Along the banks of the Sabie River, Lion Sands Narina Lodge offers a front row seat to one of South Africa’s most legendary wilderness areas—Sabi Sands—famous for its frequent sightings of the Big Five safari animals. The three nights I spent at Lion Sands Narina in March were nothing short of extraordinary. The end of summer brought warm humid afternoons with bouts of rain that added to the mystical element of the bush and we were fortunate enough to encounter all the Big Five—elephants, cape buffalo, lions, and the elusive leopard.
Lion Sands Game Reserve is a private concession located within the iconic Sabi Sand Private Reserve. Bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands is world-famous for its dense leopard population, Big Five sightings, and upscale safari lodges. What makes Lion Sands Narina, and the other three Lion Sands lodges, so unique is their location. The Lion Sands Game Reserve borders by not one, but two rivers—the Sabie River and the Sand River. The abundance of water attracts a plethora of wildlife. Coupled with a truly luxury experience, Lion Sands Narina fits beautifully into this celebrated and wild landscape.
Planning a safari to South Africa? Make sure to read 9 Tips for Planning a Safari to Kruger National Park. This article features a map to help visualize the immense size of Kruger. Note the convenient location of Lion Sands Narina, just 25 minutes from the Skukuza Airport.
Game Drives & Spotting the Big Five
Twice per day—at sunrise and again in the late afternoon—we set out on game drives in search of animals big and small. Our guide provided the perfect amount of witty banter and knowledge, as the tracker expertly followed footprints. Each drive included a stop, allowing us to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery as we sipped our morning coffee and evening sundowners.
Of the Big Five, elephants and Cape buffalo are common and often easy to spot around Kruger. Rhinos, increasingly rare as a result of poaching, are less abundant. I was stunned on our first morning drive at seeing one of these magnificent creatures. Later that evening after the sun set, we encountered a group of lionesses that walked right past our vehicle. I held my breath, caught between awe and fear. On another drive, we came across a mother lion and her two tiny cubs taking refuge from the heat.
Although this part of Kruger is known for its leopard population, sightings are never a guarantee. After two full days of game drives, we had yet to spot the elusive cat. On our final afternoon drive, the rain began to fall and our tracker came across fresh leopard tracks. After patiently searching and following its footprints, a large male, confident and unhurried, strolled out of the grass and down the sandy path. We marveled at his presence. As he disappeared into the rainy bush, I felt humbled to witness a small part of the wild world he calls home—an unforgettable moment that captured the magic of Kruger.
The Lodge & Suites
Between game drives, the lodge serves as a peaceful retreat immersed in nature. Raised wooden walkways connect the main lodge to the individual accommodations. With only nine suites, Narina provides a truly intimate experience. The sprawling suites feature private plunge pools, a living space with a sitting area, and a spacious bathroom—all overlooking the Sabi River. The rooms have air conditioning, which is not always a given in the bush. Thoughtful touches, like the welcome message laid out on the bed with personalized reusable water bottles, made our stay warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived.
At Lion Sands Narina, the amenities elevate the experience. Beyond the suites, the lodge offers a comfortable spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and a creative lab where you can rent camera equipment to capture your experience. The dining was delicious, and we enjoyed chatting with fellow travelers over dinner after returning from our afternoon drive. After dinner, an escort with a flashlight accompanied us to our room, keeping watch for leopards that like to roam at night.
Easy Access for a Remote Escape
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, Lion Sands Narina is remarkably accessible. Kruger National Park and its adjoining private reserves, cover an enormous space of over 7500 sq miles. Just three small airports serve the park with regular flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town. However, reaching lodges in deep within the park often still requires long transfer drives or small bush planes. One of the small commercial airstrips, Skukuza Airport, is located just within Kruger National Park and a short drive from Lion Sands Narina. The proximity eliminates the need for arranging complicated logistics and makes it easy to transition from other locations within South Africa to Kruger. At the end of our stay we hopped in a game drive vehicle and made our way through the bush to the Skukuza airport, still on the lookout for wildlife until the very end.
