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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabie Park, Kruger National Park 2160 South Africa
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Lion Sands River Lodge emerges as a premier safari destination, with guests lauding its spacious and modern rooms that offer breathtaking wildlife vistas. The lodge's value is affirmed by its luxurious decor and fine wines, ensuring travelers feel their investment is well warranted. A vibrant atmosphere is maintained through special events, while the staff's attentiveness contributes to a warm experience.
The cleanliness and range of amenities, from indulgent spa treatments to exclusive wildlife encounters, receive high praise. Nestled by the river, the location is perfect for an unforgettable safari adventure.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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We cannot say enough good things about Lion Sands. From the moment you’re picked up at the airport to the moment you leave you feel like family. The grounds and rooms are meticulously maintained and the location right on the river is great for animal sightings.
You don’t go hungry at the lodge and have a great selection of food. We had a chance to try some new options like ostrich too. Givens our butler was very attentive and kind. He knew our preferences (like the chili sauce…very good) and made sure we were well taken care of.
The spa was great. The masseuses were very good and made sure we left feeling better than when we came.
Our guide Cruz, guide in training Joyce and tracker Lloyd were amazing! They were so knowledgeable and determined to give us a great experience. More than that they are great people. We miss them!
We also stayed one night in the Kingston treehouse which we highly recommend. It was so peaceful and came with all the necessary amenities. Givens made sure we had plenty of great food and drinks too.
Can’t say enough good things about our experience!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 29 Jun 2023
Thank you! We appreciate your kind words and have shared them with our people. It is always lovely to know that we have made an impression and will form part of your safari memories. We hope to welcome you back some day. Kind regards Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I have just returned from four very special days at River Lodge - we are return guests and will return again. Every detail is taken care of from dietary requests to personalized water flasks. Rooms are expansive and overlook the river and bushbuck wander past your glass doors while elephants and buffalo visit the river to drink and bathe. Beds are comfortable and the room is refreshed at least twice a day while you are on game drive or at a meal. Guides and trackers are top class adding to the game experience. All staff go over and above. Lion Sands is truly one of the best lodges in the Sabie Sands Reserve.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Book early - the lodge is busy.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 07 Sept 2023
Thank you so much. We are so glad you had another wonderful time with us, along with incredible wildlife sightings. Hopefully, you will meet Kim on your next visit. We look forward to it! All the best, Nadia Pent, Manager, River Lodge, Sabi Sand - Lion Sands Game Reserve
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The staff went above and beyond to make our stay amazing. When an uninvited 4 legged visitor ( just a friendly hyena!) came into our our lodging during a safari drive, ( a true testament that this is in a prime wildlife viewing location!) the staff made sure that everything that was damaged was replaced, including expensive medical equipment! We were then offered to stay at their ultra exclusive Ivory Lodge in a private villa, that is larger than an average NYC apartment, complete with huge private plunge pool that is deep, clean and refreshing. Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge are located in close proximity, but are quite different. It is impossible to say which is better. Although Ivory Lodge is the super luxury option, with guest privacy a priority, the comradery at River Lodge is warm and welcoming. Also, at River Lodge, a fantastic photography center has resources to download photos and print them onto canvas. It is possible to rent a camera and lens, allowing guests to take professional pictures without lugging around heavy equipment or purchasing expensive zoom lenses. Plus there is the assistance of Fortune, the resident photography expert. He can help to edit the pictures, give you tips, and a run down on how to use the camera features, ensuring you will come home with National Geographic quality shots, printed on canvas. (This service is available at both lodges, but is accessible without needing a game vehicle from River Lodge) At the rustic but sophisticated bar at River Lodge, a sip of South African Gin, Inverroche Amber, concluded our first afternoon game drive. Thanks to OZ, our game drive guide, for also guiding