Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

Nice boutique hotel with friendly service. But when you charge $1,000+ a night, the bar is high - and this place isn't in that league. Good stuff: Rooms are nicely fitted out with a lovely view of the river from the private terrace. Staff are excellent - warm, friendly, helpful. Food was good. Decent location, but not an immersive safari experience (it's off a main road, a 15-minute drive from Kruger). Disappointing stuff: feels like a $400-$500 a night Marriott, not a luxury resort. That's really the main criticism. Spent two nights here with my wife and two kids before Christmas, and paid nearly $5,000 for two rooms. Just nowhere near enough bang for our buck.

My friend and I really wanted to visit Kruger National Park during our annual alternative thanksgiving trip and this year we chose South Africa! I usually make the bookings when traveling and when I saw this property, I knew I had to make it our home away from home, since I am a loyal Marriott member. Thankfully there was availability since there is less than 2 dozen suites available for booking. The property is just the right size and the customer service is AMAZING! Food was great and they try to switch it up everyday, which we really enjoyed. The dinner show was amazing as well - I would just recommend covering your food for a bit since they will kick sand towards your table (not intentionally but it happens since they are dancing). I cannot rave enough about the game drives - do as many as you can see and see all the beautiful animals. Just a one of a kind experience! Overall, I would recommend this resort due to its proximity to Kruger, the great food, relaxing environment, and how easy it is to get to from the Skukuza airport (they have a complimentary shuttle). The staff are just a joy to talk to and are very knowledgeable of the area. Shout out to Pastor, Fumani and Melissa. I am trying to hard to remember our driver to the game drives (front gate) and to/from the airport - HE WAS GREAT!

The location and atmosphere is amazing and everything about the lodge exceeded my expectations. Because it is situated on the Sabie River, you may see animals closely as they drink or eat in the area. The rooms are spacious, have air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, bath tub, mini bar and a private deck facing the river. Above all, the staff is incredible and truly made our trip extra special. They are so inviting and made us feel like family. I worked directly with Melissa to plan our safari drives, additional activities via email and she was so knowledgeable and patient with the myriad of questions I had. Sam is the head chef and his chefs, cooks and servers are amazing. Every meal was cooked to perfection and special requests are honored for allergies and other dietary needs. The front desk staff including Anita, KG and Pastor are so friendly and hospitable and housekeeping is very attentive. The lodge has their own drivers for pickup from Skukuza airport, the game drives, and to take you to additional activities you would like to book. We loved doing the park drives with Sandros who could spot the Big 5 from far away! And we enjoyed driving with Pamley and Earnest. Truly recommend this very special place.

Words will not justify our magical 5 star bush experience at the incredible Leopard Sands Kruger Park. A huge shoutout to the most hospitable team that greeted us most enthusiastically after our long drive from Botswana, refreshing us with cold towels and exotic drinks. Van and his team made our stay most comfortable and memorable, we applaude your service and the warmth you have shown our family. Every meal from entrée to dessert was prepared exquisitely, we acknowledge the amazing and friendly chef, Sam- truly a palatable experience! We were mesmerized by the views of the majestic animals from the deck, a most tranquil experience. The rooms were beautifully designed to enhance your African experience, decorated with gorgeous Leopard photograph frames. The attention to detail in every aspect of Leopard sands was amazing 👏 we recommend booking your next bush trip with them and guarantee that they will not disappoint. We thank you and we will definitely be visiting again. The Bhamjee Family- Botswana

Once in a life time experience in this amazing resort in the magnificent Kruger park! From the initial moment in the airport, we have beed welcomed by surprise pack. The hotel design, which is a contemporary modern with African art influences, is spectacular. The lodges are gorgeous and super clean with a high rounded African huts. You feel home with the super kind staff of leopard sands and we loved the welcoming back cold towel after the game drives and off course the inclusive laundry service. All the meals were prepared by order by an in house chef. The game drives were fantastic. We would like to thank some of the staff whom made this trip and my wife’s multiple birthday surprises unforgettable: Agreable Ayanda Franscio John Vanheerden Joey Anita Pastor Kgonthe Stein Melissa Shelton sandrose

Wow, what an exclusive and exquisite lodge in the heart of the Kruger. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed and was mesmerized by the luxurious and beautiful decor throughout the lodge, the incredible views and outstanding service. The suite was stunning boasting an indoor and outdoor shower, a private plunge pool with majestic views of the river and game. The cuisine was superb. Wonderful boma area and an infinity pool. Absolutely loved the stay at this exclusive and exquisite lodge. Highly recommend Leopard Sands.