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Lion Sands River Lodge

Mpumalanga-Kruger Area · South Africa

Sabi Sand Reserve/ Kruger National ParkView location

9.8/10Excellent38 Reviews
Cleanliness9.6/109.6
Service9.8/109.8
Comfort9.8/109.8
Condition9.8/109.8
Location10.0/1010.0
Neighborhood9.8/109.8
Amenities9.8/109.8
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  • Business hotels
  • Hotels with charm
  • Adults Only
  • Hotels with spa
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Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.

About Lion Sands River Lodge

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.

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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 14.5 mi (23.4 km) from Paul Kruger Statue and 14.6 mi (23.4 km) from Paul Kruger Gate.

This all-inclusive hotel is 21.8 mi (35 km) from Skukuza Golf Course and 23.1 mi (37.2 km) from AM Spa Kruger. 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. Guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies should contact this property in advance. This property is located within a national park, and access is restricted to official gate operating hours. Guests who arrive after the gates have closed will not be able to enter the park or reach the lodge, so it is essential to contact the property after booking and again before arrival to confirm gate times. Guests who intend to participate in scheduled afternoon game drives must confirm the latest arrival time allowed with the property.
  • 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 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

Paul Kruger Statue 23.4 km / 14.5 mi
Paul Kruger Gate 23.4 km / 14.6 mi
Skukuza Golf Course 35 km / 21.8 mi
AM Spa Kruger 37.2 km / 23.1 mi
Londolozi Game Reserve 46.5 km / 28.9 mi
Phabeni Gate 50.7 km / 31.5 mi

Hotel facilities & services

Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.

  • Year of most recent renovation: 2004
  • Double rooms: 8
  • Suites: 4
  • Superior rooms: 6
  • lodge
  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Golf course
  • Car parkExtra charge
  • 24-hour reception
Show 48 more facilities & services
  • Check-in hour
  • Check-out hour
  • Mobile phone coverage
  • Wi-fi
  • Airport Shuttle
  • Room service
  • Laundry service
  • Medical service
  • Multilingual staff
  • Bellboy service
  • Air conditioning in public areas
  • Fireplace
  • Hotel safe
  • Shop
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Gym
  • Luggage room
  • Dining area
  • Clothes dryer
  • Towels and bed linen
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast room
  • Conference room
  • Meeting room
  • Outdoor freshwater pool: 2
  • Sun loungers
  • Parasols
  • TV lounge
  • Pub
  • Massage
  • Spa treatments
  • Spa centre
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast buffet
  • Buffet lunch
  • Set menu lunch
  • Buffet dinner
  • Special dietary options
  • Vegan meal
  • Only Adults
  • LGTBIQ friendly
  • Identification card at arrival
  • Flight information required
  • Single-Use Plastic Free
  • Fitness
  • Safari
Meal plans

Meal plan types

Meal options depend on the room and rate you choose. Search your dates to see which meal plans are included.

FB

Full Board

Usually includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Upon availability

Room types

These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability

  • DOUBLE LUXURYDOUBLE • LUXURYDBL.LX

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    DOUBLE LUXURY

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    LUXURY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.LX

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SINGLE SUPERIORSINGLE • SUPERIOR • 1 Bedroom • 98 m²SGL.SU
    SINGLE SUPERIORPhoto unavailable4 photos

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    SINGLE SUPERIOR

    Room photos

    4 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    98 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–1 • Adults: max. 1 • Children: max. 0
    Bed setup
    Double bed 131-150 width
    Bedrooms
    1
    Room type
    SINGLE
    View / characteristic
    SUPERIOR

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SGL.SU

    Room amenities

    • Wi-fi
    • Disability-friendly bathroom
    • Wheelchair-accessible
    • Minibar
    • Safe
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Hairdryer
    • Direct dial telephone

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SUITE KING SIZE BEDSUITE • KING SIZE BEDSUI.KG

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    SUITE KING SIZE BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    KING SIZE BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SUI.KG

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SINGLE LUXURYSINGLE • LUXURY • 60 m²SGL.LX
    SINGLE LUXURYPhoto unavailable3 photos

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    SINGLE LUXURY

    Room photos

    3 photos

    Room overview

    Smoking room
    Room size
    60 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–1 • Adults: max. 1 • Children: max. 0
    Bed setup
    King-size bed 150-183 width
    Room type
    SINGLE
    View / characteristic
    LUXURY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SGL.LX

    Room amenities

    • Wi-fi
    • Safe
    • Minibar
    • Direct dial telephone
    • Hairdryer
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Wheelchair-accessible

