Best hotels in South & West Sabi Sands

Wildlife doesn't get better than it does in the Greater Kruger Park's Sabi Sand region, a private section that offers some of the best game viewing in southern Africa. But it's not just the prolific wildlife that makes Sabi Sand so great, it's also the majestic landscapes that knit varied ecosystems and allow you to watch the animals undisturbed. Inyati Game Lodge offers down-to-earth hospitality and an intimate setting in this Big Five sanctuary, and the exceptional guides bring it all to life.

Perched on a cliff 244 metres above the Lowveld, Ulusaba Cliff Lodge overlooks a bushveld panorama of woodlands and undulating hills that stretches to the distant haze of the Drakensberg. It's one of just three lodges in the 13,500-hectare Ulusaba Private Reserve (itself surrounded by the larger Sabi Sand Reserve), and its location was once a lookout point for Shangaan warriors (ulusaba means "place of little fear"). Cliff Lodge is the five-star package, with just two multi-level suites that can sleep five adults and four children in total. Bear in mind, though, that accommodation this good does not come cheaply.

Umkumbe doesn't boast the most glitzy luxury or five-star pampering – as far as accommodation goes in the region, it sits rather humbly. However, this owner-managed lodge offers honest-to-goodness game viewing and comfort at a very decent price. Set on the seasonal Sand River, Umkumbe's location is pretty special. From its expansive verandas, it's not uncommon to see elephant, hippo, buffalo and any number of antelope grazing on the riverbed. With professional guides and truly one of the best safari areas in South Africa (maybe anywhere), Umkumbe is an affordable little gem.