Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa | Lion Sands Game Reserve

Introduction and Location

There’s a moment at Lion Sands when time seems to pause—when the golden light of sunset gilds the Sabie River, and a herd of elephants crosses silently just meters from your private deck. This is the magic of one of South Africa’s most celebrated luxury safari lodges, where four generations of the More Family have perfected the art of wilderness hospitality since 1933.

The story of Lion Sands' luxury lodges begins in 1933, when the More family first acquired land along the Sabie River, establishing what would become one of South Africa's most revered safari dynasties. What began as a modest private retreat evolved over four generations into an award-winning collection of lodges, each reflecting the family's deep connection to the land and commitment to conservation.

The original Lion Sands River Lodge (now replaced by its more contemporary successors) was among the first to pioneer the concept of luxury safaris in South Africa during the 1960s, when international travelers were just discovering the magic of African wildlife tourism. The family's innovative approach - blending five-star comfort with authentic wilderness experiences - set new standards that would influence safari hospitality across the continent.

In the 1990s, as ecotourism gained global recognition, the Mores made the visionary decision to expand across the Sabie River into Kruger National Park, creating Tinga Lodge. This groundbreaking move secured exclusive traversing rights in prime Kruger territory, offering guests access to areas few visitors ever see. The family's Tinga Narina and Legends Villas became the first truly luxury accommodations within Kruger itself, setting benchmarks for park concessions worldwide.

The turn of the millennium saw the debut of Ivory Lodge, a radical departure from traditional safari design. Inspired by contemporary African architecture, its glass-walled suites represented a bold new vision for high-end safaris to South Africa, proving that modern aesthetics could coexist harmoniously with wilderness preservation.

Most recently, the family introduced Tinyeleti Treehouse and expanded their iconic treehouse collection, drawing on eight decades of safari expertise to create structures that float between earth and sky. These innovations continue the family tradition of pushing boundaries while honoring their conservation ethos - every lodge is built using sustainable methods and materials native to the region.

Today, what makes Lion Sands truly unique among luxury safari lodges in South Africa is this living heritage. From the antique maps in Tinga's library (showing the family's original land holdings) to the fourth-generation guides who share stories passed down through decades, the lodges remain infused with the spirit of the pioneers who first recognized the magic of this stretch of riverine wilderness.

Spanning both the Sabi Sand Reserve and Kruger National Park, Lion Sands offers exclusive access to some of Africa’s richest wildlife territories. Its unique position along the perennial Sabie River creates a lifeline for animals year-round, ensuring extraordinary game viewing that cements its status among the top safaris to South Africa.

lions crossing the bridge with safari vehicle behind at Lion Sands Game Reserve

Habitat and Wildlife: A Biodiverse Wonderland

Located along the life-giving Sabie River, Lion Sands Game Reserve boasts a remarkably diverse ecosystem that supports Africa’s most iconic wildlife. The reserve offers a unique blend of habitats from dense riverine forests to open savannas and acacia woodlands. This variety creates an ideal environment for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), with Lion Sands particularly famous for its exceptional leopard sightings—some of the most reliable in Africa due to the area’s healthy population and expert tracking guides.

The Sabie River acts as a magnet for wildlife, drawing large herds of elephants, hippos, and Nile crocodiles, while the surrounding woodlands shelter rare species like wild dogs, cheetahs, and the elusive pangolin. Over 450 bird species fill the skies, from the iconic fish eagle with its haunting cry to vibrant lilac-breasted rollers and ground hornbills. Seasonal changes bring different wonders: dry winter months (May–September) concentrate animals around water sources, while lush summer (November–March) transforms the landscape into a birder’s paradise with migratory arrivals.

Lion Sands’ private concession areas allow for off-road driving and night safaris, revealing nocturnal wonders like genets, civets, and bushbabies. The reserve’s commitment to conservation, including rhino protection and habitat restoration, ensures that every safari here supports the preservation of this extraordinary wilderness.

The vital water source of the Sabie River transforms the reserve into a stage for Africa’s greatest wildlife dramas:

✦ Big Five Encounters: The reserve boasts one of the highest leopard densities on the continent, alongside regular sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, and both black and white rhino.
✦ Avian Spectacles: Over 450 bird species fill the riverine forests, from the iconic fish eagle’s cry to the jewel-like malachite kingfisher.
✦ Nocturnal Wonders: Night drives reveal bushbabies, genets, and the rare pangolin—one of Africa’s most elusive creatures.

