Lion Sands River Lodge

Lion Sands game reserve is situated in the southern part of the 65,000ha Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the greater Kruger Park. Lions Sands is well known for its spectacular game viewing being at the confluence of two major rivers. The Lion Sands safari philosophy is to offer an informative and holistic safari experience. Ensuring that all spheres of the eco-system, from the smallest insects to the mighty African elephant are viewed as a whole.

Highlights

• Excellent game-viewing
• Glorious river setting on the banks of the Sabie river
• 18 rooms
• Children of 10 and older welcome
• Family owned and run

Accommodation

Lion Sands River Lodge is built, not unsurprisingly, on the Sabie River. It faces due east catching the sun as it rises over Kruger Park. Here trees date back almost 800 years. Hosted by a family of staff that make it feel like home away from home, Lion Sands River Lodge is warm and friendly. The 18 luxurious bedrooms have recently been completely reworked, expanding the floor space to a generous 62m² and revamping the bathrooms. They are decorated in neutral tones in a soft understated style each with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, telephone & deck. The rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways. They have also built a family river suite which has two bedrooms and one bathroom with incredible river views.

The attractive public areas comprise a private lounge and bar, a magnificent game-viewing deck which is cantilevered over the Sabie River and several alfresco dining areas. There are two swimming pools (heated in winter) - one close to the lodge and one more secluded, a secluded bird hide, hammocks strategically placed for game-viewing, as well as the Lalamuka health spa and gym, and boma.

Due to the long history of sensitive game-viewing, the wildlife is mostly relaxed in the Sabi Sand game reserve allowing for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities. It is particularly known for its big cats, especially leopard viewing. Open 4x4 game drives and interpretative game walks are enjoyed with an experienced ranger and Shangaan tracker team.

Older children at Lion Sands River Lodge

Lion Sands doesn't accept any children under 10 years old at the lodge. This has the advantage that their family friendly programme of activities can focus on activities more suited to the older child or teenager, a rarity in family safaris in South Africa! They tailor their suggested activities to each family.  These include survival spoor identification on bush walks, learning how to track animals, perhaps making a cast of any clear tracks, how to orientate yourself in the bush using a compass, map and natural direction indicators, basic bush survival, astronomy for youngsters, treasure hunts around the lodge and bug hunting.

Lion Sands also offers some great indoor activities for poor weather such as beading, gift creation using natural materials collected on their bush walks, baking with the cooks, making their own pizzas, as well as the usual array of board games and movies.

Meal times bring you together as a family around the dining table, boma fire or perhaps even breakfast in the bush. Picky eaters are well-catered for.  The Greater Kruger Park is a seasonal malarial area, with a lower risk during the dry season from May to August.