Here you can expect a sophisticated interpretation of the traditional African safari lodge, with light and bright contemporary décor. The lodge's style has a sense of brightness and space. Wooden walkways lead off to a spa, gym, and pool, and back to the main lodge, where the deck’s connected water features give the impression of floating on the river. Whether you enjoy your time together socially or quietly, the running theme here is simple and natural luxury living.

Luxury Room

Each light and spacious room has a canopied king-sized bed (convertible to three quarter), dressing table, minibar, air conditioning, ceiling fan, and a full en-suite with a range of deluxe organic amenities – and because views of the river and bush cannot be wasted, we built a private deck beyond its fold-back glass doors.

KING BED, AIRCON, PRIVATE TERRACE, MINI BAR, IN-ROOM SAFE, WIFI

The River Suites, each fronted by a plunge pool and set further away from the main lodge, are the most spacious and private – and also include a Family Suite for a relaxed family safari. It’s for you to choose which accommodation best suits you – but the extraordinary view comes standard.

Relax at the guest pool or in the spa, get active in the gym, or browse the MORE Gallery. Turn your wildlife photography into artful souvenirs in the Creative Lab.

Inclusions

• RATES INCLUDE
• Luxurious accommodation in a Luxury Room, Superior Luxury Room or River Suite (with plunge pool); all meals; teas/coffees; minibar in the room; inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits, and house wines); two game drives daily with FGASA-accredited field guide and tracker; game drive refreshments and snacks; specified inclusive safari activities; Skukuza Airport transfers; Wi-Fi
• Specialist activities included: Game drives; bush walks; stargazing; wildlife lectures; bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners; Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers experiences.

Exclusions

• RATES EXCLUDE
• Treehouse experiences; Private open safari vehicle hire; helicopter flights; golfing; Park and Conservation Fees; Sustainability Levy (R115 per person per night); exclusive use bush breakfasts & dinners

The reserve

Lion Sands is unique, being the only private sanctuary with a footprint in both Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. The 50km/31 min border between these wild spaces is unfenced and the wildlife roams freely between them. Lion Sands sees an unparalleled number and diversity of species, most of which are non-migratory, so you are guaranteed an exceptional safari experience year-round.

Exclusive Experience

Being entirely private, Lion Sands offers you a very personal safari experience. With only six guests to a safari vehicle and exclusive traversing across the length and breadth of the reserve, you’ll have minimal encounters with other people. While you’re out exploring, you’ll also by no means be roughing it. Your vehicle is kitted out with cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets and ponchos.

Early Morning Safari

Wake with the dawn chorus for the first game drive. The sun might still be low to the horizon, but the cool morning is peak viewing time. Spot nocturnal animals returning from the hunt and others beginning to stir. The thrill (and coffee stop) will charge you for the rest of the day.

The wildlife

Lion Sands’ wildlife includes the rare, the vulnerable, and the iconic. Our reserve is home to the Big Five and is particularly renowned for its leopard viewing – normally known as the most elusive of predators. Other signature species include the endangered pangolin and African painted wolf, as well as lucky sightings of the African civet. Look skywards and birders will find themselves in paradise with 550 species to identify.

Evening Safari

As the daylight fades, a whole other world of animals emerges into the evening. It’ll take a little more effort to spot them, but with your guides’ keen eyes and your senses now attuned to the sounds, scents and movements of the bush, this experience captures the very essence of a safari in Africa.

Astral Safari

The clear air and minimal artificial light found within this remote African wilderness make it an ideal stargazing location. During evening game drives, your field guide will point out planets and stars you’ve never seen before with the naked eye while telling you more about the constellations, taking you on a night sky safari.

Private Safari

When you book a private vehicle and expert guide team with a no-extra-mile-is-too-far attitude, you’ll have a 5-star African safari tailored for you. Looking to tick buffalo off your bucket list? Your tracker knows their stomping grounds. Have a soft spot for hippos? Your field guide can show you their favorite waterhole.

Bush Walk

Led by your expert guides, these are our walks on the wild side. For those who want to experience the bush, beyond just observing it, there is no more real excursion. Feel the grass brush your hands, hear the crunch of scrub nearby, and spot game just meters off – exhilarating!

Safari Photography

Nothing beats being in the bush, but photographs capture those very special moments spent on safari. For professional and novice wildlife photographers alike, our Creative Lab at River Lodge helps you transform your images into canvas artworks to create the ultimate keepsakes. Camera equipment is also available for hire.