Lion Sands Narina Lodge — Hotel in Mbombela

This was my very first safari. We stayed at the Lion Sands River lodge in July 2018 for 3 nights. Once we arrived from Skukuza airport from Capetown where we had started our safari adventure, all I can say is "WOW". I was totally blown away. The vista of the Sabi River alongside the Lodge and the open viewing rooms, bar, dining rooms were impeccably flawless in the decor. We walked into our rooms to an incredible den of luxury and comfort including a wet bar and snacks which were all included. Indoor and outdoor (weather permitting- it was the African wintertime in July) showers for each room, as well as a full tub to soak after a long dusty game drive. Laundry services are available for a nominal fee and returned the same day. WiFi was available in the lobby area.||The day starts early where you have tea/coffee, muffins and some fruit, then off for the morning game drive. The drivers and trackers are polite and very informative. I didn't have any expectations for my very first safari, but if I had any, this place would have exceeded them. I heard about the Big 5 animals you have to see in Africa, and we saw all of them (Rhino, Elephants, Leopard, African Cape Buffalo, Lions). All of the drivers are in contact with other groups so they all help out with sightings so that all of the guests have a chance to see wildlife.||The food was outstanding in quality and quantity. Presentation was flawless. I had the chance to also take in a spa treatment at the Ivory Lodge which was most relaxing and a short drive from the River Lodge where I was staying.||The sundowners ( "happy hour" in the African bush) at the end of the afternoon game drives was outstanding. Offerings of wine, beer, water or soft drinks were available as well as gourmet styled snack foods to munch on while we all watched the African sunset.||The staff was incredible and polite. The game drive vehicles are comfortable and well maintained. I would definitely want to come back again. Kudos to our driver Morne and Rector in getting the...

This beautiful lodge exceeded all our expectations. It was perfectly located near the banks of the Sabi river, a short drive from Skukuza airport. There are only 9 individual cottages, which are very private and large and luxurious. The cottages have large sitting rooms with a fully stocked bar (with Scotch whiskey, wine, and other liquors), included with your stay. They assign everyone their own 'butler' who takes care of all your needs and wants. Ours was a wonderful man. Meals are served on the large outdoor deck, and the food is excellent with several choices everyday. One word of caution, monkeys hang out on the trees overlooking the dining area and frequently jump down to grab food off the tables. There is also a nice bar and sitting area on the deck. Every room has their own balcony/deck overlooking the river, a large fully functional bathroom with separate tub and shower as well as an outdoor shower and a dipping pool. The staff are outstanding and are ready to take care of all your needs. There are 2 safaris everyday, early morning and early evening. Our 2 guides: Murray and tracker Kruger were excellent. They made every effort to make sure that we got to see the most and their phenomenal knowledge of the flora and fauna was incredible. We saw almost everything. Our game drives were private, with very few other vehicles in the vicinity, as this lodge is situated within the private 'Sabi Sands' game reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, which is super crowded. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience and can afford the splurge, I would highly recommend this lodge for a 5-star...

On our return to Paradise we were greeted by the Narina Lodge family, some we knew from our first visit.|A welcome party of more than 25 elephants. Big Mothers, babies, aunts, The Matriarchs and males, and a group of old duggers (buffalo) All in the Sabie River that flows past The Lodge, having the time of their lives in the water and mud bathing. High Tea with Elephants.|Followed by a game drive with Albert our field guide after whose enthusiasm and knowledge we left much wiser and more curious people. And Meshack, our tracker with eyes like telescopes, who told us stories as the sun went down.|A pride of 10 sleeping lion, fat and fed. A surprise supper under stars that hung so low you felt you could almost touch them.|The food at Narina Lodge is delicious.|Early morning drive|Hippos sleeping in the grass. A lioness leading her cubs to her kill that might have been eaten by the tree full of white backed vultures and hooded vultures or hyena. Baby boy elephants flapping their ears to show how fierce they were.|On our last night all ready for supper we were called by the reception who told us not to open our door as there was a leopard outside. Walking along the raised wooden path we came the closest I have ever been to a family of elephants. Mother in front with her mud face pack and behind her a baby and several relatives. |Homemade chocolate birthday cake, beautiful song and dance organised by Misha our butler.|Wish time would stand still.|We met the resident artist, Kiran Katara, who showed us her remarkable work.|It's about wild life, and art and a...