Stories Of The Kruger | Lion Sands Private Safari Lodges
Lion Sands game reserve is made up of 6 luxurious private game and safari lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Private Reserve. The Lion Sands lodges are all situated between the mighty Sabie River and the non-perennial Sand River. The lodges form part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Lion Sands is in the South of the Kruger, close to Skukuza. Guests can fly into the Skukuza Airport where game drive vehicles will come and pick you up and transfer you to your destination.
The Greater Kruger National Park comprises of all the private game reserves adjacent to the Kruger’s border. There are no fences separating the Kruger and the Greater Kruger.
Lion Sands is one of the most exclusive parts of the Sabie Sand Private Game Reserve. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is the oldest of the Kruger Park’s Private Reserves.
Some of the information below has been obtained, with permission, from Lion Sands themselves.
General Information On Lions Sands & The Sabie Sand Game Reserve
Lion Sands comprises of the following lodges (Please click the links, they will take you further down the page to the lodge):
Lion Sands is a malaria zone, so please make sure you take the correct precautions before you go on your safari. All the lodges offer some amazing birding and game watching, so make sure you come prepared with binoculars and a camera. All the lodges have Wi-Fi and interesting activities.
Children are catered for in certain Lodges.
Game Drives
Activities At Lion Sands Game Reserve
All the Lion Sands Game Reserve lodges have a huge variety of activities for you to experience.
Each lodge has their own activities, these can be seen below (Under the lodge sections). The Lion Sands Game Reserve offers bush walks, bush breakfasts, stargazing, game drives, day spas, swimming in luxurious pools, gyms and art galleries to name but a few.
Male Lion
Animal Experience At Lion Sands Game Reserve
From all the lodges you can experience all sorts of different animal sightings. From Baboons, Otters and Nyala, to Leopard, Lion, Elephant and even Wild Dog!
All the Private Camps have their own resident small mammals. Tree Squirrels, Mongoose, Bushbuck and nocturnal animals like bushbabies and genets are all around you.
Game drives will never disappoint, and you have the chance of seeing almost anything! A friend of mine used to work at Lion Sands and he saw 2 Aardvark on one drive. The possibilities are endless. There are also good chances to witness hunts.
Bateleur
Birding At Lion Sands Game Reserve
The Sabie River is well known for it’s birding and is a spectacular area to tick off many bird species you have not seen before. Some rare specialties in the area are listed below:
- Acacia Pied Barbet
- Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
- Red-eyed Dove
- Burnt-necked Eremomela
- Black Coucal
- Trumpeter Hornbill
- Common Scimitarbill
- Black Cuckooshrike
- African Finfoot
- Striped Kingfisher
- Half-collared Kingfisher
- Purple Heron
- Goliath Heron
- Narina Trogon
- African Rail
- African Black Duck
- Harlequin Quail
The 6 Main Private Lodges Of Lion Sands Game Reserve
Ivory Fish Eagle Villa
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge’s Fish Eagle Villa is the ultimate private safari experience for families and smaller groups of friends, and it comes with its own Chef (meals are prepared within the Villa’s kitchen), as well as dedicated Field Guide and private safari vehicle.
The Fish Eagle Villa also has its own wellness area (With a double treatment room), and private exercise facility – as well as a lap pool and jetty overlooking the Sabie River.
The Fish Eagle Villa is able to accommodate up to 6 people sharing (including 4 adults and 2 young children sleeping on single beds in their parents room). Each of the two Suites have an en-suite open plan bathroom, as well as an outdoor shower area.
The Fish Eagle Villa can be booked in conjunction with the adjacent Ivory Lodge Villa.
Although privacy and exclusivity is assured, visitors are welcome to use the facilities within Ivory Lodge for their enjoyment; including the lounge, dining area and relaxation space; the Gallery (exclusive art pieces from celebrated South African artists); and the spectacular wooden deck overlooking the Sabie River.
Two-bedroom Villa:
The double-Suite Fish Eagle Villa is mad up of two private Single Suites, connected by an entrance hall, lounge and study.
The Fish Eagle Villa also has:
- Its own Chef (meals are prepared within the Villa’s kitchen)
- An expansive deck and covered patio, with a lap pool
- A private fire deck
- A star jetty for private enjoyment of the natural environment and vivid Milky Way above
- A private wellness area (with double treatment rooms) and exercise facility
- Children 10 years and older are welcome
- Accommodates a maximum of 6 people (4 adults & 2 children sleeping on a single bed within one of the master Suites)
- Full range of dietary preferences are catered for
- Free Wi-Fi
Ivory Lodge
We’ve taken our cue from Mother Nature to create a lodge built “of the earth”, with natural materials which will only enhance the surrounding bush environment. The timeless design incorporates steel, wood, thatch, glass, water & sand. A sophisticated mid-century architectural contemporary theme defines the interiors, with bold furniture and edgy décor, ambient lighting, inferences of tribal design and highly textured finishes – all of which combine to make Lion Sands Ivory Lodge an utterly sensory experience.
Despite being well grounded, there is an ‘otherworldly’ quality to Ivory Lodge, represented by the feather. Each of the Villas takes its name from an indigenous bird, and spectacular man-sized prints find pride of place throughout the lodge.
Quick Facts About Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge comprises of 8 Single Villas, and 1 Double-Suite Villa
All Villas occupy an elevated position, with most overlooking the perennial Sabie River.
Lodge facilities include a lounge, dining area and relaxation space, with an expansive wooden deck overlooking the Sabie River, art gallery and a luxury spa and gym.
