The luxury hotel in South Africa ranked as the best in the world
The family-owned Lion Sands Game Reserve, near the Kruger National Park, was ranked in first place for the Best Safari Lodge in Africa and fourth best hotel in the world in Travel and Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2026.
This property spans both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely without any fences separating them.
Managed by the Chalkley family since 1933, Lion Sands Game Reserve has exclusive access to 10.5 kilometres of the Sabie River.
This riverine habitat is well known for offering one of the best opportunities to spot leopards. The hotel also offers secluded open-air luxury treehouses for sleeping under the stars.
The reserve is home to populations of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Unlike the main Kruger Park, safari vehicles at Lion Sands can drive off-road.
Accommodations cater to a range of preferences, from family-friendly modern luxury to ultra-private villas with personal plunge pools. The reserve is located 5 to 25 minutes’ drive from Skukuza Airport.
Lion Sands is unique as the only private game reserve situated directly along the perennial Sabie River, which attracts a high concentration of wildlife right to the lodges’ doorsteps.
Lion Sands has four main luxury lodges, each catering to different travel styles, along with exclusive private villas:
| Property | Operational Focus & Style | Primary Target Market |
|---|---|---|
| River Lodge | Modern mid-scale layout featuring a linked elevated walkway infrastructure along the Sabie River. | First-time safari-goers, couples, and multi-generational groups (children 10+). |
| Ivory Lodge | Luxury model with low-density private suites, individual plunge pools, and butler servicing. | High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), executive travel, and high-budget private bookings. |
| Narina Lodge | Elevated treehouse-style design integrated into the river canopy. | Premium travellers seeking high privacy and nature-focused itineraries. |
| Tinga Lodge | High-end lodge architecture with high-volume interiors and riverfront positioning. | Traditional luxury travellers and international guests seeking safari accommodations. |
| Fish Eagle Villa | Exclusive-use private residence linked to Ivory Lodge; features a private lap pool, gym, wellness room, wine cellars, private chef, butler, and dedicated vehicle. | Ultra-HNWIs, VIP corporate retreats, and private family groups seeking maximum exclusivity. |
| Hinkwenu Villa | Exclusive-use private family home linked to Tinga Lodge; includes private pool, dedicated hospitality team, personal chef, field guide, and private safari viewer. | Multi-generational families and small private groups requiring flexible, custom safari scheduling. |
One of Lion Sands’ standout features is its luxury treehouses (Chalkley, Kingston, and Tinyeleti).
Guests staying at the main lodges can book an overnight experience in a treehouse, where they will be dropped off at sunset with a hamper and drinks.
Visitors are left on an elevated platform, exposed to the sky, to sleep under the stars. Morning and afternoon game drives are conducted by field guides and trackers in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
These drives are required to adhere to strict limits on the number of vehicles per sighting. Guided bush walks are also offered to visitors, to allow participants to track wildlife on foot.
For wellness and dining, the lodge offers on-site spa services at Lalamuka Spa, as well as fine-dining experiences, including boma dinners and bush breakfasts.
The lodges also provide guests with wine from the lodge’s wine cellars, and there are two options to get to the lodge.
Travellers can fly directly into Skukuza Airport (SZK), which is located within Kruger Park, and then take a road transfer to the lodge.
Guests can also fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) or use the private airstrip situated within Sabi Sand.
It is also possible to drive to Lion Sands, and the journey from Johannesburg takes about 5 to 6 hours.
River Lodge photos:
Narina Lodge photos:
Tinga Lodge photos:
Ivory Lodge photos:
Hinkwenu Villa photos:
Fish Eagle Villa photos:
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