Lion Sands

Proudly family-owned and managed since 1932, the people of Lion Sands Private Game Reserve set out to deliver a professional, informative and holistic safari experience.

This Big Five reserve is the only one in the Kruger Park area with access to the Sabie River and is set in an area so beautiful and rich in wildlife, that it converted the original owner of the land from being a keen hunter to becoming a dedicated conservationist.

The land was originally owned by Guy Aubrey Chalkley, an Irish American who came to South Africa at the height of the gold rush. A hunting enthusiast, Chalkley often ventured into the wilds and it was on one such adventure that he stumbled across the lands that would become the basis of the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Back then though there were no roads, only marking on trees to indicate the route to the camp which Guy followed in his old Ford sedan. His passion for the conservation and protection of this wilderness area was passed down through four generations to the three More brothers who now own and run Lion Sands Game Reserve.

Ever since the earliest days where hot water the epitome of luxury, the More family's intention was to keep the area in its original, pristine state. Today, the family employs a fulltime ecologist - the only reserve in the Sabi Sand area to do so - to monitor the effects of commercialisation on the wilderness.

However, the More brothers have realised the value of introducing guests to this kind of wilderness experience, in a setting that provides them with every luxury too. So while the philosophy of the safari experience here is to inform and educate guests on every aspect of the ecosystem - from its insect life to its elephants - your every creature comfort is catered for too.

The award-winning Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is also a member of Virtuoso - an exclusive, by invitation only, travel network.

Guests are offered a number of unique experiences at Lion Sands - from astronomy and interpretive bush walks with expert ecologists, trackers and rangers, to spending a night under the stars in a luxurious treehouse.

Attractions

At Lion Sands Private Game Reserve the emphasis is on providing guests with a holistic and firsthand understanding of this magnificent ecosystem, thanks to the professional ecologists, trackers and rangers here.

In addition, your stay here will be made memorable by the luxury of the reserve's two lodges - Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. Facilities include a gym and at River Lodge, a beautiful deck built out over the river.

Activities

Guests are offered a selection of safari-based activities, some of which are unique to Lion Sands. One unmissable activity is to overnight in the Lion Sands Tree House.

The tree house makes for an utterly unique experience. Guests can choose to head out to their tree house either after dinner, or at sunset, when they'll be provided with a picnic dinner to enjoy while absorbing the sights and sounds of the bushveld at dusk.

Your tree house, built high up in a 100-year-old jackalberry tree, is completely private and secluded and accommodates just two people in luxurious comfort.

Once ensuring you're safe and comfortable the ranger will leave you to enjoy the African night on your own and return to the lodge, 15 minutes away. At dawn you will either be able to radio the lodge or your ranger will collect you at the pre-arranged time.

While not for the fainthearted, it's an unforgettable experience that may well be the highlight of your African stay. Note that the cost of this activity is over and above your room rate at either of the lodges.

These include interpretive bush walks, game drives, astronomy and even a hippo tour.

Other activities on offer include ballooning, clay pigeon shooting, cultural visits, spa treatments, golfing, scenic helicopter rides and specialist game drives for photographers or birdwatchers.

Some of these are included in your rates and you can download a full list of activities at www.lionsands.com.

Services

The philosophy at Lion Sands is to provide guests with a memorable safari experience where you're treated to warm African hospitality.

The lodges are luxuriously appointed and feature all the comforts you could wish for.

If you're celebrating a special occasion while staying at Lion Sands - an anniversary, a birthday or have chosen this as your honeymoon destination - be sure to let the lodge know. The Lion Sands family love celebrations and have a number of ways to ensure that your celebration is memorable.

If you want to get married in the bushveld, Lion Sands will happily coordinate your wedding for you - complete with the local Shangaan chief to give you his blessing in accordance to African tradition. After the blessing, the wedding feast will be held under the night sky with singing and dancing continuing until dawn.

Food and Wine

Included in your rate at Lion Sands are excellent bush breakfasts, dinners and safari lunches.

At Lion Sands River Lodge you can be driven to dine either in the dry riverbed, the river hide or on an open plain, where you'll find a table lit by paraffin lamps and a large campfire.

While guided by Western culinary traditions, the food at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is inspired by African flavours. Meals are either served out on the wooden decks under the shade of the mahogany trees; in the intimate dining room where you can watch the staff prepare your meal; in the traditional Shangaan boma, or in the privacy of your suite.

Awards

• Lion Sands Ivory Lodge included on Tatler's '101 Best Hotels in the World' in 2006 and 2007.

• Lion Sands Ivory Lodge was named the third best hotel in the world by Tatler Magazine in 2006.

Accommodation

The Lion Sands game reserve boasts two exclusive lodges - Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, which are all about luxury and exclusivity.

Lion Sands River Lodge is built on the banks of the Sabie River, set among trees that date back 800 years in some instances. It's perfectly positioned to catch the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park and its trademark is the warm hospitality you'll experience.

The award-winning Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is also a member of Virtuoso - an exclusive, by invitation only, travel network. Voted the third best hotel in the world by Tatler Magazine in 2006, Ivory Lodge is the last word in luxury, without being fussy and over the top.

Each of the six suites is operated as a private villa and the lodge is all about exclusivity and privacy. Each suite has a living room, heated pool and your own outdoor shower (in addition to an en suite bathroom of course). It's six-star luxury in the middle of the bush.

A private bar, well-stocked wine cellar, a fully-equipped spa and gym and indoor and open-air dining areas make up the public areas of the lodge.

1933 at Lion Sands

 

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve  

"Exclusive safari lodge on the banks of the Sabie River, in the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve."

 

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Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

 

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve  

"An exclusive hideaway in a fantastic location on the banks of the Sabie River."

 

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Lion Sands River Lodge

 

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve  

"Luxurious, family run safari lodge in prime game viewing territory overlooking the Sabie River."

 

Read more

View all Lion Sands Accommodation