Lion Sands River Lodge
Kruger National Park 1240 South Africa
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About
#16 of 40 Specialty lodging 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
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Free breakfast
Free airport transportation
Photo copier / fax In business center
Spa
Parking garage
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Private pool
Plunge pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Airport transportation
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
First aid kit
Umbrella
Private check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Allergy-free room
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Minibar
Electric blanket
Walk-in shower
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
River View
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Contact
Kruger National Park 1240 South Africa
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Sabi Sand Game Reserve rental cars
1093Reviews36Q+A100Room tips
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The lodge was amazing. The people are friendly, helpful, and genuine. The guide and tracker were knowledgeable, listened to what the group wanted to see, and we could tell they enjoyed what they do. It was crazy how close we got to the animals and felt completely safe. The lodge itself was modern and wide open. We had animals along our path to our rooms every day. (nothing intimidating) The room was over the top. I recommend the rooms with the pool. It was the perfect place to hang out between game drives. The food was tasty and there was a decent variety to make everyone happy. I highly recommend the Lion Sands River Lodge!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you so much. Your review means a lot to us, and we are so glad to be part of your happy memories. We certainly agree about the pool being the place to be in between game drives! We hope we shall see you again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved the energy of the staff at the Lion Sands. It was so thoughtful for the head chef to meet with us briefly when we arrived. When he found out that I prefer a vegetarian diet (but was perfectly fine to roll with anything served), he immediately created a vegetarian menu that was placed at my table at every meal! Our rooms were huge and very luxurious. We appreciated that when we enjoyed something out of the mini bar (like a Diet Coke!), those items were immediately restocked upon the next visit by housekeeping. Our guide, Ozy, is such a delight - articulate, knowledgeable, well-mannered, funny, and careful to engage every member of our family. Ozy is an incredible team with Heaviness "Heavy", the tracker. Heavy has bionic hearing. With all the chattering and bantering in the jeep amongst our family members, Heavy would be able to single out faint animal sounds and know what might be happening close by. We saw everything. We also know we got incredibly lucky. One cannot script animal behavior and yet, we witnessed lions eating their fresh giraffe kill. We also watch a leopard stack two individual impala kills like cord wood up in her tree branch refuge. We rode down to the riverbank one afternoon and watched a large bloat of hippos of all ages enjoy the rushing current over their huge bodies. Our trip to Lion Sands fell over New Year's Eve. The staff at Lion Sands transformed the lounge into a disco. We had an absolute blast dancing and enjoying a few beverages with the young guide staff, our adult kids, and the other guests.…
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: The rooms are essentially bungalows. Our family had three rooms and they all seemed equally...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
What a special time we had with your family. Ozy and Heavy are certainly experts and your sightings were truly memorable. What a lovely evening New Year's turned out to be. A perfect way to welcome in the New Year, and a good way to celebrate the big 6 0 Kate. Count us in for the 70th or sooner if you prefer. Best wishes from our team. Until next time... Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our experience at Lion Sands was faultless; Pierre and Joe as Ranger and Tracker make a phenomenal team, with both of them engaging our children and opening all of our eyes to the wonders of nature. At our Lodges, Sindiie did an amazing job of keeping things perfectly clean and shipshape. Phili ensuring we had incredible service & drinks without asking, working tirelessly with the excellent Chefs to produce a range of food which was not only well presented and delicious, but also our rather selective children were eager to eat. Overall this was customer service on a level we have not experienced elsewhere. I must also mention the fuss that was made for my wife’s birthday – this was unexpected and absolutely made her day! All staff were amazing; nothing being too much trouble and worked together as a great team to make our stay at Lion Sands a truly memorable safari experience. …
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
It was an absolute pleasure to spoil all of you as much as we could. Being on safari is such a special time to reconnect with one another and we are so glad you have such memorable moments. We have passed on your compliments to the team. We appreciate the kind words, and we hope you will join us again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We came to Lion Sands as a part of our honeymoon and it was the highlight of our whole trip! I will never forget our experience and we are definitely coming back. The staff, the facilities, the food, the animals we cannot recommend it enough! Please go, I promise it will be the trip of a lifetime
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
Lion Sands certainly has its own romantic magic. We are so glad you had such a wonderful time. We hope to see you on your anniversary... Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
An amazing safari experience. There were animals everywhere - we were able to locate the big 5 several times. The guides are knowledgeable and the food / hotel / amenities spectacular. We had a family suite with our own pool. Impalas and others came to visit our backyard. We had a view of Kruger national park from our deck and observed a Hippo going for a stroll, giraffes and monkeys. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: It is harder to spot wildlife in summer (now) but there are many many animals on-site so this was...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
We are so glad that you loved your stay with us. Some memorable safari moments indeed. Nature at her finest. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Hope you will join us again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
