Lion Sands Game Reserve
Where the Sabie River winds through the South African Lowveld, lies the Lion Sands Game Reserve – the only private reserve that stretches both over the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and part of the Kruger National Park. Spanning around 12,400 hectares and along about 21 kilometers of riverbank, you will find the River Lodge, Tinga Lodge, and Ivory Lodge, each with its own unique character.
Throughout the year, impressive encounters with the Big Five succeed here, and especially leopards are surprisingly often seen. Whether a romantic getaway for two, a family safari, or a night in an open treehouse under the starry sky: At Lion Sands Game Reserve, we customize your stay to your wishes.
Details
Country
South Africa
Location
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Price
upon request
Best Travel Time
year-round
Lodges
The River Lodge is the vibrant heart of the reserve: 18 rooms and suites are lined up directly by the water – from the Luxury Room with private terrace to the Family River Suite with its own pool for up to four guests. Children are welcome from ten years old. The Tinga Lodge embodies classic safari flair with a warm atmosphere. Its nine suites each feature a plunge pool, a private lounge, and a deck overlooking the Sabie River. Children are welcome from six years old. Elegant yet relaxed, the Ivory Lodge offers eight spacious suites of approximately 145 square meters, each with a private pool, lounge, and outdoor shower. Guests are welcome here from ten years old.
Culinary
Every meal at Lion Sands Game Reserve celebrates the flavors of South Africa and the surrounding wilderness. The kitchen teams work seasonally and with great creativity – from breakfast by the riverbank to lunch on the deck to dinner by the fire of the Boma. On some evenings, lanterns cast warm light over a table under mighty trees, while other evenings entice with barbecue nights, a breakfast in the bush, or a picnic by the river. The wine cellar focuses on Cape wines: robust reds from Stellenbosch for kudu, fresh whites from Franschhoek for fish. The lodges work directly with South African winemakers and select each bottle to match the dish.
Activities
Twice a day, you set out with guides and trackers for a game drive, in the morning with coffee at sunrise, and in the evening with a sundowner. A highlight is the three treehouses that you can book during your stay: Enjoy a gourmet picnic by lantern light and fall asleep under the open starry sky, accompanied by distant lion roars. Whether the romantic Chalkley, the Kingston with its wide view, or the Tinyeleti over the Sabie River, each has its own character. Helicopter flights over the escarpment, photography courses, community visits, a children's program, and spas round off your stay.
Location
The Lion Sands Game Reserve is located in Mpumalanga in the northeast of South Africa. As the only private reserve, it encompasses areas in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park, extending about 21 kilometers along the Sabie River.
The easiest way to travel is by scheduled flight to Skukuza Airport, which is just a few minutes from the lodge. Alternatively, you can land at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, take a charter flight on private runways in Sabi Sand, or land directly at the Ivory Lodge and Tinga Lodge by helicopter. From Johannesburg, the drive is about six hours.
From October to April, there is a moderate malaria risk; please consult your doctor beforehand about prophylaxis. The dry winter from May to September offers the best animal observation, while the green summer brings young animals and a rich birdlife.