Unlike busier national parks, Lion Sands’ private concession areas allow off-road tracking and night drives, offering intimate wildlife experiences that define luxury safaris to Africa.

bathroom view with splash pool and deck at Lion Sands Game reserve River Lodge

Accommodation: Four Distinct Wilderness Sanctuaries

At Lion Sands, where the whispers of the Sabie River mingle with the calls of fish eagles, your sanctuary awaits. Each of the reserve’s six exclusive lodges and residences offers a masterclass in safari elegance, blending avant-garde design with an intimate connection to the wilderness. These aren’t simply places to sleep – they’re carefully composed experiences that redefine luxury safari lodges in South Africa. The More Family's eight decades of safari expertise shine through in every carefully considered detail, from the placement of each suite to the selection of indigenous materials that blur the boundaries between indoors and out.

1. River Lodge: The Vibrant Heart of Lion Sands

exterior view of river lodge at sunset by Lion Sand Game Reserve

Perched where the riverbank gives way to ancient leadwood trees, River Lodge pulses with the energy of the bush. Eight thatched suites with private decks hover above the water, where elephants often come to drink at golden hour. The lodge’s social spaces – a sunken fire pit, cigar lounge, and rim-flow pool overlooking a busy waterhole – foster camaraderie among travelers swapping safari stories.

What sets River Lodge apart is its "Riverbed Experience", where guests dine on a platform literally in the Sabie River (when water levels permit), surrounded by flickering lanterns as hippos grunt in the darkness. Families adore the interconnected suites and dedicated children’s program, while the open-air boma hosts vibrant evenings of traditional Shangaan storytelling.

2. Narina Lodge: A Symphony in Wood and Water

splash pool on deck at sunset by Nerina Lodge Lion Sands Game Reserve

Named for the elusive Narina trogon bird, this nine-suite sanctuary disappears into the riverine forest like a whispered secret. Elevated walkways connect airy treehouse-style suites where glass walls dissolve boundaries between indoors and out. The bathrooms become natural observatories – freestanding tubs sit beneath skylights perfect for stargazing, while outdoor showers let you wash surrounded by the scent of wild sage.

Narina’s pièce de résistance? The "Birdhide Breakfast", where guests are escorted to a concealed blind at dawn to enjoy champagne and eggs Benedict while rare birds flit through the canopy mere feet away. It’s this fusion of wilderness access with impeccable service that makes it a standout among luxury safaris to Southern Africa.

Key features include:
✳️Bedrooms wrapped in floor-to-ceiling gauze for 360° forest views
✳️Open-air bathrooms with deep soaking tubs under the stars
✳️Private viewing decks with daybeds for afternoon siestas
✳️Glass-walled showers with uninterrupted wilderness vistas

The lodge's central area features a dramatic suspended fireplace and a wine bar stocked with rare South African vintages. At night, the pathways glow with subtle lighting, creating an enchanted forest atmosphere.

3. Tinga Lodge: Kruger’s Best-Kept Secret

Step into the golden age of safari romance, reimagined for the modern explorer. Nine riverfront suites blend nostalgic charm with contemporary luxury, where the spirit of early wilderness pioneers meets indulgent comfort.

Perched majestically above the Sabie River's banks, these exclusive sanctuaries command breathtaking views of nature's daily theater. Watch from your private deck as towering giraffes silhouette against the sunset, elephants trumpet their way to the water's edge, or graceful nyala emerge like shadows from the riverine thickets.

Wander along elevated wooden walkways that weave through ancient trees, connecting you to the lodge's beating heart - where the spa's tranquil treatments, the inviting pool, and the crackling boma fire await. These shared spaces invite both lively storytelling over sundowner cocktails and quiet moments of solitary reflection.

Your personal oasis features:
✳️A secluded plunge pool that mirrors the river's shimmering surface
✳️Spacious decks designed for uninterrupted wildlife viewing
✳️An immersive connection to the wilderness that surrounds you

Here, the boundary between luxury accommodation and untamed nature dissolves completely. Fall asleep to the symphony of the African night and wake to birdsong echoing across the water - this is safari living at its most authentic and refined.

