Lion Sands Game Reserve

What an amazing and luxurious stay at Lion Sands! The lodge was beautifully clean, with a river view, and a lovely bushbuck visited our backyard two days in a row. The food and drinks prepared by the excellent chefs were all wonderful, and all friendly staff we met every day made our journey unforgettable. Special thanks to Trust, Ntombi, and Sandra for giving us a seven-star stay experience. A very special thanks to Ozy and Heaviness, who took us on eight game drives. With their friendly and professional guidance, they not only helped us fulfill our dream of seeing more than the Big Five, but also gave us an extraordinary experience in the wild. Although Lion Sands stay is not the cheapest option to explore Kruger National Park, it was worth every cent we paid. One small thing that would make Lion Sands perfect for me is if the gym equipment were more modern and varied. Highly recommended — we will definitely stay at Lion Sands again one day.

The lodge is in a beautiful setting along the river with grounds well maintained, definitely saw animals along the river drinking including elephants and impala. Compared to other lodges we stayed at, this was much larger (18 rooms) and came with a more commercial or sanitized feeling. I certainly would recommend, but maybe not the first place I’d recommend. Transfer from airport was very quick and easy. Along with a much bigger lodge, there are more lodges in the immediate area meaning you don’t feel super remote like some other lodges. The game drives have to “rotate through” when lions or leopards are found, though they try to all avoid each other. Game drivers also seemed more apt to off road on a whim than other places which was slightly off putting, completely running over medium sized trees. But we did see the big 5. Very disappointed that the main pool isn’t heated since we didn’t have a private plunge pool (which were heated). We were in room 14, which felt shoved up against the main lodge limiting our view, I would ask for one further away or on the other side behind the main pool. Service was good and food was good, but not amazing, maybe trying too hard to be “elevated.” All in all a very lovely stay, but we probably wouldn’t return based on the value at such a high price point.

I would not revisit this resort. For the price they charge, they put all their money and energy into the resort and not what really matters. Staff was friendly and helpful. Room was extremely cramped. Rating food 3 out of 5. Guide/tracking services 3-4 out of five. Lodge is large and attractive, but I’m not there to spend my time in their lounge. We had NO view from our room. Patio chairs are uncomfortable Adirondack chairs with NO cushions. Also, chairs for dining were incredibly uncomfortable. I would not return.

Our Sabi Sands experience at Lion Sands River Lodge was superb and we really cannot fault it! We saw all of the Big 5 and many more beautiful animals over the course of our 3 night stay and the 5 game drives that we did. Thanks must go to Gus our driver and Noel the amazing tracker who led us in particular to lions, leopards and rhinos. The lodge is run by a fantastic dedicated team who all go out of their way to look after you and are all really “on it”. Special thanks to Lucky who hosted us in the relaxed restaurant at every meal time and Sandra our housekeeper. We treated ourselves to a massage which was also excellent. The food was delicious, good quality and healthy. It truly is a very special place and we highly recommend it for the best safari experience.

We stayed at River Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve for my wife’s 60th birthday safari. Wow, what an experience, from the arrival at Skukuza airport to our departure by track/road to White River! Truly a magical place, with exceptional rooms, facilities, food and drink but above all else was all the staff who made it such a magical week. We went on 8 game drives with our Guide Rector and Tracker Amu, along with some great people we met and enjoyed their company in our vehicle which only seated 6 people plus Guide and Tracker. Each game drive lasted approx. 3 hours with coffee stops in the morning and sundowners in the evening both out in the bush. We saw and learned so much thanks to Rector and Amu from insects, plants, birds and of course the animals but also astronomy! The food and drink on offer was superb and we were lucky enough to experience two barbecue evenings during or stay which were both great events to attend. It was truly a memorable week and the best way to experience safari in South Africa.