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Lion Sands River Lodge

5.0 star property
All-inclusive hotel with 2 outdoor pools and full-service spa
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Lion Sands River Lodge

Terrace/patio
Suite (River Suite) | View from room
Suite (River Suite) | View from room
Property grounds
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • All-inclusive
    All-inclusive
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Spa
    Spa
  • Gym
    Gym

Explore the area

Map
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Skukuza, Mpumalanga, 1240
  • Paul Kruger Statue
    64 min drive
  • Paul Kruger Gate
    64 min drive
  • Kruger National Park
    64 min drive
  • Skukuza (SZK)
    22 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Room (River Lodge)

Luxury Room (River Lodge)

Luxury Room (River Lodge)

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Designer toiletries
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Suite (River Suite)

Suite (River Suite) | Private pool

Suite (River Suite)

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Designer toiletries
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room (Luxury)

Superior Room (Luxury)

Superior Room (Luxury)

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Designer toiletries
Hairdryer
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Property amenity
Leopard Sands, Kruger Park
Pool
All-inclusive
Parking included
Free WiFi
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, (2)
The price is NZ$1,782
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

About the area

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

A luxury stay in Skukuza awaits you at Lion Sands River Lodge. You'll be 18.7 km (11.6 mi) from Kruger National Park. Highlights at this all-inclusive hotel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A day of pampering at Africology Wellness can include deep-tissue massages and facials along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. The buffet restaurant, Boma Dinner, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the hotel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Enjoy the gym along with access to a safari and a wildlife and game drive. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Free English breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also free valet parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 5-property class Skukuza hotel, you'll be 0.1 km (0.1 mi) from Greater Kruger National Park and 18.6 km (11.5 mi) from Paul Kruger Statue.

What's nearby

  • Paul Kruger Statue - 64 min drive - 18.6 km
  • Paul Kruger Gate - 64 min drive - 18.7 km
  • Kruger National Park - 64 min drive - 18.7 km
  • Skukuza Golf Course - 80 min drive - 30.3 km
  • Londolozi Game Reserve - 99 min drive - 20.9 km

Getting around

  • Skukuza (SZK) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Amukelekani - ‬80 min drive
  • ‪Lapa Restaurant - ‬64 min drive
  • ‪Cattle Baron Skukuza - ‬80 min drive
  • ‪Selati Train Restaurant & Museum - ‬81 min drive
  • ‪Kudyela Restaurant Protea Hotel Kruger Lodge - ‬64 min drive

About this property

Lion Sands River Lodge

All-inclusive hotel with 2 outdoor pools and full-service spa
Lion Sands River Lodge is an all-inclusive hotel. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Lion Sands River Lodge offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Spa services, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at the luxury Lion Sands River Lodge. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Self parking and valet parking are free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Skukuza hotel.

  • 1 floor
  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • English breakfast (free)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Lion Sands River Lodge offers 26 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Rooms open to patios. This individually furnished accommodation includes desks. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower, dressing gowns, slippers and designer toiletries. Additionally, rooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, Africology Wellness. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. Guests under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Dial-up internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free English breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Boma Dinner

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • 100% renewable energy
  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • Reception hall
  • Rooftop garden
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Composting
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Individual furnishings
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Lion Sands River Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children 9 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 9 are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR150 per person, per stay. This fee does not apply to children under 2 years of age.
  • Utility fee: ZAR 145 per person, per night
  • Resort fee: ZAR 374 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children 9 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Lion River Lodge
Lion Sands Lodge
Lion Sands River
Lion Sands River Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Sabi Sand All-inclusive property Kruger National Park
Lion Sands River Lodge Kruger National Park
River Lodge Lion Sands
Lion Sands River Lodge South Africa/Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Lion Sands Sabi Sand Resort
Lion Sands Sabi Sand Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands River Hotel Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Tinga
Lion Sands Tinga Kruger National Park
Lion Sands River Lodge Kruger National Park
All-inclusive property Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands River Lodge
All-inclusive property Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Tinga Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Tinga
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands River Lodge
All Inclusive Lion Sands Tinga
Lion Sands River Lodge All-inclusive property
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands River All Inclusive

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Lion Sands River Lodge?

Yep, Lion Sands River Lodge has a free self car park and free valet parking.

Is there a spa on site at Lion Sands River Lodge?

Yep, Africology Wellness is available for guests. You'll enjoy heaps of services like facials and deep-tissue massages.

Does Lion Sands River Lodge have a pool?

Lion Sands River Lodge has 2 outdoor swimming pools.

What makes Lion Sands River Lodge a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar and 24-hour room service, as well as premium bedding and private patios in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Lion Sands River Lodge.

Does Lion Sands River Lodge serve breakfast?

