Lion Sands Game Reserve - Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands Game Reserve is the only private reserve to have a foot in both the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands Reserve is the oldest of South Africa’s private reserves, and the origin of wildlife tourism in Southern Africa. It is home to a vast natural animal population including The Big Five and countless other species (some of which are critically endangered).
Flanking the Kruger National Park, animals pass unhindered between the unfenced reserves. Known for its extraordinary leopard viewing, safari enthusiasts could not find a better place for close-contact animal sightings that many would insist are the best in the world.
The Sabi Sands Reserve (Sabi Sands Wildtuin) shares a 50km (31.25 miles) unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. This extraordinary and unique wilderness area comprises a collection of privately owned game reserves which combine to form a mammoth tract of pristine game land (65 000 hectare/ 153 000 acres).
Being privately owned, safaris are not restricted to specific times and routes. Open vehicles are able to traverse off road and into the dense bush, tracking animals in their natural habitat.
Lion Sands Game Reserve Luxury Lodges
SPECIAL OFFER - Receive 3 Nights Free in Cape Town!
Get 3 nights free accommodation in Cape Town when booking Lion Sands for 3 nights or more. Subject to availability!
WHY BOOK LION SANDS
- Access to Sabi Sands Game Reserve & Kruger National Park
- Big Five Safari Experience due to the superb location
- 4 Luxury Lodges to choose from
- Experienced and highly trained safari guides
- Close proximity to Skukuza airport
- Rate includes accommodation, meals, drinks, safaris & airport transfers
- Opportunity to sleep in a tree-houses under the stars
- Combine Lion Sands with MORE hotels in Cape Town & Mozambique
- Excellent value for money when combining Lion Sands with Cape Town
- Book 3 nights at Lion Sands and get 2 free nights in Cape Town
Lion Sands Game Reserve Reviews
Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were
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Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were incredible and we certainly saw everything we came to see. The entire staff works hard to ensure a great experience for their guests. Our suite was great, very clean and comfortable . The swing was cozy on the front deck! Enjoyed our meals and evenings in the bar. Thanks to all for a great time!
This was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very
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This was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions that we had. The game drives were exciting and the search for the leopard was one of the highlights of the trip. The rooms were spacious, and the food was almost unending. The only downside, and understandably so, was the inability to move from one room to another, after dark. While our sons were older and able to stay on their own, families with slightly younger children may have to stay in one chalet. Strongly recommend it!!
I can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every
...more I can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every way. The lodgin itself was so nice and luxury, the food excellent and you really had everything you could possible need.
We had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our
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We had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our guide was knowledgeable and nice (the others in our group had a guide who had had incredible intuition for finding animals and we benefited from it). The rooms are nice, beautiful and comfortable. The food was good/okay... We were there for three nights and it seemed like there were a lot of repeats between the meals. The staff were all friendly and the customer service was great!
I don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her
...more I don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her birthday and I was planning to propose. From the moment the booking was made until the last minute we left the location the service was impecable.
Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide
Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide Michael. We saw so much and learnt so much in the "Land That Time Forgot". Leopard with Waterbuck kill, wild dogs, Lion and Elephant swimming and wrestling in a dam and so much more!!
The camp manager Gary was so welcoming and friendly. His enthusiasm for the bush is infectious. Thanks for a wonderful time in a special place.
Also thanks for arranging a truly unique bat sighting!!!!
Stayed May 2017, travelled with family
I cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights
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I cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights we stayed there. Highly recommended.
Fabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we
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Fabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we surprised a rhino and it charged our Land Cruiser, leave it to our guide, Brogan, to take care of business. With a sharp, "OY!", the rhino stopped it charge, turn around and trotted back to its mate. Note that the wifi was only available in the office when we went, but it's due for an upgrade any date. Pro-tip: No cell coverage, but the office has a cell tower booster. Turn off your wifi, and your phone will pick up the cell booster if you have a local phone or international plan
It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are
It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are extremely helpful with information and when you arrive they make you feel part of the lodge community not just a guest (truly welcoming).
The staff are genuinely interested in your adventure and happiness joining in stories and experiences of each game drive .Be prepared for the early starts 5.30 am game drive however believe me this is the best time of the day to see the animals and is a magical time to see the bush. The lodge and rooms are to a very high standard with all rooms having great views and the best bit being no fences !!!! YOU REALLY ARE IN THE BUSH 🙂 .
This is without doubt a luxury Safari
We just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first
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We just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first game drive, we got to know why Sabi Sands Lodges are the best when it comes to big five game viewing. We managed to view all of the big five on one day.
The accommodation was perfect and the staff were exceptionally friendly. We are hooked, we will certainly visit Sabi Sabi again, very soon.
We absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and
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We absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and comfortably decorated, the food was delicious (I'm a San Francisco foodie pescetarian and absolutely loved the food/presentation), and the game drives were unforgettable. Don't miss the bush walk--we walked through a field of butterflies, saw all kinds of animal tracks, and enjoyed a different view of the landscape we'd been driving through all week. I would also highly recommend visiting the Thornybush Community Project gardens with Gavin, where some of the beautiful food served in Sabi Sand resorts is grown by local women as part of a community collective. We also visited a school, which had an incredible impact on us. I loved Simbambili--a little piece of my heart is still there
A wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always
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A wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always good), our Ranger and Tracker were great fun and very knowledgable, the staff were on the ball and the atmosphere and mood relaxed and attentive. My 6th visit, and great that Ulusaba is back to its best, thank you!
Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days.
Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days. One extra walking safari midday. Excellent game viewing. Night time star gazing by the fire. Trip to the village. Great amenities. Boma, Observation points. Nice little library. The staff will walk you to your cabin at night. Our first time here was 2006 but this is the place to come for the best safari lodge experience.
