Lion Sands Narina Lodge

I cannot say enough about this Lodge. It is stunningly, beautiful and luxurious for being in the middle of the bush. More than I could have imagined. The rooms are outstanding with a private balcony looking over the river and animals. We saw elephants, Kate Buffalo, hippopotamus, crocodiles, And giraffes along the river from the patio of the lodge. All of the staff were excellent. The food was very good. Our Ranger,Mphilo and guide Isaac with the best. Very informative and worked hard to be sure we saw all of the animals. You can’t believe it until you experience it. Wild animals walking right by your Jeep. A vacation we will never forget.

On our return to Paradise we were greeted by the Narina Lodge family, some we knew from our first visit.|A welcome party of more than 25 elephants. Big Mothers, babies, aunts, The Matriarchs and males, and a group of old duggers (buffalo) All in the Sabie River that flows past The Lodge, having the time of their lives in the water and mud bathing. High Tea with Elephants.|Followed by a game drive with Albert our field guide after whose enthusiasm and knowledge we left much wiser and more curious people. And Meshack, our tracker with eyes like telescopes, who told us stories as the sun went down.|A pride of 10 sleeping lion, fat and fed. A surprise supper under stars that hung so low you felt you could almost touch them.|The food at Narina Lodge is delicious.|Early morning drive|Hippos sleeping in the grass. A lioness leading her cubs to her kill that might have been eaten by the tree full of white backed vultures and hooded vultures or hyena. Baby boy elephants flapping their ears to show how fierce they were.|On our last night all ready for supper we were called by the reception who told us not to open our door as there was a leopard outside. Walking along the raised wooden path we came the closest I have ever been to a family of elephants. Mother in front with her mud face pack and behind her a baby and several relatives. |Homemade chocolate birthday cake, beautiful song and dance organised by Misha our butler.|Wish time would stand still.|We met the resident artist, Kiran Katara, who showed us her remarkable work.|It's about wild life, and art and a mighty feast.

Oh my goodness, everything was absolutely incredible! Our first trip to Africa was an experience we’ll never forget, and your resort exceeded all our wildest dreams. The service, accommodations, and cuisine were simply spectacular. Our guide, “Bricks,” and tracker, “Isaac,” were absolutely phenomenal. They made sure we had an unforgettable experience.||We’ve traveled to many amazing places over the years, but yours will definitely be remembered as the absolute best.||Thank you so much for everything you do, and please take care.||Warmest regards,|Kathy & Michael

Couldn’t recommend the Narina Lodge at Lion Sands enough! We came as a couple celebrating our engagement. They lodge is beautiful, the rooms are incredible and the food is delicious. Perfect location in the Kruger with views of hippos, elephants and even a leopard if you’re lucky from your room. The guides (we had Mauritz and Chris as tracker) were so knowledgeable and made every drive magical. Our host Ellon made a wonderful base camp for us, with lots of special things to help us celebrate. This place is special

We loved Narina Lodge in Kruger National Park. Everything was fantastic! From the assistance we received in making the booking, to the great food, unlimited access to drinks, and best of all the game drives. Jabu and Velley were our guide and tracker and they made sure that we not only saw the Big 5 and much, much more, but they told us about the wildlife we were viewing. I give Narina Lodge my highest recommendation! Steve P

How often can you see giraffes while taxiing at the airport? How often can you see hippos and buffalo while showering? A private photo shoot with about 15 lions that lasted 45 minutes? We had the best experience from the exceptional team at Narina: Guide/Ranger Mauritz, Tracker Chris, Butler Patrick tended to our every need. The entire staff provides such superior service that you'll never want to leave. Great meals, a surprise wine tasting, watching the wildlife while you dine, and relaxing spa treatments...this lodge really pays attention to the details. SPECTAULAR!

Lion Sands was an excellent location to see the African countryside, with their field guides that took us into the local areas to search for the ‘big 5’. These field guides were knowledgeable and always kept us informed of what was around the next corner. We saw, leopards, Kudus, Hippos, Water Buffalo, elephants, rhinos, zebras, baboons and a large white winged vulture whose name escapes me at the moment. On the afternoon field excursions we stopped and had ‘cocktail hour’ by Sunset. Beautiful environment-like you stepped onto a movie set that was staged-but it was all real of course. |Our Field Guide Ollie was phenomenal! Extremely knowledgeable on the local environment, more so than what one would expect!

Incredible experience! Everyone is incredible and so genuine. Our safari experience was epic, saw all Big 5 in the first four drives. You get up close and personal with the animals. We’re obsessed and will be back!