us at the bar! During our 3 days of game drives we saw all the big 5. Plentiful lions, elephant, leopard, giraffe, zebra, crocodiles, and numerous bovidae and birds. On our second day, our incredibly observant tracker, Evans, and our determined driver and guide, Lee, put us at the scene of a fresh kill before the other vehicle arrived. Her driving finesse off road was as exciting as witnessing the lions feast on fresh zebra! Finally, perhaps the most unique feature of staying at either lodge, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse! A packed gourmet dinner (and breakfast in the morning) was set up overlooking the sunset. It was an evening of lavish style in the wild. Off grid, the two treehouses available to rent, both have toilette facilities and running water. The bed and linens are crisp, clean and comfortable. It is was perfect merger of remoteness and luxury and the experience punctuated our extraordinary stay. I most definitely recommend staying here!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Rent a camera and zoom lense from the onsite camera lab. Rent the equipment online in advance.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 01 Jan 2023
A safari adventure by all accounts. Thank you for your wonderful feedback. Our lodges all have their unique personalities, and you certainly captured the essence of River and Ivory lodges well. Being on safari is a fine blend of those private moments along with the moments of shared experience. We are glad you loved all of it - the wildlife, the treehouse, our creative lab, our people, and our location. Every day has its own unfolding magic. We hope you will join us again! Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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Our group of six had an unforgettable experience at this property! Both the accommodations and the staff exceeded our expectations. The rooms and surrounding grounds were absolutely stunning, and having elephants wander right up to our sliding glass doors was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
We stayed for four nights and were fortunate to have a dedicated guide, Cruz, and tracker, George. They were an incredible team whose positive energy and deep knowledge truly elevated our experience. Each day, we enjoyed two game drives (morning and evening), where we were able to see a remarkable variety of animals, including rhinos, lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, and more.
The food and service were nothing short of five stars. This all-inclusive resort includes food and drinks, and every meal was exceptional (including special evening performance). The on-site spa was another highlight—the facials and massages rivaled those at high-end properties in the United States.
Visiting in August/September was perfect. The weather was beautiful, and we encountered almost no bugs, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Before leaving, we had the privilege of meeting one of the members of the More Family, who own the property—a special touch to an already extraordinary stay.
Our group has traveled extensively, and we unanimously agree this was the best trip and property we’ve ever experienced. Highly recommend and ask for Cruz & George if you go!
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 04 Feb 2025
What a joy to hear about your magical stay with us! Cruz and George are treasures on our team, and we're thrilled they helped make your safari experience so special. Those up-close elephant encounters are exactly what makes a trip so special. Your kind words about being the best property you've experienced mean everything to us. We hope to welcome you back to make more unforgettable memories soon. All the best, Brett Appelgryn and Lauren Crewe-Brown, General Managers, Lion Sands Game Reserve.
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Big 5 sightings plus so many other unbelievable views with our amazing guide Rector and our tracker Culture. Their deep knowledge, passion for the animals and hospitality is unparalleled. I can not say enough about how grateful we are for this dynamic duo.
Accommodations - beautiful rooms, lovely views and service was too notch. Rodrick went above and beyond for our meals and we really enjoyed the gorgeous lodge for rest and relaxation between drives.
Johnny from the creative lab took fantastic pictures that we cherish and our housekeepers Eugenie and Sindile made sure everything was clean, well-stocked and lovely.
My husband and I can not wait to go back!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you so much for your review! Your praise for our team fills us with pride. It's wonderful to hear how they all contributed to making your stay extraordinary. Those special wildlife moments captured by our Creative Lab Specialist will indeed be treasured memories. We will be sure to pass on all of your wonderful compliments. We look forward to welcoming you and your husband back for more amazing safari adventures. Kind regards, Brett Appelgryn and Lauren Crewe-Brown, General Managers, Lion Sands Game Reserve.
