Lion Sands
Game Reserve
Set on the edge of the scenic Sabie River, Lion Sands River Game Reserve boasts 12 400 hectares of breath-taking landscapes which are highly populated with spectacular African wildlife. Lion Sands River Game Reserve is known for having some of the best big-5 game drives in the country. Rangers and trackers exceed exceptions and together provide outstanding experiences with incredible close up wildlife sightings.
Lion Sands Game Reserve houses a prestigious selection of 5-star luxury lodges and villas in the reserve. Each lodge is unique and offers guests a true African atmosphere with world class hospitality. Expansive decks overlook the the bushveld or Sabie River and viewing magnificent wildlife from the lodge is not uncommon. Luxury accommodation at the Lion Sands lodges boast exquisite decor and private decks, some with plunge pools. Lion Sands Game Reserve also offers two luxury villas on the reserve, which are ideal for families and groups of friends. Villas are an exclusive experience with a private chef, exclusive dining experiences, dedicated safari vehicle and culinary team that caters for every need.
Lion Sands River Game Reserve is zoned part in the Sabi Sands and part in the Kruger National Park. On the Sabi Sands side of the reserve you will find two luxury lodges and one villa, namely Lions Sands River Lodge and Ivory Lodge. On the Kruger National Park side, Lion Sands Narina Lodge and Tinga Lodge. All of the Lion Sands lodges are high standard 5-star lodges. Lion Sands Game Reserve is in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. The closest airport to Lion Sands Game Reserve is Skukuza Airport and scheduled daily flights are available from Johannesburg or Cape Town with Airlink.
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
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air traditional African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Large viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
- Firepit
Highlights
- 12 400 hectares in size.
- The reserve is divide over the Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park.
- Four luxury lodges and two villas offer age restricted accommodation as well as family friendly options.
- Ivory and River lodge are located on the Sabi Sands side.
- Narina and Tinga lodge are located in the Kruger side.
- Luxury treehouses sleep-outs.
- 10.5km (6.5miles) of exclusive river frontage on the perennial Sabie River attracting a diversity of wildlife.
- 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 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.
Packages
- For extended safari holiday packages, we have a selection of exceptional properties in Cape Town and surrounding areas.
- Designed by our on-trend team of travel experts our packages include internal flights, transfers, accommodation and more.
- Expect efficient and knowledgable, one-on-one planning assistance to create your dream itinerary.
Featured Safari Packages
Loved by Our Guests
Lion Sands River Lodge
Ages 10 years and older
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
Ages 10 years and older
Lion Sands Fish Eagle Villa
All ages are welcome
Lion Sands Narina Lodge
Ages 16 years and older
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Ages 6 years and older
Lion Sands Hi’Nkweni Villa
Ages 12 years and older
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