Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

A sophisticated safari experience in nine waterside havens, capturing the romance of the pioneer era, in considerably more comfort. The lodge’s exclusive accommodations are set apart on a high bank up from the Sabie River. Your Suite feels definitely private with its own plunge pool and deck overlooking the water, and makes the most of a view that often sees wildlife passing through. From the Suites, elevated wooden pathways lead off to a spa sala and the main lodge – with its bar lounge, library, poolside and boma offering spaces to share good company or spend some quiet moments on your own.

In each Suite you'll find a king-sized bed, (with mosquito netting), air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, private lounge, and sumptuous bath and shower. The Tinga experience is a personal and private one for those looking for a true African escape. Stepping out through your Suite’s glass sliding doors, your deck is for pool lounger safaris, dining experiences set up just for you, and al fresco showers under the stars. Indulge in the spoils beyond your bedroom in the spa sala, at the poolside, or wherever else you choose to put your feet up.

Suite

Suites: 9 for 18 guests

Size of suites: 125m2

Children: Yes (10 and older)

Children on safari: Yes (10 and older)

Children activities: Yes

Babysitting: Yes, extra cost

Double bed convertible to twin: Yes

Treehouse: Yes (Tinyeleti)

Central public pool: Yes

Private plunge pool: Yes

Air-conditioning: Yes

Room fan: Yes

Mosquito nets: Yes

Outdoor shower: Yes (indoor has the ability to open)

Indoor shower: Yes

Free Wi-Fi: Yes Satellite television: Yes (Public area only)

In-room safe: Yes

Personal bar: Yes

Telephone: Yes

Suitable for disabled guests: Yes, with assistance

Guests per safari vehicle: 6

Private 4 x 4 safari vehicle: Yes, subject to availability




 

Wild Life

Africa has been called the greatest show on earth, and Lion Sands presents a safari that plays out like a highlights reel. Our reserve conserves 5 000ha (12 500ac) of a habitat that 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 bird. 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 our 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.

Bush Walks

These are our 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… Feel the scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch a velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone, and spot the game appear just metres off – 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 with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.

Food & Wine

From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all our guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Our chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Our wine tastings are also a favorite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.

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? We favor Africology products, instilled with the belief that self-care brings balance. So with our massages, wraps and facials, we promise a wellness experience to rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalize your spirit.

Tinyeleti Treehouse

Let the Sabie River itself welcome you to this endless African landscape. The Tinyeleti Treehouse, which translates to Many Stars, 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 Treehouse is fully equipped for your relaxation and you can expect all the comforts of a luxury stay – such as the option of a relaxing head massage. 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 4 people, and children are welcome. We will provide you with a torch, and, even though there is no electricity, 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 that will most definitely be re-told. That is, if you can find the words to describe it. For us who have come here many times over, well, we’re still at a loss.

Giving Back

Lion Sands together with More Community Trust assists our 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 centre on education, infrastructure, health and environment, and you can choose the area best suited to your skills and interest. These are extraordinary social experiences that bring you to the heart of Southern Africa to make your own and others’ dreams come true.

For more information on Tinga, click HERE