Wildlife Memories from Lion Sands Narina Lodge

Brandon & Katie, from the USA, Ohio and New York respectively, loved their stay at Lion Sands Narina Lodge and shared some of their favourite moments with Johny at our Creative Lab

It was our first trip to South Africa, and we spent the first week and a half in Cape Town before arriving at Lion Sands Narina Lodge. Joe picked us up at Skukuza Airport, and our excitement kicked in right away as we headed for our first game drive. It was a beautiful day and as we drove around a corner, there was this giant elephant crossing the road right in front of us.

The wildlife surpassed our expectations, and all much closer that we expected. The guides and trackers amazed us with their knowledge, spotting animals and explaining everything, even the details of animal droppings. They would see things way before I could see them; even at night they found incredible sightings.

Suite

Upon entering our room, we were blown away by the beauty and attention to detail. The view overlooking the river was stunning, with a hippo casually hanging out just 50 yards away. The accommodation was beyond our expectations, and we couldn't help but capture the moment with photos to share with our family. Even the bathtub is right on the window with an incredible view.

Cuisine

The meals here were excellent, and we enjoyed a variety of dishes. The standout for us was the salmon and steak fillet on the first night, but honestly, everything was delicious. The burgers and chicken tacos were great. Desserts like the fruit tart and cheese platter were delightful additions to the culinary experience.

Evening game drives

The evening game drives ending with sunset drinks in the middle of nowhere were magical. Stopping by the river's edge with hippos watching us and stargazing with Rexon pointing out constellations made these moments truly unforgettable. Especially for us city dwellers - we never see the stars in New York. It was a rare opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky – to just relax and take in nature. One of the planets was out and it was really bright.

Wildlife Memories

As for the wildlife encounters, the highlight was watching cheetahs stalk prey from just 20 yards away. The experience of observing lions, leopards, and baby animals up close was equally mesmerising. We saw baby giraffes, leopards, and elephants. Even the warthog was cool. The quiet grace of the animals in their natural habitat was a stark contrast to what you might see in captivity. The animals did not seem bothered by us at all. We're leaving with amazing memories, and the experience of seeing these animals in the wild is something we'll cherish.

We’ll be back!

From the friendly and professional staff to the knowledgeable guides and trackers, every aspect of our stay at Lion Sands Narina Lodge exceeded our expectations. A huge thanks to Johnny for setting us up with everything and ensuring we had an incredible time. We're already thinking about a return visit – maybe next year. Thanks again, Lion Sands Narina Lodge, for an unforgettable adventure!