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Lion Sands Kruger National Park (Tinga & Narina Lodges)
Kruger and surrounds, South Africa
Virgin rating
Based on 1055 reviews
The hotel
On the border of Kruger National Park, sits a family owned and managed luxury game reserve known as Lion Sands. Accommodation comprises of several luxurious lodges, each with a fantastic range of amenities and those all-important views of the perennial Sabie River. Gourmet cuisine is another attraction, served al fresco in the boma or in the gracious surrounds of the dining room. For a truly unique experience, up the ante on both romance and adventure and spend a night in the Tinyeleti Treehouse – a memory that will last forever.
Amenities
Bar
Safari
Spa
Swimming Pool
Honeymoon
Fitness Centre/Gym
Internet Access
Where is it
Overlooking the beautiful Sabie River, Tinga and Narina Lodges are in the Kruger National Park conservancy area. Transfer time from Skukuza Airport: 20 minutes.
Hotel information
Accommodation at Lion Sands is spread across 4 distinctive, luxurious lodges. Tinga Lodge has 9 private suites each with indoor shower, separate lounge area with mini-bar and private plunge pool.
All Inclusive of: all meals, tea/coffee, game drive refreshments and snacks, local soft drinks, beer, spirits and wines (excluding premium/imported brands and Champagne). Daily game-drives with an optional bush walk. A mini-bar is included at all Lion Sands Lodges.
Narina Lodge is perched amongst a canopy of 100 year old trees overlooking the Sabie River where the style is that of a luxurious treehouse. Each of the 9 suites offer complete privacy with breathtaking views, outdoor shower and private plunge pool.
Indoor and open-air (boma) dining area, private lounge and bar, wine cellars. Swimming pool at Tinga Lodge. Spa sala* (Narina Lodge). Tinyeleti treehouse experience*. Complimentary WiFi in public areas.
3 nights between 18 Dec-3 Jan.
Please note: children aged 10 years and older are accepted at Lion Sands River, Tinga, Narina and Ivory Lodge.
Based on 1055 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (968)
Very good (56)
Average (18)
Poor (7)
Terrible (6)
A memorable night to remember - Chalkley Treehouse
May 17, 2022Moira S
Lion Sands River Lodge is exceptional. From the staff to the food to the exceptional rangers. The highlight for me though was staying in Chalkley Treehouse. You're left in the heart of the bush with a radio, sumptuous meal, whatever you're drinking plus a bottle of bubbly. With no ambient light the stars are incredible. It's wonderful to fall…
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Lion Sands River Lodge is exceptional. From the staff to the food to the exceptional rangers. The highlight for me though was staying in Chalkley Treehouse. You're left in the heart of the bush with a radio, sumptuous meal, whatever you're drinking plus a bottle of bubbly. With no ambient light the stars are incredible. It's wonderful to fall asleep to the night sounds and then wake up to the morning chorus of bird sound.This is a must-do in my opinion
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Must have experience
May 17, 2022DanellePretorius
One of the most memorable weekends we've ever had. All members of the team spoiled us and made us feel so welcome. The treehouse is an absolute magical must have experience, the perfect couples getaway!
So fun…complete with “monkey thieves.”
May 13, 2022Carol WNewport, Tennessee
What a beautiful, beautiful place and location. Food was great…buffets the first night, then menus…..one noon a monkey swiped the top bun of my sandwich, then sat on a bench where we were all able to watch him eat it! Fun, fun memory….our chalet was very spacious, but so comfortable….our guide and tracker were great fun, and took us to great…
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What a beautiful, beautiful place and location. Food was great…buffets the first night, then menus…..one noon a monkey swiped the top bun of my sandwich, then sat on a bench where we were all able to watch him eat it! Fun, fun memory….our chalet was very spacious, but so comfortable….our guide and tracker were great fun, and took us to great viewing places.
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Rector and Lucia are great guides
May 12, 2022paulbZ4328WMNashville, Tennessee
They found the coolest Lions, leopards, giraffes and other animals. They are great trackers. They pointed out the constellations and stars at night. The rest of the staff are very helpful, polite and pleasant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are great. Ask for an evening with dinner prepared in the bush. The rooms (really houses) are excellent.…
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They found the coolest Lions, leopards, giraffes and other animals. They are great trackers. They pointed out the constellations and stars at night. The rest of the staff are very helpful, polite and pleasant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are great. Ask for an evening with dinner prepared in the bush. The rooms (really houses) are excellent. It’s a wonderful and beautiful place. Rector has a great heritage but he won’t bring it up. It’s an awesome place. Go visit.
