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 WildlifeScenery
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 VisitWeather & 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 ClimateWildlife & 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.-
Elephant
Common -
Giraffe
Common -
Hippo
Occasional -
Buffalo
Common -
Zebra
Common -
Wildebeest
Common -
White Rhino
Occasional -
Black Rhino
None -
Lion
Common -
Leopard
Rare -
Cheetah
Rare -
Hyena
Occasional -
Wild Dog
None
Wildlife highlights
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.Best time for wildlife viewing
The Dry season, from June to September, is the best time for wildlife viewing in Kapama. Highly recommended are the months of August and September as temperatures are warmer than in mid-winter. It is also the end of a long, dry period and this causes the animals to congregate around known water sources, making sightings even easier.Best Time to Visit
- 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 – WinterOctober to April
- Wet Season – SummerWeather & 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© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry season
- May to September – WinterThe 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 – SummerOctober 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.