Popular: South Africa · Cape Town · OR Tambo · Dolphin Bay · Lesotho
Mpumalanga, South Africa · ZA
Twin gateway towns on the Panorama Route to Kruger's southern gates
History & Heritage
Sabie's story starts with gold: in 1871, hunter Henry Thomas Glynn's party found a rich gold reef near what became Mac Mac, and Pilgrim's Rest (1873) became the era's boomtown, triggering heavy deforestation for fuel and mine timber. Recognising the shortage, Joseph Brook Shires planted Sabie's first commercial trees in 1876 — the seed of what is now one of the world's largest man-made forests.
Kruger National Park's gateway history runs alongside: the Sabi Game Reserve was proclaimed in 1898, renamed Kruger National Park on 31 May 1926. Hazyview grew up as the sub-tropical farming and access town closest to the park's Phabeni and Numbi gates.
Sabie also has an 'invented here' claim to fame: the Fanie Botha Trail, launched in 1973, is credited as the birth of South Africa's National Hiking Trail concept. Modern access arrived in 2002 with Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, turning both towns into a fully-fledged Kruger-safari gateway.
Key Historical Places
Documents the timber industry that grew from Joseph Brook Shires' 1876 plantation.
↑ Pick up your mountain-bike trail permit here at the same time.
A shared regional gold-rush heritage town, declared an official goldfield in 1873, now a living museum.
↑ A short drive from either Sabie or Hazyview.
Launch site of South Africa's first National Hiking Trail concept in 1973, still a working multi-day trail network.
↑ Ask locally about current trail conditions before setting out.
A historic river crossing on the Sabie River, now a shopping and trading-post hub and Hazyview landmark.
↑ Combine with a stop at the Kuka restaurant on site.
Hazyview's two nearest park gates, tracing back to the 1898 Sabi Game Reserve proclamation.
↑ Check current gate hours before travelling.
Timeline
Must-See Attractions
A 70m single-drop waterfall around 9km from Sabie, a declared National Monument.
9km from Sabie centre
Falls near the original 1870s gold-rush diggings that gave the area its name.
Sabie waterfalls circuit
One of several falls in the Sabie cluster, on the Panorama Route.
Near Sabie
A shopping and tourism hub built around a historic river crossing, with craft shops and dining.
Hazyview
An ethical elephant-interaction sanctuary in Hazyview offering guided interactions.
Hazyview
One of South Africa's most biologically diverse rivers, flowing through Sabie, Hazyview and into Kruger.
Rises near Lydenburg
Accommodation
A Victorian-style B&B with a rose garden on Hugenote Street in Graskop, 3.5 km from The Pinnacle and 8.8 km from God's Window
A nine-room bed-and-breakfast villa in Sonheuwel, Mbombela, on the hillside above the Nelspruit Nature Reserve
A hotel in West Acres, Mbombela, next to i'langa Mall and 2 km from Mbombela Stadium, with hotel rooms and self-catering apartments
A 34-room boutique hotel inside the Perry's Bridge Trading Post in Hazyview, with Kuka Café, shops and Skyway Trails on the doorstep
A 78-chalet self-catering resort beside the Blyde River inside the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with a heated pool and boat trips on the Blyde Dam
A 29-room lodge and day spa on a granite dome above indigenous forest in Sonheuwel, Mbombela, next to a nature reserve
A 38-room boutique art hotel in Graskop with artist-designed rooms, garden suites and a daily set dinner, 1 km from the Graskop Gorge activity centre
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge Exceptional 4.9/5 luxury safari lodge in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. From GBP 1,223/night. Property Details Type: Luxury Safari Lodge Guest Rating: 4.9/5 (Google, 170 reviews) Price Range: GBP 1,223 per night Amenities Library with Wi-Fi throughout camp, Boutique, Gym, Spa, Rim-flow swimming pool, Sunset deck Contact &...
Lion Sands Game Reserve Exceptional 4.9/5 game lodge in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve / Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. 44 rooms. Property Details Type: Game Lodge Guest Rating: 4.9/5 (Google, 274 reviews) Rooms: 44 Amenities Spa and wellness treatments, Elevated treehouse sleep-outs, Kosher kitchens (River Lodge and Ivory Lodge), Private safari vehicles, Wi-Fi, Helicopter...
Londolozi Game Reserve Exceptional 4.9/5 game lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. 32 rooms. From ZAR 27,950/night. Property Details Type: Game Lodge Guest Rating: 4.9/5 (Google, 241 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 27,950 per night Rooms: 32 Amenities Private plunge pools (most suites), Sand River frontage, Londolozi Healing House (spa), Photography studio, Living...
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Exceptional 4.9/5 game lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. 25 rooms. From ZAR 29,600/night. Property Details Type: Game Lodge Guest Rating: 4.9/5 (Google, 243 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 29,600 per night Rooms: 25 Amenities Gym, Amani Spa & Wellness, Two swimming pools, Kids pool, Safari Deck, Outdoor boma,...
