Lion Sands, River Lodge ~
South Africa

“What a great way to spend a weekend.

Overnight flying 10hrs on BA with only one hour time difference yet a whole other world at the end of your journey. We flew in via Johannesburg and transited with a personal welcoming transit guide to lead us to the domestic terminal for a 30 minute flight by small jet to Skukuza.

We travelled in November so it was 20 to 22°C daytime, so lovely and balmy in comparison to a wet and windy Petersfield.

Karen is into photography in a big way, so a long Safari weekend is an ideal five nights away, taking us out on the Wednesday evening with Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights at the lodge and Sunday overnight arriving home by 04:30 and back at work Monday morning.

On the three days we were there, we had six drives, one early morning and one early evening with plenty to do in between although we pretty much rested. Relaxing, eating and meeting other Safari guests with plenty of stories of game seen and experiences enjoyed.

We stayed at the wonderfully appointed Lion Sands resort in Sabi Sands. The two Lion Sands Lodges are the River Lodge and Ivory Lodge. We stayed at River Lodge, on the riverbanks of the river and a slightly larger property, although we could’ve chosen the more exclusive and intimate Ivory Lodge but it really wasn’t necessary.

The MORE family own and manage what was originally a farm, they created a private Safari Park in the 1930s and are now dedicated conservationists, Safari hosts, and are one of the best reputed family businesses in the Country, the accommodation was perfect. The More family direct much of the safari lodges’ revenue to managing conservation projects, the wildlife and husbandry of the greater park area whilst sponsoring, employing and educating local community people and projects.

River Lodge comprises of 14 individual lodges some with plunge pools, The main buildings include the restaurant, bar, shop, the Boma, decking, lounging and outdoor views. There’s no shortage of space, resting areas with river views and open fires all around.

Ivory Lodge is slightly smaller but more exclusive with a private butler service, private game drives, themed rooms, plunge pool family rooms. You can also book exclusive use of the whole nine Lodge property for a party or a large multi generational family group, or even a corporate event.

Overlooking Sabi Sands river we witnessed Hippo in the morning and Wildebeest and Elephant in the afternoon, on the other side of Sabi Sands is the Kruger National Park which is a public park compared to Sabi, which is a private conservation property.

Lion Sands is up there with the best of the best. With a natural and comfortable environment and beautiful buildings that blend into the surroundings, not forgetting plenty of glass windows to always have a view in every direction.  It has a luscious blend of forestry and open savannah which is great for the animals giving them plenty of space to hide. With this being said, expert trackers are vital and it does mean that you do go off-road a lot, so if you like off-road driving, this is also a great experience and a lovely holiday, in addition to the sights to be seen.  

All the big five were here and with so much to see there was never a dull moment, it was an educational experience being with such highly experienced guides. Lion Sands provide a guide, a tracker and a spotter on each brand-new open Toyota Safari truck of which there were six.  There’s such extra attention to detail that you wouldn’t expect but come with great pleasure.

We did go off the beaten track and had the chance to venture on foot to walk back to the lodge at one point and did a slight detour to get up and close and personal with a family of Hippo wallowing in the river. Such an incredible experience. 

Safety is a big deal here, but this is as much to protect the animals in the environment as it is the guest, with good briefings given and good local knowledge shared helping you feel a part of the environment. Local villages rely on the employment at the parks to keep away from the temptation of poaching, and local wildlife relies on tourism for investment protection and breeding programs.

A happy staff says a lot about a good company and every single member of staff had a smile on their face, exactly the way it should be. Be careful if you choose Lion Sands as your first Safari as it may ruin you to expect this quality everywhere else.

Karen’s photographs are the stuff of legend and we have returned with the most amazing footage.

What a wonderful and extravagant way to fill a weekend.“ ~ James