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| Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Lodges and Tree Luxury Accommodation |
| Property Ref: VR-LSA65 |
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Property Desctiption:
It was the late 1920s and there was only one word on everyone's lips gold. So Guy Aubrey Chalkley, an American of Irish descent, decided to come to South Africa to explore his opportunities as a mining engineer. The stock exchange had just been created to help raise finance for all the mining activities, and Guy chose to establish himself in this field instead. Together with Paul Davis, he formed a stock-broking firm, Chalkley Davis. Their business flourished and culminated in one of South Africa's foremost brokerage firms, Davis, Borkum & Hare. (This firm, as a matter of interest, was recently purchased by Merrill Lynch to form the basis of their South African branch.)
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 lifter a rifle to an animal in this reserve.
Guy purchased the property on the 25th of November 1933 from Transvaal Consolidated Mines for four thousand pounds and fourteen shillings.
The Sabie River, snaking lazily through the Kruger National Park and the Kingstown property, was the life source of the plentiful fauna and flora, and in the late 1930s, Guy built a small camp on the banks of this impressive river. There weren't any roads in those days, and Guy, in his old Ford Sedan, had to follow markings on trees to find his route to the camp. For over 60 years, the camp was enjoyed as a peaceful private retreat by the Chalkley and More families.
Guy's passion for conservation and protection of wilderness areas has been passed down through four generations to the three More brothers who now own and run Lion Sands Private Game Reserve on the very same Kingstown property.
John More, who married Guy's granddaughter, Louise Chalkley, introduced Kingstown to the public in 1978 when he built two camps: River Lodge and Bush Lodge. Even during those early days of extremely basic bush operations (hot water was a luxury), the More family concentrated on keeping Kingstown in its pristine state. Today, the family employs a full-time ecologist (the only reserve in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin to do so) to monitor the effect of commercialization on the wilderness.
But as much as you can do to protect nature from man, there's very little you can do about protecting nature from itself. On the 7th of February 2000, an enormous flood changed the face of the banks of the Sabie River forever. Already by 9am that day, the river had risen above the roofs of both River Lodge and the family camp, Warthog Wallow, washing away decades of history in a single blow. Nicholas and Robert More, fourth-generation owners of Kingstown, set about rebuilding River Lodge and in 2004 created the stunning new Ivory Lodge. They incorporated the magnificent 4 000-hectare (10 000 acre) Kingstown and both River Lodge and Ivory Lodge, and gave the property its new name - Lion Sands Private Game Reserve.
The name might have changed and a few buildings might have been erected, but to this day, this area still retains the same unspoiled beauty that stopped Guy in his tracks the first time he saw it almost a century ago. The brothers have the type of passion for Lion Sands that can only be instilled by a profound sense of history and heritage. Guy Chalkley, in his brilliance, had provided a great opportunity for his family to create something unique and magnificent to share with the entire world.
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
Chalkley Treehouse
A unique treehouse was built at the original site where Guy Aubrey Chalkley had climbed into the trees and set up camp to escape from predators roaming the plains below. The treehouse is a secure bush bedroom under the African stars, with all the comforts that a guest can experience at a five star safari lodge.
Guests are taken to the treehouse at sunset, where drinks and a delicious picnic dinner await them. They then enjoy the hours of African dusk relaxing and absorbing the beauty and sounds of the bushveld as it transforms from day to night, before turning in for slumber beneath the stars. As dawn breaks, guests are collected by their ranger for a morning game drive, followed by a delicious bush breakfast at one of the many animal and bird hides.
The privacy and seclusion of Chalkley Treehouse allows guests to be completely alone in the wilderness - a unique experience that few places in the world can truly offer. Chalkley Treehouse is built around a majestic 500 year-old Leadwood Tree, with secure access and beautiful views extending over the plains.
In the treehouse, a bush bedroom is set up to accommodate a single/sharing guest/s for the night with secure access and as many of the room comforts as are practically possible, mosquito net, mattress, linen, bedside table, toilet & bush vanity table.
These experiences will never be forgotten, guaranteed to touch the soul, a memory that will last forever. (maximum of 2 people).
* All outdoor activities are weather dependent and therefore remain optional. There is an additional surcharge for this activity.
A Safari Introduction
The Lion Sands reserve, which has been owned and managed by the More Family for four generations, is a place of rarity and carries with it a passion which can only be instilled by a great family history.
The families passion to deliver a world class luxury safari experience is equaled by their complete commitment in ensuring a pure balance between the preservation of this pristine "bushveld" (wilderness area), allowing access for guests to observe some of Africa's greatest mammals in their natural habitat and ensuring the benefits are shared with local communities.
Lion Sands is the only reserve in the Sabi Sand which employs a full time ecologist, who is responsible for ensuring the preservation of the land for another four generations to come.
The Lion Sands Game Reserve is private and exclusive to Lion Sands guests only, which ensures the safari experience is highly personalised, allowing guests the time and flexibility to savour the natural beauty which abounds. Come to Lion Sands, spend a little time with us, man and animal, and you will experience a feeling of belonging and at the same time a sense of freedom that comes from those who believe in sharing instead of possessing
Private Game Drive: General
The exclusive use of a private Land Rover can be arranged. Subject to availability.
