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Personal Impression:
Lion Sands Ivory lodge is situated in the Sabi Sand
private game reserve area. This exclusive lodge
has only six rooms and the finest of accommodations.
The rooms are huge and feature every luxury. This
unique property has been in the family for generations
and they have developed a unique first class lodge
offering the ultimate in privacy and comfort. The lodge
is in a perfect setting overlooking the river that
divides the private reserve from the Kruger National
Park. The animals can roam freely between the Kruger
National Park and the private lands of Lion Sands.
Accommodations:
The ultimate in luxury and privacy. The air conditioned villas are
divided into two separate sections which are joined by a
courtyard that features a sparkling private
plunge pool and large deck area. The bedroom is
large with expansive views to the river below. The
bathroom is immediately behind the bedroom and features
a large contemporary free standing tub, large indoor
shower and a huge outdoor shower. This can be seen in
the private villa picture above. The living room
features a fireplace and a unique room service feature.
Food is delivered and placed in the room by means of an
outside door, a gong is rung and you know your food has
arrived. Open the door on the inside and there is your
meal. Pictured below. This is taking privacy to a new level of service. These
rooms are among the largest and most deluxe in the
game lodges in South Africa.
Game Drives:
Game viewing here is excellent. This
private reserve has a smaller area than many other
private reserves offer. However, this is not a negative
in our personal view. The rangers know this area
and the animals that frequent the reserve very well.
Some private or public game reserves are so large that
it can be a hindrance in finding the animals. The
reserve has more than enough land to offer exceptional
sightings and interesting topography. During
our game drive here we had exceptional sightings,
including the sighting of two young leopards that were
particularly fascinating. Pictures of one of those
leopards is shown above. The loading of
the land rovers takes place from a staging area so as
not to disturb any guests who may have decided to stay
in rather than participate in the game drives.
One very appealing aspect was a raised
deck overlooking the river and the Kruger National Park
that is perfect for a special breakfast or sundowner.
A truly magical spot. This is a
wonderful property where your expectations will be exceeded.
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Lunch with a view |
Main deck of lodge |
Bar area |
Dining and Wines: The
lodge and dining area is very appealing. Setting the
tone for just ten guests, the public areas offer comfort
and intimacy. The food is outstanding. Personal
service is the key to Lion Sands and you have the
choice of in room dining or joining other guests at the
main lodge area. The lodge features a nice Boma area for
the dinner under the stars. Lion Sands is on an all inclusive basis
- wines and spirits are complimentary (excluding
premium imported brands). The mini bar in the rooms
should be called the maxi bar.
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Cupboard for private delivery
of meals |
Dining room |
Deck for breakfast and
sundowners |
Spa, Internet and Laundry:
A wonderful spa with a variety of treatments is
available and located between Ivory Sands and a sister
property in the Lion Sands reserve. A gym is also available.
Internet and laundry services are available for guests
on a complimentary basis.
Web Page:
www.lionsands.com
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