Lion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands is situated in the southern portion of the Sabi Sand Reserve, well known for better game viewing and a far smaller concentration of lodges than the northern and western areas. The reserve features a great diversity of general fauna and flora. Lion Sands has exclusive access to the Sabie River. From its source high up in the Drakensburg mountain range where it passes through the famous Mac Mac falls, the river through Lion Sands teems with wildlife. It is the definitive safari experience. The relatively cool riverbanks offer a brief respite from the relentless African sun. Splendid parades of animals pass through to quench their thirst at the water's edge. And eager predators wait patiently. The name 'Sabie' comes from the Zulu 'eSaba', meaning 'afraid'. Both man and beast approach the river with care and respect. It is at once a sanctuary of life and a gripping display of survival. It is what visitors from all over the world come to experience: raw, untouched nature. In ancient days, the lush Sabie river basin was overrun by Africa's largest reptile, the Nile crocodile. Today,they bask in the shallows in slightly less numbers, still snapping their deadly jaws at any creature wading in close enough. Of course, your safari cannot be complete without exposure to every facet of life in the bush. With the highly informative and holistic approach at Lion Sands, you will encounter all spheres of the eco-system, from the smallest insects to the mighty African elephant. Professionally qualified senior ecologists, rangers and tracking teams ensure that your personal safari experience not only meets but exceeds your highest expectations.
The lodge is situated in an area of the Sabi Sand Reserve that is known for smaller concentrations of people and higher concentrations of game!
Rates on request
luxury accommodation
two game drives in open landrovers
three meals daily
game drive refreshments
teas/coffees
Skukuza Airport transfers
curio shop purchases
health Spa Treatments
laundry service
personal bar account
telephone calls
reserve entrance fees
airport taxes
staff gratuities
treehouse sleepout
Special feature Tree house sleep-out: In the branches of an enormous tree you will find Lion Sands most unusual accommodation experience - The Tree House. This unique bush bedroom has been safely constructed above the ground in the branches overlooking the Msutlu dry riverbed. For an evening of star-spangled wonder, rich in the cocophony of African night sounds, this room with a view sleeps a single guest or sharing guests more than comfortably for the night - with mosquito net, luxury bed, the finest linen, a bedside table and a separate toilet ans bush vanity table. Completely secluded and private. A ranger will drive you to your room in the trees and after ensuring it is safe, will leave you to experience the rare pleasure of being completely alone in the wilderness. You can retire to The Tree House at sunset or after dinner. Those preferring to depart at sunset will delight in a decadent, packed picnic dinner, ready to be enjoyed under the African dusk. As dawn breaks, a call to the lodge on a portable radio will summon the ranger for your return or you can await collection at a pre-arranged time. At Lion Sands, guests have a choice of two different Tree House experiences. These should be booked in advance and are weather dependent:Jackalberry Tree House - This bush bedroom has been constructed high up in the top of a 100-year-old Jackalberry tree overlooking the Msutu dry-river bed. From your camouflaged hideaway, you will get up close and personal with nature.Leadwood Tree House - With views extending onto an open plain where you can watch the sunset over the African bushveld. The Tree house is built around a 500 year-old Leadwood Tree where the stars are your only canopy... These experiences will never be forgotten, guaranteed to touch the soul, a memory that will last forever.
The lodge comprises the following: a private lounge and bar, 2 swimming pools, wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, private hammocks, conference room, gymnasium & health spa, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.
Scheduled flights: - Johannesburg to Sabi Sands Game Reserve(Mala Mala Airfield) - Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg to KMIA(Nationwide Airlines/SA Airlink)Charter flights: - Johannesburg International Airport to Skukuza Airport(Federal Air) - 1 hour 15 minutesRoad transfers: - Transfer from KMIA available on request Railway option: - Pretoria to Komatipoort(Rovos Rail)Self-drive: - Johannesburg to Lion Sands (5 hours) - 520 km - Skukuza Airport to Lion Sands (25min) - 12 km - Phalaborwa Airport to Lion Sands (3 hours) - 243 km - Hoedspruit Airport to Lion Sands (2h15min) - 160 km - KMI Airport to Lion Sands (1h45min) - 110 km - Hazyview to Lion Sands (1 hour) - 67 km - Paul Kruger Gate to Lion Sands (45 min) - 32 km
Children over the age of 10 years are welcome. Younger children will be accepted if the lodge is block booked by the same family or group. Children of 12 or under in the accompany of 2 adults: less 50% of tariff. Extra beds in the rooms cannot be provided.
18 thatched en suite roomsThe Lodge has been built on the banks of the Sabie River. It faces due east, catching the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Rooms have outdoor & inside shower and wooden viewing deck. The bedroom area is air-conditioned with an overhead fan. All rooms have mini-bar & telephone access. The rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways.