One of the Sabi Sand’s luxury lodges located in the private Lion Sands Game Reserve closed last year in June following a fire that surged through the main areas of the lodge. River Lodge lost its public facilities, but fortunately, the blaze was contained quickly and none of the guest suites was affected, nor was anyone in danger or hurt. Now, almost a year later, this much-loved luxury safari lodge has revealed its complete new build. The common guest areas have been rebuilt and redecorated in eye-watering alluring style, with a rippling swimming pool, artistic chandeliers, contemporary African patterns and textures, and spacious decking laid with beautiful, smooth timber. What an incredible comeback – we can’t wait to visit the new River Lodge!
Using natural materials like grass, thatch, leather, wood, and stone, the earthiness of River Lodge is present throughout the large lounges, safari bar, unique barista station, art gallery, and the OneLife More boutique. All these interiors make the most of natural light, which shines through the large glass panels, shutters, and doorways, while the aromatic thatched ceiling anchors the array of unusual light fittings from a height. A lot of the furniture and decor is designed to let light move through it, using woven basket-style materials, and clean lines. The best thing about the openness of these areas is that the strong old trees and the living wilderness around the lodge bring their energy right indoors.
With the indoors emulating the outdoors, where does that leave the outdoor areas of the lodge? The biggest appeal of a holiday in South Africa for many visitors is the sublime weather. The sun shines throughout the year in the Lowveld, and in the most popular safari season – from May to October – the weather is mild and magnificent. Warm days with clear skies draw River Lodge guests to the newly built swimming pool area where towering trees reach towards the cottonwool clouds and are reflected in the cool lap pool below. The wide timber decks house comfortable day beds and sun loungers to make the activity of sun-bathing irresistible.
River Lodge wouldn’t be what it is without the presence of the Sabie River that flows in front of the lodge, giving the opulent suites a view to remember. The wild inhabitants of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve roam the banks of this river, feeding on the vegetation surrounding the lodge and can be seen wandering the sandy banks from the comfort of the main lodge and the individual suites. There are 18 rooms at River Lodge, of which eight are luxury rooms, six are superior luxury rooms, and four are exclusive River Suites. A handful of the rooms caters for families with children over the age of 10, while some are geared for romantic seclusion. Rooms that do not look over the river look out into the bush, which – let’s face it – is hardly a disadvantage.