Simbavati River Lodge Exceptional 4.9/5 safari lodge in Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Kruger Gateway. 11 rooms. From ZAR 13,500/night. Property Details Type: Safari Lodge Guest Rating: 4.9/5 (Google, 222 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 13,500 per night Check-in: 14:30 Check-out: 11:00 Rooms: 11 Amenities Swimming pool, Safari spa, Fitness centre, Open-air boma and campfire, Safari...
Six self-catering units with private patios, a garden pool and a braai area in Sonheuwel, Mbombela (Nelspruit), sleeping 19 in total
A ten-suite guesthouse with its own restaurant, pool and bird-friendly gardens in Sonheuwel, Mbombela (Nelspruit)
Molly's Garden Cottage, Graskop Exceptional 4.9/5 self catering in Graskop, Blyde River Canyon. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.9/5 (Google, 34 reviews) Check-in: 14:00-21:00 Check-out: 07:00-10:00 Rooms: 3 bedrooms (2 queen, 1 loft with 2 singles), 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6 Amenities Entire 120 m² cottage, sleeps 6, Kitchen, Wi-Fi, Free on-site parking, Digital...
Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Exceptional 4.8/5 game lodge in Kruger National Park, Southern Region, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. 15 rooms. From ZAR 18,480/night. Property Details Type: Game Lodge Stars: ★★★★★ Guest Rating: 4.8/5 (Google, 192 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 18,480 per night Check-in: 14:00 Check-out: 11:00 Rooms: 15 Amenities Relaxation Retreat (sauna and exercise...
Motswari Private Game Reserve Exceptional 4.8/5 private game lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, Kruger Gateway. 15 rooms. Property Details Type: Private Game Lodge Guest Rating: 4.8/5 (Google, 400 reviews) Check-in: 13:00 Check-out: 11:00 Rooms: 15 Amenities Wi-Fi in public areas, Swimming pool overlooking the Sohobele River, Two bars, In-room massage, Laundry service, Curio...
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa Exceptional 4.8/5 boutique lodge & spa in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, Hoedspruit, Kruger Gateway. From ZAR 3,300/night. Property Details Type: Boutique Lodge & Spa Guest Rating: 4.8/5 (Google, 429 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 3,300 per night Check-in: 14:00 Check-out: 10:00 Amenities On-site restaurant with organic wines and locally sourced produce, Bush...
A private one-bedroom self-catering unit for up to four guests in Steiltes, Mbombela (Nelspruit), hosted by Elmarie
Buckler's Africa Lodge Kruger Park Exceptional 4.7/5 safari lodge in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway — 6 km from Crocodile Bridge Gate. Property Details Type: Safari Lodge Stars: ★★★★★ Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (Google, 338 reviews) Amenities En-suite bathrooms, Air conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Spa treatments, Swimming pool, Playground Contact & Location Address: Ngwenya Lodge Road, Tenbosch, Komatipoort,...
Crocodile Bridge Safari Lodge Exceptional 4.7/5 safari lodge in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway — 200 m from Crocodile Bridge Gate. Property Details Type: Safari Lodge Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (Google, 252 reviews) Amenities Air-conditioning, En-suite bathroom (shower, basin, toilet), Fridge/freezer, Views of the Crocodile River and Kruger National Park, Kitchenette in selected units, Guest swimming pool,...
Idube Game Reserve Exceptional 4.7/5 safari lodge in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. 14 rooms. From ZAR 16,000/night. Property Details Type: Safari Lodge Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (Google, 229 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 16,000 per night Check-in: 13:00 (ideally by 15:00) Check-out: 10:30 Rooms: 14 Amenities Private plunge pool in every suite, Main swimming...
Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor Exceptional 4.7/5 safari manor in Rietspruit Big 5 Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Kruger Gateway. Property Details Type: Safari Manor Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (Google, 282 reviews) Amenities Infinity pool, Open-air spa overlooking the waterhole, Game viewing deck Contact & Location Address: JXJ6+G4, Hoedspruit, South Africa Phone: 073 301 1913 Website: https://www.khayandlovu.co.za/ Photo: Mike...
Mdluli Safari Lodge Exceptional 4.7/5 safari lodge in Kruger National Park (southwestern section), near Hazyview, Mpumalanga. 50 rooms. Property Details Type: Safari Lodge Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (Google, 384 reviews) Check-in: 14:00 until park gate closing time Check-out: 06:00 – 10:00 Rooms: 50 Amenities Signature infinity pool, Boma dining area, Granite rock viewpoint with 360-degree views,...
Six wooden cottages for couples on the R40 outside Hazyview, each with a private jacuzzi deck and braai, hosted by Penny
A 20-room guest lodge in Hazyview, opened in 1995, with its own restaurant and about a 10-minute drive from Kruger's Phabeni Gate
A family-run, nine-suite guest lodge of river stone and local timber on Malieveld Street in Sabie, overlooking the Sabie Gorge
Fifteen self-catering chalets on the river 3 km outside Sabie on the Hazyview road, with private fire-pits and a forest walk to a waterfall
A three-bedroom Victorian heritage cottage on Main Road in Up Town, Pilgrim's Rest, let as a whole house for up to six and hosted by Carmen
Ngwenya Lodge Excellent 4.6/5 self-catering resort in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. Property Details Type: Self-Catering Resort Stars: ★★★★ Guest Rating: 4.6/5 (Google, 2674 reviews) Check-in: 16:00 Check-out: 10:00 Amenities Six swimming pools, Le Fera Restaurant, Bar, Spa, Shop, 18-hole mini-golf course, Tennis courts, Walking trails, Viewing decks over the Crocodile River Contact & Location Address:...