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We booked the holiday through Go2Africa and it exceeded expectations in every department. We were blown away by the attention to detail and the friendliness and support of all the staff. Our experience started with the airport collection and when we were given our water bottles we knew this was a very special company that we were staying with. Being greeted with hot, fragrant towels every time we returned to the lodge was welcomed. The room we had was top notch and the special touches like the leaves and rose petals messages on the bed and the notes left by Thembi our amazing cleaner were very sweet. Every day there was something different that made the experience go up another level such as the breakfast in the boma with our guide and tracker and then the final dinner in the boma with everyone and the choir. It was an added surprise when my husband was presented with a birthday cake and a special song by the choir. Every member of staff was friendly and attentive. The food was out of this world and we loved meeting the chefs at meal times. We'd like to give a BIG thank you to our butler, Lucky, and our guide and tracker, Lucia and Norman. Lucky was extremely attentive and really looked after us brilliantly. One of the things that my husband really appreciated was that she brought him a drink without him having to wait. We also LOVED Lucia and Norman. They were both so knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure everyone saw what they wanted to see. We were so lucky to see a leopard twice and the lions three times including the Southern Pride. We have had the best holiday of our life and we are already planning to go back in 2025. Hopefully Lucky, Lucia and Norman will still be there as we would love to be with them again. There was nothing negative about this holiday at all. Highly recommend - you won't regret it!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 11 Apr 2023
Thank you so much for this incredible review - it really puts an extra spring in everyone's step. We are so pleased that we could make the birthday celebration extra special and look forward to a repeat performance in 2025. Kind regards, Jopie van Rooyen, General Manager, Sabi Sand, Lion Sands Game Reserve
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Our stay was incredible. The lodge is so beautiful and the wildlife was amazing.
We saw a leopard on our very fist drive and an incredibly rare pack of wild dogs that evening (both were top of my "hope to see" list). Throughout our stay we saw many journeys of giraffes, several elephants and lions, zebras, hippos, and lots of antelope and kudu.
Our room was HUGE, and I adored the large sliding glass doors and private decks at our room. The bed was large and incredibly comfortable. There were great views of the river and wildlife from our room and from the beautiful decks at the main lodge.
The Lion Sands team did an especially wonderful job of celebrating my husband's birthday: leaving messages written in flowers on our bed, baking him a delicious cake, and even gifting him a book about adventures in Africa.
All of the staff at Lion Sands were amazing - warm, welcoming, attentive, and knowledgeable. Our guide Pierre was especially exceptional. I was continually amazed at his deep knowledge of the animals, their tracks, and the property. On top of all that deep technical knowledge, he has the gift of exceptional hospitality. He was so easy to talk to and patient. I really appreciated the bush walk outing he took us on (and that he kept us safe from the herd of elephants we found!) - it was such a unique experience. Our butler Elliot was wonderful as well! He always greeted us with such a warm smile and made sure to point out when we could spot game right from the dining deck. And the thoughtful notes from Morgan and the lovely touches from our housekeeper (like leaving messages in flowers on our bed)... truly it was a magical stay. I would have loved to stay forever!
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 12 Jun 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you had an incredible stay at Lion Sands and enjoyed the wildlife sightings and hospitality from our team. We look forward to welcoming you back for another magical safari experience soon! All the best, Brett Appelgryn and Lauren Crewe-Brown, General Managers, Lion Sands Game Reserve.
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Our fourth visit to Lion Sands River Lodge proved as amazing as ever. Every aspect from staff to accommodation and meals are superb. Any dietary requirements are taken care of - fresh gluten free bread every day - and every meal is healthy and delicious. Our guide and tracker were a dream team (Themba and Brian) going out of their way to deliver on every drive. Accommodation is spacious with each room facing the river with resident bushbuck visiting daily. We hope to return next year again. Thank you Lion Sands for 4 magical days.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 25 Jun 2024
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled you had another amazing stay at Lion Sands River Lodge, we were happy to welcome you back. It's great to hear you enjoyed the superb staff, accommodation, and delicious meals, including the fresh gluten-free bread. We can't wait to welcome you back again next year! All the best, Brett Appelgryn and Lauren Crewe-Brown, General Managers, Lion Sands Game Reserve.
