Game ReserveBig Five
Lion Sands Game Reserve
South Africa 120 km² (46 mi²) Est. 1933
About Lion Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands Game Reserve is a family-owned concession within the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, renowned for its innovative Treehouses — open-air sleeping platforms elevated in the canopy where guests spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the African bush with nothing between them and the stars.
With traversing rights across 12,000 hectares of prime Sabi Sand bushveld along the Sabie River, Lion Sands offers the world-class Big Five game viewing that defines this iconic reserve. The Sabie River frontage is one of the most productive wildlife corridors in the Sabi Sand, attracting leopards, elephants, and buffalo. The reserve operates multiple lodges from the classic River Lodge to the ultra-luxury 1933 Lodge, plus three standalone treehouses.
0
Safari Tours
4.2
Avg Rating
5/5
Big Five
93
Years Protected
Highlights
- Iconic Treehouses — sleep under the stars in the bush canopy
- Sabie River frontage attracts exceptional wildlife
- Family-owned since 1933 — deep bush heritage
- Lodges from classic to ultra-luxury
- Traversing across 12,000 hectares of prime Sabi Sand
Considerations
- Premium Sabi Sand pricing
- Treehouses fully exposed to weather and insects
- Malaria area
- Popular treehouses book out far in advance
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
common
🐆
Leopard
common
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
common
Notable Species
Lion
Common
Leopard
Common
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
White Rhino
Common
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Common
Impala
Common
Hyena
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Lion Sands is accessed via Skukuza Airport within Kruger or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, with road transfers arranged by the lodge. By road approximately 500 km (5.5 hours) from Johannesburg.
Nearest Airport
Skukuza Airport (SZK)
Nearest City
Hazyview
Drive Time
5.5 hours