This is the place to come back to.
My daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved
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My daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved the fact that we were teamed up with the same driver/tracker/four other guests in the same car over the course of all the days - we had such fun together and really got involved in trying to spot the animals. And we were rewarded with multiple leopard sightings and the other big 5, as well as all the other beautiful animals - zebra, giraffes, kudu, impala etc - and many birds. The rooms - including outdoor shower, dining area, food, pool, gift shop, massage, the lovely candle light (and lack of electric lighting) and special sundowner by the river were all fabulous. We felt so relaxed and welcomed. The staff were professional and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. They went the extra mile to engage with my 9 year old daughter. This place suited us perfectly. It was top class without being pretentious. Worth every penny - and actually better value than some other lodges. Recommended without hesitation. We hope to return one day. Thank you to all - Dale, Suzie, Gift, Desmond, Tulani, Riddent, Joe and everyone else (sorry if names are miss-spelt).
Stayed April 2017, travelled with family
After spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both
...more After spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both Lodges are in the same Reserve and very close they offer a different athmosphere. The Dulini Lodge gives you a stronger "Africa feeling" in terms of decoration and setup in my view.
The bungalows are very spacious and well equipped.The welcome is kind and warm and the staff is amazing. They provided me with a special birthday dinner which made the stay even more memorable.
The game drives with the Ranger Fred and our tracker May where an experience. We saw a lot and as haveing been on Safari before we received so much more indepth information since we did not have to worry about seeing all the big 5 (which we saw anyway).
Will try to be back whenever possible
Everything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't
...more Everything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't fault it and would love to go back. You have to be there to believe how good it is, and how close you get to what is after all wild animals. I could have almost touched one of the lions we saw!!
This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect.
This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect. The game drives were so exiting. Of 8 game drives we saw leopards at 7 of them.
The staff were so friendly and helpful. The food was nice. The skills of the tracker and ranger was fantastic. It was so nice to follow how they read the tracks in the sand and bushes. We saw the big 5 and a lot more. If would go back? YES
If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is
If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is a must. We have been travelling to to South Africa every year for the past 12 years and stayed at many game reserves including the Krugar many times. This year we saved up hard and achieved our dream, to stay in Sabi Sands. All that I can say it's Well Worth every penny, the reserve is just something else! It's the best and it's a must, forget the rest push the the boat out and and stay at in Sabi Sands.. We chose Elephant Plains due to our budget. It was wonderful food fantastic, staff brilliant, service first class.
We saw the big five for the the first time in 12 years....
So if you are looking for a safari holiday then look no further this place is the best.
Memories we will never forget.
Lion Sands Game Reserve Gallery
Sleep Under The Stars
The Lion Sands Treehouses are the ultimate bush bedrooms. Arrive at sunset to a scrumptious picnic dinner, and spend the hours of dusk fully appreciating the vastness of the bushveld as it transforms from day to night. Slumber directly beneath the Milky Way where you may well lose count of the shooting stars.
ANIMAL SOUNDS YOU ARE LIKELY TO HEAR & WHY:
Hippos Honking and Screeching: Although gregarious, Hippo males are fiercely territorial and protective over their pod (collective for a group of Hippo). When encountering another male within their territory, more often than not, a fight will ensue that will be both noisy and protracted.
Lions Roaring: At night male Lions roar to advertise their presence to would be interlopers, be they nomads passing through or the neighbouring pride hoping to extend their territory. These roars send the message that all is well with the pride and that the males are still active and ready to defend their domain. The thinner night air enables these roars to be carried over several kilometres.
Leopards Sawing/ Coughing: Leopards are solitary, and their distinctive call, which sounds like a cross between sawing wood and a hoarse cough, is used to advertise their presence. Being solitary, Leopards are constantly messaging other Leopards as to their whereabouts, for the purpose of avoiding each other. Females also call when in oestrus and seeking a mate to breed with.
Hyenas Whooping or Cackling: The Hyena tends to forage at night either individually or as a small group of a few individuals. They tend to whoop, keeping in touch with the rest of their clan, and sometimes you may hear a burst of maniac cackling. This happens when Hyenas come across strange individuals from another clan encroaching in their territory, or a large kill made by other predators. The cackling may intimidate the other predator into abandoning their prize.
Impalas Snorting and Kudu, Nyala and Bushbuck Alarm Barking: These animals upon sensing the presence or seeing predators, will emit snorting (Impala) or bark-like alarm calls. This reaction serves the purpose of alerting other members of their herd, intimidating the predator or letting it know that it has been seen and that it is pointless to try and catch alert prey.
The Wildlife Experience at Lion Sands
Being privately owned, safaris are not restricted to specific times and routes. Open vehicles are able to traverse off road and into the dense bush, tracking animals in their natural habitat. The Sand River flows through the reserve for 50km (31 miles) from north west to south east, while the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary. Because of these continuous water sources, the area enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations in Africa. Over two hundred different species live in abundance, and the dynamic bird life will appeal to both seasoned “twitchers” and amateur enthusiasts alike.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is renowned for the quality of its leopard viewing (the most elusive of predators). Visitors will also be treated to close contact sightings with elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species.
The Sabi Sand Reserve Animal and Plant Check-list would feature no less than 145 mammal species, 500 bird species, 110 reptile species, 30 amphibian species, 330 tree species and 45 fish species. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Lion Sands River Lodge are located within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Both enjoy optimal Sabie River frontage, but each is unique in respect of style and ambience. Chalkley’s Treehouse, the original Lion Sands Tree-house, was the first of these lavish open-air bedrooms to be built in the Sabi Sand Reserve.
The Kingston Treehouse, a glass enclosed structure in its own unique location among the rocks, is the second of the Lion Sands Treehouses to be built in the Sabi Sand Reserve.