Here you will also find Hinkwenu Residence: Ultimate Privacy on the River

This secluded two-bedroom haven offers one of Africa's most privileged safari experiences, set within one of only seven private concessions in the entire park.

Designed for families or small groups seeking both privacy and adventure, the residence blends bushveld charm with refined comfort. Wake to birdsong in spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, where outdoor showers let you bathe under the African sky. The sun-dappled lounge and pool deck become your private observation points, where elephants often wander past to drink from the Sabie River just beyond your doorstep.

What truly sets Hinkwenu apart is your dedicated safari team - from a private chef crafting bush-to-table meals to an expert guide and tracker ensuring extraordinary wildlife encounters tailored just for you. With every detail handled, you're free to immerse yourself in what matters most: sharing fireside stories, spotting lions on your private game drives, and creating unforgettable moments together in the wild.

This isn't just accommodation - it's your personal gateway to Kruger's most exclusive wilderness, where luxury and adventure meet in perfect harmony.

Unique among safari residences, Hinkwenu features a professional-grade wildlife observatory on its upper deck – complete with high-powered Swarovski optics and a reference library for identifying species. The "Bush Butler Service" means your morning coffee arrives alongside a note detailing overnight wildlife activity at your private waterhole.

The Tinga experience is particularly prized for its exclusive Kruger traversing rights, allowing game drives in areas inaccessible to most visitors.

4. Ivory Lodge: Contemporary Safari Chic

view of entrance at night by Ivory Lodge Lion Sands Game Reserve

As the flagship property, Ivory Lodge redefines what luxury safari lodges in South Africa can be. Eight vast suites appear to float above the Sabie River floodplain, their clean lines and glass walls creating a seamless visual connection with the wilderness.

Each suite is a private sanctuary featuring:
✳️Expansive living spaces with curated African art collections
✳️Glass-fronted bedrooms that transform into wildlife observatories
✳️Private plunge pools seemingly merging with the river beyond
✳️Outdoor showers open to the vast African sky
✳️Personal butlers anticipating every need

The lodge's common areas are architectural masterpieces, including a suspended walkway to a riverside deck where elephants often drink at dusk. The wine cellar, dug deep into the earth, hosts intimate tastings of rare South African vintages beneath a canopy of flickering candles.

The lodge’s "Chef’s Table in the Vault" epitomizes its innovative spirit. Guests descend into an underground wine cellar where the chef prepares an intimate tasting menu paired with rare vintages from the reserve’s 5,000-bottle collection. For wellness seekers, the spa’s "Rhino Relaxation Massage" uses warm river stones and marula oil in a treatment room cantilevered over the river.

Situated on the same property you will also find Fish Eagle Residence: Your Ultimate Private Safari Retreat

Commanding an exclusive riverfront position along the Sabie River, this lavish 2 bedroom (6 pax max) private residence offers front-row access to nature's most captivating performances. Watch from your private deck as elephants trumpet their arrival at the water's edge, leopards slink through the riverine forest, and hippos bask in the golden afternoon light—all from the comfort of your own bushveld sanctuary.

Designed for seamless wilderness living, Fish Eagle Residence features:

✳️Private air access with a dedicated airstrip and entrance, includes a private safari vehicle.
✳️Exclusive game drive departure points—your safari begins the moment you step outside
✳️A 10-meter lap pool that mirrors the river's shimmering surface
✳️Private spa and fitness center for indulgent treatments between adventures
✳️Private residence chef to cater for your culinary needs

Here, time bends to your will. Spend languid afternoons tracking wildlife on guided bush walks, gather for multi-generational feasts prepared by your private chef in the sunlit lounge, or simply lose yourself in the hypnotic rhythm of the bush from your expansive viewing deck. More than a luxury residence, this is your private portal to Africa's wild soul—where every comfort is perfected, every adventure is personalized, and every memory is exclusively yours.

