Lion Sands Game Reserve

Luxury safari lodges Beautifully designed and romantic, Lion Sands is a collection of four distinct lodges located in an award-winning Private Game Reserve and managed with a passion instilled by a family history reaching as far back as 1933.

The philosophy of Lion Sands treats the safari experience holistically, ensuring that all spheres of the ecosystem, from the smallest insects to the mighty African elephant are viewed as a whole.

And each of the five lodges, set along the banks of the perennial Sabie River is more inspiring than the next.

River Lodge

Built on the banks of the Sabie River, the lodge is positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years.

Its 20 luxury chalets are connected by raised wooden walkways and decorated in neutral tones, in a soft understated style. Each chalet comes with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor and indoor shower and wooden viewing deck. There are two swimming pools, a large viewing deck with spotting scopes and a comfortable lounge and bar area.

Ivory Lodge

The award-winning Ivory Lodge is ultra-luxurious, with the emphasis on exclusivity and complete privacy, styled in a contemporary Afro-European chic.

Each spacious suite is operated as a private villa, with a separate living room and fireplace, oversized windows, a heated plunge pool as well as an open plan en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower.

The main area offers a private bar with a fireplace, a library lounge, a well-stocked wine cellar, and extensive wooden viewing decks. Ivory Lodge is about elegance, simplicity, and sophistication.

Tinga Lodge

Tinga Lodge opens onto the river with a campsite look reminiscent of the ‘Out of Africa’ mythology. Rather than old-fashioned though, the lodge’s design follows contemporary trends and fashions, with a classic romance running through its themes.

The nine Suites, set well apart from each other on the high river bank, each come with a plunge pool. The main lodge has a pool and boma fire, in the evenings.

Narina Lodge

Located on the bank of the river, the Narina Lodge has a sense of remoteness and tranquility. The lodge features open design extending out to large decks and has a naturally-inspired décor.

Its nine luxury Suites are perched on stilts and are linked with spa sala via elevated walkways. the highlight is the sight of animals feeding on the opposite bank of the river.

in our opinion

Lion Sands is recognized as one of Africa's best safari brands. It offers excellent game-viewing, glorious river setting, some of the finest bush lodge accommodation in Africa.

Ideal for couples, honeymooners and small groups looking for a private and exclusive wilderness experience.

*This review contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

What we love

• Great location, right on the banks of the Sabie River, where animals often gather
• The area is well known for spectacular game viewing ('Big 5' sightings) and is exclusive to guests of Lion Sands, so you are unlikely to see another vehicle
• A tailored program of activities for every guest with an experienced ranger & tracking team
• The standard of service is very high. This is truly a five-star safari experience!
• Very spacious and extremely luxurious suites, some with private heated plunge pools—definitely amongst the best accommodation in the Kruger Park area
• The pristine river and game views from the pool, deck, or your private suite
• The unforgettable Tree House experience: sleep under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of Africa. Built around ancient trees, with fabulous views over the plains, the Lion Sands treehouses offer the chance to experience the bush in total privacy, up close and personal with nature and the star-studded sky—surrounded by sounds of the African night. Don't miss our write-up about these treehouses!

What you should know

• All lodges accept only children over 10 years old, but Lion Sands also offers the exclusive Fish Eagle Villa and Hi’Nkweni Villa, attached to the Tinga Lodge. These are located away from the river and are designed with families in mind.
• Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is located in the southern part of the 65,000 hectares Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It is 20 minutes drive from the Skukuza Airstrip or a short half-hour drive from Mala Mala Airport (both with frequent connecting flights from Johannesburg). The driving time from Johannesburg takes up to 5 hours
• Lion Sands is located in a low-risk malaria area