Lion Sands has exclusive access to the Sabie River. From its source high up in the Drakensburg mountain range where it passes through the famous Mac Mac falls, the river through Lion Sands teems with wildlife. It is the definitive safari experience. The relatively cool riverbanks offer a brief respite from the relentless African sun. Splendid parades of animals pass through to quench their thirst at the water's edge. And eager predators wait patiently.

The name 'Sabie' comes from the Zulu 'eSaba', meaning 'afraid'. Both man and beast approach the river with care and respect. It is at once a sanctuary of life and a gripping display of survival. It is what visitors from all over the world come to experience: raw, untouched nature. In ancient days, the lush Sabie river basin was overrun by Africa's largest reptile, the Nile crocodile. Today, they bask in the shallows in slightly less numbers, still snapping their deadly jaws at any creature wading in close enough.

Of course, your safari cannot be complete without exposure to every facet of life in the bush. With the highly informative and holistic approach at Lion Sands, you will encounter all spheres of the eco-system, from the smallest insects to the mighty African elephant. Professionally qualified senior ecologists, rangers and tracking teams ensure that your personal safari experience not only meets but exceeds your highest expectations.

The Republic of South Africa covers the southernmost part of the African continent between the latitudes 22° and 35° south and longitudes 17° and 33° east. Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe form the northern boundaries and Mozambique and Swaziland the north-eastern border. The Kingdom of Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa. The coastal belt from the Indian Ocean in the east, to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, covers a distance of some 3,000 km.

The area of 1,219.00 sq. km, is five times the size of the UK - or is the size of Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands put together. But population of approximately 40 million, is approximately two-thirds of Britain's 59.3 million.

One half of the South African population lives in cities of more than 50,000 inhabitants, mainly in major urban areas. The rest of the country is rather sparsely populated.

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is situated in the greater Kruger National Park conservancy area, Mpumalanga (Place of the Rising Sun) Province, which is approximately 22,000 km2 in size. Within this reserve there are no fences and the wildlife is able to traverse the areas freely. During the course of the next two years the area is to be expanded into the Trans Frontier Conservation Area - 155,000 km2, which will include areas within both Mozambique & Zimbabwe.

How to get there by road:

Recommended route from Johannesburg or Pretoria:

Take the N12/N4 highway to Nelspruit. R40 from Nelspruit to Hazyview. At Hazyview turn right onto R536 towards Paul Kruger Gate. After 38km turn left onto gravel road which is signposted to Lion Sands. Drive along dirt road for 2km. At T-junction turn right and drive for 5km to Sabi Sand Gate. Drive straight as signposted to Lion Sands. After 2km turn right at sign. Drive straight following signs to either Ivory or River Lodge.

Approximate road distances: