World Travel Awards Nominee 2024
The Lion Sands Game Reserve is a world renowned Big 5 safari reserve, known firstly for unforgettable wildlife sightings and secondly for the level of quality of the luxury lodges on the reserve.
This private game reserve has 4 luxury lodges situated on the reserve. Whilst the 5 star rating is common amongst the lodges, the experiences at each are unique. In 2019, Conde Naste voted Lion Sands Game Reserve as one of the top 20 resorts in Africa, solidifying the reserve as a must-visit for anyone looking for that special experience on the continent.
The private status of the reserve translates perfectly to the exclusivity of the safari experience for guests. The only game drives taking place on the reserve are those that depart from one of the four luxury lodges. With full traversing rights across the private reserve and world class game rangers, the safari experience is unparalleled.
Highlights:
- Highly trained guides
- Big 5 safari experience
- Quiet & exclusive game driving
- Walking safaris
Best time to visit Lion Sands Game Reserve is during the dry winter season, as temperatures remain comfortable and you can view a cluster of animals near water sources. The dry winter season is from May to September.
The Dry season, from June to September, is the best time for wildlife viewing. Highly recommended are the months of August and September as temperatures are warmer than in mid-winter. It is also the end of a long, dry period and this causes the animals to congregate around known water sources, making sightings even easier.
Lion Sands Game Reserve is the only private reserve to have a foot in both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is the oldest of South Africa’s private reserves, and the origin of wildlife tourism in Southern Africa. It is home to a vast natural animal population including The Big Five and countless other species (some of which are critically endangered).
Flanking the Kruger National Park, animals pass unhindered between the unfenced reserves. Known for its extraordinary leopard viewing, safari enthusiasts could not find a better place for close-contact animal sightings that many would insist are the best in the world.
The Sabi Sand Reserve (Sabi Sand Wildtuin) shares a 50km (31.25 miles) unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. This extraordinary and unique wilderness area comprises a collection of privately owned game reserves which combine to form a mammoth tract of pristine game land (65 000 hectare/ 153 000 acres).
Being privately owned, safaris are not restricted to specific times and routes. Open vehicles are able to traverse off road and into the dense bush, tracking animals in their natural habitat.
Sep 10, 2024
Quick reactions to requests
Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.
Sep 9, 2024
First Time Safari
Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.
Sep 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 8, 2024
Keith went above and beyond…
Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.
Sep 5, 2024
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.
Sep 3, 2024
Knowledgable and responsive
Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!
Sep 2, 2024
Although we didn’t end up booking…
Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.
Sep 2, 2024
Trip to Kruger at Mdluli Safari Lodge
I loved working with Anja from safari.com. She put together my itinerary within my price range and was very professional, thorough and empathetic. She followed up with me many times to see if I needed anything throughout my trip and even filled out some forms for me when I was having difficulty. When the lodge I stayed at was not being accommodating in the slightest, she quickly contacted the manager and got them to rearrange their services to meet my needs. I would most certainly use safari.com again due to my wonderful experience working with Anja.
Aug 31, 2024
Nicole at Safari.com is AMAZING!!!
I would love to share my experience with Nicole. She has worked tirelessly to help me make my dream vacation a reality. I had no idea how to start planning. Nicole suggested the most wonderful South African resorts and safaris. No matter how many changes I threw her way it was always received with a happy, positive attitude. I live in Hawaii and even though we were on a 12 hour time difference she was always available to answer any questions or concerns. Her expertise, knowledge and patience are unmeasurable. I was plagued with numerous payment issues from my bank in Hawaii. Nicole never wavered from being patience and more importantly positive that we could resolve each issue and get my trip booked. Nicole is a huge asset to Safari.com and I will scream it from the mountains to let everyone know what excellent customer service I have received. Nicole is a ROCKSTAR!!! We are so excited for our upcoming adventure of a lifetime!
