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Lion Sands River Lodge

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Luxury
5.0 star property
9.8

Exceptional

Riverfront safari luxury with morning light

Along the Sabie River, the lodge feels airy and contemporary, shaped by architecture with limited walls that lets bushveld light and sound drift through. Social spaces range from a private indoor lounge with a fireplace to an open-air safari lounge and bar for a slow cocktail between sightings. Dining unfolds across indoor and outdoor settings, including a River Deck built directly over the water.

  • Dawn and dusk game drives

    Open Land Rover safaris with FGASA guides, plus snacks and drinks.

  • Chef’s Table in the Vault

    An underground tasting menu paired with rare vintages from a 5,000-bottle cellar.

  • Riverfront horizons

    Built on the Sabie River, facing east for sunrise views toward Kruger National Park.

Amenities

  • Two heated swimming pools via wooden walkways
  • Africology Spa with a river-cantilevered treatment room
  • State-of-the-art gym with yoga gear
  • Overnight treehouse sleep-outs under the stars
  • Secluded bird hide for quiet wildlife watching
  • Creative Lab prints safari photos onto canvas
These property details are summarized by AI

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Superior Room

A bedroom with a large bed, a sofa, a chair, and a small table. There is a window with a view of trees and a balcony.

Superior Room

  • River view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for River Suite

A bedroom with a large bed, a wooden chair, a small table, and a view of a natural landscape through large windows.

River Suite

  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Room

A bedroom with a large bed, a dining table, chairs, and a view of the outdoors.

Luxury Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

DOUBLE SUPERIOR KING BED

  • Sleeps 4

DOUBLE LUXURY

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Luxury Room Double or Twin

A bedroom with a canopy bed, a desk, a chair, a bench, and a small round table.

Luxury Room Double or Twin

  • 710 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
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About the neighborhood

Located in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Lion Sands River Lodge is in a national park. Paul Kruger Statue and Paul Kruger Gate are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Londolozi Game Reserve and Phabeni Gate. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing. Visit our Sabi Sands Game Reserve travel guide
Map
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Skukuza, Mpumalanga, 1240

Getting around

  • Skukuza (SZK)
    154 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cattle Baron
    131 min drive
  • Selati Train Restaurant & Museum
    132 min drive
  • 3638 Restaurant
    132 min drive
  • Lapa Restaurant
    115 min drive
  • One Life More
    139 min drive

About this property

Lion Sands River Lodge

  • Luxury boutique hotel in a national park
  • You can look forward to free English breakfast, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and game and wildlife viewing at Lion Sands River Lodge. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a manicure/pedicure, and aromatherapy at Africology Wellness, the onsite spa. The on-site restaurant, Boma Dinner, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like hiking/biking. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as a terrace and a garden.
  • You'll also enjoy perks such as:
    • 2 outdoor pools
    • Free self parking and valet parking
    • A safari, a reception hall, and a gift shop
    • Multilingual staff, coffee/tea in the lobby, and game drive on site
  • Room features
  • All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as thoughtful touches like air conditioning and bathrobes.
  • Other amenities include:
    • Reusable coffee/tea filters, recycling, and LED light bulbs
    • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and separate tubs/showers
    • Patios, composting, and electric kettles

All inclusive details

  • This hotel is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

  • Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

    • All meals, snacks, and select beverages included
    • Basic alcoholic beverages included

Similar properties

Property amenity
Leopard Sands, Kruger Park
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  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 12 reviews
$906 nightly
The price is $1,042
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and fees
Leopard Sands, Kruger Park
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Internet access
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free roundtrip airport shuttle from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM at scheduled times and on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free English breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Boma Dinner

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Gym
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Safari
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • Reception hall
  • Rooftop garden
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Composting
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Individual furnishings
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport; to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies should contact this property in advance.
This property is located within a national park, and access is restricted to official gate operating hours. Guests who arrive after the gates have closed will not be able to enter the park or reach the lodge, so it is essential to contact the property after booking and again before arrival to confirm gate times. Guests who intend to participate in scheduled afternoon game drives must confirm the latest arrival time allowed with the property.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 9 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 9 are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 176 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 2 years of age.
  • Resort fee: ZAR 574 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 9 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Guests under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa

Frequently asked questions

Does Lion Sands River Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Lion Sands River Lodge?

