Loving Lion Sands Narina Lodge

Thank you to Jean Paul Stouse, a guest from New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States, who recently stayed at Lion Sands Narina Lodge with his family and shared his experience with us...

“This is my first time in South Africa. I was told that I should not have high expectations, so that I won't be disappointed, but since I've come here, the experience has been beyond remarkable. The things that I've seen, the noises I've heard, and the place I stayed, has been top notch. Everything is beyond what I could expect.”

Suite

“It’s the small things. Every time I returned to my room, my bed had been made, my towels put away and folded, and there were new toiletries. You all really do go above and beyond with the hospitality.”

Narina Lodge offers guests a wonderful sense of remoteness and peace, and panoramic views of the Sabie River from the main lodge or one of the nine private and luxurious suites.

Wildlife

“I was excited. to see the animals, mostly the four-legged creatures - the hippos, the lions, the rhinos. We saw the Big 5 every day multiple times.

Mandla, our field guide told us that he'd been doing this for 19 years. So, he has the background and experience, and even built some of these roads. So, it was awesome to have him as our guide. He knows things about the tiniest little bug to the biggest animal. Wander, our tracker, he would see things half a mile away in a tree that I couldn't even see with my contacts and glasses, so it was awesome.”

Lion Sands conserves 12 400ha (30 600ac) of a habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere offering exceptional game-viewing opportunities. Natural animal populations include the Big Five, along with 137 mammal species and over 450 bird species, and the reserve is renowned for the quality of its leopard viewing. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with our highly qualified MORE Guides and trackers.

Food

“My favourite meal was probably dinner. Chicken, lamb, duck - the meats are just amazing it, and you cook it so well. The food has been above and beyond any other vacation I've ever been on. The lunches were very nice with great salads. The variety was abundant. As for breakfast, I don't think I've ever had scrambled eggs that good in my life. The toast, the eggs on toast, the bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, pork sausage the side potatoes - it was all great. I'm very much enjoyed the food; I couldn't hold back.

We had a bush breakfast, and it was certainly something I've never done before. The view is breathtaking. We saw two ‘wild’ tracker humans that were just scouting the roads. So that was quite a sight. And we did see some hippos in the water far away, so that was also something that I almost grew to expect every time.”

All dietary requirements are considered as our chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste of Southern Africa. Paired with wines from our collection of premium Cape labels, enjoying a meal becomes an experience. From boma feasts to safari stops, dining promises to be a highlight for all.

Memories

“The hospitality is like nothing you'll see on a vacation in pretty much any other country in the world - the way you all take care of the guests, the way you talk to the guests, not like they are your customers, but more like they are your friends. You talk to them on that level, treat them on that level; and then just the knowledge that you all have. You see things that are a thousand miles away, like a mountain in the distance or geographically - it's like you all have a map in your head. It's just a great atmosphere. Great people, great food, great housing, just all around a perfect trip.”