Rustic-chic villas with plunge pools in a chic resort on a private game reserve, offering a spa.
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Let me start by saying we have been to many countries, and many acomadations. This is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST ANYWHERE WE HAVE BEEN IN THE WORLD. Everything is a yes everything is remembered and made possible and EVERYONE works together to make it MAGICAL. This was the one word we repeated over and over. Now for the details!This is our second visit almost 5 years to the day from the last absolutely magical visit. This time we chose ivory lodge for our stay as it is considered more upscale. Although we couldn't have imagined it possible. It was even more spectacular!! How could this be. We flew into the local Skukuza airport and were immediately greeted by Greg our guide, who welcomed us back. He grabbed our luggage and off we went in our safari vehicle to the lodge. We were greeted by the property manager who welcomed us back and immediately engaged us in conversation that was warm and felt like a family member catching up 😊!
We were quickly and efficiently shown the property, the amenities as well as briefed on the latest safety info since their are "wild animals" (no fences and borders Krueger State Park as well as covid-19 protocols. We also had our Temps taken daily while we were staying.
The rooms at ivory lodge are amazing. The use of steel, concrete and wood blended nicely into the natural landscaping that surrounded each suite. The views were amazing. We had several wildlife sightings from our back deck. This included a group of several elephant eating just below our on deck infinity pool.
The staff are accommodating and the answer is "Yes" when it comes to your needs. We had a great example one afternoon when my husband needed a message due to limited rotation and pain in his neck. It was Boma night and the staff were all assigned duties to get ready. Not to mention it was 5 min before our afternoon game drive. The manager said give her 3 min to see what they can do. We'll amazingly it was a YES, the message therapist who was also setting up and hosting at the Boma came right over. The on-site front of house young lady ( ughhh can't remember her name but she was African with a amazing warm smile and kind words) as well as the property manager took over the needed duties. Fifteen minutes later my husband was getting a message and felt amazingly better after. What amazing employees .
Torrance our butler even remembered us from 5 years ago . He was just as kind, attentive and welcoming with a charm that shows in his actions. It is amazing how many employees are still there since our last visit.
We had said we wanted to visit river lodge as there had been a fire after our last visit. It was a yes. We were able to enjoy Boma dinner there which was amazing and beautiful. The chef came out to talk with us and they even built a fire by our seating as we were near the corner to make sure we weren't cold. Greg our guide ate with us and was full of great information , conversation and totally open on any topic. The food was amazing the whole trip. Boma just like last time was spectacular I gained at least 10 lbs.
We were also able to enjoy a lunch and breakfast at river lodge. We were driven to and from with cheery smiles. The rebuild of the guest area at riverlodge was absolutely spectacular. We want to build a cross between that and our cabin at ivory lodge. Let me say also housekeeping was never seen but cleaned our room from top to bottom any time we left the room. They were amazing and mystical all in one! Perfection is apparently their goal and they succeeded!!!
Hands down we cannot wait to visit again. This was our babycation as we have a son due in Sept.! While it may be 3-4 years before we can make it back, we are already counting...
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The Most Touching and Life-Changing Experience of Our Lives!
Our time at Lion Sands Game Reserve — Ivory Lodge and River Lodge was beyond anything we could have ever imagined. It wasn’t just a vacation; it was a journey that touched our hearts and souls in the most profound way.
From the moment we enquired about the lodge with Kuda, arrival, during and the last moment we left - We were embraced with warmth, care, and a level of service that felt so deeply personal.
Every member of the team went above and beyond to make us feel seen, valued, and genuinely connected — not just guests, but part of their family. The attention to detail and the thoughtful touches at both lodges were simply extraordinary — every moment felt curated with love and intention. Thank You Erica so so much!
The Ivory Lodge was pure luxury and serenity — elegant, intimate, and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. The River Lodge brought a sense of timeless beauty and tranquility! The night stay at the Chalkley Tree house where every sound of the bush felt like music.
All offered something unique, yet shared the same soul: a place where nature, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality intertwine perfectly.
The game drives left us speechless. Our rangers Raymond and tracker Amu were not only incredibly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about the land and its wildlife. Their stories, insights, and respect for nature created an emotional connection that went far beyond simply “seeing” the animals. We were blessed with unforgettable, close encounters — Hippos right by the water, Lions; females and their cubs, males and their kills Elephants and their babies, leopards with their mating rituals, buffalo, Giraffe, Rhino — moments that will stay with us forever!
This experience changed us. It reminded us of the beauty of the raw wild, the importance of connection, and the magic that happens when people pour their hearts into what they do. Thank You to the beautiful Choir that left us weeping with joy. Alice who allowed us to capture these moments by camera.
Staying at Lion Sands was truly the best decision we have ever made — a once-in-a-lifetime journey that touched every part of who we are.
We left with full hearts, a deep sense of gratitude, and memories we will cherish forever. Thank you to everyone at Ivory Lodge and River Lodge — you created something...
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Wow this place was unbelievable beyond words. From start to finish, the resort exceeded all of my expectations, from the safari to the food and service.
The staff at Lion Sands truly goes above and beyond to ensure that guests have a remarkable stay. They are warm, friendly, and attentive, always ready to assist with any requests or questions.
The accommodations at Lion Sands Resort are nothing short of luxurious. The rooms are beautifully designed. Not to mention, our lodge also had a private pool overlooking the river and an outdoor shower. Incredible! Waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying breathtaking sunsets from the private deck were truly unforgettable moments.
The highlight of our stay was definitely the safari. Anthony and Andres were the best guide/ tracker team. They are so knowledgeable and taught us a ton about the wildlife and local culture. Our safari was an adventure filled with awe-inspiring encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos, and other magnificent creatures.
The dining experience at Lion Sands Resort was exceptional. The culinary team prepared a variety of delicious meals, and the attentive service provided by the staff made every meal a delightful experience. Our personal butler, Reinick, was outstanding.
We also had the opportunity to spend a night at their treehouse, which I would highly recommend!
Overall, our stay at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, and unforgettable wildlife encounters made it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would highly recommend Lion Sands to anyone seeking an immersive and luxurious...
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