Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge is situated on the banks of the Sabie River in a private concession of the prime game-viewing area of the Kruger National Park. The Sabie River has the richest biodiversity of any South African river, and the Sabie River valley has the highest recorded density of leopards in Africa. This is due to the high density of impala in this area (95/km2). According to Dr Gus Mill (Research Fellow: SANParks), the area also has one of the highest predator densities in Africa.

The Tinga concession is 5,000 hectares of exclusive traversing along the Sabie and Sand Rivers, and sightings of the Big Five, as well as general game, are common. The area also has prolific birdlife and a wondrous variety of fauna and flora. Over and above the exclusive traversing, Tinga also has access to the entire Kruger road network, allowing guests to visit sites of historical interest, and other landscapes. Game drives at Tinga are conducted in open safari vehicles. To ensure guest comfort, there is a maximum of six guests per vehicle. Tinga's experienced guides and trackers also take guests on guided bush walks, where the fascinating aspects of Kruger, not visible from a vehicle, can be explored.

The lodge has an eclectic design mix of Afro colonial and classic gentleman’s club, with mounted antelope horns, Persian rugs, and fine African antiquities.  The thatched cathedral-like entrance leads through to the colonial comfort of the lounge, which opens onto the massive wooden deck overlooking the Sabie River.

Built around an enormous Jackalberry tree which is reputed to be over 200 years old, the deck affords magnificent views of the Sabie River, and regular sightings of game, including members of the Big Five.

Facilities at Legends include a library stocked with an array of African literature, a wine cellar stocked with premier South African and international wines, a boma, bar and wellness centre. There is also a large eternity swimming pool situated next to the wooden deck allowing unobstructed views of the Sabie River.

Features in the suites include private plunge pools, private viewing decks, double air-conditioners, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, ceiling fans, double showers (with Victorian Rose and Massage sprays), double basins, and separate toilet and bidet. There is also a satellite television and DVD player in each suite, discretely hidden behind tasteful wooden panelling so as not to disturb the aesthetic charm of the suite.

As a five-star luxury lodge, the emphasis is on providing a quality safari experience. Lion Sands Tinga Lodge has a unique location also means that the game viewing is not limited to game drives and bush walks. Each of the suites has an unobstructed view of the Sabie River, and guests relaxing on their private viewing decks or in the heated plunge pools are often treated to wonderful sightings of wildlife coming down to the river. The winter months are especially productive as all surface water disappears, and the wildlife becomes more dependent on the river. Elephant and buffalo are daily visitors, with lions and leopards making occasional appearances. The suites are constructed in such a way that even when taking a bath or a shower, one still has a wonderful view of the bushveld.

Legends offer conferencing facilities for a maximum of 16 delegates in the boardroom and can accommodate 6 delegates in a smaller boardroom / breakaway room.

Lion Sands Tinga lodge main focus is to provide a quality wildlife experience in an exclusive, relaxed environment. The suites are well spaced to guarantee privacy and one can savour the bushveld ambience without fear of human disturbance. The birdsong, riverine vegetation and the flowing river enhance the mood of tranquillity.

For those who require something extra, our full-time therapists offer a range of wellness treatments, which can be enjoyed in the privacy of the suites and will ensure that guests achieve a state of relaxation in keeping with their surroundings.

The Skukuza Golf course is located very close to the Tinga concession providing the unique opportunity to play a round of golf on a course where wildlife roams freely.

About The Kruger National Park

The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is larger than Israel. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks - rated as the ultimate safari experience.

Lying in the heart of the Lowveld is a wildlife sanctuary like no other, its atmosphere so unique that it allows those who enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true quality of Africa.

The Kruger National Park lies across the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the north of South Africa, just south of Zimbabwe and west of Mozambique.