Lion Sands River Lodge

Two nights at Lion Sands River Lodge is the next level of Bush Luxury. We were made so welcome by all staff we met and no request was too much. Our suite, overlooking the beautiful river was very comfortable and the food was amazing. Most unforgettable for me will be the close-up and personal encounters our Guide, Pierre and Tracker, Joe, manifested for us. Their skills and knowledge of the wildlife, flora and fauna was amazing. Thank you so much Lion Sands for the most memorable 2 days! ❤️😍

I recently enjoyed a short stay at Lion Sands River Lodge with a friend who had recently broken his leg. I was worried that him being on crutches would take away from the experience but the team at the lodge took great care of us, going out of the way to ensure we were comfortable and taken care of and could enjoy the experience to the fullest. Everything about out stay was perfect. From the food, to the staff, the facilities and of course the game viewing! Our guide and tracker were amazing. The time spent with them on safari was very special. A big thank you to the Lion Sands team.

Lion Sands will show you what five star service really looks like. The team is incredible. From the moment they meet you at the airport, everything is taken care of and you’re already on a safari during your drive to the reserve. Shout out to our guide Raymond for having absolutely no fear and giving us so many unforgettable encounters with the animals. They are also amazing with allergies. I have celiac and they made me my own menus every day that included 90% of the options my husband had. This place is about 30 hours away from us, but it won’t be our last visit. :)

Stayed at River Lodge for 3 nights with my family. I decided on River Lodge after extensive research online, and absolutely loved it. The location is excellent, the accommodation was top notch, the food and service was super and the guide and tracker we had on our game drives, Ozy and Heavy (actually his full name is Heaviness 😊) were superb. We had very good game sightings of Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and giraffes. And because it's a private lodge, offroading is permitted so we were able to follows some of the animals. I would highly recommend River Lodge, you will have no regrets. While it may be more pricy, it's absolutely worth it.

This was the most amazing trip we have ever been on. The lodge is beautiful, from the rooms, the views, the food, the drinks, to the people, you simply couldn't ask for more. We stayed for four days at Lion Sands River Lodge, and it is the first vacation I can remember where I would 100% go back tomorrow if I could even with the 15 hour flight. Game drives are amazing and lead by wonderful guides and trackers, they really know what they are doing and go out of their way to make sure you have an amazing and safe experience. We saw so many different types of wildlife it was unbelievable, including the Big Five on the first three drives. Back at the lodge the food is everything you could ask for, the drinks are amazing and the people that provide them for you are wonderful to talk to and interact with. I can't recommend this lodge enough to do it justice, this was the best place we have ever stayed and I don't know if it could ever be topped.

Our stay at Lion Sands River Lodge was nothing short of extraordinary—an unforgettable honeymoon experience that set the bar incredibly high for any future travels. We give it a full 10 out of 10 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly immersive safari, luxurious accommodations, and an unmatched level of service. The lodge exceeded every expectation we had, and we’re already dreaming of returning. During our stay, we had the pleasure of meeting another guest who had been to over 30 lodges and safari experiences worldwide, and she told us this was by far the best she’d ever seen. As first-time safari-goers, we went in with high hopes, but Lion Sands managed to surpass every single one. Why We Loved It: 1. Incredible Guides and Wildlife Encounters: Our guide, Pierre, and tracker, Joe, were phenomenal. Their expertise about the wildlife, bird species, and even the intricate details of the bush itself made every game drive a fascinating adventure. They managed to find the Big Five multiple times and led us to witness hunts, animals stalking their prey, and even playful moments between species. Watching these incredible scenes unfold, we felt like we were in the heart of nature in a way we could never have imagined. 2. The Lodge and Accommodations: The lodge is stunning, meticulously maintained, and offers every amenity you could possibly need. We stayed in a river suite at the far end of the lodge, which was incredibly private, beautifully designed, and spotless. Waking up each day to views of the river and wildlife right outside our window was a surreal experience. 3. Exceptional Service and Dining: The food here was a revelation—consistently delicious and far beyond what we expected for a remote lodge. The staff was exceptional, always remembering our names and preferences, making us feel like we were part of a close-knit family. Every meal was a delight, and the level of service left us truly pampered. 4. Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments and Views: One of the highlights was watching elephants come up to the pool and play just a few feet away, along with water buffalo grazing right outside our room. We also spent one night at the Kingston Treehouse, which offered a beautiful, secluded space to watch the sunset—a magical experience we would highly recommend, especially for honeymooners. In summary, Lion Sands River Lodge gave us an unforgettable honeymoon. For anyone seeking a perfect mix of adventure, luxury, and unparalleled service, this lodge delivers in every way. We can’t recommend it enough and look forward to visiting again one day!

Just over an hour after departing OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, we found ourselves enjoying a delightful lunch and cold beer while gazing out over the serene Sabie River —absolute bliss! See photo attached form our lunch table. This was our second visit to the lodge, and once again, everything exceeded expectations. The best way to describe this place is 'Understated Elegance.’ First time around we took lots of photos. This time we just enjoyed taking in the incredible experiences! The game viewing experiences were unforgettable! Our guide, Simon, and tracker, Joyce, were outstanding. We had the privilege of being up close to a leopard and her cub while hyenas circled nearby—a moment we’ll never forget. Another highlight was going off-road to be the first vehicle at a lion pride's feast, just hours after they brought down a buffalo. The food and wine were top-notch, and one evening dining under the stars in the Boma was a magical experience. This lodge truly offers an exceptional escape into nature, and we can't wait to return!

Everything about this lodge was amazing!! The rooms, service, food, and game drives were all wonderful!! I'm gluten-free, and they were able to perfectly accommodate me. They have the best gluten-free bread I've ever had. I'd like to give a special shout out to Gino (our guide), Patrick (our tracker), and Given (our butler)!! They were all so great and really enhanced our experience. Thank you so much!!