Lion Sands Lodge (South Africa)

African Safari Consultants

Lion Sands Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve (South Africa)

Location:

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is situated in the Southern portion of the 65,000-hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve (southern Kruger National Park region), an area well known for its spectacular game viewing.

Lion Sands has exclusive access to the Sabie River. From its source high up in the Drakensburg mountain range where it passes through the famous Mac Mac falls, the river through Lion Sands teems with wildlife. It is the definitive safari experience. The relatively cool riverbanks offer a brief respite from the relentless African sun. Splendid parades of animals pass through to quench their thirst at the water's edge. And eager predators wait patiently. The name 'Sabie' comes from the Zulu 'eSaba', meaning 'afraid'. Both man and beast approach the river with care and respect. It is at once a sanctuary of life and a gripping display of survival.

It is what visitors from all over the world come to experience: raw, untouched nature. In ancient days, the lush Sabie river basin was overrun by Africa's largest reptile, the Nile crocodile. Today, they bask in the shallows in slightly less numbers, still snapping their deadly jaws at any creature wading in close enough.Of course, your safari cannot be complete without exposure to every facet of life in the bush. With the highly informative and holistic approach at Lion Sands, you will encounter all spheres of the eco-system, from the smallest insects to the mighty African elephant. Professionally qualified senior ecologists, rangers and tracking teams ensure that your personal safari experience not only meets but exceeds your highest expectations.

Accommodation:

River Lodge

The Lodge has been built on the banks of the Sabie River. It faces due east, catching the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park.

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.

The lodge comprises the following: a private lounge and bar, 2 swimming pools, wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, private hammocks, conference room, health spa, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area. River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands. It is positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. The lodge is about spirit, warmth, nature & relaxation. It is hosted by a family of staff that will make it feel like home from home. Relax, enjoy and experience African hospitality at its finest.

Ivory Lodge

The Lodge has been built on the banks of the Sabie River with magnificent views, extending onto the open sand banks of the Kruger National Park. The Lodge faces due south and is approximately 100 meters upstream of River Lodge. The entrance area is separate from the main lodge in order to ensure that guests arriving and departing have no impact on other overnight guests.

The main and entrance area comprise a private lounge, wooden viewing decks, board room, wine cellar, health spa, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area. Ivory Lodge is about African Euro elegance, sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, ebony & ivory, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity & complete privacy.

There are 6 ultra luxurious suites with en-suite bathroom, outdoor & inside shower, courtyard, lounge with fireplace, wooden viewing deck, patio & private plunge pool.

The bedroom & bathroom area are air-conditioned and overhead fans cool the bedrooms and lounges. All rooms have telephone and Internet access.

The suites are 165m² in size and are positioned at least 20 meters apart, being linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways. They all have breathtaking views over the Sabie River, a setting where game viewing can be done from the luxury of one's private suite - Africa's finest bedrooms!

Game Viewing / Activities:

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 savouring 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. Full Moon Walk Full Moon walks can only be taken during the week of the full moon when there is enough light to walk along the various bush paths without the assistance of a torch. As this is such a magical experience it is highly recommended to those guests who are fortunate enough to be at Lion Sands over this period.
Game Drive Guests are taken on early morning and evening open land rover game drives. River 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.

Rates:
Please contact us for a suggested itinerary and quote

African Safari Consultants
1042 Willow Creek Road # A101 - 240
Prescott, AZ 86301

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