Lion Sands River Lodge

The Lion Sands River Lodge sits alongside the Sabi River in the south of Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Greater Kruger. 

Immersed into the surrounding wilderness, the River Lodge offers free-standing thatched suites that have king-sized beds, air conditioning and large open-plan en suite bathrooms. The decor is contemporary and sophisticated, with clean lines and light spaces.

There are luxury rooms, Superior Luxury rooms and River Suites (which come with two bedrooms and your own private plunge pool). Some rooms have outdoor showers while some suites have interconnecting rooms, making them just perfect for families.

The Kingston and Chalkley treehouses are beyond anything you could imagine. Set on platforms in the middle of the bush, they provide the most intimate stay - it’s only you, your partner and the stars above, and possibly the many animals that visit the nearby waterholes for a drink and a wallow. If you are on your honeymoon, we recommend a night here to make it utterly unforgettable.

Breakfasts are buffet style with a good spread of freshly-baked breads and muffins and selection of fruits, cereals and yoghurts on offer, whilst lunch and dinner are served on the deck under the shade of a mahogany tree, under the stars in the boma or on the dried riverbed. In between activities, you can devour the sweet cakes and croissants or wait for the intriguing bush delicacies at dinner, such as crocodile steaks glazed with lemon butter.

With heated pools, you can even go swimming in winter or, alternatively, you can stay cosy in the private lounge and bar next to the fireplace with a warming tipple. The lodge also has a health spa and gym, a curio shop and a secluded bird hide.

Sample some artisanal coffees at the Barista Station and enjoy some local art at the on-site gallery. Why not head to the ‘Memory Lab’, where you can print your photographs on canvas and have a keepsake to take home with you of your amazing holiday. In the evenings, around the camp fire is the best place to be for night-time gatherings under the stars.

Before you’ve even been on your game drive, you’ll see baby elephants snorkelling in the river, mesmeric groups of birds in the marshes, and giant Nile crocodiles lurking on the banks. Then, after ticking off a few of the Big Five on a game drive in the bushveld, you can head back to the lodge for a spa treatment.

For a cultural experience, a member of the nearby Shangaan tribe can take you to their village, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the community, sample local fare and buy their colourful handicrafts for a perfect souvenir.