Lion Sands Sabi (River and Ivory Lodges)

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Virgin rating

Swimming pool at River Lodge
Luxury Room at River Lodge
River Suite
River Suite
River Suite
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
Bush walk
River Lodge with Sabie River View
River walk
Luxurious Treehouse Experience
Bush dinner
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge
Swimming pool at River Lodge
Luxury Room at River Lodge
River Suite
River Suite
River Suite
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
Bush walk
River Lodge with Sabie River View
River walk
Luxurious Treehouse Experience
Bush dinner
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge

The hotel

Family owned and managed since 1933, Lion Sands Game Reserve is renowned for its game viewing, plus its holistic approach to safari with every animal, large or small, given the same respect and attention. 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, try a night under the stars at one of their amazing treehouses. Chalkley Treehouse, is built around a majestic 500 year old Leadwood Tree, with beautiful views over the plains. The newly built Kington Treehouse is constructed entirely with wood and glass and surrounded by treetops and boulders.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Safari
  • Spa
  • Honeymoon
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Villa / private house

Where is it

Overlooking the beautiful Sabie River, River and Ivory Lodges are located in the Sabi Sands Reserve. Transfer time from Skukuza Airport: 20 minutes.

Hotel information

Accommodation at Lion Sands is spread across 4 distinctive, luxurious lodges. River Lodge houses 18 thatched rooms comprising of 8 Luxury Rooms, 6 Superior Luxury Rooms and 4 River Suites. overlooking the African bush or Sabie River. Luxury Rooms have lounge area with mini-bar, en-suite bathrooms and wooden viewing deck offering fantastic views across the savannah. Rooms sleep maximum 2 adults and 1 child (aged 10-15 years).

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. For guests staying at Ivory Lodge, laundry and a selection of local-brands from the mini-bar are also included.

River Lodge Superior Luxury Rooms are more spacious with large open-plan bathrooms and an outside shower.

Interconnecting rooms are available and make a great choice for larger families.

River Suites are set in a private location and have expansive decks offering river views, as well as private plunge pools. The 2 Bedroom River Suite is ideal for families.

Ivory Lodge is the ‘Piece de Résistance’ of Lion Sands and offers a personally tailored experience to guests in an ultra-luxurious environment. The stylish suites consist of 8 One Bedroom Villas and 1 2 Bedroom Villas with huge separate lounge rooms and beautiful bedrooms with open-plan bathroom, all enjoying sensational views over the landscape and Sabie River. The spacious wooden deck also has a private rim flow pool. Also available from all Lion Sands lodges are the unique Treehouses providing the ‘ultimate bush bedrooms’ and allow guests the opportunity to enjoy a night under the stars and acquaint themselves with nocturnal Africa- a simply unforgettable experience.

Indoor and open-air (boma) dining area, private lounge and bar, wine cellar (Ivory Lodge). Swimming pool overlooking the river at River Lodge. Africology Wellness centre*. Chalkley and Kingston treehouse experiences*. Curio shops. ‘Memory Lab’ for guests to print photos on a canvas*. 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.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1051)
  • Very good (58)
  • Average (19)
  • Poor (7)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Time of our life!

May 7, 2024 Mark L St. Pete Beach, Florida

My wife and I stayed at Lion Sands. I have never enjoyed a vacation so much as I haven’t Lion Sands. It is an understatement to say we were treated great. From the minute we arrived, everything was perfect. From our guide Lucia, to our tracker Norman, and everyone else, we were family! This is the experience of a lifetime. The accommodations,… Read more
My wife and I stayed at Lion Sands. I have never enjoyed a vacation so much as I haven’t Lion Sands. It is an understatement to say we were treated great. From the minute we arrived, everything was perfect. From our guide Lucia, to our tracker Norman, and everyone else, we were family! This is the experience of a lifetime. The accommodations, food, amenities, everything was superb. My only wish was to spend a night in the treehouse. Maybe next time. Elliott was so kind in tending to our meals, he even through a special dinner for my wife’s birthday. The whole visit to Lion Sands was a 10 of 10! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating My favorite place on earth.

Apr 29, 2024 amyp394 Irvine, California

Not going to lie, this was my third visit, for my birthday, and River Lodge knocked it out of the park. I first visited after my mother’s passing, deciding to take the trip I’d always wanted to take because life doesn’t wait. I’ve returned because it’s just such a special place. The experience here is consistently excellent. My suite was… Read more
Not going to lie, this was my third visit, for my birthday, and River Lodge knocked it out of the park. I first visited after my mother’s passing, deciding to take the trip I’d always wanted to take because life doesn’t wait. I’ve returned because it’s just such a special place. The experience here is consistently excellent. My suite was updated, immaculate, and luxurious. I love sleeping to the sounds of nature…and hippos! The staff are always amazing and kind, and the food is very good. Fine South African wines on offer in the lounge, too. Every game drive is unique, and this visit I saw things I haven’t seen on previous visits. Thank you to Simon and Joe for the fantastic viewing and hospitality. James looked after my dining and hospitality needs, even calling when I skipped dinner one day. I’ve tried a couple other More properties, and all were lovely, but I like River Lodge because it’s just big enough and has great common areas that allow, if you wish, for the meeting of really interesting fellow guests. And you can’t beat taking in the sights and sounds of the bush with a great glass of wine in front of a crackling fire. I know I’ll be back as long as I have a pulse. ❤️ Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 30th Anniversary Trip

Apr 22, 2024 Sherry B

This trip was our 30th anniversary and we wanted it to be special and different. Lion Sands River Lodge did not disappoint. This was the best trip we have ever taken! The lodge and people were so welcoming and friendly. The food was exceptional (and plentiful)! Our Guide Kyle and our Tracker Eddie made each safari trip fun and informative. We… Read more
This trip was our 30th anniversary and we wanted it to be special and different. Lion Sands River Lodge did not disappoint. This was the best trip we have ever taken! The lodge and people were so welcoming and friendly. The food was exceptional (and plentiful)! Our Guide Kyle and our Tracker Eddie made each safari trip fun and informative. We stayed in the treehouse on our actual anniversary and what a magical place! Lion Sands made this the trip of a lifetime and we were so sad to leave. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating PERFECTION!

Apr 22, 2024 Tara L Denver, Colorado

PERFECTION!!!!! Lions Sands is hand down one of my favorite places I have stayed. Its worth every penny. The customer service, property, rooms, attention to details, special touches, game drives, spa and activities were top notch. Our morning and afternoon game drives were AMAZING!!! We saw all big 5 animals. Thanks for making our time in… Read more
PERFECTION!!!!! Lions Sands is hand down one of my favorite places I have stayed. Its worth every penny. The customer service, property, rooms, attention to details, special touches, game drives, spa and activities were top notch. Our morning and afternoon game drives were AMAZING!!! We saw all big 5 animals. Thanks for making our time in Africa one to remember. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional experience!

Apr 22, 2024 Mobile08901100558

Complete heaven in the bush! The contemporary style of the buildings present a fresh look at a bush experience. Our room was luxurious and had every amenity we needed. The meals were exceptional, with a leaning towards healthy & wholesome. The friendly staff at River Lodge made us feel as if nothing was too much trouble. The gym was well… Read more
Complete heaven in the bush! The contemporary style of the buildings present a fresh look at a bush experience. Our room was luxurious and had every amenity we needed. The meals were exceptional, with a leaning towards healthy & wholesome. The friendly staff at River Lodge made us feel as if nothing was too much trouble. The gym was well equipped and very private. Our game drives were interesting, and while we did see 'the Big 5', wider interests were satisfied too. An exceptional experience all round! Read less