Situated in South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Narina Lodge has it all – luxurious accommodation, the most delectable cuisine, hospitable staff and incredible wildlife sightings.
Having stayed at Lion Sands River Lodge and Ivory Lodge in 2024, the blueprint of the MORE Family Collection is undoubtedly that of being ensconced in nature and nurture.
With only nine suites dotted along the Sabie River, guests can be assured of the highest level of privacy and exclusivity. My daughter and I are beyond excited to visit Lion Sands Narina Lodge for a blissful three nights, and getting there on a Saturday morning, we know it is going to be a memorable one.
At Narina Lodge’s arrival point, a wooden deck leads to the reception area, and the African Wild Dogs in the grass stop me in my tracks. Sensing my confusion, lodge manager Sue tells me that the lifelike sculptures were made by artist Chris Rohm. True to form, size, and coloring, they resemble the African Wild Dog perfectly and add an aura of mystery.
Welcomed with a cool drink and a fragrant lemongrass refresher towel, we are shown to our table by our Butler Ellon. The views over the Sabie River are magnificent and wildlife can be seen during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At lunchtime, a lone bushbuck is grazing in the reeds and a Cape Buffalo is sitting in the water on the opposite side of the riverbank. Ellon calls us to look at a breeding herd of elephants swimming from an island in the river to the other side. And then there are the ever-present vervet monkeys that will take any available opportunity to try and grab something. They know full well when meals are served as they are always hanging around, looking innocent and as though they are minding their own business.
The cuisine at Lion Sands Narina Lodge is, simply put, out of this world. Head chef Marelize has procured menus with great care and expertise, and guests dining here are in foodie heaven. From bountiful breakfasts to languid lunches and divine dinners, we enjoy each and every meal to the fullest. One of the best dishes we cannot stop talking about is the fall-off-the-bone immaculately prepared lamb shank with potato mash and vegetables.
Connecting the rooms, a wooden walkway snakes to a downward slope where we will be luxuriating in Suite number 3. With interiors by Caline Williams-Wyn from Artichoke Interior Design, she creates unique spaces with purpose. Opening the front door, the large dwelling is stylish, with a lounge, bedroom, bathroom with freestanding bath, double vanities, and indoor and outdoor shower. On our private veranda, two sun loungers beckon before we take a dip in our plunge pool.
At night, the bed is draped in white mosquito netting to keep any unwanted visitors out. This is of course after having a cleansing shower or bath with the aromatic TheraNaka nurturing baobab products.
Game drives at Lion Sands Narina Lodge deliver once-in-a-lifetime sightings. Field guide Piérre and Tracker Ntsako team up to showcase the best of both Lion Sands Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve with Lion Sands traversing rights in either concession. Finding a male leopard on our first drive is a very rare occurrence. Leopards are known for their solitary behavior and sitting a safe and respectful distance in our game drive vehicle admiring this rosetted cat is something truly special. He is known as Ncila, which means short tail in Southern Africa’s Shangaan language.
Referred to as the ghost of the bush because of their camouflage and disappearing tactics, a male kudu with striking horns stands still with lots of greenery as a backdrop, seemingly posing for us. He has a pesky red-billed oxpecker in his left ear, which he is trying to shake out, but without much success.
A large bull elephant has pushed over a marula tree and is busy feeding on the leaves. It’s fascinating to take in the sound effects of him snapping the branches in order to get to the sweet foliage. He has kind eyes, beautiful tusks and seems unbothered by our presence.
The most astounding sightings all happen in one morning – a female leopard named Mgiba, is perched on the branch of a marula tree, the Goloyni female leopard and her cub are also in a marula tree trying to stay safe from hyenas, and one of the Gijima male lions is having a snooze right next to the road. Try it for yourself – a stay at Lion Sands Narina Lodge will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience.
How to Book with Mahlatini Luxury Travel | Heléne’s internal flights in South Africa were generously sponsored by Mahlatini Luxury Travel. Founded in 2002 as a luxury African travel specialist, Mahlatini has been curating bespoke safari and cultural itineraries for discerning clients who place sustainability at the top of their travel agenda. An independent brand with offices in the UK and South Africa, Mahlatini’s reputation is built on authenticity, exceptional customer service, and first-hand experience. Proudly certified as the first independent African tour operator to join the global community of B Corp businesses, recognizing their highest standards of social and environmental performance. Every single trip is uniquely customized to the client’s exact wishlist and from the moment of introduction to arrival home, you are guided through one of life’s great journeys. To plan your next African adventure, browse www.mahlatini.com/us, contact experts@mahlatini.co,m, or call +44 28 9073 6050.
