Lion Sands
Narina Lodge
Located in the pristine wilderness of the Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Narina Lodge is a 5-star luxury safari lodge perched on stilts among 100-year-old riverine trees along the Sabie River. With nine elevated suites featuring private plunge pools and decks, the lodge offers exclusive privacy, elevated views, and up-close encounters with Africa’s wildlife. Guests enjoy fine dining under starry skies, tranquil spa treatments, and world-class safari experiences in a setting of natural beauty and luxury.
Lion Sands Narina Lodge sits within the only private game reserve that spans both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, covering 12,400 hectares of protected wild land. Non-migratory wildlife roams freely between the reserves, offering guests incredible Big 5 sightings, diverse flora, and abundant birdlife. The lodge’s raised wooden walkways connect the main lodge with nine luxurious suites, while the main areas, including the lounge, bar, wine cellar, and library, blend modern African safari style with authentic comfort.
Guests at Narina Lodge enjoy exclusive, uncrowded safaris, including morning and evening game drives, night drives, off-road adventures, and walking safaris guided by expert rangers, providing up-close encounters with the smaller details of the bush. The lodge also offers the romantic Tinyeleti Treehouse sleepout, where guests can fall asleep under starry skies amid the sounds of the African bush. Fine dining celebrates local South African flavors with riverside breakfasts, bush dinners, boma barbecues, and curated wine pairings from South Africa’s finest vineyards.
Set on the banks of the Sabie River, Narina Lodge combines elevated river views, natural serenity, and luxury amenities to create an unforgettable safari escape. Every detail, from the private plunge pools and outdoor showers to the raised decks overlooking the canopy ensures, a tranquil, restorative, and exclusive experience.
Gallery
Wildlife
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife includes 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 drive vehicles at Lion Sands Narina Lodge accommodate a maximum of six guests, providing better views and a more intimate safari experience.
- Modified open-sided 4x4s are designed for comfort and optimal wildlife viewing, featuring extra-long seating and 360-degree visibility.
- 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 the reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Activities & Facilities
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounge
Highlights
- 5-star luxury safari lodge perched on stilts beneath a canopy of 100-year-old riverine trees.
- Set in a pristine location along the Sabie River in Kruger National Park.
- Stylishly designed lodge with elegant décor and luxurious furnishings throughout.
- Nine exclusive suites with uninterrupted views of the river and surrounding reserve.
- Each suite features private decks and plunge pools overlooking the river.
- Exceptional outdoor dining experiences under the stars or by the river.
- Tinyeleti Treehouse sleepout experience for a unique overnight adventure.
- Big 5 safari game drives guided by expert rangers and trackers.
Location
- Lion Sands Game Reserve spans between the Kruger National Park and 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 (SKZ) is the closest airport to Lion Sands. Daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Skukuza: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Skukuza to Lion Sands take 15 minutes and are arranged in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
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.
Child Policy
- Lion Sands Narina Lodge welcomes children from 16 years.
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 a 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 2027.
Seasons
- Peak season: 01 June – 30 September & 20 December – 03 January
- High season: 01 October – 19 December
- Low season: 04 January – 31 May
Your Safari, Expertly Curated
Our dedicated travel specialists craft seamless, tailor-made journeys – every detail designed around you.
Luxury Suites
The nine suites at Lion Sands Narina Lodge offer luxury and an up-close safari experience. Each with a private lounge, river-view deck, plunge pool, bathtub, and outdoor shower. Read more Designed for two guests, each 80 m² / 861 ft² suite ensures complete privacy and comfort. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 2,083per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 1,983per person per night |
| Low Season | $ 1,837per person per night |
