Lion Sands Tinga Lodge is a sophisticated take on the colonial-style lodge in the Kruger National Park. Capturing the romance of the pioneer era, while providing considerable more comfort. The Tinga experience is a personal and private one for those looking for a true African escape. It also offers a 2-bedroom family villa. From the Suites, elevated wooden pathways lead off to a spa sala and the main lodge. With its bar lounge, library, pool and boma offering spaces to share good company.
WiFi is available in guest areas and also in all rooms. The suites and villa can accommodate disabled guests with assistance.
Occupying private spots along the Sabie River and in the bush, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge has 9 x luxury air-conditioned Suites. In each Suite you’ll find a king-sized bed (with mosquito netting), private lounge, and sumptuous bath and shower. Each suite is 125m2/1 344ft2.
Stepping out through your Suite’s glass sliding doors, you’ll find a deck with loungers besides a private pool. Ideal for dining experiences set up just for you, and al fresco showers under the stars. It makes the most of the river view that often sees wildlife passing through.
Children over 6 are allowed in the suites. There are 2 suites that can be triple rooms for a child under 16 years.
Spacious suitesPrivate deck and plunge pool
2 Bedroom Hinkwenu Family Villa
The exclusive-use Hinkwenu villa in the Kruger bush makes the Tinga experience exclusively yours. For friends, or family, to sprawl out and make it their own. The residence can accommodate four adults in 2 x en-suite bedrooms, each with an outdoor shower area. For families, two young children may be accommodated on single beds, sharing in their parents’ room.
It’s spacious and secluded enough to do your own thing, but helping hands and a wilderness of experiences are never far off. This 2-bedroom villa is 220m2 / 2 368ft2 inside. With an additional 125m2 / 1 345ft2 exterior space.
With your own hospitality team, field guide and game viewer, you’ll have maximum personal time to relax and explore.
Expect no shortage of areas to gather in the open plan kitchen and dining area, lounge, or patio. Not to forget your large deck, and outdoor pool. No surprise then that Hinkwenu means ‘together’ in the local Shangaan language.
Children of all ages are allowed in the family villa. As you have your own vehicle, children may join you on game drives.
Villa Open Plan Living Area2-bedroom Villa with pool
Tinga Lodge Family Safari
Tinga Lodge allows children over 6 years old. Kids up to 15 years pay 50% of the accommodation rate if sharing with an adult. Two of the suites may be made into triple rooms.
Hinkwenu Villa can accommodate children of all ages and the rate includes 2 x children.
Kruger Family Safari Activities ↓
Mack & Madi Kids’ Program
Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers is not just a kids’ club. It’s an all-round family experience that makes a family safari child’s play. This offering is inspired by owners Rob and Britt More’s first-hand experience of traveling with their twins, Mack and Madi. Along with the lodges’ options and flexibility around accommodations and meals, tailor-made activities give children a little extra freedom to explore and just be kids. And make family travel child’s play.
Activities keep young guests occupied with the wonders of the natural world, as well as with sports and crafts, during their stays. Just some of the fun includes: family morning game drives, bush orientation, bug CSI, dung tracking, spoor casting, scavenger hunts, pool games, rock painting; beading, pizza making in the bomas, cookie baking and cupcake decorating in the kitchens, and stargazing. Parents are welcome to join in, or sneak a few hours for themselves.
As anticipated as the experiences, mealtimes bring everyone to the table with delicious dishes that are familiar and many options for even the pickiest eaters. Chefs sneak in plenty of fresh fruit and veg – and treats, too. Like toasted marshmallow topped hot chocolates around the fire.
Mack & Madi Activities
Tinyeleti Treehouse
The Tinyeleti Treehouse, is not merely a vantage point from where to observe the splendor that is the Sabie River and all the life it sustains. But rather an open-air invitation to take your place and become part of it. Tinyeleti translates to many stars.
Guests arrive at sunset to a picnic dinner, spend the dusk hours watching animals wander past (at a safe distance). And fall asleep counting shooting stars. And they can rest easy knowing a field guide is always on radio call should they feel they need assistance.
Tinyeleti Treehouse is fully equipped for your relaxation and you can expect all the comforts of a luxury stay. Enjoy your choice of tapas or a full meal. And then settle in with a cocktail as the animals come to drink at sunset. The 50m2 deck can accommodate 2 x adults on a deluxe king size bed, and 2 x children over 10 years old on two pull out beds. There is no electricity but you will have a torch. You will find a few bars of cellphone signal.
Expect to hear the constant rush of life from the Sabie River on your doorstep. As well as a few animals, night predators and birds chiming in.
Tinyeleti is an uninterrupted overnight experience that cannot be replicated. But that will most definitely be re-told. That is, if you can find the words to describe it.
Tinyeleti Treehouse – by night it is lantern lit and so romantic
A Tree house Experience is booked in conjunction with lodge accommodation A Tree house stay is charged at a per person sharing per night rate. This is over and above the lodge accommodation rate Guests pack an overnight bag with their essentials, leaving the rest of their belongings back in their lodge suite
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Activities
Safari Activities ↓
Kruger Game Drives
The 5 000ha (12 500ac) reserve is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. You will see all of Africa’s iconic species. Lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra. Along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird. Our safaris present an adventure that is wild, and then some!
Being entirely private, Lion Sands offers you an intimate safari experience. With only six guests to a game viewer and exclusive traversing on the reserve, you’ll have minimal encounters with other people. Though compelling sightings do attract more attention, the number of vehicles here is also limited. This ensures the animals aren’t put under stress. And you are able to spend more time with them, observing their natural behavior. While you are out exploring, you will by no means be roughing it. Your game viewer has cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets and ponchos. And stops off in a scenic spot for drinks and snacks.
ElephantsLeopard
Private Game Drives (at an additional cost)
Private game drives give you complete freedom to safari your way. Take your time, explore your own interests and feel as if you have the wilderness entirely to yourself, while enjoying dedicated guiding by your expert field guide. This is the perfect option, whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family/friend group. Departure times and duration of these drives are flexible. A minimum of 2 nights must be booked and private vehicles are subject to availability.
Bush Walks
These are the after-breakfast walks on the wild side. For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion. You are dropped in the thick of things and all five senses engage… It is exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles. And to discover more about the reserve’s plants – many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.
Wildlife Lectures
At times when the weather is unsuitable for safari activities, our field guides and trackers present short nature talks. They cover a host of subjects, giving guests more insight into the animals they see on safari (e.g. elephant behavior) and the natural surrounds (e.g. the ecological impact of commercial lodges on the environment). The talks are informal presentations, largely guided by interactions with guests.
Giving Back
Lion Sands together with More Community Trust assists the local Huntington and Justicia B villages. And you can get involved too. Take a community tour, the proceeds of which go to our development projects here. Or roll up your sleeves to help out through our Get Your Hands Dirty initiatives.
These center on education, infrastructure, health and environment. And you can choose the area best suited to your skills and interest. These are extraordinary social experiences that bring you to the heart of Southern Africa. This makes your own and others’ dreams come true.
Meaningful safari by giving back
Spa & Wellness
In our experience, being well taken care of inspires a fundamental sense of well-being. And how better to indulge than with luxurious accommodation, wholesome food, and spa therapies? We favor Africology products, instilled with the belief that self-care brings balance. So with massages, wraps and facials, you’ll rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalize your spirit.
Other activities
We can arrange a round of golf at the nearby Skukuza Golf Course or how about a helicopter flight over the Panorama Route?
Food & Wine
From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all guests. With any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Wine tastings are also a favorite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.
How to get to Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
The best is to fly into Skukuza Airport which is 5 minutes from the lodge. A complimentary transfer in open safari vehicles is offered so you can start your safari immediately.
From Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA):
Flights depart KMIA for either Victoria Falls (Livingstone) or Vilanculos in Mozambique. We can arrange transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle to / from KMIA. The drive to Lion Sands Tinga Lodge is approximately 97km (60mi). This will take about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Best Time to Travel
Lion Sands Game Reserve is a year-round safari destination. The animals are non-migratory, and variation in the safari experience is season, rather than location, related. The best period for bird watching is from October to April.
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Accommodation Rates
Rates operate on quarterly price updates. Therefore, rates change based on market conditions. Send us your dates and we’ll get back to you with the best rates. These are the rates as at 29th February 2024 to give you an indication.
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge INDICATIVE Rates
Per Person Sharing
Single
1st March – 19th December 2024
R 26 995
R 40 493
20th December 2024 – 3rd January 2025
R 33 770
R 50 655
4th January – 19th December 2025
R 29 175
R 43 763
20th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
R 36 470
R 54 705
4th January – 30th April 2026
R 31 510
R 47 265
Hinkwenu Residence INDICATIVE Rates
Per Residence Per Night
1st March – 19th December 2024
R 134 800
20th December 2024 – 3rd January 2025
R 168 490
4th January – 19th December 2025
R 145 580
20th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
R 181 970
4th January – 30th April 2026
R 157 225
Rates Include / Exclude ↓
Suite Rates include:
Luxurious accommodation All meals, teas/coffees, minibar in room, inclusive drinks* and selected snacks *all soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits and house wines Two game drives daily with FGASA accredited field guide and tracker Game drive refreshments and snacks Specified inclusive safari activities* Skukuza Airport transfers WiFi
Hinkwenu villa also includes:
Exclusive-use 2 bedroom villa for a maximum of 4 x adults and 2 x children Private open safari vehicle, personal field guide and tracker
*Specialist activities included: Game drives and bush walks Stargazing Wildlife lectures Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers experiences.
Rates exclude:
Laundry Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines and champagnes Cigars and cigarettes All flights and transfers not specified Gratuities Any extras will be for the guests’ accounts Tree house experiences Private open safari vehicle hire Park and Conservation Fees Sustainability Levy Exclusive use bush breakfasts & dinners
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge Accommodation Special Offers
*Peak period block-out dates for the below special offers: 20th December until 3rd January
See More Offer
Book a three night stay at a Lion Sands Tinga Lodge and get 2 nights free at More Quarters in a Luxury Apartment Valid until 30 April 2026*
Experience More – Stay 3, Pay 2
Book three nights and only pay for two. Valid until 30th April 2024, 1st October 2024 – 30th April 2025, 1st October 2025 – 30th April 2026*.
Wonder More – Kruger Safari and Victoria Falls Package
*Lion Sands Game Reserve lodges: River, Narina, Tinga (including Hinkwenu Residence) & Ivory Lodge Valid until 30th June 2024, 1st October 2024 until 30th June 2025, and 1st October 2025 until 30th April 2026*.
Friends of More Offer
Repeat guests get 10% off their accommodation rate at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge and Hinkwenu Residence Valid until 30th April 2026* Can be combined with other offers except Love More
Discover More – Long Stay Offer
Stay 6 nights at one or more at More Family Collection properties* and get 10% discount on your stay.
For newlyweds on their honeymoon! Spend three nights at the Lion Sands Game Reserve lodges and one of you will get a 50% discount on accommodation.
Valid until 30th April 2026* The honeymoon offer is valid for a year after the date of marriage. A marriage certificate is to be provided. Excludes Residences.
We also do weddings at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge – email us for more information now.
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