Lion Sands is simply extraordinary. As one of the only private game reserves with roots in both the historic Sabi Sand Game Reserve and world renowned, game-rich Kruger National Park, Lion Sands protects a vast swathe of pristine African wilderness – along with sites of deep cultural and historic importance.
Family owned and operated by the fourth-generation of More family, their legacy of conservation and community is lived out every day. Little could grandfather Guy Aubrey Chalkley – one of the founders of the original Sabi Sand Wildtuin – ever have imagined the enticing Lion Sands safari offering of today. Four lodges, three luxury tree houses, and two magnificent private-use and staffed villas are the accommodation collection that together is majestic Lion Sands. Your choice is as diverse as the enchanting settings and elegant, chic décor of each lodge. All this with the perennial Sabie River running through it, keeping teeming wildlife sustained and always close by.
Contemporary-style Ivory Lodge has just eight suites, each with a private plunge pool and deck for kicking back and relaxing. There’s a secluded guest spa too. Along a path following the river are the luxury rooms and suites of River Lodge, offering a chic interpretation of a traditional safari bush lodge. Each also has a cool-off plunge pool. Tinga Lodge evokes the nostalgia of the pioneer era of yesteryear, and each suite has its own private pool and viewing deck too. Narina Lodge is like having your own private, luxury gameviewing hide surrounded by wilderness. Built on stilts and tucked in a canopy of hundred-year-old trees, suites have open design, chic natural décor and views of wildlife at the waterhole below. You could effortlessly see the Big Five from the relaxed comfort of your bed or bath. The two villas – Hi’Nkweni at Tinga Lodge and Fish Eagle at Ivory Lodge – each have dedicated butlers, rangers and gameviewing vehicles for a thoroughly private safari experience. Each accommodation option has a different personality, though all are equally enchanting.
Now imagine spending a night sleeping out in the bush, on an elevated open-air deck, in absolute comfort and luxury. Enjoy a sumptuous picnic dinner as the sun sinks below the horizon then kick back, chat and relax as you sip a whiskey and watch wildlife pass by below. There’s just the flicker of oil lamps for light but bright stars shine overhead. Then tuck into a king-sized bed for a romantic, nostalgic night to remember. Fall asleep counting shooting stars and listening to the sounds of the wild in real time. It’s an experience that’s magical beyond measure. A literal million-star safari for nature lovers, romantics and all seekers of solitude.
What we love!
- the uniqueness of location and décor of each lodge
- absolute privacy of the suites and that each has its own pool and relaxation deck
- the longstanding and continued legacy of conscious conservation and community upliftment
- incredible predator sightings with plenty of leopards too
- seeing endangered wild dogs on the hunt
- extraordinary cuisine and personal service
- the sense of calm and authenticity throughout
What you need to know…
- Lion Sands is in a moderate-risk malaria area, and taking precautions is advised
- access to the reserve is by self drive or scheduled flights to Skukuza airport, 12 km away
- the reserve is a year-round wildlife destination as animals are resident
- bird viewing is particularly excellent from October to April
Posted by Keri Harvey