Striking the Right Balance 

At the core of our conservation endeavours lies an unwavering belief in achieving equilibrium between tourism operations, our fragile ecosystem, and the nearby communities.

This guiding principle propels our drive for community projects that not only uplift the people who call Sabi Sabi home, but also those far beyond.

Empowering Lives in Our Vicinity

Within the rural villages adjacent to our reserve, the Sabi Sabi Foundation has turned aspirations into tangible realities. This transformation encompasses facets such as education, skills development, and access to fundamental necessities. 

A prime example lies in Huntington, where solar-powered towers facilitate the flow of over 54 000 litres of water to village taps daily thanks to the Marula Water Project. Access to clean water was once unattainable, compelling its residents into long journeys in search of water sources. This daily ordeal, endured even by children, has been transformed by the Sabi Sabi Foundation's Marula Water Project. 

This project has liberated the community from water-fetching tasks. Managed by village women, this community-led initiative allows parents to be present at home, caring for their children, and pursuing activities like agriculture.

Plans for similar solar-powered water systems in other community areas are currently underway and the hope is to have these completed in the first quarter of 2024.

Equally impactful, the Digital Learning Centre empowers the youth in Huntington and Lillydale villages with skills tailored for the digital era. Notably, the Swa Vana Care centre with its outreach points in Huntington, Lillydale, and Justicia is dedicated to the care of orphans and vulnerable children, particularly those facing the challenges of HIV. 

The rural enterprise development is aimed at providing these children with a sense of purpose enabling them to become self-sustainable. Swa Vana also provide a much needed resource service, that of a home-based care programme and attend to the sick, disabled and elderly members of the community.

The Dreamfields Project introduces school children to soccer and netball leagues within the broader Lillydale community, nurturing sportsmanship and a wholesome perspective on life. 

Meanwhile, the Sabi Sabi Chef Mentorship Programme takes a proactive stance in guiding and educating the next generation of culinary talents. School leavers from the community, with an interest in entering the hospitality sector, are invited to join the Sabi Sabi programme, receiving support and mentorship, with the possibility of securing employment at one of our lodges upon the completion of a year-long internship. 

The Synergy of Tourism

Sabi Sabi has long recognised that our greatest asset are the individuals who are the heartbeat of our home, the majority of whom hail from the very communities we aim to uplift. Nurturing enduring relationships for over four decades, we now proudly employ second-generation individuals across our four lodges. 

Our guests relish the chance to engage with our Shangaan people, gaining insight into the rich culture and history of local communities. By providing stable employment opportunities, Sabi Sabi significantly reduces dependency on unsustainable livelihoods, such as poaching or other activities that could harm the environment or local wildlife. 

Our Pledge to Nature's Guardianship

We collaborate closely not only with our staff members, but also with community leaders and elders, garnering widespread support for our conservation pursuits and discouraging harmful environmental practices. 

We actively engage in diverse conservation undertakings, encompassing anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and wildlife research. Nurturing our community turns them into allies, united in the preservation of our environment. 

Achieving Holistic Success

True sustainability emerges when community, conservation, and tourism acknowledge their interdependence. Each facet relies on the others, forming an inseparable bond for a harmonious future.