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.
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.
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.