The entire Big Five is well represented at Sabi Sand 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, as can giraffe and warthog. 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.

A number of lion prides have territories at Sabi Sand and are regularly spotted on 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. Although not as common as the leopard or lion, the cheetah is also a frequent sight at Sabi Sand. Built for speed instead of power, this formidable predator generally hunts during the day, occasionally resulting in spectacular sightings of the fastest animal in the world in action.

Night drives are an important part of the game viewing experience at Sabi Sand and provide an opportunity to view many unusual animals, such as the beautifully patterned African civet. Another animal often encountered in night drives is the dwarf mongoose, Africa’s smallest carnivore. Family troops of up to 30 of these little animals 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 bush baby, a forlorn noise that imitates the plaintive cry of a human infant.

 

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

LEOPARD SUFFOCATES IMPALA - 11 April 2013
On a gorgeous afternoon in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, we came upon a female leopard stalking a lone male Impala. The take down was clinical. A sudden jolt from the leopard crouched in the tall grass brought the helpless Impala down to the ground. What...
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LIONESS AND HER CUBS - 10 April 2013
In the afternoon glow of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a lioness bonds with her cubs as they drink mother's milk.
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TESTOSTERONE - 30 November 2012
We didn't know what we were going to look for because my guests had seen everything already. It was one of my guests last morning and they said let's just see what's out there. Not long into the drive - it was only ten minutes and we found three of the...
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