Private Game Drive: Photography
The land rover will be supplied with, a canopy (if required), beanbags & a cooler box. The photographer will have the use of the ranger and vehicle from 06h00 until 21h00. Packed meals can be arranged if the guest wishes to spend the entire day out in the bush. Subject to availability.
Private Game Drive: Bird Watching
Lion Sands has one of the most extensive lists of bird species within the greater reserve (350 recorded species). Our rangers, who have an excellent knowledge of and passion for birding, take the drives. In having the private use of the land rover the guest is able to cover the diversity of habitat and therefore increase the variety of bird species that are found within the region. Guests are advised to bring their own binoculars however if this is not possible pairs can be hired from the reception. Please note that this activity is subject to vehicle availability and is fundamentally geared towards the genuine bird fundi. Subject to availability
*All outdoor activities are weather dependent and therefore remain optional
Safari Activities
Included in Rate
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 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.
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. 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. 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 are weather dependent and therefore remain optional.
Excluded from Tariff
The Treehouse
Please see the treehouse section of our website
Ballooning
Guests leave the Lodge an hour before sunrise, arriving at the Sabie River valley launch site at sunrise. The flight is approximately 1 hour in duration and flies over the entire Sabie River valley. After the flight the guest is then taken to one of the small country lodges within the Sabie River valley for a full English breakfast. This is done outside of the reserve & is a unique way of experiencing another part of the region's natural beauty.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Guests are taken to an open-plain were a shooting range has been set-up (25 minutes drive from River Lodge). A qualified ranger will accompany the guests to ensure that the correct safety measures are adhered to and that the shoot is correctly managed. The guest is given 4 sets of five shots each. The shots are scored and results recorded for the guest. Shooting of other calibre rifles can be arranged but only by special requests.
Golf
Skukuza Golf Course, Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park has a very unique 9-hole golf course at Skukuza main camp. The course is unfenced, open to the reserve and it is not uncommon to have ones round interrupted by a herd of zebra or a wandering giraffe; even the occasional lion has been sited resting in the cool shade of a tree. Transfers to and from Skukuza Golf Course is included in our Golf Rate. Guests are transferred in open land rovers from Lion Sands through the Sabi Sands Reserve to the Kruger National Park. The transfer distance is 15 kilometres and takes approximately 45 minutes.
Health Spa
"Lalamuka" means unwind in Shangaan and that is exactly what it is all about. An array of body, facial & hydrotherapy treatments are available to guests to assist in getting rid of those urban stresses.
Helicopter
Blyde River Canyon & Gods Window
This must be the most spectacular way of viewing the northern Drakensburg, which is host to some of South Africa's most well known geographical landmarks. Guests are collected from & returned to the Lion Sands helicopter pad. The helicopter flies due west towards the Drakensburg arriving at the Blyde River Canyon were one gets a close-up view of the Three Rondawels & the Blydepoort Dam. Rising out of the canyon the helicopter passes over the Berlin & Lisbon falls on route to a secluded picnic spot next to the Pinnacle. Here our guests will enjoy a delicious picnic with breath taking views stretching out as far as the Kruger National Park in the east. After lunch the helicopter flies past God's Window, Wonder View, Panorama Falls and over the town of Graskop before heading east back to Lion Sands.
Private Game Drives
The exclusive use of a private Land Rover can be arranged. Subject to availability.
Cultural Village Experience
The vibrant and friendly Shangaans are descendants of Chief Soshangana, who was sent by his brother, King Shaka Zulu to conquer the Tsonga people in the area now known as Mozambique. This tribe is now bordering the famous Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve. The extremely proud elders of the Shangaan nation, who are intent on maintaining their rich heritage and traditions, have passed their knowledge on to the younger generations, who in turn openly share their cultural heritage with our visitors to Lion Sands Private Game Reserve.
Your cultural village experience begins with guests being collected from the lodge by a professionally qualified Shangaan guide. On your way to the local village of Huntington, your guide will explain his history and customs, as well as some of the basic greeting words. Your first stop is to visit the Huntington Home-Based Care Organization, where the volunteers will welcome you and teach you their traditional dances, followed by an explanation of where the dances originated. You will also be able to watch the community act out various dramatic HIV/AIDS plays, which are based on the community creating an awareness of the disease.
Along route there is also a stop to visit Henna Pre-School, where you will get to spend some time to socialize with the children and listen to some of their rhymes. This school is a community based initiative and is sponsored by Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. For the adventurous, there is also the opportunity to eat some of the local cuisine and upon request, you can visit the craft market and purchase curios made by the community. After experiencing every aspect of the Huntington community, your guide will transfer you back to Lion Sands.
The cultural experience is approximately three hours and you will be transferred in a closed vehicle.
* All outdoor activities are weather dependent and therefore remain optional
CONTACTS:
Lodge Details
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa
P.O. Box 30, White River, 1240, South Africa
Telephone / Fax: +27 (0) 13 735 5000/5330
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Nearest Town:
WHITE RIVER |
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More Property Details:
Property Character : Countryside
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Contact:
LION SANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
+27 (0) 13 735 5000/5330
res@lionsands.com
http://www.lionsands.com
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