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Lion Sands River Lodge

Lion Sands River Lodge

Lion Sands River Lodge is the original luxury safari lodge at Lion Sands in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, located on the banks of the Sabie River in South Africa.

Lion Sands River Lodge is the original luxury safari lodge at Lion Sands in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, located on the banks of the Sabie River in South Africa.

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Overview

River Lodge is the original luxury safari lodge at Lion Sands in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, on the banks of the Sabie River in South Africa. It offers a sophisticated yet traditional safari experience with activities like game drives and guided walks for exploring the abundant wildlife of the reserve, which is adjacent to Kruger National Park.
animal running on field
animal running on field
animal running on field

ABOUT YOUR STAY

ABOUT YOUR STAY

Accommodation

Accommodation

Luxury Double Room

The Luxury Double Rooms at Lion Sands River Lodge offer a refined yet cozy retreat, perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking comfort and style in the heart of the bush. Each room features elegant décor, a plush king-sized bed, and an open-plan bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers.

Private wooden decks overlook the Sabie River or surrounding bushveld, inviting guests to relax and take in the natural beauty. With thoughtful amenities and easy access to the lodge’s main areas, these rooms strike a harmonious balance between intimacy and convenience.

Luxury Double Room

The Luxury Double Rooms at Lion Sands River Lodge offer a refined yet cozy retreat, perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking comfort and style in the heart of the bush. Each room features elegant décor, a plush king-sized bed, and an open-plan bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers.

Private wooden decks overlook the Sabie River or surrounding bushveld, inviting guests to relax and take in the natural beauty. With thoughtful amenities and easy access to the lodge’s main areas, these rooms strike a harmonious balance between intimacy and convenience.

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Superior Luxury Room

The Superior Luxury Rooms at Lion Sands River Lodge elevate the safari experience with enhanced space, refined design, and sweeping views of the Sabie River or surrounding bushveld. These rooms offer all the comforts of the Luxury Double Rooms—king-sized beds, open-plan bathrooms, and outdoor showers—but with added square footage and a more secluded setting.

The interiors are thoughtfully styled with natural textures and elegant finishes, creating a calm and luxurious atmosphere.

Guests staying in Superior Luxury Rooms enjoy a greater sense of privacy and tranquility, along with easy access to the lodge’s main areas and amenities. Whether you're relaxing on your private deck, soaking in the sounds of the wild, or preparing for a game drive, these rooms provide a perfect blend of indulgence and immersion in nature.

Superior Luxury Room

The Superior Luxury Rooms at Lion Sands River Lodge elevate the safari experience with enhanced space, refined design, and sweeping views of the Sabie River or surrounding bushveld. These rooms offer all the comforts of the Luxury Double Rooms—king-sized beds, open-plan bathrooms, and outdoor showers—but with added square footage and a more secluded setting.

The interiors are thoughtfully styled with natural textures and elegant finishes, creating a calm and luxurious atmosphere.

Guests staying in Superior Luxury Rooms enjoy a greater sense of privacy and tranquility, along with easy access to the lodge’s main areas and amenities. Whether you're relaxing on your private deck, soaking in the sounds of the wild, or preparing for a game drive, these rooms provide a perfect blend of indulgence and immersion in nature.

River Suite

The River Suites offer a secluded sanctuary for guests seeking privacy and immersion in nature. Positioned furthest from the main lodge, these suites overlook the Sabie River, providing uninterrupted views of wildlife and the surrounding bushveld.

Each suite features a spacious wooden deck, ideal for quiet reflection or romantic sundowners, and includes luxurious amenities such as a king-sized bed, open-plan bathroom, deep soaking tub, and outdoor shower—all designed to blend comfort with the raw beauty of the wilderness.

Perfect for honeymooners or couples, the River Suites deliver an elevated safari experience with thoughtful touches and refined elegance. Guests can also opt for a night in one of Lion Sands’ exclusive treehouses, sleeping under the stars in a secure, open-air platform—a truly unforgettable adventure.

River Suite

The River Suites offer a secluded sanctuary for guests seeking privacy and immersion in nature. Positioned furthest from the main lodge, these suites overlook the Sabie River, providing uninterrupted views of wildlife and the surrounding bushveld.

Each suite features a spacious wooden deck, ideal for quiet reflection or romantic sundowners, and includes luxurious amenities such as a king-sized bed, open-plan bathroom, deep soaking tub, and outdoor shower—all designed to blend comfort with the raw beauty of the wilderness.

Perfect for honeymooners or couples, the River Suites deliver an elevated safari experience with thoughtful touches and refined elegance. Guests can also opt for a night in one of Lion Sands’ exclusive treehouses, sleeping under the stars in a secure, open-air platform—a truly unforgettable adventure.

Family River Suite

The Family River Suite at Lion Sands River Lodge is designed with both privacy and togetherness in mind, making it ideal for families or small groups traveling together. Located in a more secluded part of the lodge, it offers stunning views of the Sabie River and a peaceful atmosphere away from the main guest areas.

The suite features two spacious bedrooms with interleading doors, allowing for easy access while maintaining individual privacy. Each room is elegantly furnished, with open-plan bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private decks that invite guests to relax and take in the surrounding wilderness.

