Lion Sands’ luxury flagship lodge, Lion Sands River Lodge, is found in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Lion Sands River Lodge is the Lion Sands’ original safari lodge – a contemporary escape in the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It’s the largest of the Lion Sands portfolio and is set by the Sabie River, a natural feature that has inspired the lodge’s design to ensure guests get to experience as much of the surrounding wildlife as possible.

Relax on the river deck, take a dip in the lodge’s pool or head to the Africology Spa for a muscle-relaxing massage or bespoke facial with premium products. There’s a small gym on-site and a thatched lounge area for afternoons relaxing in the shade. Dining is an affair to remember, with the passionate culinary team creating superb dishes from the finest local produce which are then served in beautiful settings like the lantern-lit boma and on the dining deck.

The rooms and suites at River Lodge are soothing and elegant. Each of the eight thatched Luxury Rooms features an outdoor deck so you can enjoy the serene bush from the privacy on your suite, and en-suite with rain shower and an egg-shaped bath. The six Superior Luxury Suites are larger and have a layout which seamlessly blends the bedroom with the open-plan bathroom. Four of the six suites interconnect – a great option for families.

For the ultimate luxury, the lodge’s four River Suites offer the same features as the Superior Luxury Suites but are set away from the public areas for extra privacy. River Suites have one or two bedrooms, a private plunge pool and expansive decks to take advantage of their breath-taking river views.

If your budget can extend to it – particularly if you’re celebrating a special occasion – a night in one of Lion Sands’ treehouses is a must. Taking the treehouse concept to another level, they’re wonderfully remote and offer the chance to sleep outside in the wild, high up in a four-poster bed with a luxurious picnic to enjoy as you listen out to the calls of wildlife in the night.

About the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is famed for its intimate wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing. Home to a host of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), the Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey.

With no boundary fences between the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park, this reserve benefits from the great diversity of animals found in one of the richest wildlife areas on the African continent, along with the additional benefits experienced on a private game reserve.

Game drives traverse an area of 10 500 hectares (26 000 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of the game viewing experience. Sensitive off-road driving ensures that guests have the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and rangers are constantly in touch with each other to keep track of animal movements.