Lion Sands’ Narina Lodge has a wonderful sense of remoteness and peace within the world renowned Kruger National Park. When you’re right on the Sabie River, watching the animals, surrounded by bush and sky, you really feel like you’ve escaped from the world. With 5 000ha of wilderness in this private concession, you can go exploring off-road on game drives. Follow in the footsteps of a leopard, or track down a herd of elephant on foot. Or simply wait for them to come to you.
The suites at Narina Lodge link to a spa sala and intimate lodge via elevated walkways. This shared space is enhanced by natural decor and open design, extending out to generously furnished decks. From here, there are views of animals feeding on the opposite bank. And you can engage in the social chatter this inevitably stirs or meditate on the rustle of the leaves.
Its 9 x luxury air-conditioned suites perch on stilts among 100-year-old trees along the Sabie River. The Suites afford complete privacy. In a wilderness where you can watch the animals come down to the river from your private pool and deck. As well as your bed and bath. Glass sliding doors and windows open up your sanctuary to the outside with outdoor shower. While a romantic canopy bed, sink-into-me couches, a large egg bath, and a personal bar all add to the delight of being in Africa. In 125m2 / 1 344ft2 of organic chic style.
Suite InteriorNarina Lodge private pool
Tinyeleti Treehouse
The Tinyeleti Treehouse, is not merely a vantage point from where to observe the splendor that is the Sabie River and all the life it sustains. But rather an open air invitation to take your place and become part of it. Tinyeleti translates to many stars.
Guests arrive at sunset to a picnic dinner, spend the dusk hours watching animals wander past (at a safe distance). And fall asleep counting shooting stars. And they can rest easy knowing a field guide is always on radio call should they feel they need assistance.
Tinyeleti Treehouse is fully equipped for your relaxation and you can expect all the comforts of a luxury stay. Enjoy your choice of tapas or a full meal. And then settle in with a cocktail as the animals come to drink at sunset. The 50m2 deck can accommodate 2 x adults on a deluxe king size bed, and 2 x children over 10 years old on two pull out beds. There is no electricity but you will have a torch. You will find a few bars of cellphone signal.
Expect to hear the constant rush of life from the Sabie River on your doorstep. As well as a few animals, night predators and birds chiming in.
Tinyeleti is an uninterrupted overnight experience that cannot be replicated. But will most definitely be re-told. That is, if you can find the words to describe it.
Kruger Treehouse, Tinyeleti
A Tree house Experience is booked in conjunction with lodge accommodation A Tree house stay is charged at a per person sharing per night rate. This is over and above the lodge accommodation rate Guests pack an overnight bag with their essentials, leaving the rest of their belongings back in their lodge suite
Lion Sands Narina Lodge Activities
Safari Activities ↓
Kruger Game Drives
Africa has been called the greatest show on earth. And Lion Sands presents a safari that plays out like a highlights reel. The 5 000ha (12 500ac) reserve is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. You will see all of Africa’s iconic species. Lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra. Along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of birds. Our safaris present an adventure that is wild, and then some!
Being entirely private, Lion Sands offers you an intimate safari experience. With only six guests to a game viewer and exclusive traversing on the reserve, you’ll have minimal encounters with other people. Though compelling sightings do attract more attention, the number of vehicles here is also limited. This ensures the animals aren’t put under stress. And you are able to spend more time with them, observing their natural behavior. While you are out exploring, you will by no means be roughing it. Your game viewer has cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets, and ponchos. And stops off in a scenic spot for drinks and snacks.
Game drive lions
Private Game Drives (at an additional cost)
Private game drives give you complete freedom to safari your way. Take your time, explore your own interests, and feel as if you have the wilderness entirely to yourself. All while enjoying dedicated guiding by your expert field guide. This is the perfect option, whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family/friend group. Departure times and duration of these drives are flexible. A minimum of 2 nights must be booked and private vehicles are subject to availability.
Bush Walks
These are the after-breakfast walks on the wild side. For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion. You are dropped in the thick of things and all five senses engage… It is exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles. And to discover more about the reserve’s plants. Many have fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.