A riverside holiday resort and caravan park on the upper Sabie River, 1 km from Sabie village, with chalets, camp sites and trout fishing
Numbi Hills Self-Catering, Hazyview Excellent 4.6/5 self catering in Hazyview. 5 rooms. From ZAR 1,207/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.6/5 (Google, 114 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 1,207 – ZAR 1,397 per night Check-in: After 14:00 Check-out: Before 09:00 Rooms: 5 Amenities Fully equipped kitchen in each chalet, Linen and towels provided, Outdoor...
Kruger Park Lodge Excellent 4.5/5 self-catering lodge in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. From ZAR 3,950/night. Property Details Type: Self-Catering Lodge Guest Rating: 4.5/5 (Google, 4049 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 3,950 per night Amenities Three swimming pools, 9-hole Gary Player-designed golf course, Nature trail, Indigenous gardens with birdlife, impala and hippo viewing, Two restaurants/bars, Conference room Contact &...
Jabula Lodge & Restaurant Excellent 4.5/5 self-catering lodge in Marloth Park, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. 5 rooms. Property Details Type: Self-Catering Lodge Guest Rating: 4.5/5 (Google, 669 reviews) Rooms: 5 Amenities Air-conditioning, TV with MNET, Tea/coffee station and bar fridge, Bed linen and towels supplied, Direct pool access from room doors, Outdoor communal kitchen (self-catering), Braai/BBQ...
A lodge on Kowyns Pass Road on the edge of Graskop Gorge, with B&B hotel rooms, self-catering chalets, backpacker rooms and free gorge entry
Self-catering chalets, guest houses, glamping tents and camp sites on the R532 at the Blyde River Canyon, about 10 km from Bourke's Luck Potholes
Thaba Tsweni Lodge & Safaris, Graskop Excellent 4.4/5 self catering in Graskop, Blyde River Canyon. From ZAR 1,650/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.4/5 (Google, 150 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 1,650 per night Check-in: 14:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 3 chalet types (Two Bedroom, One Bedroom Double, One Bedroom Twin); sleeps 8 in total...
Sefapane Lodge & Safaris Very good 4.3/5 lodge in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, Kruger Gateway — 1 km from Phalaborwa Gate. From ZAR 3,300/night. Property Details Type: Lodge Guest Rating: 4.3/5 (Google, 750 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 3,300 per night Check-in: 14:00 Check-out: 10:00 Amenities 9 hectares of tropical gardens, Calabash Grill restaurant, Tusk Bar, Misava Spa,...
Skukuza Safari Lodge Very good 4.3/5 safari lodge in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, Kruger Gateway. 128 rooms. Property Details Type: Safari Lodge Guest Rating: 4.3/5 (Google, 609 reviews) Rooms: 128 Amenities Restaurant (a la carte and buffet), Bar and lounge, Swimming pool, AM Spa, Gym, Golf course, Nursery, Park shop Contact & Location Address:...
Impala Lodge Hazyview: Self-Catering Chalets Very good 4.2/5 self catering in Hazyview. From ZAR 1,100/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.2/5 (Google, 21 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 1,100 per night Check-in: 14:00-19:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 2 log bungalows and 1 rondavel, sleeping 16 in total; 2 bedrooms per unit Amenities Fridge-freezer, Oven and...
Panorama Chalets and Rest Camp, Graskop Very good 4.2/5 self catering in Graskop, Blyde River Canyon. From ZAR 1,000/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.2/5 (Google, 827 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 1,000 per night Check-in: 14:00-19:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 22 self-catering chalets (1-8 guests each, 83 guests total) Amenities Fully equipped kitchens, Bed...
Restaurants & Dining
A relaxed bush-themed pub and grill in Hazyview.
The Hazyview branch of the popular South African seafood chain.
A restaurant and cocktail bar at Perry's Bridge Trading Post with its own house-brewed lager.
A well-known Italian restaurant in Hazyview.
Activities & Experiences
Guided, ethical interactions with rescued elephants at Elephant Whispers.
Rafting and tube trips through the Sabie Waterfall Gorge area.
Sabie has been a national mountain-bike racing hub for over a decade.
The Sabie River and tributaries are rated among the best public-water trout fly-fishing venues in the region.
Both gates are within easy reach of Hazyview.
Events & Entertainment
An annual river tube race open to the wider community.
A 56km ultra-marathon over Long Tom Pass between Lydenburg and Sabie.
A national gold-panning championship held at Pilgrim's Rest.
Book mixed tickets and experiences for your trip to Hazyview & Sabie
Find Tickets → GetYourGuideStay in the Know
Get our new destination guides and changes to visa and border rules by email.
🍪 We use cookies to improve your experience and serve relevant ads. Cookie Policy