Lion Sands Game Reserve

Lodge · Sabi Sand, South Africa

Lion Sands Game Reserve

Four lodges and two private villas line thirteen miles of Sabie River frontage in the only reserve that spans both Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park.

Check dates & enquire

Overview

Lion Sands Game Reserve sits along thirteen miles of the Sabie River, in the part of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve that also connects to Kruger National Park. It is the only private reserve to span both. The reserve holds four lodges, River Lodge, Narina Lodge, Tinga Lodge and Ivory Lodge, and two private villas, Fish Eagle Villa and Hinkwenu Villa. Big Five sightings run year-round, leopard sightings are frequent, and elephants are known to wade below the lodge decks daily.

Each lodge and villa carries its own set of facilities. River Lodge and Ivory Lodge hold exclusive traversing rights within the reserve. Narina Lodge and Tinga Lodge have access to both Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park. Fish Eagle Villa sleeps eight guests across three bedrooms with a wine room, and Hinkwenu Villa sleeps six guests across two bedrooms. Guests can also spend a night away from the main lodges in one of three treehouses, Chalkley, Kingston or Tinyeleti, open-air platforms raised above the bush with a bed, a gourmet picnic and lantern light.

Dining ranges from plated dinners to lantern-lit boma feasts, bush breakfasts and riverside picnics, with wine served alongside. Spas and fitness centres at the lodges overlook the Sabie River. Beyond game drives, Lion Sands offers a set programme of experiences: Kosher on Safari, Family Adventure, Stargazing, a Helicopter Adventure and an Artist Residency.

Rooms
On request
Minimum stay
1 night
Check in
15:00
Check out
12:00

Why we like it

  • Only private reserve spanning both Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park
  • Thirteen miles of Sabie River frontage
  • Four lodges and two private villas
  • Three treehouses, Chalkley, Kingston and Tinyeleti, for open-air sleepouts
  • Year-round Big Five encounters with frequent leopard sightings
  • Elephants wade below the lodge decks daily

Gallery

Rooms & suites

Categories shown for orientation. Your travel advisor will confirm which are available for your dates and recommend the one that suits the trip.

  • River Lodge

    River Lodge sits along the Sabie River and includes a treehouse, spa, Creative Lab, pool, fitness centre and river views, with exclusive traversing rights within the reserve.

    Up to 2 guests
    River view view
  • Narina Lodge

    Narina Lodge offers a treehouse, an Artist Residency, spa, fitness centre, private pool and river views, with access to both Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park.

    Up to 2 guests
    River view view
  • Tinga Lodge

    Tinga Lodge combines a treehouse, spa, kids' activities, private pool, river views and a Creative Lab, with access to both Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park.

    Up to 2 guests
    River view view
  • Ivory Lodge

    Ivory Lodge features a treehouse, river views, an Artist Residency, spa, fitness centre and private pool, with exclusive traversing rights within the reserve.

    Up to 2 guests
    River view view
  • Fish Eagle Villa

    Fish Eagle Villa sleeps eight guests, six adults and two children, across three bedrooms. It has a private pool, a private chef, a private safari vehicle, a stocked pantry, a wine room and kids' activities. The villa measures 6,350 square feet for exclusive use.

    Up to 8 guests
    3 bedrooms
  • Hinkwenu Villa

    Hinkwenu Villa sleeps six guests, four adults and two children, across two bedrooms. It has a private pool, a private chef, a safari vehicle, a stocked pantry and kids' activities. The villa measures 3,714 square feet for exclusive use.

    Up to 6 guests
    2 bedrooms

Amenities

  • Spa
  • Fitness Centre
  • Pool
  • Private Pool
  • Creative Lab
  • Treehouses
  • Wine room
  • Private chef
  • Kids' activities
  • Safari vehicle
  • Stocked pantry
  • Dual reserve access
  • Exclusive traversing

Reserving through us

Included when your travel advisor confirms this stay

  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Property credit or equivalent where the house offers one
  • Early check in and late check out on request
  • Welcome amenity and your travel agent known to the general manager

Eligible preferred amenities are applied wherever available, subject to the property at the time of stay, and are confirmed in your proposal.

Location

Sabi Sand, South Africa

Sabi Sand lodges, the big five on a private concession and Cape Town a two hour flight away.

Questions

What makes Lion Sands different from other reserves in the area?
It is the only private reserve spanning both Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park, set along thirteen miles of Sabie River frontage.
How many lodges and villas are there at Lion Sands?
Four lodges, River Lodge, Narina Lodge, Tinga Lodge and Ivory Lodge, plus two private villas, Fish Eagle Villa and Hinkwenu Villa.
Can guests sleep out in a treehouse?
Yes. Chalkley, Kingston and Tinyeleti treehouses offer open-air stays with a bed, a gourmet picnic and lantern light under the stars.
Are the villas suitable for families travelling with children?
Both villas include kids' activities. Fish Eagle Villa sleeps six adults and two children, and Hinkwenu Villa sleeps four adults and two children.
What wildlife might guests see at Lion Sands?
The reserve offers year-round Big Five encounters, frequent leopard sightings, and elephants that are known to wade below the lodge decks daily.
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