Lion Sands – Ivory Lodge

Overview

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, regarded by many as the “birthplace” of sustainable wilderness tourism and development in Sub-Saharan Africa, is understood by guests and staff to be a place of wilderness, wildlife and adventure. Home to an extensive cross-section of the Mpumalanga wildlife population, including the Big Five and various endangered species, the park also shares 50 kilometers of its unfenced boundary line with neighbouring Kruger National Park. Animals pass casually between the two parks, unhindered and abundant.

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve forms part of the greater Kruger National Park, unfenced and completely open to the free roaming wilderness and adventure of some of the greatest nature conservancy in South Africa.

Established in 1933, Lion Sands reserve has a long history of ownership within the More family. It has a wonderful reputation as the only reserve in the Sabi Sand with its own full time ecologist, responsible for the preservation of this area. Private and exclusive, Lion Sands Reserve is a unique and exciting safari experience.

Ivory Lodge is the archetypal private game lodge, with a heavy emphasis on exclusivity and luxury. Guests enjoy suites so well furnished, designed, and waited on, that the experience is more like that of a private villa. With stunning wooden decor and a sense of the history and spirit of the area ingrained in every inch of this lodge, guests are guaranteed a safari experience unlike any other.

Accommodation

Ivory Lodge compises of 8 Single Villas and 1 Double-Suite Villa.

All Villas occupy an elevated positions, with most overlooking the Sabi River.

Lodge facilities include a lounge, dining and relaxation space, with an expansive wooden deck overlooking the Sabie River, art gallery and an Africology luxury spa and gym. Each Single unit has a mast bedroom with bathroom en-suite, double volume wardrobe area, outdoor shower in an indigenous garden forest, private lounge area with fireplace, a private pool & expansive viewing deck, as well as a covered patio.

Fish Eagle Villa:

The exclusive Fish Eagle Villa is the ‘pièce de résistance’ of Ivory Lodge. Booked on an exclusive basis, The Villa comes with its own private landrover, as well as separate access for game drives.

Although privacy and exclusivity are assured, visitors are welcome to use the facilities within Ivory Lodge for their enjoyment including the lounge, dining and relaxation space; the Gallery (exclusive art pieces from celebrated South African artists); and the spectacular wooden deck overlooking the Sabie River.

The Double-Suite Fish Eagle Villa is comprised of two private Single Suites, connected by an entrance hall, lounge and study.

The Fish Eagle Villa also has:

An expansive deck and covered patio, with pool
A private fire deck
A star jetty for private enjoyment of the natural environment and vivid Milky Way above
A private spa with double treatment room, and thoughtfully equipped gym facility
Children 10 years and older are welcome
Full range of dietary preferences catered for
Free Wi-Fi

Wildlife

On a drive through the Lion Sands Game Reserve, guests are likely to spot roaming groups of lions and cheetahs, giraffe, buffalo, wild dog, wildebeest, kudu, hyena, hippo, and crocodile, as well as around 350 different species of bird.

More Info

Children
Children younger than ten years old cannot be accommodated unless the lodge is booked out by the family of the specific children.

Directions

• BY ROAD:

• Recommended route from Johannesburg or Pretoria

• Take the N12/N4 highway to Nelspruit. R40 from Nelspruit to Hazyview

• At Hazyview turn right onto R536 towards Paul Kruger Gate

• After 38km turn left onto gravel road which is signposted to Sabi Sands

• Drive along dirt road for 4km

• At Tjunction turn right and drive for 4km to Sabi Sand Gate (entrance fee R80 per vehicle)

• Drive straight as signposted to Lion Sands Game Reserve

• After 2km turn right at sign. Drive straight following signs to either River Lodge or Ivory Lodge

• BY RAIL:

• A recommended option is the romantic Rovos Rail Safari from Pretoria to Komatipoort, with transfers to Skukuza by bus.

• Our open Land Rovers will collect and transfer the guests from Skukuza airport to Lion Sands.

• BY AIR:

• Scheduled Flights-

• There is one flight daily from Johannesburg International Airport with Airlink to Mala Mala Airstrip where transfers to the lodge in our openLand Rovers are available

• The transfer time is 45 minutes and the approximate flying time is 1h05min

• There are also three flights daily from Johannesburg International Airport with Federal Air to Skukuza Airport where transfers to the lodge in our open Land Rovers are available

• The transfer time is 25 minutes and the approximate flying time is 1h30min

• Alternatively fly on Airlink to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from Cape Town or Johannesburg International Airports

• Lion Sands can organize road transfers from KMI Airport to Lion Sands or hire a car and follow the above directions to Lion Sands

• CHARTERS *:

• Private air charters service the Skukuza airport and are available on request from reservations.

GPS: -24.967766 (latitude) 31.548066 (longitude)