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Lion Sands River Lodge

5.0 star property

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Lion Sands River Lodge

Terrace/patio
River Suite | View from room
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
  • Room service
    Room service

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

Luxury Room | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Luxury Room

  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for River Suite

River Suite | Private pool

River Suite

  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Superior Room

  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
Property amenity
Leopard Sands, Kruger Park
Pool
All inclusive
Parking included
Free WiFi
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, (2)
The price is $902
per night
$1,048 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 5 - Dec 6
Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

About the neighborhood

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

When you stay at Lion Sands River Lodge in Skukuza, you'll be in a national park and steps from Greater Kruger National Park. .This all-inclusive hotel is 11.6 mi (18.7 km) from Kruger National Park and 11.5 mi (18.6 km) from Paul Kruger Statue.

What's nearby

  • Paul Kruger Statue - 64 min drive - 11.6 miles
  • Paul Kruger Gate - 64 min drive - 11.6 miles
  • Kruger National Park - 64 min drive - 11.7 miles
  • Skukuza Golf Course - 80 min drive - 18.8 miles
  • Londolozi Game Reserve - 99 min drive - 13.0 miles

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 a full-service spa
Lion Sands River Lodge offers 26 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to patios. These individually furnished accommodations include desks. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.
Guests can experience the thrill of a safari, and take advantage of a fitness center. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 26 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Rooms have private patios. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages and facials. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy a soak in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and wedding services.
This hotel is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities.

Grab a bite to eat at Boma Dinner, a buffet restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. A complimentary English breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free valet parking is available onsite.
A complimentary English breakfast is served each morning between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Boma Dinner - This buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
24-hour room service is available.

All inclusive details

This hotel is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

All meals, snacks, and select beverages included
Basic alcoholic beverages included

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip 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

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Gym
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Safari
  • TV in common areas

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 elevator
  • 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 organized 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

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • 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

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 150 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 have included 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 9 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Guests under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa

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

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 traveler

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 traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

CY, New York, NY

Traveled 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 traveler

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 traveler

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 traveler

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 traveler

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 traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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 traveler

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