Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Top choice in Kruger National Park


Subterranean bliss, Earth Lodge is unlike any other lodge in Africa – where else can you look up though a skylight to an elephant looking down at you? Using sloping topography brilliantly, its ultramodern rooms, open communal areas and private plunge pools are flooded with light. The super-thick walls and polished-cement floors are dotted with artwork and natural materials.

It's an architectural triumph and supremely comfortable (plunge pools are standard), as well as wonderfully remote. In short it feels like paradise.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kruger National Park attractions

1. Sabi Sand Game Reserve

6.68 MILES

Within the borders of the large Sabi Sand Game Reserve are some of Southern Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges and the best wildlife watching on the…

2. Mathekenyane

10.1 MILES

The top of this granite kopje south of Skukuza has an uninterrupted panorama of the surrounding wilderness (best at sunset).

3. Transport Dam

12.08 MILES

This large water hole is where the famous YouTube video 'Battle at Kruger' (lions versus buffaloes versus croc) was filmed.

4. Nkuklu Picnic Spot

19.47 MILES

One of Kruger's designated picnic spots. Between Skukuza and Lower Sabie. It's in a wildlife-rich area (elephants in particular love the riverbed when it…

5. Afsaal Picnic Spot

23.9 MILES

One of Kruger's designated picnic spots with decent shade. Between Malelane Gate and Skukuza.

6. Shangana Cultural Village

23.95 MILES

This touristy recreation of a traditional Shangaan community features – depending on the time of day – a market, farming activity and house building…

7. Manyeleti Game Reserve

24.19 MILES

During the apartheid era, the 23,000-hectare Manyeleti was the only wildlife reserve that blacks were permitted to visit. Due to its unfenced boundary…

8. Renosterpan

26.19 MILES

This waterhole north of Berg-en-dal usually lives up to its name (renoster is rhino in Afrikaans). Late afternoon is best.