Lion Sands
Hi’Nkweni Villa
Lion Sands Hi’Nkweni Villa is a private retreat on the edge of the river where family and friends can experience an exclusive safari in ultimate luxury. The villa features its own private pool and viewing deck, complete with private dining, a personal Villa butler, field guide, and dedicated game drives to round-off an extraordinary tailored safari experience. Lion Sands Hi’Nkweni Villa boasts an opulent contemporary design surrounded by bushveld making for extraordinary views, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching right from your doorstep.
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 Hi’Nkweni Residence reside in the Kruger National Park section 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 an unmatched immersion into the essence of nature’s magnificence. In addition to the Fish Eagle Residence, Lion Sands Game Reserve is also home to two 5-star luxury lodges on the Sabi Sands part of the reserve, Narina Lodge and Tinga lodge.
Gallery
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 drive vehicles at Lion Sands Tinga 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 traditional African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounge
- Tinyeleti Treehouse
- Mack & Madi Kids program
- Dedicated children’s playroom
Highlights
- Located in a pristine setting along the Sabie River.
- The Hinkwenu Residence is located at Tinga Lodge.
- Includes a personal chef, butler, dedicated guide and safari vehicle.
- Two luxury ensuite bedrooms, kitchen and living areas.
- Outdoor features include a large furnished patio, garden and swimming pool.
- The perennial Sabie River attracts wildlife all year round which can be viewed from the lodge.
- 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 (SKZ) is the closet 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 minutess
- Road transfers from Skukuza to Lion Sands take 15 minutes and are arranged in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
Child Policy
- Lion Sands Hinkwenu Residence welcomes children of all ages
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and Skukuza airport transfers. Additionally a private safari vehicle, chef and butler are included.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, other airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates
- Rates are charged per villa, per night.
- Max occupancy is 4 adults and 2 children.
- 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
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 – 03 January.
- South African resident rates are bookable within a certain time period.
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Hi’Nkweni Residence
Hi’Nkweni Villa features 2 ensuite bedrooms with outdoor showers and luxurious indoor bathrooms, a gorgeous deck with a private pool, bushveld views, Read more and fireplace for cozy evenings. The spacious air-conditioned suites resemble comfort and warmth combining organic elements with contemporary decor. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 14,739per villa, per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 13,977per villa, per night |
| Low Season | $ 9,986per villa, per night |
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