Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

Lion Sands River Lodge and Ivory Lodge are exclusive in their pristine location overlooking the magnificent Sabie River, Sabi Sands.

Lion Sands used to form part of the Sabi Sabi portfolio and has since its recent re-opening been earmarked as one of the finest luxury privately owned & managed Lodges within Southern Africa.

The Lodges

Regrettably, Lion Sands is unable to accommodate children under the age of 10 years.

Ivory Lodge:
The international award winning Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is ultra luxurious, yet simple and uncluttered. The lodge is about overriding exclusivity with complete privacy, where each suite is operated as a private villa.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge was awarded third best hotel in the world by Tatler Magazine in 2006 and has been included in their “101 Best Hotels in the World” 2006 & 2007 listings. Ivory Lodge is also a proud member of Virtuoso, the largest exclusive by invitation only travel network group in the world.

The Lodge comprises six generously sized privately situated villas, each with a separate living room, heated swimming pool and an open plan en-suite bathroom with an enclosure for the outdoor shower – 6-star luxury in the middle of the bush.

Facilities

The public areas at Ivory Lodge offers guests the following: a private bar with fireplace, a library lounge, well stocked wine cellar, wooden viewing decks, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.

River Lodge:
River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands and has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Hosted by a family of staff that makes it feel like home away from home, the lodge is about spirit, warmth and nature. Here you are invited to relax and experience African hospitality at its finest.
 
The interior is a tranquil cream and beige haven, cool in the summer, cozy in the winter. The bathroom, with its tranquil look and pebble-inlaid floors complements the bushveld well. There are 18 luxurious thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor & inside shower & wooden viewing deck. The bedroom area is air-conditioned with an overhead fan. All rooms have mini-bar & telephone access. The rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways.

Facilities
The public areas at River Lodge offers guests the following: a private lounge and bar with fireplace, an outdoor safari lounge, 2 swimming pools (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, a conference room, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.

Fauna and Flora

The philosophy of the safari experience at Lion Sands is to deliver a consistently professional, informative & holistic safari experience, ensuring that all spheres of the eco-system, from the small insects to the mighty African elephant, are covered in as much detail as the Guest may require. The Senior Ecologist, Field Ranger & Tracker teams have been carefully selected to make certain that your Safari Experience will not only meet but exceed your highest expectations.

Activities

Lion Sands is completely unique in its offering of additional activities enabling the Guest to further tailor-make their stay with us ensuring an unforgettable luxury safari experience.

Astronomy:
This is done during the evening game drive and is kept as a surprise for those guests who have a keen interest in our solar system and the associated African folklore. Lie back under the African sky & be taken on a journey through our ancient galaxy.

Bush Breakfast:
Guests are driven to either the river hide or one of the open plains where breakfast is served. A full table is set and the guests are invited to join the animals, which can often be viewed from the breakfast venue, whilst savoring a full continental breakfast.

Bush Dinner:
Guests are driven to either a dry riverbed or under the African sky on an open plain. Lit by only paraffin lamps and a big open campfire, this dining experience makes for one of the most unforgettable memories of a visit to Africa. Listen to the night sounds and enjoy a sumptuous meal cooked on the open-coals of the bush fire.

Bush Walk:
Prior to departing the ranger will assess the guest’s fitness level and will structure the walk accordingly. During the summer months the walks are done in the early mornings and form part of the morning game drive. In winter the walk is done after breakfast but to ensure the best walking areas are accessed, the guest will leave the lodge in a Land Rover until the optimal walking route is reached. Once everyone (maximum 8 guests) has settled into the walk the ranger will start to talk on a wide variety of subjects ranging from the medicinal uses of certain plants to the basic skills of tracking animals. On returning to the vehicle light refreshments are served. This is a highly recommended activity in both summer & winter.

Game Drive:
Guests are taken on early morning and evening open land rover game drives.

Hippo Tour:
Often the guests do not get the chance to see the hippopotamus during either their morning & evening game drive as the Land Rover’s traverse the interior of the reserve, focusing on the inland animals. This tour offers the guest a chance to observe this amazing creature in its natural habitat. There is also a good chance of seeing the enormous African Nile crocodiles (12/14ft), which inhabit the Sabie River.

Safari Lunch:
Guests can request for a picnic lunch at either one of the River hides or Waterhole hide. This activity is only offered during the winter, dry season months, as this is the time when wildlife are seen to congregate around these points.

Wildlife Lectures:
These lectures cover a variety of wildlife subjects. Our Senior Ecologist & Head Ranger will ensure that the subject content is not only interesting but very site specific. The lectures will take place every alternate day. The venue, content & spokesperson details will be available at reception desk.

All outdoor activities are weather dependent and therefore remain optional.

Enquire about Lion Sands