The staff went above and beyond to make our stay amazing. When an uninvited 4 legged visitor ( just a friendly hyena!) came into our our lodging during a safari drive, ( a true testament that this is in a prime wildlife viewing location!) the staff made sure that everything that was damaged was replaced, including expensive medical equipment! We were then offered to stay at their ultra exclusive Ivory Lodge in a private villa, that is larger than an average NYC apartment, complete with huge private plunge pool that is deep, clean and refreshing. Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge are located in close proximity, but are quite different. It is impossible to say which is better. Although Ivory Lodge is the super luxury option, with guest privacy a priority, the comradery at River Lodge is warm and welcoming. Also, at River Lodge, a fantastic photography center has resources to download photos and print them onto canvas. It is possible to rent a camera and lens, allowing guests to take professional pictures without lugging around heavy equipment or purchasing expensive zoom lenses. Plus there is the assistance of Fortune, the resident photography expert. He can help to edit the pictures, give you tips, and a run down on how to use the camera features, ensuring you will come home with National Geographic quality shots, printed on canvas. (This service is available at both lodges, but is accessible without needing a game vehicle from River Lodge) At the rustic but sophisticated bar at River Lodge, a sip of South African Gin, Inverroche Amber, concluded our first afternoon game drive. Thanks to OZ, our game drive guide, for also guiding us at the bar! During our 3 days of game drives we saw all the big 5. Plentiful lions, elephant, leopard, giraffe, zebra, crocodiles, and numerous bovidae and birds. On our second day, our incredibly observant tracker, Evans, and our determined driver and guide, Lee, put us at the scene of a fresh kill before the other vehicle arrived. Her driving finesse off road was as exciting as witnessing the lions feast on fresh zebra! Finally, perhaps the most unique feature of staying at either lodge, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse! A packed gourmet dinner (and breakfast in the morning) was set up overlooking the sunset. It was an evening of lavish style in the wild. Off grid, the two treehouses available to rent, both have toilette facilities and running water. The bed and linens are crisp, clean and comfortable. It is was perfect merger of remoteness and luxury and the experience punctuated our extraordinary stay. I most definitely recommend staying here! …
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Rent a camera and zoom lense from the onsite camera lab. Rent the equipment online in advance.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded Jan 1, 2023
A safari adventure by all accounts. Thank you for your wonderful feedback. Our lodges all have their unique personalities, and you certainly captured the essence of River and Ivory lodges well. Being on safari is a fine blend of those private moments along with the moments of shared experience. We are glad you loved all of it - the wildlife, the treehouse, our creative lab, our people, and our location. Every day has its own unfolding magic. We hope you will join us again! Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our family of 6 was totally touched by the amazing experience at Lion Sands River Lodge which was by and large presented to us by the Ranger and Tracker pair assigned to us. Ozy and Heaviness clearly demonstrated to us what it means by being professional and dedicated to their jobs. We had such a wonderful 4 days and 3 nights stay that was totally unforgettable. We wished we could extend our stay there as each outing in the field was packed with surprises and thrills which we will never forget.
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Date of stay: December 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: All 19 lodges enjoy good view of the river whereby elephants, buffalos and hippos dipped into the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded Dec 8, 2022
We are so pleased that we were able to create a memorable experience for all of you. We believe every moment matters and time together on safari is perfect for reconnecting with nature and with your loved ones. We will pass on your compliments. Sharing the wonders of the world is what we love doing best. Hopefully, we shall see you all again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We experienced pure magic in the African bush. Kim and Jabu gave us a once in a lifetime experience - the sightings were exceptional. The food was world class. The accommodation was incredible. The staff in general were amazing. Thumbs up all the way!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded Dec 5, 2022
Thank you for the lovely thumbs up. Lion Sands is truly an unforgettable experience, and we never take this special place for granted. So glad we could share her magic with you. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Such an amazing and memorable experience. From the guides to the trackers to the front of house staff. We are currently planning our return. Our guide Riaan went above and beyond to make our trip feel special and incredibly memorable.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded Dec 5, 2022
River Lodge is all about enduring friendships and we are so excited that your return trip is being planned. We truly appreciate your kind words and have passed on your compliments to Riaan. Looking forward to your next visit. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wow, words cannot express the experience we had at Lion Sands River Lodge. We loved how we had the same waitress, safari guides and tracker the entire visit. Love the tea times, snacks, meals and overall vibe of the place. Our game drives were so incredibly exciting, we are still talking about it. Every day was a special surprise (dinner under the lights, breakfast among the animals, sundowner cocktails and coffee breaks with the animals). Well done Lion Sands, well done.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded Nov 23, 2022
Thank you so much. We feel so privileged to be able to share this special place with you. We are glad we could surprise and delight you, and that you have such wonderful memories of your time with us. We hope to see you again. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$2,294 - $2,539 (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 ListingLION SANDS RIVER LODGE - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (South Africa/Sabi Sand Game Reserve)
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 desk.
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, a parking garage, and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and locker rooms available in the fitness center 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.
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.
Is Lion Sands River Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms and facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.