Lion Sands Game Reserve

A truly amazing place, we had an incredible four nights , beautiful room, location is perfect, food fantastic and the game drives were spectacular, made even more special by Raymond (guide) and Mpilo (tracker) their expert knowledge with everything about the bush, from the animals, birds and plants. Nothing was too much trouble, Raymond is not just so knowledgeable about the reserve he is also so passionate about it . A special thank you also to our butler Eulence( apologies if I’ve spelt name wrong ) who cared for his with such warmth and seemed to know exactly what we needed. We will return to the most wonderful place, we found such peace there. Lions Den River Lodges you have stolen a piece of my heart .

My mother and I booked Lion Sands Lodge for what was supposed to be a dream trip. We paid over $15,000 expecting personalized service, comfort, and world-class hospitality. What we received was the exact opposite: food poisoning, emotional distress, and shocking treatment from senior staff. On the second day, I fell ill after a meal provided by the lodge. I felt faint, nauseous, and could barely get out of bed. We asked for medical assistance and were told the nearest doctor was two hours away. Later, they said three. No one ever came. No follow-up. No care. Instead of compassion, I was met with a cold response—and something far worse. After raising concerns about the pool (which was freezing and unusable for two days), my illness, and the lack of support, we were told by management that if we continued to request compensation, they would use their authority to remove us from the property. We were two women, far from home, sick and scared, and now being threatened for speaking up. One senior staff member even told us we were probably “better suited to a city hotel,” and that we “didn’t understand what a safari experience is.” These weren’t offhand comments—they were said more than once, and yes, we have recordings. We recorded conversations with Kingsby Senoamali, Brett Appelgryn, and Ashley Qwabe, who handled our case. Their words were dismissive, patronizing, and in moments, openly hostile. Even the compensation they verbally agreed to was later quietly reduced, without any explanation. At every turn, we were treated as if our presence—and our voices—were an inconvenience. This wasn’t a luxury experience. It was humiliating. It wasn’t service. It was silencing. I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone. The animals were beautiful. The setting was peaceful. But behind the branding, we felt unwelcome, unsafe, and unheard. Lion Sands has amazing marketing. But behind the photos and curated moments, there’s a culture problem—one that treats guests like liabilities if they raise concerns. If you care about respect, safety, or being treated like a human being, think twice.

We had the best time at Lion Sands River Lodge! They exceeded our expectations from The Lodge, to the food, to the guide & tracker for our twice per day safari! We are a group of 6 adults who have traveled the world together and by far this has been our favorite/best experience! Thank you to Hidden Africa for booking this Lodge for us!

This was our second safari and different in as much as the landscape was green and lush this time after torrential rain and floods, compared with the scorched earth on our first visit to Africa. This in no way diminished the experience, in fact it provided yet another fabulous African experience! The thrill of seeing such wonderful creatures - animals, birds and insects - in their natural habitat never wanes. The chance encounters - so exciting. (If you want guaranteed viewings go to a zoo!) However, thanks to our wonderful, knowledgable guide Ozy and tracker Heaviness, every day held something new, including resorting to the drinks cabinet whilst waiting to be rescued from a riverbed! You have our everlasting gratitude. From the initial warm welcome at Lion Sands to our breathtaking, peaceful room with views of the river and a terrace with a pool (a discreet rail to help me climb out was needed!) our comfort was top priority. A wonderful experience. An amazing adventure. Thank you.

Exceeded our expectations by 10fold. Safari's were amazing, seeing the Big 5, Little 5, Tiny 5 you name it almost daily. Food, accommodations and service were exceptional. Highly recommend.