LION SANDS RIVER LODGE
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Lion Sands is the only private game reserve rooted in both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. The Sabie River forms a natural boundary between its two sides, and its four waterside lodges provide the ultimate luxury safari bases. Ivory Lodge and River Lodge are located on the Sabi Sand side, and over on Kruger are Narina Lodge and Tinga Lodge. The animals roam freely between them, and no matter which side you choose to stay on, you will have exceptional game-viewing opportunities. With 12,500 acres of arguably Africa’s most pristine Big Five territory, the River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands and has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Lion Sands is a place that enriches one’s soul and promises life-changing moments and opportunities that will leave you with memories of unforgettable experiences. At the River Lodge, you need not move far to appreciate extraordinary wildlife, or to marvel at the spectacular riverside view. Each of the eight luxury rooms at River Lodge has its…
own private wooden viewing deck. The six superior luxury rooms are larger in size and have ample open-plan bathrooms and outdoor showers. The four River Lodge suites are located further from the public areas and are therefore more private. They have private plunge pools and incredible river views best appreciated from the expansive decks. The suites also have outdoor showers.
The public areas at River Lodge include a private lounge and bar with fireplace, an outdoor safari lounge, a swimming pool (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent river deck built on the river, a conference room, Africology Health Spa and gymnasium, curio shop and both an indoor and open-air (boma) dining area.
For the hopeless romantic, the adventurer, the person who needs a complete disconnect and digital detox, or the wildlife enthusiast who prefers the bush au-natural consider the ultimate bush bedroom in one of the Lion Sands Treehouses. Arrive at sunset to a scrumptious picnic dinner, and spend the hours of dusk fully appreciating the vastness of the bushveld as it transforms from day to night. Fall asleep directly beneath the Milky Way where you may well lose count of the shooting stars.
All of the treehouses are securely constructed above the ground, where animals remain at a safe and comfortable distance. Chalkley Treehouse is a secure and lavish platform under the African stars, with all the comforts of a 5-star safari lodge. The Kingston Treehouse is constructed entirely from wood and glass, with contemporary décor in understated hues of greys, white, black and purple. No matter what the weather has in store, you will have a safe and luxurious setting with a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views. Kingston is equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities with Africology products to complete your sensory experience. At both treehouses you’ll enjoy a delicious Al Fresco dinner (packed specially for you in a Gourmet Basket) and a glass of bubbly as you absorb the spectacle of the bush at sundown. Settle in with a cocktail as the animals come to drink at sunset.
AT A GLANCE – THE RIVER LODGE
- 8 Luxury Rooms have bathroom en-suite, lounge area with mini bar and wooden deck from which to appreciate the wilds beyond
- 6 Superior Luxury Rooms are larger in size, and have ample open-plan bathrooms and outdoor showers.
- 4 River Suites are located further from the public areas and are therefore more private. They have private plunge pools incredible river views, best appreciated from the expansive decks. River Suites also have outdoor showers
- Open plan lounge and dining area
- Swimming pool
- Panoramic views of the Sabie River
- Wildlife viewing directly from your room
- Famed for leopard sightings
- Big Five game reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park
- Located in the Southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Lion Sands Sabi Sand is the only Reserve in South Africa to offer a safari in both the Sabie and Sand River ecosystems with over 12,500 acres of arguably Africa’s most pristine Big Five territory
- Wildlife includes leopards, spotted hyena, various antelope, elephant, white rhino, buffalo, hippo
- Early morning and late afternoon into evening game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles with maximum number of just 6 guests per vehicle
- Interpretive bush walks
- Birdwatching
- A Wellness Centre incorporates a luxury spa and exercise facility
- All Inclusive: 3 meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beer, safari activities
- Wi-Fi internet access in guest areas
- 220v AC power
AT A GLANCE – KINGSTON TREEHOUSE
- Number of guests: 4
- Stargazing: Impossible to count
- Shower: Yes
- Vanity: Double
- WC: Yes
- Electricity: No
- Radio Communication & mobile phone signal: Yes
- Wi-Fi: You must be joking!
- Safety features: Single door, drawbridge, radio communication
- Distance from Lodge: 1mile
- Size in decking: 645ft²
- View: Tree tops
AT A GLANCE – CHALKLEY’S TREEHOUSE
- Number of guests: 2
- Stargazing: Impossible to count
- Shower: Not at the moment
- Vanity: Single
- WC: Yes
- Electricity: No
- Radio Communication & mobile phone signal: Yes
- Wi-Fi: You must be joking!
- Safety features: Single door, stairway, radio communication
- Distance from Lodge: 2.7 miles
- Size in decking: 430ft²
- View: Open plain
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 2020 - TRAVEL & LEISURE WORLD’S BEST AWARDS RANKED #49 IN ‘TOP 100 HOTELS IN THE WORLD’
- 2020 - TRAVEL & LEISURE WORLD’S BEST AWARDS RANKED #3 IN ‘TOP 10 SAFARI LODGES IN AFRICA’
- 2020 - CONDE´ NAST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS RANKED #33 IN ‘TOP RESORTS IN THE WORLD’
- 2020 - CONDE´ NAST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS RANKED #4 IN ‘TOP 20 RESORTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICA’
- 2020 - LUXURY LIFESTYLE AWARDS RANKED #15 IN ‘THE BEST LUXURY GAME LODGES IN SOUTH AFRICA’
