Lion Sands is a place that enriches one’s soul and promises life-changing moments and opportunities that will leave guests with memories of unforgettable experiences. It is an extraordinary gift passed down over generations and even for those of us who have known its sweeping landscapes since birth, it remains a place of extraordinary beauty and discovery.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge took their cue from Mother Nature to build a lodge ‘of the earth’, with natural materials that complement the surrounding bush environment and an open design that draws one’s attention outside.

Décor is rich yet minimal, lighting is ambient, and African design accents subtly pick up on the safari theme.Ivory Lodge awes with a natural and simple beauty, enhanced only by breathtaking river scenes.

Ivory Lodge is the understated jewel in the Lion Sands’ crown. Here, hospitality is designed entirely around you the guest (from customised spa therapies and private dining, to safaris with surprise refreshment stops) and luxury – much more than a sophisticated room in an exotic location – has substance

The guest areas at Ivory Lodge include a private bar with fireplace, a library lounge, a well-stocked wine cellar, wooden viewing decks, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, spa, gymnasium, MORE Gallery boutique, and both an indoor dining room and open-air, traditional Boma dining area.

Suites

The lodge’s eight one-bedroom Suites, set secluded at the confluence of the Sabie and Sand rivers, are the ultimate bush retreats. Your private lounge, patio, deck and pool invite easy relaxation, while a dedicated team of staff are always on hand to take care of your every whim and fancy.
Everything is included – from a champagne-stocked maxibar, to the washing and pressing of your favourite shirt – to create a highly-personalised experience of a safari, your way.

The lodge also includes the two-bedroom Fish Eagle Residence, and offers the ultimate in private luxury and personalised service for a family or group of friends.
Everything is included – from your own pool and spa, to personal chef, field guide and game viewer vehicle – for a tailor-made South African safari. You and your tribe would be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic spot to base yourselves.

Dining

From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight for all our guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, is catered for.

Their chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste of Southern Africa. Paired with premium Cape wines, dining becomes a culinary experience.

Their wine tastings are also a favourite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike. and boasts an indoor dining room and open-air, traditional Boma dining area.

Safari

Southern Africa is best experienced through the deep and personal connection that comes from being on safari!

The Lion Sands Private Reserve conserves 12 400ha (30 600ac) of habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere.

Guests can see all of Africa’s iconic species here, including all of the Big Five, along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird – while having minimal encounters with other people.
The magic here lies in how you experience this incredible place.
Game drives, in open safari vehicles, head out at sunrise and again in the late afternoon. The reserve’s natural animal populations include all of the Big Five, and it is renowned for the quality of its leopard sightings – the most elusive of predators.

With no more than 10 vehicles allowed on the reserve at any one time, Lions Sands assures you a truly personal safari, and the field guides are able to take you within close range of Africa’s most impressive species.

Photo opportunities are spectacular! Also included is a hot beverage/sundowner stop to purely appreciate being in the bush and in the moment.

For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, step out of the vehicle to connect with nature, your senses attuned to the sounds, scents and movements of the bush.

Feel the scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch a velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone, and spot the game appear just metres off – exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles, and to discover more about the reserve’s plants – many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.

Your qualified field and backup guides are armed for your safety, but will position you downwind of bigger game, who remain unaware of your presence as you watch on from a safe distance.