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Our group of three couples had an amazing stay at Lion Sands! The staff and the accommodations were top-notch. Our guide (Ozy) and our tracker (Abraham) were outstanding and provided us with memories that will last a lifetime on our game drives. Our butler (Lucky) quickly learned our preferences and ensured we were well taken care of at every meal. The food was plentiful and delicious. We received excellent massages at the spa, and also enjoyed relaxing in our spacious and comfortable rooms...with beautiful wildlife strolling just past our windows. Definitely recommend!
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 05 Nov 2024
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your group had an amazing stay with us. Ozy, Abraham, and Lucky will be thrilled to know their efforts made such a positive impact on your experience. It sounds like you enjoyed the wildlife, delicious food, and relaxing spa treatments to the fullest! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure! Kind regards, Brett Appelgryn and Lauren Crewe-Brown, General Managers, Lion Sands Game Reserve.
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We absolutely adored Lion Sands River Lodge. The accommodations were both beautiful and comfortable. I was very happy to see that they had washcloths and Kleenexes for their American guests! We could relax on our deck or in the bathtub, watching giraffes, water buffaloes, elephants, and countless kudus. The food and drinks were exceptional, leaving us more than satisfied throughout our stay. Our night in the Chalkley Treehouse was unforgettable; it's an open treehouse with sweeping views of the bush. We were lucky to witness a stunning sunset, hear a lion's roar, and observe elephants at sunrise as they walked below us. The spa experience was equally fantastic, ranking among the best we've experienced. However, what really enhanced the experience was the staff; they were outstanding, particularly our ranger. They were very committed to ensuring the best experience possible. Our safaris in the morning and afternoon were led by our extremely knowledgeable ranger and tracker who diligently ensured we encountered every animal on our list, including the Big Five and many others. We appreciated learning from our guide as they brought us as close as possible to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hippos, water buffalos, giraffes and a hyena. We loved the morning coffee and evening cocktails in the bush, set up by our ranger and tracker. We travel a lot and this goes down as one of the best trips we've had.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Definitely book one of the treehouses for a night
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MORE Family Collection Lodges and Hotels, General Manager at Lion Sands River Lodge
Responded 05 Nov 2024
Thank you for your incredible review! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed every moment—from the wildlife views and exceptional meals to the Chalkley Treehouse and spa. It’s wonderful to hear how much you appreciated the efforts of your field guide and tracker in making your safaris unforgettable. Your kind words mean so much to our team, and we’re honoured that this was one of your best trips. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more memorable experiences! Kind regards, Brett Appelgryn and Lauren Crewe-Brown, General Managers, Lion Sands Game Reserve.
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Johannesburg, South Africa13 contributions2 helpful votes
Thank you for reaching out.
We have the following options open to families at Lion Sands River Lodge:
1. A triple Luxury Room, where all three are accommodated in one room. The 13 year old child would be charged at 50% of our adults sharing rate.
2. Inter-leading Luxury Rooms (two adjoining rooms, where the 13 year old would be in his/her own room, and would be charged the adult single rate - children only qualify for the discounted rate if sharing with adults).
3. A 2-bedroom Family River Suite (the 13 year old child would be charged at 50% of our adults sharing rate)
Our team is on standby to provide further information should you require.
I was there for a week last week, and had zero mosquito bites despite being outdoors for the majority (including a treehouse stay). I stopped malarone two days into our trip actually as it was a pain to take and mozzies seemed non existent this time of year, but I guess it’s always better safe than sorry.
There are more places to choose from in the Sabie Park area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 36,831 - RÂ 54,220 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
lion sands river hotel sabi sand game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkSabi Sand Game ReserveMala Mala Private Game ReserveSabie Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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