I cannot say enough good things about this magical place. Sabi Sands is located adjacent to Kruger National Park and is a private game reserve and let me tell you, this lodge checked all the following boxes:
- A luxe lodge. This was going to be our very first safari experience and we wanted to pull out all the stops. Not only was this lodge gorgeous but the staff members were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
- Big 5 sightings – lions, rhinos, buffalos, elephants, leopards. Our game driver and tracker were determined that we didn’t leave without seeing all five.
- Stellar service & food. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, a selection of South Africans wines, spirits, coffee, tea, plus high tea and snacks – all included! The food was spectacular and I can’t forget to mention how much we loved trying Amarula, the cream liqueur of South Africa.
Traveling to Lion Sands was seamless. We spent one night in Johannesburg so we could get up bright and early to head to Skukuza, the capital city of Kruger National Park. We had a quick hour flight on Airlink, which operates flights daily between Jo’Burg and Capetown. Once we arrived at the airport we were picked up by a member of the Lion Sands staff and transported to Lion Sands River Lodge.
Each day consisted of two game drives. The first drive of the day was bright and early at 5am and the second at 4pm. While it was amazing to see lions, elephants, zebras, and other animals in their natural element, the real beauty was seeing a baby impala take its first steps, a weaver bird carrying grass to and from the nest, or a mama rhino protecting her calves.
People talk about how life changing or impactful going on a safari is and I 100% echo that statement. I’ve never felt more present. My mind typically runs at 100 miles an hour. Thinking about 100 different things at once. On each game drive, I was completely present. We went on several bush walks (that’s what they call the vast safari lands) where we saw vultures feeding on a recent kill, rhinos less than a football field away, and a leopard stalking its prey. Our game driver and tracker knew everything about every dirt road, animal species, and vegetation that we came across.
The icing on the cake for our trip was our one night stay in the Kingston Treehouse. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a hiker. I’m not a camper. I’m really not someone who is one with the outdoors, but when in Rome! Errr- you know what I mean! We spent one night with no walls or power. Just us and mother nature. Following the night game drive, we were dropped off at the tree house. The sunset was spectacular and I’ve never seen so many stars in the sky. The lodge packed a fabulous dinner for us complete with champagne and directions on how to store the leftovers safely – you don’t want any vervet monkeys stealing your food!
I’d give Lion Sands an 11 out of 10. Everything from the warm welcoming reception upon arrival to the goodie bags they gave us on departure. This place was truly a safari oasis.
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