Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve

5.0 (1 review) · Luxury
Opulent safari lodge experience with spa amenities, personalized game drives, luxury suites, and authentic African cuisine

Overview

Lion Sands River Lodge, located within the renowned Kruger National Park, brings you face-to-face with the splendor of Africa's wilderness. The lodge is connected to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, while the Mala Mala Game Reserve and Londolozi Game Reserve are also close by, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. This property is a part of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the oldest private nature reserve in South Africa, with a history dating back to 1948. The lodge provides an exclusive safari experience across over 30,000 acres (12,400 hectares) of protected land, teeming with diverse wildlife.

The rooms at Lion Sands River Lodge are a harmonious blend of comfort and opulence, each fitted with air-conditioning and a minibar. The rooms feature private wooden patios with comfy lounge furniture to take in the natural surroundings. Bathrooms are elegantly designed with separate bathtubs and showers and are stocked with designer toiletries. For those seeking more space and privacy, the River Suites offer extensive bedrooms, outdoor showers, and a private deck with an inviting plunge pool. The Family Suite with two bedrooms is perfect for groups.

Lion Sands River Lodge not only offers access to Africa's wildest wonders but also a range of unique amenities. The lodge's spa provides a range of therapeutic treatments, including massages and facials, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. For those seeking to capture their safari memories, the Creative Lab offers the opportunity to transform personal photos into high-quality canvas prints. Dining at the lodge is an experience in itself, with a seasonal and creative menu approach catering to all dietary needs. For a truly immersive safari experience, the lodge also organizes game drives, bush walks, and even astral safaris, where you can explore the magic of the night sky.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +27 0137355000
Hotel address icon Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalanga

Traveler Reviews

Tom
Tom B.
Kennewick, WA | Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024
Beautiful property with separate buildings for various functions: reception (open air), restaurant (inside seating and outside seating on the HUGE patio overlooking the Sabe River), lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, exercise gym, and of course the individual rooms (each almost their own lodge, although some are adjoining for larger parties). Nothing is over one story high, so it is well hidden in the forest. The various buildings are connected by boardwalks. Just beautiful. We can see why Lion... Read more

Beautiful property with separate buildings for various functions: reception (open air), restaurant (inside seating and outside seating on the HUGE patio overlooking the Sabe River), lounge and bar, gift shop, spa, exercise gym, and of course the individual rooms (each almost their own lodge, although some are adjoining for larger parties). Nothing is over one story high, so it is well hidden in the forest. The various buildings are connected by boardwalks. Just beautiful.

We can see why Lion Sands was recently (July 2024) rated as one of the top 100 hotels (#73) in the entire world by T&L Magazine. (https://www.travelandleisure.com/wba-2024-hotels-world-8661177)

Authenticity & Character
Blends in so well with the surroundings.
Location
The common areas overlook the river. Our room (like all of them, I think) overlook the river as well, each with their own balcony to enjoy the scenery... including animals such as various types of antelope that we often saw sauntering by. For a while there was a crocodile sunbathing down at the river shore (a safe distance away) and during one dinner a hippopotamus was spotted maybe 50 yards away from the dining patio.
Staff
We had one lady who was in charge of servicing our room during our whole stay and we had one butler who was assigned to wait on us at all meals. These were both nice touches. Our game drive leader (Raymond) and our spotter (Amu) were delightful, so knowlegable, and so skilled at finding the animals (again, we had the same staff along for all our game drives and for our two-on-two bush walk).
Cleanliness & Comfort
See comments above. Everything about the property was superb.
Stayed in June 2024

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +27 0137355000
Hotel address icon Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalanga