Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
Lion Sands Game Reserve is set along the banks of the perennial Sabie River in South Africa. It is the only private game reserve rooted in both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. Each of its lodges has its own allure and each has breathtaking views of the river – especially when the animals come to drink. Ivory Lodge, one of the four luxury riverside lodges, can be found on the Sabi Sand side of the reserve, arguably Africa’s most pristine Big Five territory. This contemporary-style lodge – built of concrete, timber, glass and steel – is a clean-lined masterpiece.
The lodge attracts those in search of time away in their own space. From your bed, deck or private plunge pool, this is one of the best places to look in on Africa – uninterrupted. Here, hospitality is designed entirely around you. Its 8 one-bedroom Villas and 1 two-bedroom Fish Eagle Villa are peaceful refuges – each with a private plunge pool and relaxation areas. The self-contained Fish Eagle Villa also incorporates a spa treatment room and gymnasium, and comes with a personal chef, field guide and a private open safari vehicle for your game drives.
A guest spa and fitness area is set away from the main lodge and Villas. And then there’s the ultimate in bush bedrooms, where guests get to spend a night discovering the magic of sleeping out under the stars in complete luxury at either Chalkley or Kingston Treehouse. Guests arrive at sunset to a picnic dinner, spend the dusk hours watching animals wander past (at a safe distance), and fall asleep counting shooting stars. A field guide is always on radio call should guests feel they need assistance.
Why we like it here
It is a 5 star ultra-luxurious lodge on a Big 5 property.
Extraordinary views come standard with each room.
Dining experiences take place wherever you wish and are accompanied by beautiful meals and wines.
Kosher food is freshly prepared on-site in a separate kitchen – at an additional cost.
The MORE Gallery includes a safari boutique which sells rare and beautiful items, as well as treasured art pieces.
Enjoy two game drives daily with an FGASA-accredited field guide and tracker.
Indulge in time at the wilderness spa.
Lion Sands is home to 450 of South Africa’s 850 plus birds including the rare southern ground hornbill.
There is a Mack & Madi kids’ programme which keeps the younger ones busy.
Things to be aware of
Ivory Lodge welcomes children to its villas from 10 years and older. While at the Fish Eagle Villa, children of all ages are welcome.
Children on safari are welcome for all ages on a private game drive, while on normal game drives, children need to be at least 10 years old.
Kingston Treehouse comfortably sleeps two adults and two children (10 to 14 years), unlike Chalkley which only sleeps two adults.
Lion Sands Game Reserve is located in a low-risk malaria area.
Mobile coverage is rated fair.