The Villa’s: Quick Facts
Each of the 8 Villas has been designed for privacy and optimum appreciation of the surrounding wilderness. Each Single Unit has:
- Master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom
- Double wardrobe area
- Outdoor shower in an indigenous garden forest
- Private lounge area with fireplace
- A private pool and expansive viewing deck
- Covered patio
- Children 10 years and older are welcome
- Full range of dietary preferences are catered for
- Free Wi-Fi
Narina Lodge
Perched among a canopy of 100 year old trees, overlooking the Sabie River, the style of Narina Lodge is that of a luxurious tree house, where the main areas link to the 9 private Suites via raised wooden walkways. The thick green foliage beneath the overhanging roof of trees has a particular sound to it.
Nine Luxury Suites each afford complete privacy, and whether you choose to spend time at your private plunge pool overlooking the River, reclining on the couch in your lounge, lazing on your bed with a good book, or soaking in a bubble bath, you will not be cheated of the breathtaking panorama.
Quick facts About Narina Lodge
- 9 Suites for 18 guests
- Children 10 years and older are welcome
- Children’s activities available, but there are no babysitting facilities
- Family Rooms available
- Private plunge pools
- Open plan lounge and dining area
- Not suitable for disabled travellers
- Full range of dietary preferences are catered for
- Free Wi-Fi (in guest areas)
The New & Improved River Lodge
River Lodge has a feel of lived-in luxury and guests are invited to make themselves at home.
Living spaces include a Safari Lounge and Bar; Barista’s Station with artisanal coffees; Gallery (showcasing the works of renowned local artists); and OneLife MORE boutique.
The dining experience includes the traditional Boma ‘with a twist’; the signature Riverbed dinners and deck dining, in the shade of the trees and overlooking the Sabie River. Breakfast is a home-styled experience.
Lodge facilities include: a Spa; a main swimming pool area; a ‘Memory Lab’, where guests will be able to print their photographs on canvas; and a Firepit for sociable nocturnal gatherings beneath the stars. River Lodge’s accommodation comprises 8 Luxury Rooms, 6 Superior Luxury Rooms and 4 River Suites (each with its own plunge pool). One of the River Suites has 2 bedrooms.
River Lodge Quick Facts:
Situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve flanking the Sabie River…
- 18 rooms for 38 guests
- 8 Luxury rooms have bathroom en-suite, lounge area with mini bar and wooden deck from which to appreciate the wild beyond
- 6 Superior Luxury rooms are larger in size, and have ample open-plan bathrooms and outdoor showers. 4 of the 6 Rooms are interleading, and are therefore ideal for families
- The 4 River Suites (including a two bedroom and one bathroom River Suite) are located further from the public areas and are therefore more private. They have incredible river views, best appreciate from the decks. These Suites all have their own private plunge pools and also outdoor showers
- Children of 10 and older are welcome
- Childminding is available at extra cost
- Suitable for disabled travellers (with assistance)
- Full range of dietary preferences catered for
- Free Wi-Fi (in guest areas)
Tinga Hi’Nkweni Villa
We have learned that one of the most special ways to experience a safari is with the family, and there are few things we love more than watching a family bonding, making memories, and having an incredible time together while with us on safari.
As parents, we understand that children seldom fit into schedule, and that each of their personalities and needs are unique. The new Hi’Nkweni (pronounced Hing Kweni) Family Villa at Tinga Lodge was launched in August 2017.
Not only does the lodge lend itself, in both atmosphere and architecture, to the family traveller (specifically with younger children), but this exclusive and self-contained Villa will also come with its own safari vehicle and Field Guide, giving guests the flexibility to craft their own experience.
Safety is always front-and-centre for juniors, with no dangerous raised walkways, as well as uninterrupted (but subtle) fencing around the Villa.
Tinga Hi’Nkweni Family Villa Quick Facts
- Accommodates a maximum of 6 people in two bedrooms (4 adults and 2 children)
- Children 6 years and older
- Children 6 – 15 will pay 50% of adult rates
- Minimum charge for three (3) adults in standard period
- Minimum charge for four (4) adults in peak period
- Private Land Rover
- Private pool
Tinga Lodge
We are always surprised at how a visit to Tinga can completely restore our energy after just a few days. When you’re right on the Sabie River, watching the animals and surrounded entirely by bush and sky, you really feel like you’re suspended in time and removed from the world, as you know it.
Tinga Lodge is an escape that everyone should enjoy at least once in his or her lifetime.
With just 9 luxurious suites, each located in an utterly private spot overlooking the river; you are treated to the ultimate African luxury experience. Each of Tinga’s suites has a bathroom with a bath and shower, separate lounge area with a minibar, private plunge pool and deck, 24 hour air-conditioning and a range of luxury amenities.
Quick Facts About Tinga Lodge
- 9 Suites for 18 guests
- From August 2017, the two-bedroom Tinga Hi’Nkweni Villa takes the total lodge capacity to 22 guests.
- Children 10 years and older are welcome (children of 6 and older welcome in the Tinga Hi’Nkweni Family Villa)
- Children’s activities and baby-sitting available
- Family Rooms available
- Private Plunge Pools
- Open plan lounge and dining area
- Suitable for disabled travellers (with assistance)
- Full range of dietary preferences catered for
- Free Wi-Fi in guest areas
Get In Touch
Visiting any of the Lion Sands Private Lodges will be an experience you will never forget. You will experience the awesomeness of the Greater Kruger National Park. You won’t want to leave, and you will want to go back as you leave. The service, luxury and animal sightings will leave you breathless.
For more information, please view their site below, or alternatively contact them directly or make a booking.
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