Lion Sands River Lodge - Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands River Lodge is the origin of the Lion Sands safari – the elemental safari. Here guests can expect a sophisticated interpretation of the traditional safari lodge, with an emphasis on clean lines, optimized natural light and contemporary décor. Living spaces include a Safari Lounge and Bar; Barista’s Station with artisan coffees; Gallery (showcasing the works of renowned local artists); and OneLife MORE boutique. The dining experience includes the traditional Boma ‘with a twist’; the signature Riverbed dinners and deck dining, in the shade of the trees and overlooking the Sabie River. Breakfast is a home-styled experience.
Nestled under a canopy of trees dating back almost 800 years, Lion Sands lies at the southern border of the famed Sabi-Sands reserve on a concession of 4 000 hectares and the lodge enjoys spectacular views over the river into the neighboring Kruger Park (all fences came down years ago) There are actually a collection of lodges here, with the River Lodge being the very attractive “entry-level” offering before you move onto the even more luxurious (and expensive) Ivory Lodge as well as the exclusive use 1933 Lodge. The whole operation is family-owned and managed by the 4th generation More Family - where the highest standard of guest service and experience have been handed down from generation to generation. Their grandfather, who had a passion for the bush and was a keen hunter, stumbled across this piece of land and was stopped in his tracks the first time he saw it almost a century ago. He was one of the founding members of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin in 1948 introducing a long history of community and conservation.
Lion Sands River Lodge - Image Gallery
Includes
All meals; teas/coffees; minibar in room; inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits and house wines); two game drives daily, game drive refreshments and snacks; Skukuza Airport transfers; Wi-Fi
Excludes
Private open safari vehicle hire; helicopter flights; golfing; Park and Conservation Fees; Sustainability Levy (R145 per person per night); exclusive use bush breakfasts & dinners
DAILY PROGRAMME
| SUMMER | PROGRAMME | WINTER |
| 05h00 | Wake-up call | 06h00 |
| 05h30 | Tea/coffee and game drive departs | 06h30 |
| 08h30 | Game drive returns, breakfast/brunch is served | 09h30 |
| At leisure | Bush walk or activities of personal preference | At leisure |
| 13h00 | Lunch | 13h00 |
| 16h00 | High tea | 15h30 |
| 16h30 | Game drive departs | 16h00 |
| 19h30 | Game drive returns and dinner follows | 19h00 |
The choice of Lodge at Lion Sands is dependent on your personal taste. If you prefer the company of others in a larger environment, then River Lodge is for you. If you enjoy utter exclusivity with the privacy of your own Villa with deck, lounge and pool, then we recommend Ivory Lodge.
Whilst there are a huge number of game lodges that are positioned on river banks, the vast majority of them look out over “sand rivers”, small perennial rivers that only flow at times of heavy rain. That’s what makes Lion Sands River Lodge so special as it looks out over the majestic Sabie River, one of the few rivers flowing through the greater Kruger Park area which has water all year round. To us there’s little that can better the wonderfully relaxing sight of flowing water which always seems to have a hugely therapeutic effect on the soul! Of course it’s also a huge attraction to the animals which are attracted by the sweet waters and which tend to congregate around this reliable water source, particularly in the drier winter months when much of the surface water in the bush dries up – the result is that game viewing is consistently excellent all year round!
Lion Sands River lodge is made up of 20 thatched suites - 12 Luxury Suites and 8 Superior Luxury Suites. The main difference between the 2 room types is that the Superior Luxury’s are larger (98 m2 versus the 66 m2 of the Luxury’s) and they also boast wonderful outdoor showers not enjoyed by the smaller rooms. Whichever room type you choose you’ll delight in the contemporary styling with classy cream and beige décor and stunning en-suite bathrooms with free-standing tubs and amazing rainfall showers! Bedrooms are of course air-conditioned and also come equipped with over-head fans to give extra relief from the smouldering summers. A highlight are the private wooden viewing decks overlooking the Sabie river where you can lounge about with a good book in hammock chairs with just the sounds of hippos snorting in the river to keep you from nodding off!
Lion Sands River Lodge - Wildlife Gallery
