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Tucked beneath a lush canopy of ancient trees along the banks of the iconic Sabie River, Lion Sands Narina Lodge is a luxury safari lodge that embodies the rare beauty and grace of the Narina Trogon bird after which it is named. Elevated on wooden stilts and seamlessly blending into its wild surroundings, this secluded sanctuary invites you to reconnect with nature in the heart of a pristine wilderness.
Located within the exclusive Tinga Private Concession of the Kruger National Park, Narina Lodge offers front-row seats to one of the most game-rich regions in all of Africa. Spanning over 5,000 hectares, this private concession is renowned for its extraordinary Big 5 sightings, especially leopards, and is home to one of the largest populations of endangered black rhino in the park. With more than 30 kilometers of Sabie River frontage and 14 kilometers of the Sand River, the presence of permanent water ensures exceptional wildlife encounters year-round.
Narina Lodge features just nine luxurious suites, designed to offer complete privacy and uninterrupted views of the surrounding riverine forest. Suspended in the treetops, each suite is connected by elevated wooden walkways that lead to the lodge’s central relaxation area, spa sala, and communal lounge. These shared spaces are thoughtfully adorned with natural textures, earthy tones, and open-air architecture that draws the outdoors in.
Each suite at Narina Lodge is a tranquil haven, offering elegant comfort with a romantic canopy bed, spacious lounge area with deep-cushioned couches, and a signature freestanding egg-shaped bath overlooking the wilderness. Wide glass doors and sliding windows open fully to a private viewing deck and plunge pool, allowing guests to soak in the sights and sounds of the African bush – from the gentle rustle of leaves to the distant trumpet of elephants at the river’s edge.
What truly sets Lion Sands Narina Lodge apart is the quality of its exclusive safari experiences. Guests enjoy twice-daily game drives guided by highly trained rangers and expert Shangaan trackers, exploring the private Tinga Concession without venturing into the public areas of Kruger. The lodge’s safari vehicles are permitted to go off-road at special sightings, ensuring close-up encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo.
The region’s dense concentration of game, combined with the experience and intuition of your guide team, offers unforgettable photographic opportunities and thrilling sightings – whether it’s tracking a stealthy leopard through riverine thickets, following a matriarchal herd of elephants, or observing a pride of lions lounging in the golden light of dawn.
Narina Lodge is not just a place to see Africa’s wildlife – it’s a place to feel it. Whether you’re savoring a sundowner on your deck as herds gather at the river, sharing stories by the fire in the boma, or indulging in a spa treatment with nature as your soundtrack, every moment is designed to awaken your senses and restore your spirit.
This is where untamed Africa meets unpretentious luxury. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a photographic safari, or a once-in-a-lifetime Big 5 adventure, Lion Sands Narina Lodge offers the perfect balance of solitude, style, and safari.
Nestled on the banks of the Sabie River, each suite at Lion Sands Narina Lodge offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding wilderness. This permanent water source attracts a rich variety of wildlife, making the lodge an ideal vantage point for spotting animals right from the comfort of your suite.
Located within a private concession of the Kruger National Park, Narina Lodge offers exclusive access to one of the most wildlife-dense areas in South Africa. Guests have the rare opportunity to witness the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – as well as a host of other species including hippos, crocodiles, antelope, and diverse birdlife.
Each suite is designed with a spacious wooden deck and a private plunge pool, offering the perfect space to relax, unwind, and soak in the sights and sounds of the bush. Watch elephants wander by or birds flit through the trees – all while enjoying the ultimate in safari luxury.
Game drives at Narina Lodge are led by expert rangers and trackers who know the land intimately. Operating on a private concession, these safaris allow for off-road driving at key sightings, ensuring unforgettable close-up animal encounters in a more intimate and less crowded setting than public Kruger roads.
The Tinga Concession, which spans over 5,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, is considered one of the top game viewing regions in Kruger National Park. Its location along two rivers – the Sabie and Sand – supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem, with some of the highest leopard densities in Africa.
With just nine suites, Narina Lodge ensures a personalized, private safari experience. Elevated walkways link your suite to the lodge’s main areas, creating a treehouse-style retreat under a canopy of 100-year-old trees.
Beyond the wildlife, guests are immersed in an atmosphere of serenity. From golden sunsets over the river to the quiet stillness of the early morning bush, Narina Lodge is the perfect escape for nature lovers, honeymooners, and seasoned safari-goers alike.
For an unforgettable night in the African wilderness, we highly recommend booking the Tinyeleti Treehouse Experience – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep out under the stars in a completely open yet safe environment, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the bush. Located within the Lion Sands reserve and perched above the Sabie River, this luxury treehouse sleep-out is perfect for romantic couples or adventurous souls looking to deepen their connection with the wild. While it comes at an additional cost, it’s a magical, bucket-list experience that is absolutely worth the upgrade.
Each of the nine exclusive suites at Narina Lodge has been designed with both comfort and climate in mind. In cooler months, the underfloor heating keeps the space cozy, while the private plunge pool and outdoor shower offer refreshing ways to cool off during the warmer safari afternoons. We suggest waking early to enjoy a hot outdoor shower at sunrise, with the mist rising from the river below and the bushveld slowly coming to life around you – it’s an experience like no other.
The Kruger National Park experiences a range of weather conditions. Mornings and evenings on game drives can be chilly, even in summer, so be sure to pack layered clothing, a hat, sunblock, and a good pair of binoculars. The lodge does provide blankets and ponchos for game drives, but your comfort will be enhanced with thoughtful packing.
Narina Lodge is designed to help you disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature. There is limited cell reception in some areas and no televisions in the suites – giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stillness of the bush. Bring a good book, a journal, or simply allow yourself to sit quietly on your deck and watch the river’s wildlife unfold before you.
Activities such as the Tinyeleti Treehouse sleep-out, spa treatments, or private photographic safaris can fill up quickly. We advise booking these special experiences in advance to avoid disappointment and ensure your stay is tailored to your ideal safari adventure.
