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Right from our inception, we have maintained that if conservation is to be successful in Africa, then an integral and participatory relationship between tourism operations and neighbouring communities is non-negotiable. This is why we drive community projects that promote the upliftment of our neighbours and reach far beyond just financial support through employment.

A community partnership that spans 40 years

People and conservation are at the heart of everything we do

We have long appreciated our role as the link between people and conservation. After all, sustainable and financially viable ecotourism supports conservation in the reserve and, in turn, allows for the development of our local communities. This is why we’ve been supporting projects that aim to uplift communities for more than 40 years.

Sabi Sabi is also the first South African game lodge to receive IUCN-SA Fair Trade in Tourism accreditation in recognition of our commitment to local employment, skills development, literacy training, environmental education and sustainable ecotourism.

People and conservation are at the heart of everything we do at Sabi Sabi.

Education, upliftment and employment

We believe that the foundation of success lies in teaching and training. Which is why we foster success in neighbouring communities via schools, learning and education centres that empower learners of all ages to seamlessly transition into the working world.

Aiding poverty alleviation

While employment is an important factor in alleviating poverty, we ensure that the benefits gained from our tourism activities extend to our neighbours too.

We also stimulate local economic growth via community initiatives designed to create practical and dignified sources of income and opportunity for all.

Supporting local business

We deliberately outsource our lodge servicing needs to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This includes activities such as gardening, thatching, washing and waste removal, or hiring talented community choirs, marimba bands and traditional dance groups to provide authentic African entertainment for our guests.

Sabi Sabi outsources the lodge's servicing needs to local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Our Community Projects

Take a look at some of our highly rewarding initiatives.

Huntington Water Programme

Huntington village was in dire need of a sustainable potable water supply.
Working together with the community and Innovation: Africa, a solution was formulated comprising a borehole, purification plant and solar panels.
Each unit supplies 30 000 litres of water to 10 taps a day while trained members of the community oversee ongoing plant maintenance.

Educational community tours at Sabi Sabi.

Lillydale Digital Learning Centre

Technology is part and parcel of thriving in a modern world.
Working with the Good Work Foundation, the Lillydale centre provides Grade 4 – 8 learners with the opportunity to master the online world.
School leavers and second-chance learners who want to improve their digital savvy are also welcome.

Local soccer team from the Dreamfields Programme.

Dreamfields project

Boredom and poor school attendance was an area of concern for the Lillydale community.
In 2012, we established a soccer and netball Dream League for primary and high school pupils.
The benefits of a healthy lifestyle aside, the league has helped many youths feel inspired and motivated.

Sabi Sabi Chef Mentorship Programme

In 2015 our Executive Chef, Wilfred Mtshali, saw an opportunity to offer training to school-leavers interested in the culinary arts.
The result was an internal programme that includes a year-long module at our 4 Sabi Sabi lodges.
The students also receive training from the South African Chefs Association where they can become registered members.

The Swa Vana Care Centre

Swa Vana, meaning 'for the children', is an in-community centre that cares for HIV orphans and vulnerable youth.
The centre provides meals and engages the children in educational activities.
It is a safe after-school environment for children while their foster parents or guardians are at work.

Take a community tour

A large part of being on a safari is meeting people of different cultures

We invite you to visit our neighbouring villages to see some of our community projects in action.

It’s a positive and inspiring glimpse into another world that will leave you with a smile in your heart.

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A large part of being on a safari is meeting people of different cultures

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Happy Huntington Water Programme children.

The Sabi Sabi Foundation represents four decades of defining and refining our model of integrating ecotourism, conservation and community - and putting it into practice.

It is our goal to contribute to the conservation of community, culture and nature for all future generations by fostering the success of our neighbours by co-ordinating poverty relief that is in line with identified needs. In short, we aim to grow future custodians of our natural heritage through education, employment and conservation.

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