Lion Sands River Lodge
Kruger National Park 1240 South Africa
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About
#4 of 40 in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
Travelers' Choice
Family owned since 1933, this international award winning private game reserve spans across the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Lion Sands has four lodges; Lion Sands Ivory Lodge & Lion Sands River Lodge (Sabi Sand) and Lion Sands Tinga Lodge & Lion Sands Narina Lodge (Kruger Park). Each has a unique style, but is a reflection of Lion Sands' five-star signature of sophisticated interiors, unique experiences and service excellence.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Free airport transportation
Spa
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary tea
Special diet menus
Airport transportation
Full body massage
Massage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Shops
Butler service
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Bottled water
Minibar
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Suites
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
River View
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Full view
Contact
Kruger National Park 1240 South Africa
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Sabi Sand Game Reserve rental cars
1059Reviews36Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
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This was hands down the best 4 days I have experienced while traveling. My guide, Anthony made our trip so special alongside tracker, Amu. We saw all big 5 and the magnificent 7. Form the moment we arrives Nadia made us feel right at home alongside the wonderful chef, Connie and Billy. The lodge is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to come and visit with my family (hopefully next year). Anthony was the highlight of the trip and was so incredibly informative and you can tell he absolutely loves what he does. He was so personable and patient, answered all our questions and we learned so much from him. The food options from breakfast, lunch and dinner were delicious and changed daily. I used the spa services daily and was the best massage I have ever received. One of the days, I used spa services at their sister lodge, Ivory Lodge which looks just as beautiful just a little more private the River Lodge. I cannot wait to come back again! The trip was 10/10. I am missing River Lodge!…
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Date of stay: June 2022
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Helpful
We stayed for four days and had a delightful time. The locations and accommodations were splendid, the staff was attentive and friendly, and the food was delicious. The game drives were wonderful. Our guide was Mitch and our tracker was Abraham. Both were expert and friendly. They placed us within close proximity of lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, rhinos (both black and white), zebras, giraffes, hyenas, wild dogs, antelopes, etc. Monkeys played near the dining area. Some of us spent a night in the treehouse and had a memorable time - serenaded by lions. The bush walk was a treat, and we took part in the antelope dung spitting contest. Our expectations for the stay were high, and Lion Sands exceeded them.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you Stephen. We are so pleased that you loved your time at River Lodge, as well as your time at Stanley & Livingstone. The wildlife certainly was amazing, and to be serenaded by lions, well that is special. It is always best to exceed expectations and so glad we did. We have passed on your wonderful comments to our team. We hope we shall see you again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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+1
Absolutely beautiful! The staff was so friendly and food so delicious! The rangers were so great in pointing out everything, thank you Raymond and Joe! We felt safe, yet was given the opportunity to bush walk and learn so much! We even had a dung spitting competition!!! Lol, who would have thought that was a thing. Only here can you experience something of a lifetime! We saw everything, lions, zebras, elephants, rinos, hippos, etc. very educational and so much fun! If you want a first class experience then you need to stay here. Thanks, Cindy and Kobin
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: I would avoid the summer heat times. Shoulder seasons are the best.
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Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Cindy and Kobin. We are so glad that your time with us exceeded your expectations and that you had a true wildlife experience. Time in the bush certainly reminds us of what is important. The team hopes you will visit us again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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Lion Sands offers everything - a stunning setting on the Sand River, modern architecture that lets the outside in through glass and water features, spacious and comfortable accommodation and wonderful staff prepared to go that extra mile. The three nights we spent there will be remembered always and a return visit is on our wish list.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Location
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Service
Room Tip: All rooms face the river.