This suite combines the luxury of the River Suites with the practicality of a family-friendly layout. Parents can enjoy the same elevated safari experience while staying close to their children, and the shared living space makes it easy to unwind together after game drives.

Family River Suite

The Family River Suite at Lion Sands River Lodge is designed with both privacy and togetherness in mind, making it ideal for families or small groups traveling together. Located in a more secluded part of the lodge, it offers stunning views of the Sabie River and a peaceful atmosphere away from the main guest areas.

The suite features two spacious bedrooms with interleading doors, allowing for easy access while maintaining individual privacy. Each room is elegantly furnished, with open-plan bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private decks that invite guests to relax and take in the surrounding wilderness.

This suite combines the luxury of the River Suites with the practicality of a family-friendly layout. Parents can enjoy the same elevated safari experience while staying close to their children, and the shared living space makes it easy to unwind together after game drives.

FEATURES

FEATURES

Popular Amenities

Popular Amenities

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Outdoor swimming pool


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Outdoor swimming pool


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Family rooms


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Family rooms


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Airport shuttle


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Airport shuttle


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Non-smoking rooms


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Non-smoking rooms


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Spa and wellness centre


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Outdoor swimming pool


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Spa and wellness centre


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Fitness centre


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Family rooms


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Fitness centre


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Room service


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Airport shuttle


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Room service


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Tea/coffee maker in all rooms


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Non-smoking rooms


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Tea/coffee maker in all rooms


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Spa and wellness centre


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Spa and wellness centre


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Fitness centre


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Fitness centre


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Room service


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Room service


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Tea/coffee maker in all rooms


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Tea/coffee maker in all rooms


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Bar


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Bar


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Bar


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Breakfast


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Breakfast


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Breakfast


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24-hour front desk


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24-hour front desk


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24-hour front desk


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Safety deposit box


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Safety deposit box


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Safety deposit box


Gallery

Gallery

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Location

Lion Sands River Lodge is situated in the heart of the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, a 7,000-hectare (17,000-acre) sanctuary within the southern portion of the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, the lodge enjoys unfenced boundaries that allow wildlife to roam freely between the reserves.

What3Words:

Location

Lion Sands River Lodge is situated in the heart of the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, a 7,000-hectare (17,000-acre) sanctuary within the southern portion of the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, the lodge enjoys unfenced boundaries that allow wildlife to roam freely between the reserves.

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How To Get There

By Air

Skukuza Airport (SZK) The closest and most convenient airport, just 1 hour 25 minutes from the lodge by road. Daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Transfers often include an introductory game drive, setting the tone for your safari experience.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) Located in Mbombela (Nelspruit), about 1 hour 45 minutes away. KMIA serves regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The road transfer to the lodge offers scenic views of the Lowveld.

Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) Another viable option, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes from the lodge. Flights from major South African cities make this a flexible choice for travelers.

By Road

Self-Drive Guests Adventurous travelers can opt to drive themselves to the lodge. Note that a cash entrance levy is payable at the Sabi Sand Reserve gate:

  • ZAR 400 per vehicle

  • ZAR 200 per person (Rates may vary—check ahead for updates.)

Your safari tour provider or the lodge itself can arrange private road transfers, often including a game drive en route. This is a stress-free and immersive way to begin your journey.

How To Get There

By Air

Skukuza Airport (SZK) The closest and most convenient airport, just 1 hour 25 minutes from the lodge by road. Daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Transfers often include an introductory game drive, setting the tone for your safari experience.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) Located in Mbombela (Nelspruit), about 1 hour 45 minutes away. KMIA serves regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The road transfer to the lodge offers scenic views of the Lowveld.

Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) Another viable option, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes from the lodge. Flights from major South African cities make this a flexible choice for travelers.

By Road

Self-Drive Guests Adventurous travelers can opt to drive themselves to the lodge. Note that a cash entrance levy is payable at the Sabi Sand Reserve gate:

  • ZAR 400 per vehicle

  • ZAR 200 per person (Rates may vary—check ahead for updates.)

Your safari tour provider or the lodge itself can arrange private road transfers, often including a game drive en route. This is a stress-free and immersive way to begin your journey.

Luxury Safaris in River Lodge

Luxury Safaris in River Lodge

Here are our hand-picked featured luxury safaris that include accommodation in the Lion Sands River Lodge

Here are our hand-picked featured luxury safaris that include accommodation in the Lion Sands River Lodge

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Community & Wildlife Luxury Safari: Kruger & the Kalahari

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Community & Wildlife Luxury Safari: Kruger & the Kalahari

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Community & Wildlife Luxury Safari: Kruger & the Kalahari

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From Johannesburg: Kruger National Park 3-Day Safari

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From Johannesburg: Kruger National Park 3-Day Safari

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From Johannesburg: Kruger National Park 3-Day Safari

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Ultra Lux Cape Town, Kruger & Vic Falls

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Ultra Lux Cape Town, Kruger & Vic Falls

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Ultra Lux Cape Town, Kruger & Vic Falls