Lion Sands Game Reserve

This is a quick review of our trip of a lifetime to Lion Sands resort. This trip was two years in planning and there were four of us doing it together. We had high expectations, and we left with great memories and are already trying to figure out how to go back. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your guide and tracker. These are your people, and you will get to know them well over the next few days. Our guide was Ozy and our tracker was Heavy. They were both excellent. We spent four nights at the resort and had the experience of eight game drives. It is difficult to describe the thrills of not knowing what you will see and then seeing everything you wanted and more. We stayed in a River Suite, and it was amazing. We had our own plunge pool and saw our first elephant less than 30 minutes after arriving in our suite. The wonderful folks at this resort do anything they can to make your stay enjoyable. The food was beyond good, and we enjoyed everything very much. The only bad part of the whole experience was leaving. Even leaving was special when my daughter and her husband realized they left their passports in the safe at the hotel. Our amazing tracker Heavy saved the day driving back to get the passports and delivering them to us with 10 minutes to spare.

What an experience! Staff was so accommodating and friendly, food was delicious. The game drives were AMAZING. We thoroughly enjoyed our guide and tracker. Had an incredible experience. Can’t say enough great things about Lion Sands!

Lion Sands River Lodge is pure magic. From the moment we arrived, one is treated like family every staff member went out of their way to make you feel special. The setting along the Sabie River is unbeatable; you can watch elephants and hippos right from your deck. The rooms are elegant yet so comfortable, and the attention to detail is incredible. Our guide and tracker made every game drive an adventure, with sightings that felt straight out of a wildlife documentary. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left serene, luxurious, and deeply connected to nature. I can’t wait to return.

Exceptional safari experience. I don't even know where to start. The beautiful location on the river, the exquisite rooms where every detail seemed to be attended to, the delicious food choices customized to fit a restrictive diet, the high level of service and friendliness, AND THE ANIMALS!! Thanks to our adventurous, tenacious and experienced guide and tracker, Cruz and George, we seemed to see every animal there was to see in the reserve. They really made our visit very, very special. I do serious photography, and Cruz got me where I needed to be to get my images.

Do not hesitate booking here! From the accommodations to the stellar service, you will not regret it! Not to mention the safari game drives, which puts this resort over the top! The lodge and our room were extremely luxurious. They both were beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. Our room had everything we could possibly need! Returning to our room after our day to our mosquito net down and our bed turned down was the cherry on top. Thank you to our housekeeper Kyrula as we loved our chalkboard messages each day. Our guides Themba and Jabu made sure we did not leave without seeing the Big 5. They knew and gave us so much information on each animal. There wasn’t a question we asked that they didn’t know the answer. We still cannot believe Jabu spotted a Cheetah hundreds of yards away. It truly was like being on a National Geographic show as they somehow made each game drive was a total different experience. The staff, especially Elliot our butler (specifically had my heart) and manager Darren were not only friendly, but exceptional. They made us feel so welcomed and even quickly anticipate our needs. I can’t even say attention to detail as it was attention to perfection. They even set up a candlelit dinner for our anniversary. I am a vegetarian and often struggle to find good vegetarian food options. Each night I had my own menu with several options it was even difficult to choose! All the food was superb. All and all this place is a dream. I wouldn’t hesitate to book here again. I know we will be back, hopefully soon. Thank you to Lion Sands River Lodge as this was a trip of a lifetime, thanks to all of you.