You bet, complimentary English brekkie is served daily between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Lion Sands River Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Lion Sands River Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Lion Sands River Lodge?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Lion Sands River Lodge?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Lion Sands River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Place to Stay for Safari!
Incredible! This is the place to stay when going on safari. My wife loved the spa and the staff really pampers you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing place with super friendly staff and guests.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff and top notch room quality. Wildlife wonders right up to your porch!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

CY, New York, NY

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing, special place. One of my favorite spots in the world.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Come for the safari but enjoy the location!
The main reason to stay here is of course the safari drives, and these were exceptional. it seemed like every drive we saw something amazing. The rooms are well appointed and the staff do a great job with keeping everything in good order. Food was of good quality and staff are friendly. The pool area is wonderful to relax in; we saw elephants from it!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service, great people.
Great service.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing place in sabi sands reserve
Just returned from three magical days at the Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sands reserve at Kruger Park Super luxury suites with private pools and decks to watch game in river, we saw elephants and rhinos. Had a semi private butler at meals and the wine sommelier, Reggie, laid out the good stuff for us. Saw lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos and lots of others. Lion Sands set the standard for the private Sabi Sands lodges. Their River Lodge property is next door and offes same game drives at slightly less indulgence

10/10 Excellent

Natasha, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beyond Amazing
The staff, super friendly and were happy to go out of there way and listen to your personal preference to make you stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Cleanliness 110% Completely worth the price you pay! Luxury lodges Great food the game drives were beyond expectations Could not have asked for a better experience! Hope to return in the near future

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa, New York, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I can't say enough about this place. It was a memorable experience. Our only regret was not staying longer. The game drives, ranger, tracker, butler, house keeping, lodge staff, room, ambiance were all spectacular! Looking forward to a repeat visit.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great safari
We stayed in river lodge which is very good with good river view. The catering and room services are wonderful. All the staff are very polite and helpful. We had 4 safari game drives. Our ranger Liam is very passionate and has good knowledge on everything in the forest! We enjoyed the safari a lot!

8/10 Good

Michael, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Hotel but pricey
This was a beautiful hotel, the room was nice and comfortable and filled with wildlife. The food was excellent and so was the staff. The tree-house we stayed at for a night did not meet expectations... we got there just about two minites before sunset and did not have time to take enough pictures and soak it all in. Our hot dinner was ice cold and the toilet did not have the water turned on. Having said that the place was beautiful and romanitically decorated.

10/10 Excellent

SC Couple, Greenville, SC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Outstanding lodge and staff
Lion Sands was beyond our expectations in everyway. We planned this trip as a once in a lifetime experience and within a day were thinking - we have to come back here. The staff was amazing in every way and made the entire stay much more enjoyable. The rooms were spacious and bedding and bathroom were great. The food was delicious and the evening meals varied in location with entertainment provided some nights. The safari guides and trackers were beyond belief in their knowledge of the animals, birds, plants, etc. with the opportunity to explore with your guides 6 to 8 hours a day. We are telling everyone what an amazing place this was and recommending it to all.

10/10 Excellent

EZ, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing wildlife and great service
We had a wonderful time at Lion Sands. Very friendly staff, great food and fantastic game drives with knowledgable guides.

6/10 Okay

Toni, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great except for LIMITED "all-inclusive"
Having just come from a resort where all-inclusive included all items in the VERY WELL stocked mini-bar as well as laundry, we were very disappointed that this wasn't the case at Lion Sands. Even at lunch, dinner and the bar, we were only offered 1choice of red wine, which wasn't very good. Considering the price of this hotel, we felt these extras should be included.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellence from Top to Bottom
In 3 days we did not encounter a poorly trained staff member. The entire team is impressive. They institute numerous small, unique features that speak to a wise business plan carried out with attention to detail. The food was especially excellent and beautifully presented.

10/10 Excellent

Miki

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charif

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
La magie de l’Afrique
Sejour agréable. Rangers au top. Merci Lucia pour ta bonne humeur durant le séjour. Les personnes qui étaient avec nous pour les safaris étaient très sympathiques. Nous avons eu un problème avec la compagnie aérienne et toute l’équipe était présente pour nous accompagner pour trouver une solution. L’endroit est magique. Nous avons pu voir des lions, buffles et éléphants du lodge
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Marcia, Rio de Janeiro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel maravilhoso
O hotel é fantástico , os funcionários excelentes , atenção total com os hóspedes . O problema ficou por conta do local , nessa reserva Sabi Sabi não conseguimos ver nenhum Leão , participamos de 5 safaris . Vimos todos os outros animais , os guias são muito atenciosos e parecem empenhados em encontrar os animais mas me arrependi de ter ficado só nesta reserva pq o custo é alto para não conseguir ver os BIG 5 . Até a quantidade de girafas e zebras achei pequena . As acomodações são inesquecíveis, a casa é muito bem decorada e confortável . Para quem as acomodações é o mais importante este é o hotel indicado !
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

SATORU

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort