Lion Sands Narina Lodge

The luxurious suites at Lion Sands Narina Lodge are chic and comfortable. Nestled in amongst riverside trees, the suites look authentic and traditional from the outside, while being modern and luxurious inside.

The suites can come in double or twin configuration, and polished wooden floors run throughout, as well as exposed vaulted thatch ceilings which work to add dimension and character. Sliding doors cover the whole of the front wall, when open creating a space which is filled with natural light and fresh breezes and which feels connected to its stunning surroundings. A large bed sits opposite these doors, dressed in crisp white bed linen and draped in mosquito netting.

A comfortable lounge area sits to one side of the room and includes a cosy sofa and plush cushions. All suites come with an ensuite bathroom which includes a glass screened indoor shower, a bamboo screened outdoor shower, and a large bathtub perfectly placed with a picturesque view over the luscious greenery.

The private deckings all come complete with a heated plunge pool and sun loungers, where guests can unwind and enjoy a quick dip in the evening, or a sundowner drink from their own minibar.

Guests can enjoy meals prepared by talented chefs, inspired by local flavours and made with local, seasonal ingredients. The adventure doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, as dinner can be enjoyed around the boma, or in the heart of the bush, surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of the wilderness.

Dinner can also be enjoyed in the cosy and softly lit main dining area. All meals can be tailored to suit any dietary requirements, and meals will come paired with some of the finest Cape wines.

With a professional and friendly guide leading the excursion, travel through the Kruger National Park in the comfort of a 4×4 safari vehicle and enjoy searching for the many amazing animals which call this area their home. Renowned for the presence of the big five, you’re more than likely to see lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, or rhino.

Guests can head out at dawn or dusk, either time offering a unique experience of the park.

Wander through the thick bush which surrounds Lion Sands Narina Lodge and truly immerse yourself in the heart of nature. With a friendly and knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests will have the chance to see some of the smaller workings of the bush, such as insect life, or animal tracks.

There is also an opportunity on these walks to see some of the bigger animals, for a truly breathtaking experience.

For a unique night spent under the stars, make your way up the Tinyeleti Treehouse. Enjoy an evening meal high above the riverbank while the sun sets, and then spend the night in the comfort and warmth of the mosquito netted bed, gazing up at the wide wide sky.

Be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Sabie River rushing past, the nocturnal birds calling, and the rustle of the bush with nocturnal creatures slinking around. With a wide, unpolluted sky to stare up at, guests can expect to see the ‘many stars’ which Tinyeleti’s name directly translates to.

Enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment to look after your mind, body and soul in the relaxing and calming spa treatment room. Filled with fresh breezes and surrounded by luscious nature, indulge in some self-care with a choice of massages, facials and wraps.

To help preserve and protect the environment and communities where they operate, MORE Family Collection – Lion Sand Narina Lodge’s owner – is “committed to regenerative tourism sustainable practices.” Their sustainable practices help to protect the planet for generations to come, and for the “continuity of life.”

MORE Family Collection is “committed to promoting conservation through education and raising awareness.”

They do this by being active members of programmes such as the Nakavango Conservation Programme, which is a volunteering programme to help protect and preserve the Victorian Falls Private Game Reserve and to develop the nearby Woodlands Village. This programme gives its volunteers the opportunity to “learn about and make personal contributions to: conservation management and research on the reserve, community development projects, and the maintenance of Nakavango Conservation Centre and its sustainable green operations.”

MORE Family Collection has also established a field guide college called NJ MORE Field Guide College. This is Field Guide Association of South Africa endorsed, and helps to train new guides while creating the next generation of nature ambassadors. This programme has a track record of training guides who “have a vast knowledge of the environment, a passion for guiding, a dedication to teaching people about our extraordinary natural heritage, and inspiring them to do their part to protect it.”

MORE Family Collection has various development projects which help to support the local community with both staff and guests being encouraged to get involved in these projects.

The MORE Community Trust was founded in 2002. This trust helps the local communities through self-sustainable projects and they uplift local communities “through support and access to childcare; skills development through community-based development initiatives; access to fresh water and health facilities; and developing overall environmental health.”

Currently, some of the ongoing projects are providing digital education through the Huntington Digital Learning Campus, creating boreholes in Huntington Village so there is adequate access to clean drinking water, a “Soul Food” project which guests can donate to help local communities in need, and the support of the Frida Hartley Shelter which homes vulnerable local women and children.

The “Get Your Hands Dirty” programme is one which encourages guests to help in the projects which “address local needs around education, health and environment, and infrastructure.”

MORE Family Collection are committed to treating their staff fairly and to “following best practices in the employment and treatment of our people.” They hire locally wherever possible, pay their workers and contractors fair wages, and create opportunities as well as “embracing diversity” and inclusivity. The health of their staff is promoted through “support partners, such as Mistral Medical.”

MORE Family Collection strives to make a positive impact on the environment in which they operate. They have specific issues which they are focusing on making as eco-friendly as possible, such as “energy, water, waste, food, materials and conservation.”