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Lion Sands River Lodge is a beautifully designed safari lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. On the bank of the Sabi River, the location offers unparalleled game viewing, and the lodge a luxurious experience with fantastic service.
Highlights
Game viewing with River Lodge’s excellent rangers and trackers
Seamless mix of ethnic African and colonial design
Incredible food and service
Picnic lunches can be arranged at the water hole
Set on the banks of the Sabi River, surrounded by 800 year-old trees, Lion Sands River Lodge catches the morning sun as it rises over Kruger, giving guests a warm and gentle start to the day. The vibe at the lodge is exclusive yet relaxed, with a variety of seating areas on viewing decks and around the pool so that guests can be as sociable as they wish.
Following an extensive refurbishment and rebuild in early 2010, the lodge now offers 18 thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor and indoor shower and wooden viewing deck. Bedrooms feature king size beds and air conditioning with an overhead fan for complete comfort during your stay. The style is a mixture of contemporary South African design, with the small touches and attention to detail that bring an authentic safari lodge atmosphere to the property.
Game drives take place first thing in the morning and late afternoon, with mealtimes arranged around game viewing activities. In the middle of the day, guests can relax by the pool, take a siesta, contemplate the beautiful scenery from one of the viewing decks or make use of the various games on offer. There is also a spa offering spa body, facial and hydrotherapy treatments. Dinner is served in a variety of locations, usually changing daily, from dining platform to riverbed to boma, making each evening a slightly different experience.
With the intelligent positioning of the rooms, the two pools, excellent staff and beautifully designed interiors, we recommend Lion Sands River Lodge for couples and families alike, across all seasons.
When to visit
Enjoy a sleepy afternoon on the raised decking that over looks the river.
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On the banks of the Sabie river, the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve lies at the southern end of the vast Sabi Sands Reserve. It's 520km (5 hours) northeast of Johannesburg, and very near the Mozambique border.
Skukuza airfield (10km) is the closest airport to River Lodge. There are thrice daily flights (1 hour) from Johannesburg to this small landing strip. Transfers from here will take 25 minutes. Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (110km) is larger, but further away. You can fly there direct from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town; from there it is a 1-hour and 45-minute (110km) road transfer; or you can get a 25-minute flight to Skukuza. Driving from Johannesburg will take 5 to 6 hours.
Singita Castleton
Singita Castleton is a stunning, exclusive use, private house in the Singita private concession in the heart of the game-rich, Sabi Sand Reserve. With six suites, Castleton is perfect for a family or group to take over for an incredible safari experience.
Kirkman's Kamp
Kirkman's Kamp has spectacular views of unspoilt wilderness as far as the eye can see. The homestead serves as the recreational hub of the camp, particularly at mealtimes, and each of the eighteen cottages has its own private veranda.
Tengile River Lodge
Nestled in the prestigious Sabi Sands Game reserve, Tengile River Lodge, is a warm and contemporary take on the traditional safari lodge. Nine luxury suites follow the length of the river offering fabulous wildlife sightings.
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge is a nine suite lodge on the banks of the Sabie River in the Kruger National Park. This is a beautiful safari lodge in one of the most notable big game viewing areas in South Africa.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Comprising five separate camps over 14,000 game-rich hectares, in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Londolozi is a thoroughly luxurious but down to earth safari destination, which prides it self on its excellent standard of guiding.
Singita Ebony Lodge
Singita Ebony Lodge is an exquisite lodge situated in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve, famous for its abundance of game. This exclusive lodge has just 12 stunning suites with magnificent views overlooking the bushveld and offers wonderful gameviewing.
Singita Boulders Lodge
An exclusive oasis in the beautiful and game-rich Greater Kruger area, Singita Boulders Lodge offers high levels of service, impeccable guiding, luxurious, airy rooms and the chance to get close to nature, accompanied by your expert guide.
Dulini River Lodge
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the game rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve's western sector, Dulini River Lodge's six large suites, each has a private plunge pool and sit in the shade of a grove of ebony trees along the edge of the Sand River.
Dulini Moya
With only six suites, Dulini Moya offers an exclusive luxury retreat within the Exeter Private Game Reserve, near the south western corner of the Kruger National Park. Guests staying at Dulini can enjoy superb game viewing in ultimate safari comfort.
4WD Game Drives
Go on private or shared game drives in the world famous Greater Kruger Area, South Africa to see the Big 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - and a host of other animals. The Kruger is also a brilliant spot for birders so pack some binoculars.
Cascades and Canyon Helicopter Experience
Experience an exhilarating flight over the Sabie River Valley and along the edge of the escarpment as you swoop over winding rivers, sheer cliffs, deep gorges and cascading waterfalls.
Activities at Lion Sands
Activities at Lion Sands are a fantastic way to take full advantage of the African bush. From game drives to adventurous sleep outs, you will go home feeling like you have fully experienced what the famous Sabi Sands region has on offer.
Activities at Garonga
Enjoy a variety of game drive and bush walks at Garonga in the Makalali Conservancy. The property also hosts a variety of unique experiences such as sleep outs over a water hole and bush baths, perfect for a romantic retreat or honeymoon.
Spend a night in a Treehouse - Lion Sands
Lion Sands offers an experience in the heart of the Sabi Sands that is like no other: the opportunity to spend a night high above the ground in one of their magical treehouse platforms in the bush.
Activities at &Beyond Ngala
Enjoy a variety of game drives and bush walks at Ngala in the Timbavati. &beyond’s fabulous guides will teach you everything there is to know about the bush and there is even the chance to go on a night safari, a definite must.
Sleep Out Experience
Spend a night sleeping under the stars on a beautiful deck overlooking the Veldt.
Search for leopard in the Sabi Sands
The Sabi Sands is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding regions for spotting leopard in Africa. With good populations and the ability to go on night game-drives which coincides when these big cats are most active, all you need is good timing!