Lion Sands Game Reserve
Life enriching safaris in Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park
Discover the Majestic Heritage of Lion Sands Game Reserve
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled luxury and profound legacy of Lion Sands Game Reserve, a sanctuary where every moment offers a chance to reconnect with the earth, with each other, and with yourself. For four generations, our family has been the proud guardians of this untouched slice of Africa, nurturing the spirit of community and conservation.
Lion Sands Sabi Sand is part of the historic Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the oldest private nature reserve in South Africa, established in 1948 with our grandfather as one of its founders. Meanwhile, Lion Sands Kruger National Park is one of just seven private concessions within the park, dedicated to preserving pristine wilderness and sites of cultural and historical importance. Our exclusive traversing rights span 12,400 hectares (30,600 acres), ensuring a uniquely personalized safari experience.
Our four luxury lodges blend harmoniously with their surroundings, offering 6.5 miles (10.5 km) of exclusive river frontage along the perennial Sabie River, which attracts a rich diversity of wildlife. Welcome to our enchanting world, where an extraordinary family of dedicated people is ready to cater to your every need.
+27 67 311 1590
Taking a closer look
Savor the sights and sounds of the bush as you embark on open safari vehicle adventures at sunrise and late afternoon, taking advantage of prime wildlife viewing times. Guided by FGASA-accredited field experts, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Big Five and more on our private reserve, with exclusive traversing rights ensuring year-round viewing of non-migratory wildlife. Lion Sands is celebrated for its prolific leopard sightings, African wild dog encounters, and vibrant lion pride activities.
Explore the Southern African bush with our experienced FGASA-accredited field guides and skilled trackers. Their extensive knowledge enriches every drive, walk, and wildlife sighting. We also take pride in mentoring students from our MORE Field Guide College, contributing high-caliber guides to the safari community.
Explore the natural world on foot with our expert field guides. Spend one to two hours experiencing the textures of grass and bark while learning to spot tracks. This is a fantastic chance to seek out the Little Five: ant lion, red-billed buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, and rhino beetle.
The treehouses provide the ultimate bush bedroom experience, perfect for romantics, adventurers, and solitude seekers to savor a magical African night in complete luxury. Chalkley Treehouse, the original adventure, boasts panoramic views of the open plains. Tinyeleti Treehouse offers a starry riverside retreat, while Kingston Treehouse is the pinnacle of luxury with treetop views. These treehouses can be booked as an optional extra during your stay.
Between safari adventures, treat yourself to rejuvenating spa therapies while enjoying views of the natural world and passing wildlife. Our expert therapists deliver nurturing massages, wraps, and facials using all-natural TheraNaka™ products to soothe your body and mind. Embracing wellness, our fitness centers are designed to inspire you to stay fit in a serene and nurturing environment. If you need to burn off some energy, we provide all the essential equipment to keep your fitness routine on track.
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Dining on safari means enjoying meals in extraordinary settings – the bush, boma, or under the stars, to name a few. Our culinary focus is on fresh, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients. We cater to all dietary needs, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Reducetarian, Halaal, and more – just inform us in advance. Additionally, Kosher catering options are available at Ivory Lodge and River Lodge.
River Lodge
Immerse yourself in the splendor of nature along the Sabi River, where modern comfort meets untamed wilderness for an unforgettable safari experience.
Narina Lodge
Seclusion and serenity await you in the heart of the bushveld, offering intimate encounters with nature’s wonders in a luxurious, tranquil setting.
Tinga Lodge
Indulge in timeless luxury amidst untamed wilderness, where every detail is designed to provide a uniquely enchanting and immersive safari adventure.
Ivory Lodge
Discover ultimate elegance and exclusivity, where contemporary design meets African wilderness, creating an unparalleled sanctuary for discerning travelers.
Key Information
The driving time from Johannesburg to Ivory Lodge and River Lodge is approximately 5 hours.
The driving time from Johannesburg to Tinga Lodge and Narina Lodge is approximately 4.45 hours.
Should you choose to drive, we recommend staying over a night at any of the mountain or country lodges along the Panorama Route to ensure you arrive at us fresh the next morning and ready for a spectacular safari experience.
There are daily scheduled flights between Cape Town, Johannesburg and Skukuza Airport operated by Airlink. Definitely the quickest and most efficient solution!
Recommended route from Johannesburg to Ivory Lodge and River Lodge (±5 hours)
On departure, please contact your lodge so that we can keep track of your journey and ensure you arrive safely
Take the N12 or N4 highway to eMalahleni (formerly Witbank)
From eMalahleni, follow the N4 highway past Middleburg and continue on to Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit)
From Mbombela, take the R40 past White River and on to Hazyview
At the T-junction between Kiepersol and Hazyview, turn left onto the R538 to Hazyview
At the second set of traffic lights (there will be a shopping centre on your right), turn right onto the R536 towards Paul Kruger Gate (Kruger National Park)
After following the road for 38km, turn left onto a gravel road signposted Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Drive for 4km, then turn right at the T-junction, and drive for a further 4km to Shaw’s Gate – the entrance to Sabi Sand Game Reserve – where an entrance fee is payable (credit cards accepted)
Follow the signposted route on to Lion Sands Sabi Sand
After 2km, turn right at the Lion Sands Sabi Sand sign
Follow the signposted route on to either Ivory Lodge or River Lodge
You will come to a control gate closer to the lodge – please sign in and enjoy our unique welcome
Recommended route from Johannesburg to Tinga Lodge and Narina Lodge (±4.45 hours)
On departure, please contact your lodge so that we can keep track of your journey and ensure you arrive safely
Take the N12 or N4 highway to eMalahleni (formerly Witbank)
From eMalahleni, follow the N4 highway past Middleburg and continue on to Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit)From Mbombela, take the R40 past White River and on to Hazyview
At the T-junction between Kiepersol and Hazyview, turn left onto the R538 to Hazyview
At the second set of traffic lights (there will be a shopping centre on your right), turn right onto the R536 towards Paul Kruger Gate (Kruger National Park)
Enter the reserve at Paul Kruger Gate, where an entrance and a vehicle fee are payable (credit cards are accepted)
To Tinga: Continue to Skukuza Rest CampAt the first four-way stop (Skukuza Rest Camp will be on your left), there is a sign directing you to drive straight on to ‘Tinga 7km’
Continue until you come to a T-junction – the signpost will read ‘Tinga 2km’ – and turn left
At the next four-way stop you come to turn right towards the river and go over the low-level bridge
1.5km after the bridge, turn left and drive straight on until you see the sign for Tinga
reception
To Narina: Continue for 8km on the road to Skukuza Rest Camp, then turn onto the first gravel road to your left signposted ‘Narina 4km’Continue on this gravel road for 2km, then turn left at the first junction – the signpost will read ‘Narina 2km’
Continue along this road to reach Narina Lodge reception
Download our Factsheet
Check-in – 14:00
Check-out – 10:00
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