Dezeen Magazine

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Competition: win a safari-filled two-night stay at Sabi Sabi in South Africa

In our latest competition, we're inviting our readers the chance to win a two-night stay at Sabi Sabi private game reserve in South Africa.

This competition is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, who is Paul Judd from Cape Town, South Africa.

Located within an unfenced conservation area, guests at Sabi Sabi have the opportunity to spot the big five – lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants and Cape buffalos – during guided safari tours twice a day.

One lucky winner and their guest will be offered two nights at Sabi Sabi in an Earth Lodge suite, with inclusive meals, drive-through and walking safaris and selected drinks at the bar.

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Recognised by the National Geographic as one of the most unique lodges in the world, Earth Lodge is also applauded for its sensitivity to nature and "unparalleled access" to wildlife.

In an area especially renowned for its leopard population, it is one of four five-star lodges run by Sabi Sabi.

The others, called Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp and Selati Camp, are dotted around the 6,500-hectare landscape.

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Within Earth Lodge there are 13 luxurious suites renovated by Dakota Designs, each with its own bespoke furniture and private plunge pool.

The lodge itself is built into a slope. Using a combination of straw, stone and pigment mixed into the cement plaster, the lodge's roughly hewn texture helps blend the sanctuary into the landscape.

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Sculptures made by South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong furnish the public areas of the lodge.

Other interior features include decorative kudu horns, vanities made from solid kiaat – a local teak hardwood – and handcrafted headboards, which are visually combined with a material palette of timber and distressed copper.

Inside the en-suite bathrooms of each room, smooth marble surfaces and polished stone basins contrast with the natural materials.

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

A dining area with indoor and outdoor seating overlooks a waterhole and lush landscape, and is available to all the guests in each camp, with a choice of over 6,000 wines to accompany meals.

Guests can also relax at the resort's library, art gallery or Amani Spa at Earth Lodge when not out on safari tours.

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

A handmade, solid zambezi hardwood coffee table sits in the centre of the new terrace area, with an oversized sofa and hanging swing-chair which face onto the open facade.

From here, guests can see the full-length pool and keep an eye out for any wandering wildlife.

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Every morning and evening, guests will be offered open-vehicle safaris, or can travel on foot with an armed and experienced game ranger and tracker.

At Sabi Sabi, trackers are from neighbouring Shangaan villages surrounded by the African Bushveld. This close-knit relationship with the landscape helps guests get the most of their safari tours, as they are able to quickly spot and recognise the wild animals.

 

Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sabi promotes sustainable eco-tourism within the reserve, which they have been running for over 40 years.

Grey-water recycling provides underground irrigation or is naturally filtered for reuse. Through its Planet or Plastic campaign, the sanctuary uses only 100 per cent recyclable PET.

Forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park, bookings at any of the four lodges is available online.

The winner will receive a two-night stay for two, including meals, safaris, selected drinks and evening cocktails throughout their stay in Earth Lodge.

Competition closes 21 November 2019. One winner will be selected at random and notified by email, and his or her name will be published at the top of this page. Terms and conditions apply. Flights not included.