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Lion Sands River Lodge


SKUKUZA, Sabi Sand Reserve/ Kruger National Park
Show on Google | Website | Map

9.8 Excellent 38 Reviews
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Book your stay at Lion Sands River Lodge - You can pay with crypto or card

Hotel details

Useful information about Lion Sands River Lodge before you book

River Lodge is the Eden of the More children's youth and first Lion Sands lodge to welcome guests, who between visits have married, become parents, and returned with their children. She has a special magic, that could well come from the gigantic trees that protect her.

Here you can expect a sophisticated interpretation of the traditional safari lodge, with light and bright contemporary décor. Limited walls allows a seamless flow between inside and out.

The lodge recently reopened after an extensive renovation, introducing a new sense of brightness and space. Wooden walkways lead off to a spa, gym and pool, and back to the main lodge, where the deck's connected water features give the impression of floating on the river.

Whether you enjoy your time together socially or quietly, the running theme here is simple and natural luxury living. Walkways lead off to a spa, gym and pool, and back to the main lodge, where the deck's connected water features give the impression of floating on the river.

The lodge's eight Luxury Rooms, six Superior Luxury Rooms and four River Suites are spaced along a path to reveal splendid river views, and make for a very personal safari stay. This is where couples, families and friends come together to reconnect with one another and Mother Nature.

The River Suites, each fronted by a plunge pool and set further away from the main lodge, are the most spacious and private – and also include a Family Suite. It's for you to choose which accommodation best suits you – but the extraordinary view comes standard.

Beyond your retreat, relax at the guest pool or in the spa, get active in the gym, or browse the MORE Gallery. You can also turn your safari photos into artful souvenirs in the Creative Lab.


With a stay at Lion Sands River Lodge in Skukuza, you'll be in a national park, and 14.6 mi (23.5 km) from Kruger National Park and 11.3 mi (18.2 km) from Londolozi Game Reserve. This all-inclusive hotel is 14.5 mi (23.4 km) from Paul Kruger Statue and 14.6 mi (23.4 km) from Paul Kruger Gate.

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.

Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Airport transfers
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Spa
Gym
Entertainment
Smoking areas
Banquet facilities
Accessible facilities

Check-in and check-out

Check-in from 2:00 PM
Check-in until 6:00 PM
Check-out until 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age 18

Hotel policies

No cribs (infant beds) available No elevators Children not allowed Professional property host/manager Pets not allowed Service animals not allowed

Cleaning and safety

Sanitization
Cashless transactions are available

Important information

  • Property Alerts

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

    • Destination fee: ZAR 176 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 2 years of age.
    • Resort fee: ZAR 574 per person, per night

    We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

  • You need to know
    • Children 9 years old and younger are not permitted at this property.
    • No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
    • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • Special Instructions
    This property offers transfers from the airport. To arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
  • Instructions
    • 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 some solar energy; some water is reused through a grey water recycling system
    • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Minimal age
    18
  • Spoken Language

    English

Nearby attractions

Londolozi Game Reserve 18.2 km / 11.3 mi
Paul Kruger Statue 23.4 km / 14.5 mi
Paul Kruger Gate 23.4 km / 14.6 mi
Kruger National Park 23.5 km / 14.6 mi
Skukuza Golf Course 35 km / 21.8 mi
AM Spa Kruger 37.2 km / 23.1 mi
Phabeni Gate 50.7 km / 31.5 mi
Upon availability

Room options

No room details available for this hotel.

Guest reviews

What other guests saying about Lion Sands River Lodge

9.8
Excellent
38 Reviews
Cleanliness
9.6 /10
Service
9.8 /10
Comfort
9.8 /10
Condition
9.8 /10
Location
10.0 /10
Neighborhood
9.8 /10
Amenities
9.8 /10
20 reviews shown
10/10
Exceptional
21 Dec 2025
Susan
Everything about the lodge was amazing from the room to the safaris with our guide Barry and tracker Eddy. Ntombi was amazing during the meals. All staff was very friendly and made our short stay amazing. I would recommend this lodge to anyone going there. I will definitely if I get the opportunity.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
25 Nov 2025
Dena
Our stay at Lion Sands River Lodge was excellent! From the time we arrived at the Skukuza airport to the time we departed, our expectations were far exceeded. The Lion Sands River Lodge was amazingly decorated with thatch roofs. Dining and sitting areas overlook the river with spectacular views. The lodge also had a well equipped gym with treadmills, bikes and weights. The staff were friendly and customer service was excellent. Our every need was taken care of promptly. Our villa was beautiful and overlooked the river with stunning views. While sitting on our porch, we watched hippos, elephants, crocodiles and nyala. The food was delicious with healthy options as well as comfort foods. The game drives were spectacular. Our safari guide Mendrew, and tracker, Brian were excellent at their skill. We stayed for 4 days and saw leopards each day on the game drives. We saw the big 5 as well as many other animals and birds. Overall, everything about Lion Sands River Lodge is exceptional and we will be back. Many thanks to Mello and the River Lodge team
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
02 Aug 2025
Charles
Up close and personal with the wildlife.
8/10
Excellent
10 Feb 2025
Osama
We had a major problem in our room and that ants spiders and mosquitoes were in the room. The main door is not sealed property, allowing for these insects to enter. Staff could not find a solution for this problem.
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
25 Jan 2025
Natalie
The whole trip was like a dream. We saw all of the big 5. The service was outstanding.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
09 Dec 2024
Joshua
We would definitely recommend Lion Sand’s River Lodge! We came here for our honeymoon and this was the most special holiday of our lives. We stayed in the River Suite, which was beautiful, as was the rest of the hotel. The service was fantastic - every member of staff (whether that be in the restaurant, behind the bar, cleaning staff, reception, etc) were incredibly kind, chatty and attentive. The food during our stay was excellent. The highlight of this trip was certainly the game drives. We had Jason (field guide) and Abraham (tracker) and both guys were incredibly knowledgeable, skilled and just very nice people - we really hope that our paths cross again some day! We have been given memories that will last a life time!

