With no boundary fences between it and the world renowned Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand enjoys an abundance of diverse wildlife. The entire Big Five is well represented, and other rare animals, such as the cheetah and hyena are often sighted. Various antelope species, from impala, waterbuck and duiker to kudu, bushbuck and nyala can also be seen. However, it is the leopard that is the real star of the show, with the area well known for some of the best leopard experiences in Africa. This shy and elusive animal, normally the most solitary of the African cats is often viewed both in daylight hours and during game drives.

In contrast to the leopard, lion are the most sociable of the cat family and prides may consist of up to 12 related females and their cubs, as well as a far smaller number of related males, often brothers. A number of lion prides have territories in the area and are regularly seen on game drives. In the middle of the cat social range is the cheetah. Although not as common as the leopard or lion, cheetah are also frequently sighted. Built for speed instead of power, this formidable predator generally hunts during the day when its rivals are resting. This daytime hunting habit occasionally creates spectacular sightings of the fastest animal in the world in action.

Night drives are an important part of the game viewing experience and provide an opportunity to view many unusual animals. The beautifully patterned African civet is one such nocturnal creature. Hiding in holes or thickets until after sunset, it cannot be viewed during daylight hours. Another animal often encountered is the dwarf mongoose, Africa’s smallest carnivore. Family troops of up to 30 live in numerous hiding places in the sides of termite mounds. A typical though hair-raising sound often encountered on night drives is the wail of the bushbaby, a forlorn noise that imitates the plaintive cry of a human infant.

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

Update in the Sabi Sands - 17 March 2010
It is the first quarter of 2010 and I am sure by now there are a couple of you who would like an update on the cubs. So far we know of at least 2 females within the Ximungwe pride in the south of the reserve that have cubs. We have only briefly seen...
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Splish Splash Chomp - 17 March 2010
This mornings game drive was suppose to be a normal drive. We had no major plan in mind except maybe to try and find a leopard. As we drove down to the southern side of the property we found some fresh Leopardess tracks which Eric (my tracker) and I...
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LEOPARD KILL! - 04 February 2010
From the morning tracks eventually Eric (the tracker) managed to find the Shikavi leopardess resting up in the thickets close to the Shonalee Dam behind River Lodge. After 15 minutes the leopard got up and walked slowly away looking for cooler shadier...
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