Walking on the Wild Side at Lion Sands Narina Lodge
July 22, 2022
Words by: Francois Fourie, MORE Family Collection Content Manager
Francois Fourie’s ‘day job’ is the content manager at MORE Family Collection, but he’s also involved in the sales and marketing of the NJMORE Field Guide College, as well as the Nakavango Conservation Programme. He’s a talented wildlife photographer, a professional field guide and inhouse guide trainer, as well as a FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) assessor.
A trip to the world-renowned Kruger National Park never fails to be exciting, reminding me of my visits when I was a kid.
A quick 45-minute flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and we were flying over my old stomping grounds. The smooth landing at Skukuza Airport was followed by a seamless pick-up from my guide, Andreas Dett, and soon we arrived to be greeted by the welcoming staff at Lion Sands Narina Lodge.
Walking into the lodge you already feel at home and as if the African bush is embracing you, with its wooden beams, carved tree roots, roughly hewn stones, and a breathtaking view of the Sabie River.
Our quick lunch was interrupted by the alarm calls of a vervet monkey – a lioness was walking across the river on the northern bank – not a bad start to our stay.
I checked in and went to my room, which was literally on the banks of the Sabie River, spacious and complete with my own private plunge pool. Gathering all my camera gear, I then joined Andreas and our tracker, Wanda – what a team!
Our game drives over the two days were incredible; we were fortunate enough to see male lions, a pride with two cubs, and massive herds of elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and giraffes that were so plentiful, we even drove past them after a while. Birdlife, too, was spectacular despite it being winter.
On our last morning, we came across a male leopard, but the highlight of my stay was the African wild dogs – one of the best wild dog sightings I’ve had in 13 years. The Toulon Pack managed to kill a nyala, but a clan of hyenas were close by, and chaos ensued as two of Africa’s apex predators interacted over the carcass. After a while, it became more of a scuffle between species, but eventually, the wild dogs outnumbered the hyena and emerged victorious, with several hyena egos scattered across the scene. Luckily there were no major injuries.
The Kruger National Park, one of the oldest and most well-known game reserves in the world is an exceptional place, and Lion Sands Narina Lodge is where two days can feel like a week in the African bush. I returned home with more incredible memories, captured both in the heart and through the lens.
Words by Francois Fourie, MORE Family Content Manager, NJ MORE Field Guide College and Nakavango Conservation Program
#MOREOnTheMove is our Instagram takeover series that showcases the guest experience at our properties.
View our highlight reels for Marataba Safari Lodge and Lion Sands Narina Lodge and follow our Instagram platforms for more. In late July we visit Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel.