Beyond the Ordinary: Signature Treehouse Accommodation Experiences

Sleep Under the African Stars

At Lion Sands, the treehouse experience redefines what it means to connect with the wilderness. These architectural marvels—Chalkley Treehouse, Kingston Treehouse, and Tinyeleti Treehouse—offer intrepid guests the chance to spend a night suspended between earth and sky, immersed in the untamed heartbeat of the African bush.

view of Chalkey Treehouse at night by Lion Sands Game Reserve

Chalkley Treehouse: The Pioneer
Perched atop a centuries-old leadwood tree, this iconic treehouse honors the legacy of 1930s safari explorers. This facility is available for guests staying at Ivory Lodge and River Lodge.

💠The Setting: 5 meters above ground in a private corner of the reserve
💠By Day: A viewing deck with 360-degree wilderness panoramas
💠By Night: A king-size bed rolls out under a blanket of stars, with only mosquito netting separating you from the sounds of prowling leopards and hyena whoops
💠Unique Feature: The "Bush Butler" delivers a gourmet picnic basket and champagne at sunset

view of Kingston Treehouse at night by by Lion Sands Game Reserve

Kingston Treehouse: Luxury in the Canopy
A more refined take on the adventure, named after the reserve's legendary leopard. It's design consist of sustainable meranti wood construction blending seamlessly into a jackalberry tree, this is the most luxurious (and weatherproof) of the three Treehouses. This treehouse is available for guests staying at Ivory Lodge and River Lodge.

💠A copper bathtub on the deck for starlit soaks
💠Binoculars and wildlife reference guides provided
💠Solar-powered charging stations for cameras
💠Night Magic: Motion-sensitive lighting reveals nocturnal visitors like genets and bushbabies

view of Tinyeleti Reehouse at Lion Sands Game Reserve

Tinyeleti Treehouse: Romantic Seclusion
Meaning "Place of Many Stars" in Shangaan, this is the most exclusive of the trio. It is located deep in a riverine forest, accessible only by guided walk at dusk. Available for guests of Tinga Lodge and Narina Lodge.

💠A four-pos bed on a cantilevered platform over a dry riverbed
💠Night vision cameras stream wildlife activity to your bedside tablet
💠Morning coffee arrives via zipline at your requested wake-up time

Why Sleep in a Treehouse?

Unfiltered Nature: 78% of guests report hearing lions roar during their stay
Celestial Spectacle: With zero light pollution, the Milky Way becomes your canopy
Rare Wildlife: 63% of treehouse guests spot species rarely seen on drives (like porcupines or aardvarks)
Conservation Contribution: 15% of treehouse revenue funds anti-poaching units
Secrets Tip: Book the treehouse for your final night—it crystallizes every safari memory into one unforgettable crescendo.

The meticulous attention to detail ensures Lion Sands remains peerless among luxury safaris to Southern Africa, where every moment - from your morning coffee delivered as giraffes stroll past, to your evening bath drawn as the fireflies emerge - becomes a treasured memory.

Signature Experiences: Beyond Ordinary Safaris

What elevates Lion Sands among the best safari destinations are its unparalleled activities:

❖ Photographic Safaris: Expert guides help capture award-worthy shots from customized safari vehicles with swivel seats and camera mounts.
❖ River Safaris: Unique to Lion Sands, these guided explorations along the Sabie reveal aquatic wildlife and riverside predators.
❖ Bush Dinners: Dine under ancient jackalberry trees as lanterns flicker and the night chorus of frogs and owls provides nature’s soundtrack.

Why Lion Sands Stands Apart
♦ Multi-Generational Expertise: The More Family’s 80+ years of safari experience shines in every detail, from wildlife knowledge to wine selections.
♦ Exclusive Access: Private traversing rights across 10,500 hectares ensure uncrowded game viewing.
♦ Conservation Leadership: Their Rhino Protection Program and anti-poaching initiatives set industry standards.
♦ Award-Winning Design: Architectural Digest has featured their lodges for blending cutting-edge design with environmental sensitivity.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time: May-September (dry season) for optimal game viewing; November-March for lush landscapes and newborn animals.
Getting There: Fly directly to Skukuza Airport (45-minute transfer) or via Kruger Mpumalanga (2.5-hour scenic drive).
Ideal Stay: 3-4 nights to fully immerse in the Southern African luxury safaris experience.