Wildlife Lectures
At times when the weather is unsuitable for safari activities, our field guides and trackers present short nature talks. They cover a host of subjects, giving guests more insight into the animals they see on safari (e.g. elephant behavior) and the natural surroundings (e.g. the ecological impact of commercial lodges on the environment). The talks are informal presentations, largely guided by interactions with guests.
Giving Back
Lion Sands together with More Community Trust assists the local Huntington and Justicia B villages. And you can get involved too. Take a community tour, the proceeds of which go to our development projects here. Or roll up your sleeves to help out through our Get Your Hands Dirty initiatives.
These center on education, infrastructure, health, and environment. You can choose the area best suited to your skills and interests. These are extraordinary social experiences that bring you to the heart of Southern Africa. This makes your own and others’ dreams come true.
Spa & Wellness
In our experience, being well taken care of inspires a fundamental sense of well being. And how better to indulge than with luxurious accommodation, wholesome food, and spa therapies? With massages, wraps, and facials, you’ll rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalize your spirit.
Other activities
We can arrange a round of golf at the nearby Skukuza Golf Course or how about a helicopter flight over the Panorama Route?
Food & Wine
From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight for all guests. With any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste of Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Wine tastings are also a favorite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.
How to get to Lion Sands Narina Lodge
The best is to fly into Skukuza Airport which is 5 minutes from the lodge. A complimentary transfer in open safari vehicles is offered so you can start your safari immediately.
From Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport / Nelspruit (KMIA/MQP): Flights depart KMIA for either Victoria Falls (Livingstone) or Vilanculos in Mozambique. We can arrange transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle to / from KMIA. The drive to Lion Sands Narina Lodge is approximately 97km (60mi). This will take about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Best Time to Travel
Lion Sands Game Reserve is a year round safari destination. The wildlife here is non-migratory. Except, of course, birding. The best period for bird watching is from October to April. The variation in the safari experience is season rather than location related.
Lion Sands Narina Lodge Accommodation Rates
Rates operate on quarterly price updates. Therefore, rates change based on market conditions. Send us your dates and we’ll get back to you with the best rates. These are the rates as of 20th November 2024 to give you an indication.
Lion Sands Narina Lodge INDICATIVE Rates
Per Person Sharing
Single
4th January – 31st May 2025
R 27 270
R 40 905
1st June – 30th September 2025
R 31 510
R 47 265
1st October – 19th December 2025
R 30 000
R 45 000
20th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
R 31 510
R 47 265
4th January – 30th April 2026
R 30 000
R 45 000
​
Rates Include / Exclude ↓
Rates include:
Luxurious accommodation All meals, teas/coffees, minibar in your room, inclusive drinks* and selected snacks *All soft drinks, and a selection of beers, spirits, and house wines Two game drives daily with FGASA accredited field guide and tracker Game drive refreshments and snacks Specified inclusive safari activities* Skukuza Airport transfers WiFi
*Specialist activities included: Game drives and bush walks Stargazing Wildlife lectures Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and bush dinners Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers experiences.
Rates exclude:
Laundry Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines and champagnes Cigars and cigarettes All flights and transfers not specified Gratuities Any extras will be for the guests’ accounts Treehouse experiences Private open safari vehicle hire Park and Conservation Fees Sustainability Levy Exclusive-use bush breakfasts & dinners
Lion Sands Narina Lodge Accommodation Special Offers
*Peak period block-out dates for the below special offers: 20th December until 3rd January
StayMore
Stay for 4 nights and only pay for 3. Valid until 31st May 2026*
Friends of More Offer
Repeat guests get 10% off their accommodation rate Valid until 31st May 2026* Can be combined with other offers
Discover More – Long Stay Offer
Stay 6 nights at one or more at More Family Collection properties* and get a 10% discount on your stay.
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge offers luxury all inclusive accommodation in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa – perfect for honeymoons and even weddings
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the western Sabi Sand Game Reserve, for an incredible Greater Kruger National Park safari. Lots of offers and packages including family and honeymoon.
