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Lion Sands River Lodge
As its name suggests, Lion Sands River Lodge is set on the edge of the scenic Sabie River, allowing for incredible game viewing without even leaving the lodge. The lodge main area features fire-lit indoor and outdoor lounges, a bar, art gallery, boutique, and curio shop. Gracefully integrated into the natural surrounds, timber walkways lead off to the health spa, gym, and 2 inviting pools. Lion Sands River Lodge features 8 Luxury Rooms, 6 Superior Luxury Rooms and 4 River Suites of which one is a Family Suite. Viewing decks throughout the lodge ensure that no wildlife spotting opportunities are missed.
Lion Sands is the only private game reserve that has roots in both the Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park. The reserve encompasses 5000 hectares (12 500 acres) of protected area with access to both the Sabie and Sand rivers. With non-migratory wildlife roaming freely between the reserves, and the ideal riverside location, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve promises an incredible Big 5 experience displaying a great diversity of fauna and flora within its magnificent location.
Guests at Lion Sands River lodge reside in the Sabi Sands area of the reserve. Enjoy professional, exclusive, and uncrowded safaris, night drives, and off-road ventures into the bush. Experience the splendour of African nature en foot, follow leopard tracks, be amazed at intriguing birdlife, and relish unique photographic opportunities. Passionate expert guides and trackers, opulent accommodation, sumptuous dining experiences, and enchanting luxury treehouse sleepouts make a visit to Lion Sands Game Reserve an unmatched immersion into the essence of nature’s magnificence. In addition to Lion Sands River Lodge, the Sabi Sands part of the reserve is also home to 5-star Ivory Lodge and the ultra exclusive Fish Eagle Villa.
Wildlife:
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted
- 6-seater vehicles.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Treehouse sleepouts (nearby)
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air traditional African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounge
- Firepit
- More gallery
Highlights:
- Located in a pristine setting along the Sabie River
- A chic reinterpretation of the traditional safari lodge, featuring contemporary décor
- 8 Luxury Rooms, 6 Superior Luxury Rooms (two sets with inter-leading rooms), and 4 River Suites
- The perennial Sabie River attracts wildlife all year round which can be viewed from the lodge
- The entertainment area includes a bar, lounge, terrace, and large firepit
- Luxury treehouses sleep-outs
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers
Location:
- Located in the southern region of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and shares fenceless borders with Sabi Sabi and &Beyond private game reserves.
- Sabi Sands lies in South Africa’s far north-eastern corner in the Mpumalanga province. The private reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger, sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
Getting There:
- Skukuza (SKU) is the closet airport to Lion Sands, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Skukuza or Ulusaba private airstrip: 60 minutes
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutess
- Road transfers from Skukuza to Lion Sands take 15 minutes and are arranged in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
Child Policy:
- Lion Sands River Lodge welcomes children from 10 years
- Children 10 – 15 years pay 50% of the adult rate
- Two children under 16 in their own suite, will result in an adult rate for one child
- In the 2-bedroom River Suite, a minimum of 3 full adult per person sharing rates will be charged
Special Offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offers.
- Honeymoon: One partner receives a 50% discount off the accommodation costs for their stay (min 3 nights).
- Return guests receive a 10% discount off their accommodation costs.
- Special offers are valid all year excl. 20 December – 3 January
- South African resident rates are bookable within a certain time period.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and Skukuza airport transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, other airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below
- Rates are charged per person, per night
- Single supplement of 50% applicable
- Rates displayed are valid to 03 January 2026
Seasons:
- Peak season: 01 June – 30 September & 20 December – 03 January
- High season: 01 October – 19 December
- Low season: 04 January – 31 May
Accommodation Options
These enchanting thatch suites feature large glass doors opening onto a private viewing deck and offer spectacular bush views from the bathtub. Outdoor showers make for a unique natural bathing experience Read more while the magnificently spacious bedroom boasts an elegantly draped king bed. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 27,800 per person, per night
High Season R 26,460 per person, per night
Low Season R 24,050 per person, per night
These 6 enchanting thatch suites are larger than the Luxury Rooms, featuring large glass doors which open onto a private viewing deck. Outdoor showers make for a unique natural bathing experience while the opulent bedroom boasts an elegantly draped king bed. Read more Four of the Superior Luxury Rooms are inter-leading, making them ideal for families. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 30,560 per person, per night
High Season R 29,080 per person, per night
Low Season R 26,440 per person, per night
The 3 River Suites are the most spacious and private suites, set slightly further from the main lodge. Each suite boasts its own private pool and viewing deck with beautiful bush views from inside and out, Read moreallowing a full indulgence in nature. An elegant bedroom leads on to a full bathroom and out to an open-air shower.Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 35,700 per person, per night
High Season R 33,990 per person, per night
Low Season R 30,900 per person, per night
The Family River Suite features two interleading rooms making it ideal for a family or for friends sharing. The Suite boasts its own private pool and viewing deck. Elegant bedrooms lead to a spacious Read more full bathroom with freestanding tub and walk-in shower.Less
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 35,700 per person, per night
High Season R 33,990 per person, per night
Low Season R 30,900 per person, per night
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