About This Property
River Lodge is the original and most established property in the Lion Sands portfolio, set on the banks of the Sabie River in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. With eighteen luxury rooms split between superior and river-facing categories, it offers the quintessential Sabi Sand experience at a more accessible price point than its ultra-premium siblings.
The lodge has been welcoming guests for decades, and the combination of experienced guides, prime riverfront location, and the Sabi Sand's legendary wildlife viewing has earned it a loyal following. The main lodge area features a spacious deck overlooking the river — a prime spot for watching elephants, hippos, and waterbirds from the comfort of a daybed.
Lion Sands holds traversing rights across a vast area of the Sabi Sand, and with strict vehicle limits, every game drive feels exclusive. Leopard sightings are a speciality — the reserve supports one of the highest leopard densities in Africa.
Why We Love It
River Lodge is the accessible gateway to the Lion Sands experience — and it doesn't compromise. The riverfront location is magical (elephants regularly cross the river in front of the main deck), the guides are among the best in the Sabi Sand, and the famous treehouse sleep-outs are available to all guests. It's premium safari without the ultra-premium price tag.
Rooms & Details
18 luxury rooms: superior rooms with king-size beds and garden views; river-facing rooms with Sabie River views. All with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, minibar, safe, and private deck.
Amenities & Features
Cancellation Policy
30+ days: full refund. 14-30 days: 50%. Under 14 days: full charge.
Rates
Prices start from $550 per night. Final pricing depends on season, room type, and availability. Check current rates on our booking partner's site for the most accurate pricing.
Per person sharing. Single supplement 50%. Children 10+ welcome.
What's Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
- Morning game drive
- Afternoon game drive
- Bush walk
- Treehouse sleep-out
- Stargazing
All meals, house beverages, two daily game drives, bush walks, and laundry included. Treehouse sleep-out at additional cost.
Location
How to Get There
Road transfer from KMIA approximately 90 minutes, or fly to Skukuza Airport (30 minutes transfer). Charter flights to Lion Sands airstrip available.
Nearby Attractions
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Sabie River
Things to Do
Book the treehouse sleep-out — an open-air platform in the bush where you sleep under the stars with nothing between you and the African sky. It's Lion Sands' signature experience.
Good to Know
Malaria area. Pack warm layers for winter mornings. The lodge's riverfront location means excellent birdwatching even from the main deck.
Who It's For
Couples, families with older children, safari enthusiasts seeking excellent game viewing at a more accessible price point.
Best Time to Visit
May to September for dry season. October for spring wildlife and wildflowers.
