Lion Sands
Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge features nine contemporary spacious suites, each with a colonial flair, overlooking the Sabie River. Tinga Lodge captures the romance of the pioneer days yet offers luxury in its bold and sophisticated spaces. Raised wooden pathways lead to a spa sala from the suites where guests can enjoy a range of treatments integrating natural and ethically formulated Africology products. At the end of the walkway the main lodge offers a bar lounge, library, communal pool, and boma for fireside relaxation under starry skies.
Lion Sands is the only private game reserve that spans between both the Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park. The reserve covers 5000 hectares (12 500 acres) of protected wild land with access to both the Sabie and Sand rivers. With wildlife roaming freely between the reserves, and an incredible riverside location, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve offers guests an incredible Big 5 safari with opportunities to encounter a great variety of game, as well as a wealth of flora and bird varieties.
Guests at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge 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. Game rangers at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge accompany guests on walking safari’s getting up close to the smaller intricacies of the bush and providing unique photographic opportunities. Lion Sands offers guests the opportunity to embark on a romantic and enchanting luxury treehouse sleepout for a night at an additional cost. Spend a night in an extravagant treehouse, falling asleep under open starry skies as the calls of the wild resound in the distance. In addition to Lion Sands Tinga Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve is also home to the 5-star Narina Lodge and the ultra exclusive Hi’Nkweni Villa, on the Kruger National Park side of the reserve.
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 African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounge
Highlights
- Luxury 5-star safari lodge set apart on a high bank up from the Sabie River.
- 9 Luxury suites overlooking the river and 1 two-bedroom Hinkwenu Residence.
- Each luxurious suite offers utmost privacy with private decks and plunge pools overlooking the river.
- Outstanding outdoor dinning experiences.
- Tinyeleti Treehouse experience out in the reserve.
- Family-friendly lodge with triple suites and a two-bedroom villa option.
- Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure programme available.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game 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 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 Tinga Lodge welcomes children of 6 years.
- Children 6 – 15 years pay 50% of the adult rate if sharing with an adult.
- Children are accommodated in triple suites and the 2-bedroom residence.
- Two children under 16 in their own suite, will result in an adult rate for one child.
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 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
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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Luxury Suites
The nine suites at Tinga Lodge features its own lounge area, private viewing deck, and plunge pool with river views. Secluded and spacious, Read more the suites open to the outdoors through large glass doors. A minibar, elegantly draped mosquito netting, and air-conditioning all add a touch of comfort to this unique setting. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 2,083per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 1,984per person per night |
| Low Season | $ 1,837per person per night |
Hi’Nkweni Villa
Hi’Nkweni Villa features 2 ensuite bedrooms with outdoor showers and luxurious indoor bathrooms, a gorgeous deck with a private pool, bushveld Read more views, 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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