The Sabi Sands Reserve is dedicated to the communities in its surrounding areas. Tourism is essential for the prosperity  of many of the local people. Just by being a guest at one of the Sabi Sand lodges, one becomes a contributor to the socio-economic upliftment in South Africa.

Many community outreach programs are supported in almost every lodge. They are focused on what is required the most by the neighbouring towns. Most commonly is the provision of educational resources to schools, the sourcing of medical assistance, and also skill development. Safari Lodges in the reserve have made it their mission to hire, train, and promote people in the local community. This in turn evolves into the enrichment of the local economy.

One ongoing project that is supported by some of the lodges is Project Dignity. This program equips young girls living in rural areas who do not have access to basic sanitary wear. By assisting these teenage girls with these basic needs, their chances of completing their education with dignity is greatly increased. Please visit http://www.projectdignity.org.za/ for more information about this empowering project.

Many lodges, like the Thornybush Collection (Simbambili Lodge), are doing their part to uplift and nurture the surrounding towns to the Sabi Sands. Thornybush is continuously supportive of a local primary school and a local high school.  By assisting with revocations, setting up a computer lab, and contributing to electricity and Wifi bills,  the children can remain focused and in the best learning environment possible. The Thornybush collection has also commenced in a community garden project there a group of ladies are working hard to grow quality herbs and vegetables to sell to local lodges and retailers. Please have a look at their inspiring video: