About
Within the wider Kruger National Park, Lion Sands is a private concession containing just nine small individual suites spread out along the Sabie River. On the southern flank, tranquil Tinga appeals with a five-star line up: with private plunge-pool suites, excellent food, superb service, a gorgeous setting and safaris which practically guarantee the Big Five, plus a glut of other animals.
Accommodation
All large in size, those nine suites are spaced along the Sabie to provide perfect privacy and captivating, animal-rich views – particularly from their private decks and heated plunge pools. Inside, more opulence awaits: king-size beds surrounded by mosquito nets, bathtubs facing the water and attractive sitting areas. Two of the suites can accommodate a child sharing with their parents.
Facilities
The main lodge’s style is a mixture of classic safari-era and contemporary: high thatched ceilings, art curios and animal antler trophies, but with dark, lacquered wood and lots of space. Its comfy fireside lounge opens out onto a wooden deck shaped around an enormous jackalberry tree, and a larger pool: both face the Sabie, and afford regular animal sightings. Even nearer the river, a traditional open-air boma is also used for modern gourmet dinners with fine wines.
Activities
Spend daybreak and dusk enjoying expertly-delivered game drives. In between, embark on interpretative game walks with experienced rangers and trackers, or take a devoted hippo tour. Those are included in the board, along with astronomy lessons. Hot-air ballooning and helicopter rides cost extra. Also additional are over night stays in nearby Tinyeleti Treehouse – a stilted four-person bedroom where an evening under the stars can be experienced with luxurious surrounds.
Child Policy
Children aged 10 and over can share with their parents, with tailored family programmes available – tracking animals via spoor identification, bush survival and treasure hunts. Babysitting costs extra.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
