Lion Sands Sabi Sands
Lion Sands Sabi Sands. Guy, affectionately known as Chalk, was a keen hunter and traveled extensively throughout Africa. It was on one such adventure that he stumbled across Kingstown. Belonging to the Transvaal Consolidated Lands, this was a jewel of a property on the border of the Kruger National Park. These were the same lands that were soon to become the basis of what is now the world-famous Sabi Sand Wildtuin (Game Reserve). Guy was filled with affection for the animals around him and with admiration for the pristine condition of the Kingstown property. It’s a known fact that he never lifted a rifle to an animal in this reserve.
1933 Lodge
“You have to know your roots in order to find your wings!” This is exactly how Guy Aubrey Chalkley felt when he first discovered the raw beauty and ancient spirit of the Kingstown Game Reserve, near the Kruger National Park, back in 1933. As a tribute to their predecessor’s pioneering spirit, Nicholas and Robert More, the great grandsons of Guy Chalkley and present-day owners of Lion Sands Game Reserve, have undertaken to build their own private camp.
Opened in October 2007 and aptly named Lion Sands 1933 Lodge, this lodge will welcome local guests, families and friends the world over. Since 1933 has been designed by the family and for the More family, it encapsulates both the warm, personal ambience associated with a family owned lodge and a world class luxury safari experience.
The lodge’s large windows, sliding doors and muted colours mirror the surrounding landscape and create a seamless, indoor-outdoor flow. Timber, thatch and screed flooring add earthy charm to the interior, where the decor is classic-contemporary. Take the lounge, for instance, with its natural fibres, oversized chairs and open fireplace that together create a haven for relaxation. The kitchen is ideal as it opens onto a dining area that’s equally suited to informal family meals or a banquet affair. All of these public areas open onto a large, wraparound wooden deck and 13.5m (15 yard) lap-size swimming pool.
Room Amenities
Nestling on the banks of the Sabie River, 1933 represents a secluded environment where comfort and relaxation are the order of the day. There are four spacious suites, each with their own private view of the Sabie River. The bathrooms are just as inviting, courtesy of their double vanity units, elegant bath and outdoor showers. There is also a childrens dormitory, able to sleep up to 8 children, with his and hers bathroom and an interleading bedroom for an au-pair.
If this sounds like your dream home, that’s exactly what 1933 at Lion Sands Game Reserve strives to be: a gracious home away from home – with a few added luxuries, including your own private chef and ranger, with the exclusive use of a 4×4 Landrover for safari game drives.
What really sets 1933 at Lion Sands apart from any other safari lodge, is its prime setting on the canopied banks of the Sabie River – the very place where Guy Chalkley spent hours writing his storybook, Desert Pool, telling of the myriad adventures his two children, Tony and Louise, enjoyed while growing up on Lion Sands Game Reserve.
River Lodge
River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands Game Reserve and has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Hosted by a family of staff that make it feel like home away from home, the lodge is about spirit, warmth and nature. Here you are invited to relax and experience African hospitality at its finest.
The public areas at Lion Sands River Lodge offers guests the following: a private lounge and bar with fireplace, an outdoor safari lounge, 2 swimming pools (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, a conference room, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.
Lodge Bedrooms The rooms at River Lodge offer respite and protection from the Lowveld heat. The interior is a tranquil cream and beige haven, cool in the summer, cosy in the winter. The bathroom, with its tranquil look and pebble-inlaid floors complements the bushveld well. 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.
Room Amenities:
•King size bed with mosquito netting (can be made up as twin bed)
•En-suite bathroom
•Inside and outside shower
•Bath and vanity basin
•Private Viewing Deck
•Air-conditioning and overhead fans
•Mini-bars
•Safe and telephone
Ivory Lodge
The international award winning Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is ultra luxurious, yet simple and uncluttered. The lodge is about overriding exclusivity with complete privacy, where each suite is operated as a private villa. Neither word nor photograph can capture the sense of the pure beauty which is breathed in when opening the carved wooden doors leading into this private recluse – arguably the worlds finest suite.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge was awarded third best hotel in the world by Tatler Magazine in 2006 and has been included in their “101 Best Hotels in the World” 2006 & 2007 listings. Ivory Lodge is also a proud member of Virtuoso, the largest exclusive by invitation only travel network group in the world.
The public areas at Ivory Lodge offers guests the following: a private bar with fireplace, a library lounge , well stocked wine cellar, wooden viewing decks, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.
Lodge Bedrooms The Lodge comprises six generously sized privately situated villas, each with a separate living room, heated swimming pool and an open plan en-suite bathroom with an enclosure for the outdoor shower – 6-star luxury in the middle of the bush. The colour scheme of ebony and ivory is interpreted in a modern style, while selected African accessories blend the old world with the new to create Afro-Euro chic. Breathtaking views of the Sabie River, which has flowing water all year around, can be viewed through the oversized windows of your villa or from your private viewing terrace. Baby elephants bathing in the river, zebra, gnu and the large Nile crocodile are the only neighbours you shall see.
Room Amenities:
•King size bed with mosquito netting (can be made up as twin bed)
•En-suite bathroom
•Inside and outside shower
•Free standing bath and double vanity basin
•Private Viewing Deck
•Individual heated plunge pool
•Lounge with fireplace
•Air-conditioning and overhead fan
•Maxi-bar
•Safe and telephone
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 at Lion Sands Game Reserve 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 at Lion Sands Game Reserve.
Game Drive
Guests are taken on early morning and evening open land rover game drives.
Hippo 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 at Lion Sands Game Reserve. 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 of Lion Sands Game Reserve. 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.
* All outdoor activities at Lion Sands Game Reserve are weather dependent and therefore remain optional.
