mosquito netting for comfort and a touch of elegance.
- An en-suite bathroom with a freestanding tub, indoor and outdoor showers, and bespoke amenities. The bathtub, in particular, was a favourite feature. It offered great views and was the perfect spot to relax after a day of safari adventures.
- Thoughtful touches like binoculars, a well-stocked minibar, great snacks and personalized notes from the staff.
Facilities & Amenities
The lodge’s communal areas are equally impressive, including:
- An open-air main lounge and dining area, offering uninterrupted views of the bush.
- A refreshing pool surrounded by a shaded deck, perfect for cooling off during the heat of the day. Though we noticed that it was mostly unused, as most guests preferred to enjoy their private pools in the suites.
- A cozy boma area where guests can gather around a fire for boma dinners.
- A small gym for those who wish to stay active between game drives – Max’s favourite facility o the property!
What stood out to us was how the lodge managed to feel both intimate and spacious. Despite being fully booked during our stay, we never felt crowded.
Meals were served in different locations each time, from the poolside to a charming treehouse that offered views of the river shore. This was our favorite spot for its unique ambiance and wildlife sightings.
The downside, however, was the limited social interaction with other guests. While we appreciated the privacy, we missed meeting other guests and sharing stories over a glass of wine around the fire, something that we’ve enjoyed at other lodges.
The Food
Dining at Dulini Leadwood is an exceptional experience. The chefs craft gourmet meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, pairing each dish with excellent South African wines.
There was always plenty of good food, but we didn’t feel overfed – a rarity on safari.
Breakfasts were hearty and delicious, while lunches were light but very satisfying. Dinners were multi-course affairs served under the stars, offering a blend of traditional African flavours and international cuisine.
Our favourite dining experience was the boma night, where we enjoyed a traditional braai (barbecue) paired with an array of salads and sides. Sharing the meal with our guide, Jem, we really loved getting to know him better and were left in awe of his stories about life in the bush. It was a wonderful way to connect over great food!
The Safari Experience
Sabi Sands is known for its incredible wildlife sightings and we had plenty of them. And although we didn’t encounter an abundance of animals during our three-night stay, the quality of the sightings more than made up for it.
Safari drives at Dulini Leadwood are led by expert guides and trackers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the bush. Our guides, Jem and Chris, were a fantastic team with an undeniable love for their jobs.
We loved that they were always up for an adventure, be it an early start to get out into the bush for sunrise, or a slow drive to really appreciate the beauty of our sightings.
These days, we find ourselves less interested in the Big Five (altough Sabi Sands, of course does have them), but are more curious in unique sightings and mostly, in spending quality time with animals to admire their behaviour.
Our game drives at Dulini delivered just that. We spent hours admiring leopards – witnessing them lounging in trees and stalking prey, had a rare sighting with a pack of wild dogs, and enjoying the peaceful presence of elephants grazing near the river.
Each drive was an adventure, with guides taking us off-road to get closer to the action while respecting the animals and their habitats.
The Bottom Line
Dulini Leadwood Lodge exceeded all our expectations. From the intimate setting and luxurious accommodations to the exceptional dining and amazing safari experiences, every aspect of our stay was thoughtfully curated.
While the wildlife wasn’t as abundant as we’d hoped, the incredible sightings we did have made our time in Sabi Sands truly memorable. We probably wouldn’t recommend this lodge and Sabi Sands in general to someone coming to their first safari, but as a specialty experience – it truly is fantastic!
Disclaimer: Our stay at Dulini Leadwood was provided courtesy of Dulini, but as always, all opinions expressed in this article are our own.
