Lion Sands River Lodge : Sabi Sands Game Reserve : South Africa

Lion Sands River Lodge photo gallery

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Lion Sands River Lodge

Location

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is located in the finest territory of the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Forming part of the greater Kruger National Park, the reserve has no fences and the wildlife is able to traverse freely between Lion Sands and the Kruger National Park.

Accommodation and facilities

The rooms at River Lodge offer respite and protection from the Lowveld heat. The interior is a tranquil cream and beige haven, cool in the summer, cosy in the winter. The bathroom, with its tranquil look and pebble-inlaid floors complements the bushveld well. There are 18 luxurious thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor and indoor shower and wooden viewing deck. The bedroom area is air-conditioned with an overhead fan. All rooms have mini-bar and telephone access. The rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways.

Room Amenities:

King size bed with mosquito netting (can be made up as twin bed)
En-suite bathroom
Inside and outside shower
Bath and vanity basin
Private Viewing Deck
Air-conditioning and overhead fan
Mini-bar
Safe and telephone

The public areas at River Lodge offers guests the following: a private lounge and bar with fireplace, an outdoor safari lounge, 2 swimming pools (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, a conference room, Lalamuka Health Spa and gymnasium, curio shop and both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.

Activities and game viewing

Astronomy

This is done during the evening game drive and is kept as a surprise for those guests who have a keen interest in our solar system and the associated African folklore. Lie back under the African sky and be taken on a journey through our ancient galaxy.

Bush Breakfast

Guests are driven to either the river hide or one of the open plains where breakfast is served. A full table is set and the guests are invited to join the animals, which can often be viewed from the breakfast venue, whilst savouring a full continental breakfast.

Bush Dinner

Guests are driven to either a dry riverbed or under the African sky on an open plain. Lit by only paraffin lamps and a big open campfire, this dining experience makes for one of the most unforgettable memories of a visit to Africa. Listen to the night sounds and enjoy a sumptuous meal cooked on the open-coals of the bush fire.

Bush Walk

Prior to departing the ranger will assess the guest’s fitness level and will structure the walk accordingly. During the summer months the walks are done in the early mornings and form part of the morning game drive. In winter the walk is done after breakfast but to ensure the best walking areas are accessed, the guest will leave the lodge in a Land Rover until the optimal walking route is reached. Once everyone (maximun 8 guests) has settled into the walk the ranger will start to talk on a wide variety of subjects ranging from the medicinal uses of certain plants to the basic skills of tracking animals. On returning to the vehicle light refreshments are served. This is a highly recommended activity in both summer and winter.

Game Drive

Guests are taken on early morning and evening open land rover game drives.

Hippo Tour

Often the guests do not get the chance to see the hippopotamus during either their morning and evening game drive as the Land Rover’s traverse the interior of the reserve, focusing on the inland animals. This tour offers the guest a chance to observe this amazing creature in its natural habitat. There is also a good chance of seeing the enormous African Nile crocodiles (12/14ft), which inhabit the Sabie River.

Safari Lunch

Guests can request for a picnic lunch at either one of the River hides or Waterhole hide. This activity is only offered during the winter, dry season months, as this is the time when wildlife are seen to congregate around these points.

Wildlife Lectures

These lectures cover a variety of wildlife subjects. Our Senior Ecologist and Head Ranger will ensure that the subject content is not only interesting but very site specific. The lectures will take place every alternate day. The venue, content and spokesperson details will be available at reception desk.

* All outdoor activities are weather dependent and therefore remain optional.