Sandringham Private Game Reserve of Sabi Sabi Collection Opens Summer 2026

 From Former Hunting Reserve to Protected Safari Destination in the Greater Kruger

In one of the most significant wilderness restoration projects undertaken in South Africa's Greater Kruger region in recent years, Sabi Sabi Collection will open Sandringham Private Game Reserve in August 2026, transforming a former hunting reserve into a thriving conservation landscape and luxury safari destination.

Over the past five years, Sabi Sabi Collection has quietly rehabilitated and rewilded the reserve, restoring natural habitats, supporting wildlife recovery and creating new opportunities for surrounding communities. Now, Sandringham Private Game Reserve is preparing to welcome its first guests, standing as a powerful example of how conservation-led tourism can protect biodiversity while delivering economic and social impact.

Bordering the Timbavati and Thornybush Game Reserves, Sandringham occupies a strategic position within one of Africa’s most important wildlife ecosystems. Once managed primarily for hunting, the reserve has been carefully restored to protected wilderness where wildlife can once again flourish within the broader Greater Kruger landscape.

"Sandringham represents an exciting new chapter for Sabi Sabi Collection," says Jacques Smit, Marketing Director at Sabi Sabi Collection. "What inspired us most was the opportunity to restore and protect an extraordinary landscape while creating a safari experience that delivers lasting value for wildlife, local communities and future generations of travellers. Watching the land recover and wildlife return has been one of the most rewarding journeys in our history."

Opening in August 2026, Sandringham Private Game Reserve will offer an intimate safari experience shaped by conservation, community engagement and luxury. The reserve will feature two luxury safari camps - N’weti Camp and Shisaka Camp - each offering six suites and the latter with two private villas.

Both camps are named after the location with N’weti Camp, named after the silhouette of the Drakensberg Mountains beneath a moonlit sky, N’weti evokes the raw beauty and sense of wonder that defines the region and Shisaka Camp, which translates to ‘nest ’-inspired by the elevated architectural designs resembling nestlike structures atop the roofs.

In addition, guests seeking complete privacy will have access to Sandringham House, an exclusive-use, fully serviced, four-bedroom villa designed for multi-generational groups. From safari-style tented accommodations that honour the property’s heritage to carefully designed nests within a magical Tamboti forest, every stay has been designed to immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness without compromising on comfort.

At the heart of the reserve sits a central lodge featuring boma dining, a wine tower showcasing boutique South African estates, a spa, gym and educational centre to inspire younger guests. A private airstrip allows guests to arrive directly in the bush from the outset of their journey.

Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, each suite features expansive decks, private infinity pools, indoor-outdoor bathrooms and elevated salas as wellas nest-like relaxation spaces inspired by Tsonga heritage - all positioned to maximise views across the Timbavati River.

The opening builds on more than 45 years of conservation expertise and hospitality from Sabi Sabi Collection. Situated within one of Southern Africa's most significant wildlife regions, Sandringham shares ecological borders with Thornybush, Timbavati and Ngala Private Game Reserves, creating an exceptional wildlife corridor within the Great Kruger ecosystem.

Rod Wyndham, Managing Director of Sabi Sabi Collection, describes Sandringham as a rare conservation opportunity: “This reserve is probably the last piece of great African bushveld -part of the Greater Kruger - that one could get hold of. He adds that a significant amount of money has been invested to transform the reserve - traditionally used for hunting back into an eco-tourism venture that will both attract local and international travellers to explore this beautiful part of South Africa in the comfort of the high-end hospitality Sabi Sabi is renowned for.”

The reserve’s rehabilitation has also created opportunities for surrounding communities. Through partnerships with the Tracker Training Academy, young people from the neighbouring communities are being trained as professional wildlife trackers, helping to develop critical conservation skills while creating long-term employment opportunities.

“We’ve also opened up to Bushwise, which is our collective training partner with the Ranger Training Academy, as well as Wild Earth,” Wyndham says.

Sandringham Private Game Reserve represents a future for luxury travel, where conservation, community and meaningful connection to nature sit at the centre of the guest experience.

Imagery of Sandringham Private Game Reserve will be available by the end of July.