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Luxury in the bush - incredible service and sightings
May 10, 2022926arthurlChicago, Illinois
We had an absolutely incredible stay at Lion Sands River Lodge. The lodge is a luxurious and modern-chic enclave directly on the Sabie River. The staff is beyond exceptional, and the game drives are otherworldly. We stayed at both River Lodge and Narina, and preferred the vibe at River Lodge to Narina, which is more classic and private.
Each…
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We had an absolutely incredible stay at Lion Sands River Lodge. The lodge is a luxurious and modern-chic enclave directly on the Sabie River. The staff is beyond exceptional, and the game drives are otherworldly. We stayed at both River Lodge and Narina, and preferred the vibe at River Lodge to Narina, which is more classic and private.
Each morning started with a 530am wake up call, followed by a quick and delicious light bite (fruit, yogurt parfait, warm muffins, and coffee). We had the fortune of having Mitch as our Guide and Rector as our tracker. Mitch is the most fun, affable, and caring guide we’ve had on the 3 safaris we’ve done. He made our time at River Lodge all the more memorable, and Rector’s knowledge will ensure that your game drives are filled with sightings.
The game drives were straight out of a National Geographic documentary. Even during rainy days, we saw countless packs of lions - from the Styx pride to males roaming their way over to Sabi from Kruger, and females with cubs; we saw packs of wild dogs, including a pack killing an impala and then being approached by hyenas. We saw multiple leopards and were able to get within a few feet of them. Plenty of giraffes, hippos, elephants, Cape buffalo and antelope. Cruising around in the comfortable, open-air vehicles was tranquil, yet exciting - we constantly had our eyes peeled.
The morning drive was followed by a delicious breakfast, before having a good 5-6 hours to relax by the pool, read, bird watch, or catch the hippos fighting each other in the river. A quick lunch or snack then we were off to the evening game drive from 330-7 where you’ll enjoy sundowners and more sightings. Note that on safari, you’re in the car the entire time - no need for hiking boots or hiking clothes!
The Sabi is a private reserve, and you’ll barely see any other vehicles which means that your sightings will be private (with no more than 1 other vehicle). Inside the Sabi is the 4000+ acre More family property, making your drives quiet and exclusive.
When you return from your drive you can head straight to dinner or freshen up. Dinner is exquisite - and the wine selection is impressive and well-priced (if you choose to go for bottles that aren’t included as part of your rate, those that are included are also delicious).
The bathrooms, beds and linens are of 5 star quality, and we enjoyed a restful sleep each night.
A huge thanks to the incredible staff: Mitch, Rector, our amazing butler Philly, Fortune (your smile brightens the room!), Billy and Nadia. We can’t wait to return!
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Your holiday may be affected by travel restrictions or cancellations
We are continually reviewing our flying schedules, taking into account the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential travel. Depending on when you are due to travel, your holiday may be affected and we’ll email you to let you know as least 21 days before travel.
Your next holiday is only a click away - our website has thousands of options ready to book. But if you need more help, just give us a call on 0344 472 9646.
With many customers needing our help, we are prioritising those customers due to travel before 31 December 2020. Log in to Manage my booking where you can message us about your options or you can give us a call. Bear in mind you may have to wait longer than expected. We continue to review this and working to open up these options to more customers. In the meantime check out our FAQs to see if this can help answer any immediate questions.
Rest assured; we will notify you as soon as we know if your holiday has been affected by email.
We are continually reviewing our flying schedules, taking into account the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential travel. Depending on when you are due to travel, your holiday may be affected and we’ll email you to let you know as least 21 days before travel.
Don’t worry if you’ve missed a payment or just need a little more time to pay; we have options available to help you. If your holiday is going ahead as planned, you can continue to pay for your holiday in Manage my booking, even if travelling in less than 12 weeks. If you’re unsure, you can delay any additional payments by choosing a new time to travel by requesting a call back in Manage My booking for one of our team to look at options. If your holiday is more than 6 months away, you may wish to set up a Direct Debit to spread the cost. This can be arranged whilst rebooking or afterwards in Manage my booking.
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If we haven’t notified you of any changes, your holiday will be going ahead as planned but if you prefer to move your holiday to a later time we can help. You can call our team on 0344 472 9499 who can look at options for you.
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A memorable night to remember - Chalkley Treehouse
