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 (1062)
  • Very good (58)
  • Average (19)
  • Poor (7)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An amazing safari experience

Jul 12, 2024 hector b Austin, Tx

This is an amazing place. Service was great in every area. The guide went out of his way to make sure we got to see a wide range of animals. A minor problem we had was handled by the manager personally and solved to our complete satisfaction. There were 4 couples in our group and we were all greatly satisfied with our stay. I would highly… Read more
This is an amazing place. Service was great in every area. The guide went out of his way to make sure we got to see a wide range of animals. A minor problem we had was handled by the manager personally and solved to our complete satisfaction. There were 4 couples in our group and we were all greatly satisfied with our stay. I would highly recommend Lions Sands to anybody who wants to experience a great safari experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating AMAZING!!! Beyond all expectations!!!

Jul 12, 2024 JB-TravelPals Boca Raton, Florida

AMAZING!!! Beyond all expectations!!! Flew into Skukuza, had a game drive from airport to the resort! Such a beautiful place! Stayed in a river suite! Wildlife sightings daily from patio overlooking the river! The game drives with Pierre and Joe were spectacular!!! Will definitely be back!!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful stay and safari experience

Jul 12, 2024 SonnyG510 Alameda, California

We stayed 3 nights at this beautiful and welcoming resort. Couldn’t have been more happier with Ozy and Heavy as our guide and tracker during the game drives. We saw everything we were looking for and plenty more. Their knowledge and getting the full safari experience was everything we hoped for. The staff during our stay was also warm and the… Read more
We stayed 3 nights at this beautiful and welcoming resort. Couldn’t have been more happier with Ozy and Heavy as our guide and tracker during the game drives. We saw everything we were looking for and plenty more. Their knowledge and getting the full safari experience was everything we hoped for. The staff during our stay was also warm and the ambiance was amazing. Definitely recommend to others! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Lodge all around

Jul 10, 2024 671_Gurl Boston, Massachusetts

We recently returned from a 3 night stay at Lion Sands. The property is beautiful and the service was amazing. Our tracker/guide (Cruz and Lloyd) were great and we saw most of the animals we wanted within 24 hours, including leopards 2x in one day! The “surprises” were also welcomed. They had set up a sunset drink with others out in the bush… Read more
We recently returned from a 3 night stay at Lion Sands. The property is beautiful and the service was amazing. Our tracker/guide (Cruz and Lloyd) were great and we saw most of the animals we wanted within 24 hours, including leopards 2x in one day! The “surprises” were also welcomed. They had set up a sunset drink with others out in the bush our first night, breakfast buffet one morning and a Boma our final night. The oxtail was my fav. Our butler James was always smiling and ensured we ate (and drank) well. I loved their hot chili sauce and he packed me a container on my last day 💕 Darren was always also around making sure things were going well. The accommodations were clean, intentional and well designed. We can’t wait to return soon! Thank you for an incredible experience and memories~ Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Magical Lion Sands River Lodge

Jun 21, 2024 robynkipps Cape Town, South Africa

Our fourth visit to Lion Sands River Lodge proved as amazing as ever. Every aspect from staff to accommodation and meals are superb. Any dietary requirements are taken care of - fresh gluten free bread every day - and every meal is healthy and delicious. Our guide and tracker were a dream team (Themba and Brian) going out of their way to deliver… Read more
Our fourth visit to Lion Sands River Lodge proved as amazing as ever. Every aspect from staff to accommodation and meals are superb. Any dietary requirements are taken care of - fresh gluten free bread every day - and every meal is healthy and delicious. Our guide and tracker were a dream team (Themba and Brian) going out of their way to deliver on every drive. Accommodation is spacious with each room facing the river with resident bushbuck visiting daily. We hope to return next year again. Thank you Lion Sands for 4 magical days. Read less