Wildlife, Safari, Conservation, Earth Care, Culture, Vegan Friendly Food Loving Safari lodge; 2 hours from Victoria Falls,
by Hwange Nat Park in Zimbabwe
On the edge of the world-famous Hwange National Park, on a private concession with stunning views over the dried riverbed named the ‘Dete Vlei’, stands the rustic eco-friendly safari lodge known as Sable Sands. Sable Sands has 16 traditionally thatched ‘rondavels’ with en suite bathroom, making your lodge the perfect blend of ancient culture, nature and modern convenience. The lodge is owner manag
ed by Brian & Marleen Sabeta and has built up a great reputation for the enthusiastic team and hospitality. Sable Sands is situated on a forestry concession and the lodge harvests dead wood for cooking and heating up the hot water through wood boilers. A generator is ran in the evening for guests to charge their cameras and batteries, and lighting is provided through solar lights after the generator has made place for the sounds of nature at night. Limited wifi is available in the evening before and after dinner. This African forest home also has a tree house and a refreshing solar powered swimming pool. The main building composes of a dining area, lounge, library and bar and just in front there is a large outdoor fire pit where guests can have dinner under the stars instead of inside. From here you overlook the Dete Vlei, which frequently hosts wildlife visitors at the solar pumped water hole. Here you have a chance of seeing sable antelope, zebra and thirsty herds of elephant, buffalo, and if you are lucky you might spot lion, cheetah, painted dog, jackal and more. The Vlei is also renowned for its incredible bird population: no less than 350 different species in all. Safaris are conducted on the private and neighboring concessions or through pre booking inside the Hwange National Park (18 kms – 40 mins game drive to the entrance of the park). During the safari, coffee/tea/water or water and soft drink/beers are provided and included. Sable Sands does not offer any credit card facilities yet, and guests are asked to settle their extra’s (eg. laundry, bar bill, extra safari) in cash upon departure.
11/12/2024
To all our previous guests and friends worldwide,
please take a moment to read this and if you can donate anything it will mean so much,
if you want to write encouraging words,
please do so,
and if you want to share this link: wonderful ❤️
Kelly is a very dear friend and the fact that her father, professional guide is undertaking this huge sponsor walk is just characteristic for the entire Varley family: they’ve walked so many miles for school children for years.. and now it’s our own Kelly who needs all the support 🤗
Sending you all love, health and a wonderful end of 2024
As I embark on a new journey, I am thrilled to share that my focus is shifting from creating safari memories to transforming lives through vision care. Introducing Eyepod Victoria Falls, part of The Eye Institute, dedicated to enhancing your vision and enriching your quality of life.
At Eyepod and the Eye Institute we believe that clear vision opens doors to endless possibilities. Whether you’re exploring the vast landscapes of the savannah or navigating the vibrant colors of everyday life, we’re here to ensure your vision is at its best.
Stay tuned for updates, promotions, and valuable insights on eye health and care.
Thank you all wonderful team members, guests, travel agents and guides, for being part of my journey.
Here’s to seeing the world in a whole new light with Eyepod Victoria Falls
Eyepod Victoria Falls, a jewel of The Eye Institute! Founded by visionary Dr. Ronald Mhizha in 1998, it’s more than just an eye care center; it’s a beacon of affordable & comprehensive eye care, touching lives in Zimbabwe and beyond.
03/03/2024
So incredibly happy to have found my new calling!
‘Bringing hospitality to the hospital’ … just finished my first month at Eyepod Victoria Falls working for The Eye Institute as regional manager business development.
My second day on the job I was shown the theatre - and before I knew it I ‘scrubbed in’ (and I love greys anatomy but always turn away at the surgery scenes 🤭) to witness 7 cateract surgeries 😳 oops.. didn’t faint!
Wow!! They really change people’s lives!!
Super cool team in Victoria Falls and Hwange, coming to new locations soon and will update of course.. just so so grateful I met the founder Dr Ron Mhizha through Kuu Da😍💃🏽❤️
Never knew this would be my new calling so kiddies had to come and experience the love and professionalism of the team - now Khaya wants to have glasses of course 🤣🤣🤓😎
Please feel free to contact me directly for Eye Care Health Talks and Free Screenings for your guides, crew and teams and schools around Victoria Falls? It’s our pleasure and calling! 🥰 let’s change this world
With love!
Marleen
12/08/2021
Many of these magnificent beauties can be found right on our doorstep. Happy World Elephant Day!
04/08/2021
Meet Munyaradzi Pakamisa, our highly experienced head guide and amazing wildlife photographer. Join him for a safari at Sable Sands, his knowledge of the bush, bird and wildlife is certainly well worth it! You can follow Munya on instagram for some of his beautiful wildlife shots.
30/07/2021
Did somebody say long weekend??
25/05/2021
This is beautiful Munyaradzi
08/03/2021
To every beautiful lioness out there in the world jungle we at say be bold, be fierce, ignite your inner fire and .
!
03/02/2021
Whether for Valentine's weekend or anytime until March, just because you deserve a break.
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On a private concession along the Dete Vlei at the edge of the world-famous Hwange National Park lies the rustic, eco-friendly safari lodge run by Marleen and Brian Sabeta. Marleen moved to Zimbabwe in 2005, leaving behind her life as a restauranteur with a very successful business in Holland. Brian, also from a hospitality background, uprooted his life in Harare the capital city of Zimbabwe; both were drawn to the rustic, enchanted life of the Victoria Falls area where they met. Before long they were married, managing a lodge and later owning a lodge and starting a family at this safari home and one of Zimbabwe’s hidden treasures - Sable Sands, Hwange.
The lodge rooms are 16 thatched ‘rondavels’ which are scattered along the vlei and nestled in the rosewood and teak forest. The traditional African home-style rondavels have en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets and very comfortable beds. Guests often watch elephants and splashing around in the solar-pumped waterhole or zebras rolling around in the dirt from their rooms or day-beds. To complete the Sable Sands experience, is the delicious, creative and freshly prepared food that comes out the little bush kitchen, guests are always looking forward to the next meal.
Safaris are conducted on both the private concession and in the Hwange National Park, the area is home to an abundance of wildlife including cheetah, sable antelope, African wild dog, lion, buffalo and the famous Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe to name a few. There are also over 300 species of birdlife in the area making Sable Sands safaris a birdwatcher’s and photographer’s haven.
Ultimately, the charm of Sable Sands lies in their care for people, the planet and wildlife. Marleen and Brian are involved in various projects and initiatives that address community, conservation and environmental issues and their aim is to eventually become a fully responsible business - a Safari Home with the Earth, People, Conservation & Wildlife @ Heart’ that will leave a footprint on your soul.
