Nestled in a national park, Lion Sands River Lodge offers an unforgettable experience with aromatherapy and massages at the onsite Africology Wellness spa. Enjoy English breakfast, game viewing, hiking/biking activities or relax by one of two outdoor pools. The helpful staff has left a lasting impression on previous guests.
Kudyela Restaurant Protea Hotel Kruger Lodge - 64 min drive
About this property
Lion Sands River Lodge
Enjoy your visit to Skukuza with a stay at Lion Sands River Lodge. You can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, facials, or aromatherapy, and Boma Dinner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include 2 outdoor pools, a free airport shuttle, and a bar/lounge.
All inclusive
This hotel is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).
Gratuities and taxes
Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.
Food and beverages
All meals, snacks, and select beverages included
Basic alcoholic beverages included
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
26 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport; to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Children (9 years old and younger) not allowed
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite valet parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
Transfers
Free airport shuttle from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM*
Other information
Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free English breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–11:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Coffee/tea in a common area
24-hour room service
Water dispenser
What to do
Hiking/biking trails
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Golfing nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Rooftop garden
Garden
Terrace
Fireplace in lobby
Television in common areas
Mosquito nets
Fitness center
2 outdoor pools
Full-service spa
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian dining options
Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
Local artist showcase
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
Local culture & ecosystem education
100% renewable energy
Double-glazed windows
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
No plastic soda bottles
Water dispenser
Reception hall
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Bathrobes and slippers
Sleep well
Turndown service
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Patio
Individually furnished
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Separate bathtub and shower
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Food and drink
Free bottled water
Reusable coffee/tea filters
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Eco-friendly toiletries
Energy-saving switches
LED light bulbs
Composting
Recycling
Water-efficient showers only
Special features
Spa
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, Africology Wellness. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. Guests under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa.
Dining
Boma Dinner - This buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Destination fee: ZAR 160 per person, per stay. This fee does not apply to children under 2 years of age.
Resort fee: ZAR 573.99 per person, per night
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Guests under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
Lion River Lodge
Lion Sands Lodge
Lion Sands River
Lion Sands River Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Sabi Sand All-inclusive property Kruger National Park
Lion Sands River Lodge Kruger National Park
River Lodge Lion Sands
Lion Sands River Lodge South Africa/Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Lion Sands Sabi Sand Resort
Lion Sands Sabi Sand Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands River Hotel Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Tinga
Lion Sands Tinga Kruger National Park
Lion Sands River Lodge Kruger National Park
All-inclusive property Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands River Lodge
All-inclusive property Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Tinga Kruger National Park
Lion Sands Tinga
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands River Lodge
All Inclusive Lion Sands Tinga
Lion Sands River Lodge All-inclusive property
Lion Sands Sabi Sand
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Lion Sands River All Inclusive
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, there are 2 outdoor pools.
Are pets allowed at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, there's free self and valet parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, a free airport shuttle is available from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on request.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Lion Sands River Lodge?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
What is there to do at Lion Sands River Lodge and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as hiking. Additional recreation onsite includes game viewing, a wildlife and game drive, and a safari. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. Lion Sands River Lodge also has a fitness center and spa services, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Lion Sands River Lodge?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, Boma Dinner.
Does Lion Sands River Lodge have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a patio.
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Lion Sands River Lodge Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.6/10
Amenities
9.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 25, 2025
The whole trip was like a dream. We saw all of the big 5. The service was outstanding.
Natalie
Natalie, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 9, 2024
We would definitely recommend Lion Sand’s River Lodge! We came here for our honeymoon and this was the most special holiday of our lives. We stayed in the River Suite, which was beautiful, as was the rest of the hotel. The service was fantastic - every member of staff (whether that be in the restaurant, behind the bar, cleaning staff, reception, etc) were incredibly kind, chatty and attentive. The food during our stay was excellent. The highlight of this trip was certainly the game drives. We had Jason (field guide) and Abraham (tracker) and both guys were incredibly knowledgeable, skilled and just very nice people - we really hope that our paths cross again some day! We have been given memories that will last a life time!
Josh & Jennifer
Joshua
Joshua, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 24, 2025
Laura
Laura, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 11, 2025
simon
simon, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 28, 2024
Verified traveler
3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 13, 2024
Miki
Miki, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 30, 2022
David
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 4, 2021
La magie de l’Afrique
Sejour agréable.
Rangers au top. Merci Lucia pour ta bonne humeur durant le séjour.
Les personnes qui étaient avec nous pour les safaris étaient très sympathiques.
Nous avons eu un problème avec la compagnie aérienne et toute l’équipe était présente pour nous accompagner pour trouver une solution.
L’endroit est magique. Nous avons pu voir des lions, buffles et éléphants du lodge
Charif
Charif, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 16, 2019
Verified traveler
3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 13, 2019
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 19, 2019
The Place to Stay for Safari!
Incredible! This is the place to stay when going on safari. My wife loved the spa and the staff really pampers you!
James
James, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 14, 2019
Amazing place with super friendly staff and guests.
Sylvia
Sylvia, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 26, 2019
Very friendly staff and top notch room quality. Wildlife wonders right up to your porch!
Verified traveler
3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2019
Verified traveler
4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 13, 2019
Amazing, special place. One of my favorite spots in the world.
CY
CY, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 8, 2018
Come for the safari but enjoy the location!
The main reason to stay here is of course the safari drives, and these were exceptional. it seemed like every drive we saw something amazing. The rooms are well appointed and the staff do a great job with keeping everything in good order. Food was of good quality and staff are friendly. The pool area is wonderful to relax in; we saw elephants from it!
Ben
Ben, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 23, 2018
Great service, great people.
Great service.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 20, 2018
Verified traveler
2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 26, 2018
Hotel maravilhoso
O hotel é fantástico , os funcionários excelentes , atenção total com os hóspedes . O problema ficou por conta do local , nessa reserva Sabi Sabi não conseguimos ver nenhum Leão , participamos de 5 safaris . Vimos todos os outros animais , os guias são muito atenciosos e parecem empenhados em encontrar os animais mas me arrependi de ter ficado só nesta reserva pq o custo é alto para não conseguir ver os BIG 5 . Até a quantidade de girafas e zebras achei pequena . As acomodações são inesquecíveis, a casa é muito bem decorada e confortável . Para quem as acomodações é o mais importante este é o hotel indicado !
Marcia
Marcia, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 7, 2018
Amazing place in sabi sands reserve
Just returned from three magical days at the Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sands reserve at Kruger Park
Super luxury suites with private pools and decks to watch game in river, we saw elephants and rhinos. Had a semi private butler at meals and the wine sommelier, Reggie, laid out the good stuff for us. Saw lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos and lots of others. Lion Sands set the standard for the private Sabi Sands lodges. Their River Lodge property is next door and offes same game drives at slightly less indulgence
Michael
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
Sep 25, 2017
SATORU
SATORU, 2-night trip
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 27, 2016
Beyond Amazing
The staff, super friendly and were happy to go out of there way and listen to your personal preference to make you stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Cleanliness 110%
Completely worth the price you pay!
Luxury lodges
Great food
the game drives were beyond expectations
Could not have asked for a better experience!
Hope to return in the near future
Natasha
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 31, 2016
Verified traveler
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 15, 2016
I can't say enough about this place. It was a memorable experience. Our only regret was not staying longer. The game drives, ranger, tracker, butler, house keeping, lodge staff, room, ambiance were all spectacular! Looking forward to a repeat visit.
Vanessa
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.