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Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you so much for your review. We are very proud of the architectural design of River Lodge. We aimed for a sophisticated interpretation of the traditional safari lodge. Of course nothing beats the location and how privileged we are to be able to share this with our guests. Thank you for your visit and we look forward to your return. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This trip was so incredible! The accomodations, lodging, food, staff, tracker, guide, spa...all of it was wonderful! I loved details like ponchos in the game vehicle when there might be a chance of rain, and blankets and hot water bottles for the early morning drives. I loved the drink and snack breaks. It was so nice to be on a private reserve. We went with friends and it would be my dream to go back again someday. We loved the weather and the time of year as well. Stayed one night in the treehouse which I highly recommend.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 5 weeks ago
We are so glad that you had a wonderful stay and thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are all about the details that will enhance your time with us. Isn't the treehouse experience just unforgettable! Hopefully, you will visit us again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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Lion Sands River Lodge is exceptional. From the staff to the food to the exceptional rangers. The highlight for me though was staying in Chalkley Treehouse. You're left in the heart of the bush with a radio, sumptuous meal, whatever you're drinking plus a bottle of bubbly. With no ambient light the stars are incredible. It's wonderful to fall asleep to the night sounds and then wake up to the morning chorus of bird sound.This is a must-do in my opinion
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded May 18, 2022
Thank you Moira for your kind words. A night in one of our treehouses is truly memorable and we are so pleased that this enhanced your stay with us. There really is something magical about the stars. It reminds us of the quote by Vincent van Gogh, "I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream." Whenever you feel the need to dream, you know where we are. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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One of the most memorable weekends we've ever had. All members of the team spoiled us and made us feel so welcome. The treehouse is an absolute magical must have experience, the perfect couples getaway!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded May 18, 2022
Your review is much appreciated Danelle. We always ensure our team knows of the kind words we receive here. Not sure there is anything quite like a treehouse stay. Having a bird's eye view of the wildlife is amazing and then the starry sky at night just tops it all off. Thank you, and come stay again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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What a beautiful, beautiful place and location. Food was great…buffets the first night, then menus…..one noon a monkey swiped the top bun of my sandwich, then sat on a bench where we were all able to watch him eat it! Fun, fun memory….our chalet was very spacious, but so comfortable….our guide and tracker were great fun, and took us to great viewing places.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded May 17, 2022
Hi Carol, thanks for the review. You made us laugh with your title. Yes, even the wildlife know we have an amazing lodge and serve great food. We truly appreciate your feedback. Thank you for choosing to spend your holiday with us. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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They found the coolest Lions, leopards, giraffes and other animals. They are great trackers. They pointed out the constellations and stars at night. The rest of the staff are very helpful, polite and pleasant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are great. Ask for an evening with dinner prepared in the bush. The rooms (really houses) are excellent. It’s a wonderful and beautiful place. Rector has a great heritage but he won’t bring it up. It’s an awesome place. Go visit.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded May 15, 2022
Thank you Paul for your kind words. Rector and Lucia are so pleased that they were able to share amazing nature moments with you. When the weather plays along those dinners in the bush really are amazing. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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+1
We had an absolutely incredible stay at Lion Sands River Lodge. The lodge is a luxurious and modern-chic enclave directly on the Sabie River. The staff is beyond exceptional, and the game drives are otherworldly. We stayed at both River Lodge and Narina, and preferred the vibe at River Lodge to Narina, which is more classic and private. Each morning started with a 530am wake up call, followed by a quick and delicious light bite (fruit, yogurt parfait, warm muffins, and coffee). We had the fortune of having Mitch as our Guide and Rector as our tracker. Mitch is the most fun, affable, and caring guide we’ve had on the 3 safaris we’ve done. He made our time at River Lodge all the more memorable, and Rector’s knowledge will ensure that your game drives are filled with sightings. The game drives were straight out of a National Geographic documentary. Even during rainy days, we saw countless packs of lions - from the Styx pride to males roaming their way over to Sabi from Kruger, and females with cubs; we saw packs of wild dogs, including a pack killing an impala and then being approached by hyenas. We saw multiple leopards and were able to get within a few feet of them. Plenty of giraffes, hippos, elephants, Cape buffalo and antelope. Cruising around in the comfortable, open-air vehicles was tranquil, yet exciting - we constantly had our eyes peeled. The morning drive was followed by a delicious breakfast, before having a good 5-6 hours to relax by the pool, read, bird watch, or catch the hippos fighting each other in the river. A quick lunch or snack then we were off to the evening game drive from 330-7 where you’ll enjoy sundowners and more sightings. Note that on safari, you’re in the car the entire time - no need for hiking boots or hiking clothes! The Sabi is a private reserve, and you’ll barely see any other vehicles which means that your sightings will be private (with no more than 1 other vehicle). Inside the Sabi is the 4000+ acre More family property, making your drives quiet and exclusive. When you return from your drive you can head straight to dinner or freshen up. Dinner is exquisite - and the wine selection is impressive and well-priced (if you choose to go for bottles that aren’t included as part of your rate, those that are included are also delicious). The bathrooms, beds and linens are of 5 star quality, and we enjoyed a restful sleep each night. A huge thanks to the incredible staff: Mitch, Rector, our amazing butler Philly, Fortune (your smile brightens the room!), Billy and Nadia. We can’t wait to return!…
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: Bring comfortable clothing, and a warm layer as it can get chilly on the drives.
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded May 11, 2022
Dear Arthur and Lindsay, It was so wonderful to have you with us. The banter was truly so much fun. I don’t think anyone would be able to forget the excitement about the wild dog kill that day. Thank you for your fantastic feedback and we will be sure to share it with the team. We cannot wait to welcome you back to your home away from home. Kind regards, Nadia Pent, River Lodge Manager, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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PRICE RANGE
$2,151 - $2,491 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
lion sands river hotel sabi sand game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkSabi Sand Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Lion Sands River Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a mosquito net.
What food & drink options are available at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Lion Sands River Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Lion Sands River Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Lion Sands River Lodge located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.08 miles away from the center of Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Are any cleaning services offered at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Lion Sands River Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Lion Sands River Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.