In the South-Western sector of the Greater Kruger National Park, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an epitome of luxury, conservation, and community.
When Hilton and Jacqui Loon first arrived on the property that is today known as Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, the die was cast. Initially purchased as a foothold for the family, they soon realized that this impeccable piece of paradise is best shared with like-minded individuals, and so the Sabi Sabi story began in 1979.
Sabi Sabi has long been a favorite of ours since we first visited in 2017. Fast forward a few years, and the anticipation to set eyes on the newly renovated Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp feels like coming home. Having had the privilege of staying at Bush Lodge, Mandleve Villa, Earth Lodge, and Amber Villa, lifelong friendships have been formed. Being enveloped in luxury and style at Little Bush Camp is a wonderful prospect.
Leaving Cape Town International Airport on a Saturday morning, my daughter and I hardly contain our excitement. We are flying directly to Skukuza Airport and will be collected by Sabi Sabi for our one-hour safari vehicle road transfer to the entrance of Little Bush Camp. Lodge manager Atasja warmly welcomes us, and lodge anchor Kat hands us each a refresher towel and a cooling drink. Waiter Dineo shows us to our table for lunch, and we feast on delicious gourmet burgers and fries made by chef Kunene, with melt-in-your-mouth vanilla ice cream for dessert.
It is clear that the recent refurbishment has enhanced the already lavish space into a sophisticated main area, while staying true to the lodge’s original character. The stage has been set for snug winter nights next to the eye-catching new copper fireplace, which has been softened with patina accents and generates a striking copper hue. Seating options feature couches in burnt orange with acid yellow, green, and embroidered botanical scatter cushions, paying homage to the surrounding color palette of the bush.
Walking towards where we will be seated, I stop to admire the striking bespoke serving table. It has been crafted out of stone and has a thick top and sculptural timber legs, perfectly complementing the stone-clad dining tables in mottled grey patterns. A cozy corner invites guests to put their feet up, quite literally. This is part and parcel of what the intention is at Little Bush Camp, for each and every person staying at this incredible camp to feel truly at ease.
In the luxury suites, the serenity of the property served as the blueprint for the reimagined spaces, with a juxtaposition of opulence and character. Different textures create a tactile impression, with the richness of the encircling wilderness being the muse. Tasked with the new interiors was Dakota Design. “Sabi Sabi asked us to refresh Little Bush Camp in a way that elevated the guest experience while preserving its intimate, characterful feel. The brief was to fashion a contemporary yet warm design that stayed authentically connected to the bush and has superior privacy, relaxation, and romance.”
Following High Tea, we depart on our afternoon safari. With senior ranger Lazarus at the wheel, and tracker Zeb in the front deciphering animal spoor, we go in search of what wildlife we can find in the 14,000-acre private reserve. A leopard has been spotted, and we discover him relaxing in the long grass. He is known as the Mawelawela male, a gorgeous big cat with soulful eyes. Panting heavily because of the hot day, he eventually gets up and starts moving. His coat is shiny and beautiful, and his rosetted pattern is unique.
With lots of radio chatter, my daughter and I realize there must be a special sighting around the corner. We smell them before we see them – a pack of African wild dogs, consisting of adults and pups. The youngsters are restless, chasing one another with squeals of delight. Witnessing the interaction between these endangered animals is fascinating. They eventually settle in the shade, some of the pack lying so flat in the grass you would never know that they are there, except for the flick of a tail.
Back at the lodge, it’s time for dinner. Tonight, we dine in the outside area with fairy lights twinkling above us. Chef has cooked perfectly prepared beef fillet, fries, and vegetables, with the most delicious chocolate mousse for dessert. We cannot wait to see what the morning safari has in store for us. After a cleansing shower with the fragrant Charlotte Rhys products, we retire for the night. As the sun is making an appearance on our morning safari, we see the outline of three shapes. It’s the Msuthlu pride. They have been separated from the rest of the pride for about two weeks, and we hope that they find their way back to the rest of the lions.
Admiring the handiwork of the Dakota Design team, to fit the feel and theme of Little Bush Camp, warm tinges were used as the base, layered with linens and woven touches for softness. The main lounge includes highlights of burnt orange, completing the bold copper fireplace. In the suites, colors shifted to khaki greens and richer woven fabrics for a serene, cocooned atmosphere. Each suite showcases a commissioned artwork inspired by tree pods, expressed in earthy tones that echo the adjacent topography. Combined with organic materials, these choices help blur the line between inside and out.
For Dakota Design, light is essential in shaping mood and enhancing comfort. They achieved this through a mix of natural brightness and layered ambient, accent, and task lighting. A calm palette helps amplify the sense of openness. Expanding on the romantic and intimate design of Little Bush Camp, they introduced multiple seating pockets throughout the suites and shared areas. These crafted spaces are close enough for couples yet flexible for groups to reconnect after a safari. Soft textures and warm lighting reinforce the romantic atmosphere.
Making Little Bush Camp uniquely special is its scale, which creates a rare sense of intimacy and seclusion, while its contemporary character sets it apart in a bush setting. The lodge balances luxury and authenticity, offering guests a deeply personal connection to the landscape. Through careful planning, strong local partnerships, and adaptable design solutions suited to the positioning, Dakota Design successfully delivered on the brief. They worked seamlessly within the unique conditions of the bush. The result reflects a considered, sensitive approach that maintains the highest design standards while respecting the natural landscape.
Working closely with Jacqui Loon, co-owner of Sabi Sabi, for any interior design-related transformations is imperative, as her vision for each lodge is unique. A talented artist in her own right, she knows what works for all four of the properties, which includes the six-suited Little Bush Camp. “It’s great to have input on a project such as the refurbishment,” Atasja explains. “As lodge managers, we experience the guests on a first-hand basis. We see how they live in the suites, and what we can do to improve their stay.”
Which they certainly did. Guests now have added space to store their clothing on a bespoke tabletop space. “When you travel, you don’t necessarily want to unpack everything,” Atasja says. “We then got to play with the minibar/bar station, which is now a full station that clears the space. The artwork is gorgeous – a pop of class above a nicely stocked bar that keeps the wines and drinks cold. Everything we do is with consideration for the guest.”
The suite layouts remained unchanged. A comfortable size, they all open up to nature and face the riverbed. New aluminium framed sliding doors maximize vistas, and lets the outside in. Looking out onto my private verandah, the trees are swaying in the breeze. I slide the doors open. To my right, the jacuzzi looks inviting. Just around the corner, the daybed beckons. Sitting down, I peer over the wooden balustrade. I imagine a leopard strolling past – or is it a dream?
There is an undisputed magic about Little Bush Camp. A home away from home, and food for the soul.