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SUITE STANDARDSUITE • STANDARD • 120 m²SUI.ST
    SUITE STANDARDPhoto unavailable4 photos

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    SUITE STANDARD

    Room photos

    4 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    120 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–2 • Adults: max. 2 • Children: max. 0
    Bed setup
    King-size bed 150-183 width
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    STANDARD

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SUI.ST

    Room amenities

    • Bathroom: 1
    • Hairdryer
    • Direct dial telephone
    • Minibar
    • Safe
    • Wi-fi

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Double or Twin SUPERIORDouble or Twin • SUPERIOR • 98 m²DBT.SU
    Double or Twin SUPERIORPhoto unavailable4 photos

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    Double or Twin SUPERIOR

    Room photos

    4 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    98 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–3 • Adults: max. 2 • Children: max. 1
    Bed setup
    King-size bed 150-183 width
    Room type
    Double or Twin
    View / characteristic
    SUPERIOR

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBT.SU

    Room amenities

    • Wheelchair-accessible
    • Housekeeping
    • Make-up mirror
    • Slippers
    • Bathrobes
    • Toiletries
    • Turndown service
    • Cot on demand
    • Wake-up service
    • Wi-fi
    • Disability-friendly bathroom
    • Terrace
    • Safe
    • Centrally regulated air conditioning
    • Minibar
    • Internet access
    • Direct dial telephone
    • Hairdryer
    • Bathtub: 1
    • Shower: 1
    • Bathroom: 1

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SUITE CAPACITY 1SUITE • CAPACITY 1 • 120 m²SUI.C1
    SUITE CAPACITY 1Photo unavailable4 photos

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    SUITE CAPACITY 1

    Room photos

    4 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    120 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–1 • Adults: max. 1 • Children: max. 0
    Bed setup
    King-size bed 150-183 width
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    CAPACITY 1

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SUI.C1

    Room amenities

    • Shower: 1
    • Housekeeping
    • Toiletries
    • Wi-fi
    • Safe
    • Minibar
    • Direct dial telephone
    • Hairdryer
    • Bathroom: 1

    Facilities with extra charge

    • Desk

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • TWIN LUXURYTWIN • LUXURYTWN.LX

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    TWIN LUXURY

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    TWIN
    View / characteristic
    LUXURY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: TWN.LX

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE SUPERIOR KING BEDDOUBLE • SUPERIOR KING BEDDBL.KG-SU

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    DOUBLE SUPERIOR KING BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    SUPERIOR KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.KG-SU

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Double or Twin LUXURYDouble or Twin • LUXURY • 66 m²DBT.LX
    Double or Twin LUXURYPhoto unavailable3 photos

    Lion Sands River Lodge

    Double or Twin LUXURY

    Room photos

    3 photos

    Room overview

    Non-smoking room
    Room size
    66 m²
    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–3 • Adults: max. 2 • Children: max. 1
    Bed setup
    King-size bed 150-183 width
    Room type
    Double or Twin
    View / characteristic
    LUXURY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBT.LX

    Room amenities

    • Direct dial telephone
    • Hairdryer
    • Bathtub: 1
    • Shower: 1
    • Bathroom: 1
    • Housekeeping
    • Make-up mirror
    • Slippers
    • Bathrobes
    • Toiletries
    • Turndown service
    • Wi-fi
    • Wheelchair-accessible
    • Terrace
    • Safe
    • Centrally regulated air conditioning
    • Minibar

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

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
28 May 2026
Pamela
Wonderful!
Family
10/10
Exceptional
21 May 2026
Nickina
Every tiny detail was taken into account throughout my 4 day stay at the property. Our butler Lucky was a delight, learning our likes and dislikes from the first time we met her, as well as taking the time to teach us new words and chat with us about our day.

We had the amazing combination of Mendrew and Brian for our game drives, we saw all of the big five as well as wild dogs, their knowledge about the animals, the terrain and everything in between was remarkable.

Nonhlanhla took care of the needs in our room, and would check in on it multiple times a day to ensure everything was pristine. We left our safe open on the first day and she reported it to the head of guest services who locked it for us and gave us a temporary code, not a single thing touched or out of place.

From the welcome team, to the team who escort you after dark around the property I can not speak highly enough of the care that was taken.

We were celebrating a 50th birthday and I would love to say the team went above and beyond just for us, but honestly it’s the heartbeat of how they treat every guest, everyone is made to feel special and valued.

We cannot wait to go back!
Partner
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.

Location & surroundings

Lion Sands River Lodge
Sabi Sand Reserve/ Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa

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Lion Sands River Lodge

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