Lion Sands River Lodge

A bright, light and luxurious lodge with fabulous river views and buckets of wildlife.

River Lodge is one of four retreats in Lion Sands. Set on the river's edge, it's at the centre of big and small game country, with well-informed rangers, great food and rooms that beg you to relax.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Lion Sands River Lodge

If you're looking for a private reserve with fewer people in a private vehicle, off-road driving, really good accommodation and food and, of course, the best opportunities to see game, you won't go wrong at Lion Sands. Set within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, Lion Sands is the only private reserve to have access to the perennial Sabie River, which it shares with Kruger National Park. And River Lodge is a tranquil haven, with lush riverine greenery, the winding waterway, wildlife everywhere and elegant yet homely accommodation.

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From $1,270 person/night

Lodge

18 Rooms

Sabi Sands, Kruger, South Africa

What you'll love

Five-star food, with mouth-watering lunches, three-course dinners and everything you could possibly want for breakfast. Try the egg wraps – they're the best in the world.

Insiders tip

It might not seem it at first glance, but the lodge is very family-orientated and even runs its own 'Mack & Madi' kids’ programme which will keep little minds entertained for hours.

Something to think about

River Lodge is one of the larger lodges in the area so if you're hankering after something more intimate, there are other options in the Sabi Sands that might suit better.

The property

The open-plan communal area is thatched and beautifully furnished with rattan couches and soft furnishings in natural shades with touches of bright colour. Relax in the comfortable lounge or on the huge wooden deck, where water features make it feel like you're on the river, and soak up the sounds of the bush. On chilly evenings a fire is lit, so you're always comfortable. Meals are served indoors and out, and there are two pools if you're finding the bushveld heat overwhelming. Wi-fi is available in the lobby, bar and restaurant.

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The rooms

Raised wooden boardwalks radiate from the communal area to the suites. There are 18 in total – 8 luxury suites, 6 superior luxury suites and 4 river suites (a plunge pool sits out front), all with private viewing decks overlooking the river. All are air conditioned, spacious and comfortable, and are furnished with a king-sized bed and large en-suite bathroom (indoor and outdoor showers). You probably won't even need to leave your room to see wildlife roaming around the lodge.

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Activities

Game Drives

Sleep Out

Walking safari

Bush Walks

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Go on morning and late afternoon game drives with experienced rangers and trackers. The Big Five roam happily here, as do a host of antelope species; the birdlife is plentiful and Sabi Sand's leopard sightings are legendary. Take a bush walk, go birdwatching, get to know the stars or visit a village. When you're not exploring, relax at the pool, read on your deck or be pampered at the spa. Of course, there's always something delectable on hand to eat!

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Positive impact

Lion Sands River Lodge is owned by the MORE family collection which are Committed to regenerative tourism. They prioritises sustainability to safeguard the environment and communities for future generations. Their ethos revolves around living and working sustainably, recognising that our actions impact all life on Earth. MORE believes in fostering harmony between humans, plants, and animals for the well-being of present and future generations. For MORE, sustainability is ensuring the continuity of life on our planet.

About Kruger National Park and surrounds

Kruger

Famed for its Big Five sightings and luxurious lodges, this is a classic all-round game reserve.

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Wildlife in Kruger National Park and surrounds

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Abundant

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

Rare

White Rhino

Abundant

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Rare

Leopard

Abundant

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Occasional

Buffalo

Abundant

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Abundant

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

None

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The Kruger National Park is South Africa's premier game viewing destination with so much more to see than just the Big Five. Explore the mopane thickets and mixed vegetation savannah as you spot an assortment of mammals, including hippo, zebra, giraffe, numerous species of antelope and, if you are very lucky, the highly endangered wild dog.

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