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Lion Sands River Lodge
Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga, South Africa · Lion Sands · High Luxury
The land beneath Lion Sands River Lodge has belonged to the More family since 1933, when Guy Aubrey Chalkley bought it as a private hunting retreat, and the family later became founding members of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin reserve in 1948. The More brothers opened River Lodge to guests in 1978 on the banks of the perennial Sabie River, rebuilding it after a major flood in 2000, and its 18 rooms and suites today sit beneath trees estimated to be 800 years old.
- 18 rooms
- Opened 1978
- Neighborhood: Sabie River
- Rooms from 581 sq ft (54 m²)
About Lion Sands River Lodge
- Guy Aubrey Chalkley bought the land in November 1933, and the More family became founding members of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin in 1948.
- The More brothers opened River Lodge to guests in 1978; the fourth-generation MORE Family Collection rebuilt it after the Sabie River flood of 2000.
- Raised walkways link the lodge's 18 thatched rooms and suites beneath trees estimated to be around 800 years old.
- Entry-level rooms start at 581 sq ft (54 m²).
History
Lion Sands River Lodge sits on the banks of the perennial Sabie River in the southern part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjoining South Africa's Kruger National Park. The land has belonged to the More family since November 1933, when Guy Aubrey Chalkley acquired it; a first camp was established later that decade as a private family retreat, and the family patriarch became a founding member of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin in 1948.
The More brothers opened River Lodge to guests in 1978, later consolidating the property under the Lion Sands brand; the lodge was rebuilt stronger after the Sabie River flood of 2000. Today River Lodge, run by the fourth-generation family business now known as the MORE Family Collection, offers around 18 thatched rooms and suites - Luxury Rooms, Superior Luxury Rooms and River Suites - linked by raised walkways beneath trees said to be some 800 years old.
Experiences
- Safaris — Safaris listed as an experience at Lion Sands.
- Stargazing — Stargazing listed among the lodge's experiences.
- Helicopter Adventure — Helicopter Adventure listed among the lodge's experiences.
- Family Adventure — Family Adventure listed among the lodge's experiences.
- Kosher on Safari — Kosher on Safari offering listed among the lodge's experiences.
- Artist Residency — Artist Residency listed among the lodge's experiences.
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Fitness center
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
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