Josh & Jennifer
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
19 Jul 2019
James

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!
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
13 Apr 2019
Sylvia
Amazing place with super friendly staff and guests.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
26 Jan 2019
Verified traveler
Very friendly staff and top notch room quality. Wildlife wonders right up to your porch!
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
13 Jan 2019
CY
Amazing, special place. One of my favorite spots in the world.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
08 Dec 2018
Ben

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!
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Nov 2018
Verified traveler

Great service, great people.

Great service.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
07 May 2018
Michael

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
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
27 Sep 2016
Natasha

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
Exceptional
15 Mar 2016
Vanessa
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.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
25 Oct 2015
Verified traveler

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!
Partner
8/10
Excellent
21 May 2014
Michael

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
Exceptional
26 Jun 2013
SC Couple

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
Exceptional
16 May 2013
EZ

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.
Family
6/10
Pleasant
13 Apr 2013
Toni

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.


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Lion Sands Narina Lodge
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Lion Sands Narina Lodge

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The lodge, like the Narina Trogon bird after which it is named, is astonishingly beautiful, yet blends unassumingly into the natural environment. Perched on stilts under a canopy of 100-year-old trees just up from the water, Narina Lodge offers you a wonderful sense of remoteness and peace.

Narina Lodge has an air of relaxation, enhanced by natural décor and an open design extending out to generously furnished decks from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sabie River. 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.

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Lion Sands Narina Lodge

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Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
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Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

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When you stay at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in Kruger National Park, you'll be in a national park, just steps from Sabi Sands Game Reserve and 5 minutes by foot from Mala Mala Game Reserve. This 5-star lodge is 1.

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Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. This lodge also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.

Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).

Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at the lodge's restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge.

A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Make yourself at home in one of the 9 air-conditioned rooms featuring private pools.

Rooms have private patios. Bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads.

Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.

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Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, Farm 380Ku Kingstone Sabi Sand Wildtuin Paul Kruge | Show on Google

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Protea Hotel Kruger Gate
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Protea Hotel Kruger Gate

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Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. Encounter the local wildlife on safari, then enjoy a soak in one of the two outdoor swimming pools.

This hotel also features complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge). Enjoy local cuisine at Kudyela, one of the hotel's three restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours).

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This hotel has 5, 823 square feet (541 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and four meeting rooms. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self-parking is available onsite.

Make yourself at home in one of the 145 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Complimentary Wi-Fi keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment.

Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.

The nearest airport is Skukuza (SZK), 13. 6 miles away.

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Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
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This hotel enjoys a unique setting in Skukuza, offering an ideal base for exploring the splendor of Kruger National Park. With Paul Kruger Gate just 20 km away, guests have easy access to the park's many attractions.

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Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

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Jock Safari Lodge

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This award-winning lodge borders Kruger National Park at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers. The lodge offers guests one of the best Big 5 game viewing experiences in the country across a natural wildlife terrain with exclusive riverbed traversing rights.

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You can experience a safari, and enjoy an outdoor pool. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.

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. <p>Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hotel's coffee shop/cafe.

Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. </p> Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage.

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Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

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Rhino Post Safari Lodge
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Rhino Post Safari Lodge

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When you stay at Rhino Post Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Mala Mala Game Reserve. This guesthouse is 5.

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Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace. Additional amenities at this guesthouse include complimentary wireless Internet access and babysitting/childcare (surcharge).

The front desk is staffed during limited hours. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.

At Rhino Post Safari Lodge, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge.

A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Make yourself at home in one of the 12 guestrooms featuring minibars.

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Rhino Post Safari Lodge

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