South African Explorer

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and the pristine environment that is her backdrop are the canvas for renowned and upcoming artists who have been invited to the Artist Residency. The artists draw inspiration from their location and wildlife sightings to create new pieces. Browse the gallery where artists showcase their existing and new creations whilst sharing their creative process with you.

Artist in Residence Credit: Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

Artist in Residence Credit: Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

Game drives, in open safari vehicles, head out at sunrise and again in the late afternoon. The reserve’s natural animal populations include all of the Big Five, and it is renowned for the quality of its leopard sightings – the most elusive of predators. With no more than 16 vehicles allowed on the reserve at any one time, Lions Sands assures you a truly personal safari, and the field guides are able to take you within close range of Africa’s most impressive species. Photo opportunities are spectacular! Also included is a hot beverage/sundowner stop to purely appreciate being in the bush and in the moment.

For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion. Feel the scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch a velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone, and spot the game appear just metres off – exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles, and to discover more about the reserve’s plants – many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.

Lion Sands together with MORE Community Foundation assists our local Huntington and Justicia B villages, and you can get involved, too. Take a community tour (proceeds go to our development projects here), or roll up your sleeves with our Get Your Hands Dirty initiatives. These centre on education, infrastructure, health and environment, and you can choose the area best suited to your interest.

Between safaris you’ll have the luxury of free time and how better to indulge than in the spa? We favour Africology products, instilled with the belief that self-care brings balance. So with our range of therapies, we offer a wellness experience to rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalise your spirit. If you must gym, there’s a fully kitted out facility with a view of the bush to take your mind off the burn.

Dining at Ivory is an exploration, with a table laid out wherever you wish, and dishes and wines introducing you to new flavours. Every dietary requirement and craving are satisfied, and we will tempt your taste buds with our tapas style lunches and venison tastings. We have a fully certified Kosher kitchen and full supervision by a Mashgiach can be arranged at additional cost.

Our Chalkley and Kingston Treehouses set you in the middle of big landscapes, globed by even bigger skies, their lights twinkling down to the horizon. Below, the stillness is punctuated by animals’ whistles, huffs, and growls… carried on the wind. Heaven for the hopeless romantic, the adventurer, the person who needs a complete disconnect and digital detox, and the wildlife enthusiast who prefers the bush au naturel.

Our priority is your wellness, and besides our spa we have a spacious fitness centre where you can work out to a view. Emerge renewed with a session in our steam room or sauna; or boost your metabolism with a plunge in our ice bath.