Lion Sands River Lodge — Hotel in Bushbuckridge

ROBBED BY STAFF!!!!! Let me preface this review by saying that the hotel is lovely and the service by the driver (Anthony), tracker (Andres), server (Cliff), and bar staff was top notch. I brought my mother here for a once and a lifetime trip after 6 other family members have spent time at this property and made the recommendation. The stay was as expected until the morning of checkout when I went into the bottom of my backpack to grab my wallet (didn't need the entire trip since it was all inclusive) and 200 ZAR was missing. Not the worst thing to happen but if the person was willing to dig through my personal belongings to find my wallet, what else did they steal? I had $1,000 hidden in a pouch in a secret compartment of my backpack which was missing along with an expensive pair of sunglasses. I immediately reported the theft to the manager of the hotel where they took my statement, reassured me that they'd do everything in their power (review cameras, check staff belongings, conduct polygraph tests) and notify the authorities of the crime. Right before I left, I confirmed with the hotel manager that they would make this right given what I had spent on the trip as well as the fact that I was the 4th group of my family to stay at the property. He looked me in the eye and assured me they would take care of it. Fast forward a week and I still hadn't received a follow up about the results of the investigation. When I finally got a copy I was informed that the cameras couldn't see anything abnormal movements of staff around my room and the cleaner and service tech I know entered the room both said they didn't steal anything (I say "know" because they ask you to leave your keys in a bowl before going on safari drives so anyone at the hotel could potentially enter your room). That was it, that was the extent of the investigation. The promises from the hotel manager were not fulfilled and I was blamed in their report for not using the safe (although I did use the safe for computers, ipads, cameras, lenses, etc). They also mentioned that there were legal ramifications for them making an insurance claim (likely not legal but if insurance knew they had staff who stole their rates would rise) when they had everything in their power to offer me a discount for a night, comp my treehouse stay, or discount the purchases I made at their sister hotel I stayed at after. I asked them to make one of those concessions, or at least update the report for inaccuracies it contained so I could submit it to my insurance, and I never heard from them again. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be robbed at one of the most expensive hotels I've ever stayed at let alone have such a horrible customer experience after it. Me and my family will never again stay at a MORE...

Our stay at Lion Sands River Lodge was nothing short of extraordinary—an unforgettable honeymoon experience that set the bar incredibly high for any future travels. We give it a full 10 out of 10 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly immersive safari, luxurious accommodations, and an unmatched level of service. The lodge exceeded every expectation we had, and we’re already dreaming of returning.

During our stay, we had the pleasure of meeting another guest who had been to over 30 lodges and safari experiences worldwide, and she told us this was by far the best she’d ever seen. As first-time safari-goers, we went in with high hopes, but Lion Sands managed to surpass every single one.

Why We Loved It:

Incredible Guides and Wildlife Encounters: Our guide, Pierre, and tracker, Joe, were phenomenal. Their expertise about the wildlife, bird species, and even the intricate details of the bush itself made every game drive a fascinating adventure. They managed to find the Big Five multiple times and led us to witness hunts, animals stalking their prey, and even playful moments between species. Watching these incredible scenes unfold, we felt like we were in the heart of nature in a way we could never have imagined.

The Lodge and Accommodations: The lodge is stunning, meticulously maintained, and offers every amenity you could possibly need. We stayed in a river suite at the far end of the lodge, which was incredibly private, beautifully designed, and spotless. Waking up each day to views of the river and wildlife right outside our window was a surreal experience.

Exceptional Service and Dining: The food here was a revelation—consistently delicious and far beyond what we expected for a remote lodge. The staff was exceptional, always remembering our names and preferences, making us feel like we were part of a close-knit family. Every meal was a delight, and the level of service left us truly pampered.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments and Views: One of the highlights was watching elephants come up to the pool and play just a few feet away, along with water buffalo grazing right outside our room. We also spent one night at the Kingston Treehouse, which offered a beautiful, secluded space to watch the sunset—a magical experience we would highly recommend, especially for honeymooners.

In summary, Lion Sands River Lodge gave us an unforgettable honeymoon. For anyone seeking a perfect mix of adventure, luxury, and unparalleled service, this lodge delivers in every way. We can’t recommend it enough and look forward to visiting...

Nestled amidst the breathtaking expanse of the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve lies a sanctuary of serenity and untamed beauty: Lion Sands River Lodge. Our recent journey to this remarkable safari lodge was nothing short of transformative, an experience that seamlessly blended luxury with the raw magnificence of nature. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in warmth and hospitality. The staff at Lion Sands Lodge exuded genuine care and passion for their craft, ensuring every aspect of our stay was beyond exceptional. Their attention to detail was unparalleled, from personalized airport pickups, welcomes, and thoughtful gestures that made us feel truly valued. The accommodations surpassed all expectations, offering a harmonious blend of natural charm and modern comfort. Our spacious tented suite provided a cozy retreat amidst the wild. Waking up to the symphony of nature, with the soft rustle of leaves and distant calls of wildlife, was an experience we will cherish forever. But it was the safari experiences that truly stole our hearts. Our knowledgeable guide Kyle, and our excellent tracker Eddie, shared their profound love for the land. Each game drive was a thrilling odyssey into the heart of Sabi Sand. From witnessing the iconic Big Five in their natural habitat to marveling at the kaleidoscope of colors during sunset, every moment felt like a masterpiece painted by Mother Nature herself. One of the highlights of our stay was the unforgettable bush dinner under the vast African sky. Surrounded by the flickering glow of lanterns and the rhythmic beat of traditional music, we savored exquisite culinary delights crafted from fresh, local ingredients. It was a culinary journey that tantalized the senses and celebrated the rich flavors of Africa. The Lion Sands River Lodge offers more than just a safari experience; it's a soul-stirring journey into the heart of Africa's wilderness. Whether you're an adventurous explorer seeking adrenaline-fueled encounters with wildlife or a soulful wanderer yearning for moments of tranquility, this haven of luxury and nature will leave an indelible imprint on your spirit. A heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Lion Sands River Lodge for creating memories that will...