As of Aug 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lion Sands River Lodge on Aug 19, 2026 start from $3,764, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Lion Sands River Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking and valet parking are free at this property.

What time is check-in at Lion Sands River Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Lion Sands River Lodge?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Does Lion Sands River Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's a free airport shuttle that runs 7:00 AM–5:00 PM on request.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Lion Sands River Lodge?

Yes, the property is all-inclusive. Food and beverages are included (with some restrictions).

Where is Lion Sands River Lodge located?

Situated in a national park, this all-inclusive hotel is 14.5 mi (23.4 km) from Paul Kruger Statue and within 25 mi (40 km) of Paul Kruger Gate and Skukuza Golf Course. AM Spa Kruger and Londolozi Game Reserve are also within 32 mi (52 km).

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Reviews

Lion Sands River Lodge Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about the lodge was amazing from the room to the safaris with our guide Barry and tracker Eddy. Ntombi was amazing during the meals. All staff was very friendly and made our short stay amazing. I would recommend this lodge to anyone going there. I will definitely if I get the opportunity.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The whole trip was like a dream. We saw all of the big 5. The service was outstanding.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nickina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Every tiny detail was taken into account throughout my 4 day stay at the property. Our butler Lucky was a delight, learning our likes and dislikes from the first time we met her, as well as taking the time to teach us new words and chat with us about our day. We had the amazing combination of Mendrew and Brian for our game drives, we saw all of the big five as well as wild dogs, their knowledge about the animals, the terrain and everything in between was remarkable. Nonhlanhla took care of the needs in our room, and would check in on it multiple times a day to ensure everything was pristine. We left our safe open on the first day and she reported it to the head of guest services who locked it for us and gave us a temporary code, not a single thing touched or out of place. From the welcome team, to the team who escort you after dark around the property I can not speak highly enough of the care that was taken. We were celebrating a 50th birthday and I would love to say the team went above and beyond just for us, but honestly it’s the heartbeat of how they treat every guest, everyone is made to feel special and valued. We cannot wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We would definitely recommend Lion Sand’s River Lodge! We came here for our honeymoon and this was the most special holiday of our lives. We stayed in the River Suite, which was beautiful, as was the rest of the hotel. The service was fantastic - every member of staff (whether that be in the restaurant, behind the bar, cleaning staff, reception, etc) were incredibly kind, chatty and attentive. The food during our stay was excellent. The highlight of this trip was certainly the game drives. We had Jason (field guide) and Abraham (tracker) and both guys were incredibly knowledgeable, skilled and just very nice people - we really hope that our paths cross again some day! We have been given memories that will last a life time! Josh & Jennifer
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at Lion Sands River Lodge was excellent! From the time we arrived at the Skukuza airport to the time we departed, our expectations were far exceeded. The Lion Sands River Lodge was amazingly decorated with thatch roofs. Dining and sitting areas overlook the river with spectacular views. The lodge also had a well equipped gym with treadmills, bikes and weights. The staff were friendly and customer service was excellent. Our every need was taken care of promptly. Our villa was beautiful and overlooked the river with stunning views. While sitting on our porch, we watched hippos, elephants, crocodiles and nyala. The food was delicious with healthy options as well as comfort foods. The game drives were spectacular. Our safari guide Mendrew, and tracker, Brian were excellent at their skill. We stayed for 4 days and saw leopards each day on the game drives. We saw the big 5 as well as many other animals and birds. Overall, everything about Lion Sands River Lodge is exceptional and we will be back. Many thanks to Mello and the River Lodge team
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Up close and personal with the wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Osama

Liked: Staff & service
We had a major problem in our room and that ants spiders and mosquitoes were in the room. The main door is not sealed property, allowing for these insects to enter. Staff could not find a solution for this problem.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charif

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

La magie de l’Afrique

Sejour agréable. Rangers au top. Merci Lucia pour ta bonne humeur durant le séjour. Les personnes qui étaient avec nous pour les safaris étaient très sympathiques. Nous avons eu un problème avec la compagnie aérienne et toute l’équipe était présente pour nous accompagner pour trouver une solution. L’endroit est magique. Nous avons pu voir des lions, buffles et éléphants du lodge
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Place to Stay for Safari!

