Lion Sands Game Reserve

Timeless Luxury Along the Sabie River

Spanning both the Sabi Sand Reserve and Kruger National Park, Lion Sands offers exceptional Big Five viewing, intimate riverfront lodges and more than 80 years of family-led safari hospitality. With private traversing rights, renowned leopard sightings and a choice of elegant wilderness retreats, it is one of South Africa’s most distinctive safari destinations.

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Why Lion Sands?

Legendary Big Five Viewing

Explore one of Africa’s richest wildlife areas, renowned for regular sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and an exceptionally healthy leopard population.

Life Along the Sabie River

The perennial Sabie River attracts wildlife throughout the year, offering frequent sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and predators directly from the lodges.

Two Iconic Reserves

Lion Sands spans private concessions in both Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park, providing uncrowded game drives, off-road tracking and access to remote areas.

Four Generations of Hospitality

Owned by the More family since 1933, Lion Sands combines decades of conservation experience, personal service and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness.

Experience the Spirit of Lion Sands

Discover extraordinary wildlife, riverfront luxury and personalised safari experiences across Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park.

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Where You Can Stay

Lodges

Lion Sands River Lodge

The Vibrant Heart of the Reserve

A relaxed and welcoming riverside lodge with elegant suites, family-friendly facilities and lively shared spaces overlooking the Sabie River.

River Lodge is designed for travellers who enjoy combining privacy with a warm, sociable lodge atmosphere. Its riverfront position provides regular wildlife viewing, while the central guest areas create inviting spaces to relax between safari activities.

Guests can gather around the sunken fire pit, cool off in the rim-flow pool or share stories from the day in the lounge and outdoor dining areas.

The lodge is particularly well suited to families, with interconnecting accommodation options and activities designed to engage younger safari travellers.

Memorable dining experiences may include traditional evenings in the boma or a lantern-lit meal on a platform in the Sabie River when conditions allow.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Contemporary Private Luxury

A sophisticated riverfront retreat where expansive glass-walled villas, private plunge pools and personalised service create complete seclusion.

Ivory Lodge offers a quieter and more exclusive interpretation of the Lion Sands experience. Each villa is designed as a self-contained private sanctuary, with generous living areas and uninterrupted views across the Sabie River floodplain.

Clean architectural lines, curated African artwork and floor-to-ceiling glass create a contemporary space that remains closely connected to the surrounding wilderness.

Private decks and plunge pools provide peaceful viewing points, while outdoor showers allow guests to experience the sights and sounds of the bush in complete privacy.

Personal butler service and carefully tailored dining experiences make Ivory Lodge especially suited to couples, honeymooners and travellers seeking an intimate stay.

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

Classic Safari Romance in Kruger

A secluded Kruger National Park lodge combining nostalgic safari character, generous riverfront suites and exclusive access to a private concession.

Tinga Lodge captures the romance of a traditional African safari while offering the comfort and space expected from a modern luxury retreat.

Elevated walkways connect the suites to the central lodge areas, passing through ancient trees and riverine vegetation along the way.

Each suite includes a private plunge pool and spacious viewing deck overlooking the Sabie River, where giraffe, elephant and antelope are regular visitors.

The lodge’s location within a private Kruger concession allows guests to explore areas inaccessible to most park visitors, creating a more secluded and flexible safari experience.

Lion Sands Narina Lodge

A Retreat Among the Trees

An intimate treehouse-style lodge hidden within the riverine forest, offering elevated suites, immersive views and a peaceful connection to nature.

Narina Lodge is built beneath the canopy of the riverine forest, with elevated wooden walkways linking its secluded suites to the main guest areas.

Glass walls and open interiors allow the forest to become part of the accommodation, while private decks provide quiet spaces for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

The bathrooms are designed as private observation areas, with deep soaking tubs, outdoor showers and views through the surrounding trees.

With only a small number of suites and a tranquil atmosphere, Narina is ideal for guests seeking privacy, romance and a stronger sense of immersion in the wilderness.

Chalkley Treehouse

The Original Star-Bed Experience

Spend the night on an elevated platform beneath the African sky, surrounded only by the sounds of the wilderness. Chalkley offers a simple yet unforgettable connection to nature, complete with a comfortable bed, sunset refreshments and panoramic bush views.

Kingston Treehouse

Luxury Beneath the Stars

A more enclosed and weather-protected treehouse experience featuring refined timber design, a private deck and a copper bath for starlit soaking in the heart of the reserve.

Tinyeleti Treehouse

A Place of Many Stars

Set deep within the riverine wilderness, Tinyeleti offers exceptional privacy and a romantic overnight experience above a dry riverbed. It is available to guests staying at Tinga and Narina Lodges.

Private Residences

Fish Eagle Residence

Exclusive Riverfront Living

A fully private residence with a dedicated safari vehicle, private chef, lap pool, wellness facilities and uninterrupted river views.

Fish Eagle Residence offers one of the most private and comprehensive safari experiences at Lion Sands.

The residence accommodates families or small groups and includes a private safari vehicle, dedicated guide, chef and personalised daily programme.

Guests have access to a ten-metre lap pool, private spa and fitness facilities, expansive living spaces and a riverfront deck.

Every game drive, meal and activity can be planned around the group’s individual interests and schedule.

Hinkwenu Residence

Your Private Kruger Sanctuary

A secluded two-bedroom residence with a dedicated safari team, private living areas and exclusive views over the Sabie River.

Hinkwenu Residence is designed for families or small groups wanting complete control over the rhythm of their safari.

A private chef, guide, tracker and dedicated service team manage every detail, from personalised game drives to meals prepared around the group’s preferences.

The residence includes spacious en-suite bedrooms, a private lounge, pool deck and outdoor showers overlooking the surrounding bush.

Its setting within the Tinga concession gives guests access to a highly exclusive section of Kruger National Park.

How to Get There

Option 1 (Scheduled Flight):
Scheduled flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Skukuza Airport, followed by a road transfer to the lodge.

Option 2 (Private Charter):
Private or scheduled charter flights can be arranged to an airstrip near the reserve, followed by a lodge transfer.