Discover the Diverse Wildlife of Lion Sands Game Reserve
Here you can watch the animals feeding on the riverbank and engage in the social chatter this inevitably stirs, or meditate on the rustle of the leaves. Leading off from the main lodge, raised wooden walkways connect to a spa sala and nine individual Suites. Narina Lodge offers exclusive accommodation, with private plunge pools and viewing decks overlooking the river.
We are always surprised at how a visit to Lion Sands can completely restore our energy and allow us to truly relax. When you’re right on the Sabie River, watching the animals, surrounded by bush and sky, you really feel like you’ve escaped from the world. With 5 000ha of wilderness in this private concession within the world-renowned Kruger National Park, you can go exploring off-road, follow in the footsteps of a leopard, track down a herd of elephant, or simply wait for them to come to you.
Lion Sands’ Narina Lodge has a wonderful sense of remoteness and peace. Its nine luxury Suites perch on stilts among 100-year-old trees just up from the Sabie River, and link to a spa sala and intimate lodge via elevated walkways. This shared space is enhanced by natural décor and open design, extending out to generously furnished decks. From here there are views of animals feeding on the opposite bank, and you can engage in the social chatter this inevitably stirs or meditate on the rustle of the leaves.
The Suites are built to afford complete privacy in a wilderness where you can watch the animals come down to the river from your pool and deck, as well as bed and bath. Glass sliding doors and windows open up your sanctuary to the outside, while a romantic canopy bed, sink-into-me couches, an egg bath you can wallow in up to your chin, and a personal bar all add to the delight of being in Africa – in style.
Just nine spacious thatched suites are connected to the main building by raised wooden walkways. Each suite is fully air-conditioned with mini bars and personal safes. The en-suite bathrooms have double vanities, outdoor showers and large free-standing bath tubs with views of the river. The bedrooms open onto private viewing decks and secluded plunge pools.
Africa has been called the greatest show on earth, and Lion Sands presents a safari that plays out like a highlights reel. Our reserve conserves 5 000ha (12 500ac) of a habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. You will see all of Africa’s iconic species – lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra – along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird. Our safaris present an adventure that is wild, and then some!
Being entirely private, Lion Sands offers you an intimate safari experience. With only six guests to a game viewer and exclusive traversing on our reserve, you’ll have minimal encounters with other people. Though compelling sightings do attract more attention, the number of vehicles here is also limited. This ensures the animals aren’t put under stress and you are able to spend more time with them, observing their natural behaviour. While you are out exploring, you will by no means be roughing it. Your game viewer has cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets and ponchos – and stops off in a scenic spot for drinks and snacks.
These are our after-breakfast walks on the wild side. For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion. You are dropped in the thick of things and all five senses engage… Feel the scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch a velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone, and spot the game appear just metres off – exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles, and to discover more about the reserve’s plants – many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.
From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all our guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Our chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Our wine tastings are also a favourite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.
In our experience, being well taken care of inspires a fundamental sense of well-being. And how better to indulge than with luxurious accommodation, wholesome food, and spa therapies? We favour Africology products, instilled with the belief that self-care brings balance. So with our massages, wraps and facials, we promise a wellness experience to rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalise your spirit.