Incredible! This is the place to stay when going on safari. My wife loved the spa and the staff really pampers you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing place with super friendly staff and guests.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff and top notch room quality. Wildlife wonders right up to your porch!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

CY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing, special place. One of my favorite spots in the world.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Come for the safari but enjoy the location!

The main reason to stay here is of course the safari drives, and these were exceptional. it seemed like every drive we saw something amazing. The rooms are well appointed and the staff do a great job with keeping everything in good order. Food was of good quality and staff are friendly. The pool area is wonderful to relax in; we saw elephants from it!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great service, great people.

Great service.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Marcia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hotel maravilhoso

O hotel é fantástico , os funcionários excelentes , atenção total com os hóspedes . O problema ficou por conta do local , nessa reserva Sabi Sabi não conseguimos ver nenhum Leão , participamos de 5 safaris . Vimos todos os outros animais , os guias são muito atenciosos e parecem empenhados em encontrar os animais mas me arrependi de ter ficado só nesta reserva pq o custo é alto para não conseguir ver os BIG 5 . Até a quantidade de girafas e zebras achei pequena . As acomodações são inesquecíveis, a casa é muito bem decorada e confortável . Para quem as acomodações é o mais importante este é o hotel indicado !
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing place in sabi sands reserve

Just returned from three magical days at the Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sands reserve at Kruger Park Super luxury suites with private pools and decks to watch game in river, we saw elephants and rhinos. Had a semi private butler at meals and the wine sommelier, Reggie, laid out the good stuff for us. Saw lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos and lots of others. Lion Sands set the standard for the private Sabi Sands lodges. Their River Lodge property is next door and offes same game drives at slightly less indulgence
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beyond Amazing

The staff, super friendly and were happy to go out of there way and listen to your personal preference to make you stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Cleanliness 110% Completely worth the price you pay! Luxury lodges Great food the game drives were beyond expectations Could not have asked for a better experience! Hope to return in the near future
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I can't say enough about this place. It was a memorable experience. Our only regret was not staying longer. The game drives, ranger, tracker, butler, house keeping, lodge staff, room, ambiance were all spectacular! Looking forward to a repeat visit.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

bose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

サファリとは思えないほどラグジュアリーなステイ

全て完璧でした。 モダンで清掃の行き届いた客室やスタッフのきめ細かい心配り、1日でBig5を制覇できるサファリ、美味しい食事。最高の時間を過ごせました。 テラスやプールからは象の大群やバッファロー、カバも見ることができました。
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great safari

We stayed in river lodge which is very good with good river view. The catering and room services are wonderful. All the staff are very polite and helpful. We had 4 safari game drives. Our ranger Liam is very passionate and has good knowledge on everything in the forest! We enjoyed the safari a lot!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Hotel but pricey

This was a beautiful hotel, the room was nice and comfortable and filled with wildlife. The food was excellent and so was the staff. The tree-house we stayed at for a night did not meet expectations... we got there just about two minites before sunset and did not have time to take enough pictures and soak it all in. Our hot dinner was ice cold and the toilet did not have the water turned on. Having said that the place was beautiful and romanitically decorated.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

SC Couple

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Outstanding lodge and staff

Lion Sands was beyond our expectations in everyway. We planned this trip as a once in a lifetime experience and within a day were thinking - we have to come back here. The staff was amazing in every way and made the entire stay much more enjoyable. The rooms were spacious and bedding and bathroom were great. The food was delicious and the evening meals varied in location with entertainment provided some nights. The safari guides and trackers were beyond belief in their knowledge of the animals, birds, plants, etc. with the opportunity to explore with your guides 6 to 8 hours a day. We are telling everyone what an amazing place this was and recommending it to all.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

EZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing wildlife and great service

We had a wonderful time at Lion Sands. Very friendly staff, great food and fantastic game drives with knowledgable guides.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Toni

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great except for LIMITED "all-inclusive"

Having just come from a resort where all-inclusive included all items in the VERY WELL stocked mini-bar as well as laundry, we were very disappointed that this wasn't the case at Lion Sands. Even at lunch, dinner and the bar, we were only offered 1choice of red wine, which wasn't very good. Considering the price of this hotel, we felt these extras should be included.