You absolutely must…
Must Eat:
A bush breakfast in full view of Africa’s magnificent animals, or a bush dinner cooked on open coals under the African sky on an open plain.
Must Shop:
Visit the craft market in neighbouring Shangaan village.
Must Visit:
To up the ante on both romance and adventure spend a night in the Chalkley treehouse, an opportunity to be completely alone in the wilderness with views of the plains from your 500 yr old Leadwood tree.
l A fourth-generation family game reserve with unequalled location on the canopied banks of the Sabie River.
l Private Reserve under the eye of an ecologist for superb game viewing
l The luxury and style of a lodge that was only completed in 2004.
The Whole Story
The story of Lion Sands is like something from Out of Africa. It traces an American fortune hunter who came to South Africa in the early 1900s attracted by the mining boom. He became a broker that specialised in raising money for mining, and used his newfound wealth to finance hunting expeditions. As a result, he stumbled across the untouched beauty of the Kingstown Estate – a jewel of a property on the border of Kruger National Park. The property has not left the control of the family since. The basic family lodge has evolved into a luxury game reserve known today as Lion Sands. Nestled on the banks of the Sabie River, the Lion Sands Game Reserve is a private estate, and as such it is limited as an experience only to guests. With a lot of land and very little foot traffic, it is easy to understand that the game reserve is in no danger of being spoiled. Nevertheless, Lion Sands is the only property in Sabi Sands to employ a fulltime ecologist, just to make sure it stays that way
Accommodation is in the ultra luxurious but simple and uncluttered Ivory Lodge, as well as in the more earthy 1933 Lodge, which is set directly on the canopied banks of the Sabie River. The suites of Ivory Lodge operate as private villas catering for guests who wish to enjoy the peace and tranquility of a setting which will exceed the highest of expectations.
The Rooms
Ivory Lodge comprises six villas, each with separate living room, heated plunge pool and open plan bathroom. The décor is in an ebony and ivory colour scheme, which blends old world charm with a contemporary Afro-Euro chic. Make the most of the great outdoors with an outdoor shower and a terrace with views of the river for spotting elephants, zebra and crocodiles.
1933 is a home from home in 6 star luxury, built by and for the Moore family. Designed with a seamless indoor and outdoor flow with earthy additions of thatch and timber. There is a lounge, dining room, kitchen, large wraparound deck with 13m pool, a gym, sauna and wine cellar.
There are 4 bedroom suites each with private river views plus a children’s bunk room (up to 8) with connecting au pair room.