Sabi Sabi Airport: The Doorway to Limpopo Valley Guesthouse
Introduction
Located in the Limpopo province, Sabi Sabi Airstrip (IATA: GSS) is a small yet crucial link between passengers and one of South Africa's most famous wildlife reserves. This airport is the electrified gateway to the uber-luxe Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, a major draw for elite travelers jetting into one of South Africa's top safari destinations.
Airlines and Destinations
The nearest airport is Sabi Sabi Airport, which deals with only private charter operators and a daily scheduled service by Federal Airlines from Johannesburg. Even though it is not an international terminal, the airport continues to serve as a vital lifeline for those hoping to access the Sabi Sabi private airstrip and game reserves in proximity.
Passenger Count and Flights
Despite serving Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, the traffic to/from here is quite low in terms of passenger volume compared with other larger international hubs. Thankfully, Kelway and his team knew they had a valuable asset on their hands given the airport's strategic location and increasing visitor count to the Sabi Sabi region over an extended period of time.
How to Get Here
For guests arriving from major cities of South Africa, there is a possibility to touch down at Sabi Sabi Airport. The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (IATA: FAKN), about 60 km away, is the nearest commercial airport. The visitors can fly directly to the Sabi Sabi private airstrip using a charter flight or arrange for ground transportation from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Parking
Limited parking is available, suitable only for private charters and guests visiting Sabi Air's facility through the nearby Sabi Sabi Game Reserve(s). Guests are recommended to liaise their transport logistics with lodges or tour operators accordingly for a smooth flight and transfer experience.
Transportation Prices
Sabi Sabi is a private airport, so prices for ground transportation services are not listed. For the latest rates on airport and other transfers, guests are advised to contact their Sabi Sabi Lodge or Tour Operator.
Terminal Layout
It's a single-terminal facility, dealing solely with private charter flights and the requirements of its most important client: Sabi Sabi Game Reserve. In 2019, the terminal included a waiting area and bag claim in addition to an air taxi check-in for private charter operations.
Navigate the Airport
Navigating the small terminal is easy. Signage is very clear, and there are airport staff available to help you with any questions or directions you may need.
Getting Between Terminals
There is only one terminal building at Sabi Sabi Airport, so moving between terminals will be simple. Flights are operated from/to a single, compact terminal building.
Services and Amenities
The limited or no services availability at Sabi Sabi Airport is mainly because it serves as an entry point to its namesake reserve, which has all amenities such as hotels and car rentals available on request. This includes a waiting area, small baggage claim, and airline check-in counter. There are few truly extensive dining, shopping, or entertainment options at the airport itself.
Restaurants and Shops
There are no food or shops in Sabi Sabi Airport. Guests are invited to partake in other Sabi Sabi dining and retail experiences, as well as those at the nearby Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which offers a variety of alternative food and shopping alternatives.
Security and Customs
With Sabi Sabi Airport being a private airport, the process through security and customs is accordingly swift - designed to be as guest-focused as everything else in this premier reserve. Guests should refer to their Sabi Sabi lodge or tour operator for further instructions to ensure that the arrival and departure process is seamless.
Accessibility
We hope you enjoy the Sabi Sabi Airport, which has achieved a top-class offering for all its travelers. A number of new exits have recently been added to ensure that passengers with special needs can easily cross the terminal and receive assistance.
Travel Tips
During the most popular travel seasons, it is advised that you book flights and accommodation well in advance, especially if planning a holiday within the Sabi Sand region, as rooms can sell out quickly. Additionally, ensure that your transportation arrangements to and from the Sabi Sabi lodge coincide with each other.