Lion Sands Game Reserve

Overview

Lion Sands Game Reserve is a private game reserve situated within the greater Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It shares open borders with the famous Kruger National Park and is a prime destination for exceptional wildlife sightings. In this conservation area of 5 000 hectares, you will see all of Africa’s iconic species – lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra – to mention but a few of the 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird. Lion Sands Game Reserve is privately owned since 1930s and offers the visitors unique and intimate safari experience.

Why Go:

  • Less crowded part of Sabi Sands
  • Guided walks and night drives
  • Can go off-road for a close up animal encounters
  • Quality guides offer varied wildlife-viewing activities
  • Superb wildlife viewing with abundance of big five
  • Four lodges to choose with different themes and budget

Wildlife

Wildlife viewing in Lion Sands Game Reserve is amazing and there are plenty of game drives during the day and night. You can encounter leopards, cheetahs, and the big five up close by driving off-road.

More About the Wildlife

Scenery

The general landscape is woodland savanna and the vegetation is dense. However, despite the hindrances, sighting animals in Lion Sands Game Reserve is easily and abundant.

Best Time to Visit

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.

More About the Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The dry winter season is during May to September, which is also the best time to visit Lion Sands Game Reserve.

More About the Weather and Climate

Wildlife & Animals

Lion Sands Game Reserve has various species of animals, including the antelope, big five, leopards, and cheetahs. Visitors can spot almost all the animals in a single game drive and can witness the birthing season during summers.
Abundant Common Occasional Rare None
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Common
  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    Common
  • Hippo

    Hippo

    Occasional
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo

    Common
  • Zebra

    Zebra

    Common
  • Wildebeest

    Wildebeest

    Common
  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    Occasional
  • Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

    None
  • Lion

    Lion

    Common
  • Leopard

    Leopard

    Rare
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah

    Rare
  • Hyena

    Hyena

    Occasional
  • Wild Dog

    Wild Dog

    None

Best Time to Visit

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.
  • Best Time to GoMay to September
    (Dry season)
  • High SeasonOctober to March
    (It can get a bit busy)
  • May to September

    Dry Season

  • October to March

    It can get a bit busy

  • April to September

    Perfect time for wildlife viewing

  • April to May

    Mild with a little rain

  • June to August

    Chilly right through the day

  • December to February

    Warm and Dry

May to September
- Dry Season – Winter
October to April
- Wet Season – Summer

Weather & Climate

The weather during summer seasons can increase to uncomfortable levels. The rainy season can hinder activities and due to thick vegetation, game viewing can be difficult. During the winter dry season, the vegetation shrinks, making it easier to spot animals.
Climate Chart
- 405-569M / 1,329-1,867Ft
Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry season
- May to September – Winter

The dry winter season is from May to September, which is also the best time to visit Lion Sands Game Reserve.

Wet season
- October to April – Summer

October to March is the wet summer season and temperatures can increase to uncomfortable levels.

Getting There

Lion Sands Game Reserve is part of the Greater Sabi Sands Game Reserve and there are various flights to the National Park.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.

Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.

 

Getting to Lion Sands Game Reserve by road

The self-drive option is the opportune time for guests to navigate their way through South Africa’s Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces if travelling from Johannesburg. In a road trip of approximately 5 hours, Lion Sands can be reached.

However, it is advised that guests stop overnight along the way to maximize their tour of this part of South Africa.

From Gauteng, take the N12/N4 highway to Mbombela (formerly known as Nelspruit). Follow the R40 from Mbombela through to White River and on to the R538 which will take you into Hazyview and towards the R536 towards Paul Kruger Gate (Kruger National Park). After 38km turn left onto a gravel road and follow the signposts to Lion Sands Sabi Sand.

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