Southern Africa Romance: Cape Town, Sabi Sabi & Mozambique

Africa has been called the greatest show on earth, and Lion Sands presents a safari that plays out like a highlights reel. Our reserve conserves 5 000ha (12 500ac) of a habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. You will see all of Africa’s iconic species – lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra – along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird. Our safaris present an adventure that is wild, and then some!

Being entirely private, Lion Sands offers you an intimate safari experience. With only six guests to a game viewer and exclusive traversing on our reserve, you’ll have minimal encounters with other people. Though compelling sightings do attract more attention, the number of vehicles here is also limited. This ensures the animals aren’t put under stress and you are able to spend more time with them, observing their natural behaviour. While you are out exploring, you will by no means be roughing it. Your game viewer has cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets and ponchos – and stops off in a scenic spot for drinks and snacks.

These are our after-breakfast walks on the wild side. For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion. You are dropped in the thick of things and all five senses engage… 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.

From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all our guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Our chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Our wine tastings are also a favourite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.

In our experience, being well taken care of inspires a fundamental sense of well-being. And how better to indulge than with luxurious accommodation, wholesome food, and spa therapies? We favour Africology products, instilled with the belief that self-care brings balance. So with our massages, wraps and facials, we promise a wellness experience to rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalise your spirit.

Let the Sabie River itself welcome you to this endless African landscape. The Tinyeleti Treehouse, which translates to Many Stars, is not merely a vantage point from where to observe the splendor that is The Sabie River and all the life it sustains, but rather an open-air invitation to take your place
and become part of it.

Tinyeleti Treehouse is fully equipped for your relaxation and you can expect all the comforts of a luxury stay. Enjoy your choice of tapas or a full meal, and then settle in with a cocktail as the animals come to drink at sunset. The 50m2 deck can accommodate 4 people, and children are welcome. We will provide you with a torch, and, even though there is no electricity, you will find a few bars of cellphone signal.

Expect to hear the constant rush of life from the Sabie River on your doorstep, as well as a few animals, night predators and birds chiming in.

Tinyeleti is an uninterrupted overnight experience that cannot be replicated, but that will most definitely be re-told. That is, if you can find the words to describe it. For us who have come here many times over, well, we’re still at a loss.

Lion Sands together with More Community Trust assists our local Huntington and Justicia B villages, and you can get involved, too. Take a community tour, the proceeds of which go to our development projects here, or roll up your sleeves to help out through our Get Your Hands Dirty initiatives.

These centre on education, infrastructure, health and environment, and you can choose the area best suited to your skills and interest. These are extraordinary social experiences that bring you to the heart of Southern Africa to make your own and others’ dreams come true.

Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, horse riding, kite boarding, deep sea fishing, dhow safaris, chartering yachts and scenic helicopter flights are some of the activities that are on offer

Diving - With sites at a depth of 12 to 30 m and visibility up to 40 m you will find reefs teeming with life, including dolphin, humpback whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, game fish, green turtles and giant lobster. The endangered dugong of which only a very small number still exist, swim in the shallow crystal clear waters that are also home to starfish, soft and hard corals, anemones, seahorses and an array of beautiful tropical fish. Other dive sites are located on the seaward side of San Sebastian (south of the islands on the mainland peninsular), a point jutting out in line with the islands. From San Sebastian, the mainland curves southwest to form a large bay that is protected from rough seas by the point and the islands.

Snorkelling - Aphrodite, Santorini’s luxurious Supercat 38 Sport, is the ultimate vessel for exploring the enchanting islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Sun lovers are drawn to toast lightly amidst a dreamy siesta on the front trampoline, while others are enticed to the water for a snorkel with the myriad colours of reef fish and corals.

Kayaking

Kite boarding - Whether you’re a total beginner or want to push your kite surfing skills to the next level, there is a range of courses to meet your needs. Best of all – the kite surfing school will come to you and your lesson will be here on the shores of Santorini.

Deep sea fishing - The Bazaruto Archipelago is a fisherman’s paradise, offering year-round opportunities to land a memorable catch. All fishing tackle is taken care of by our knowledgeable skippers, who know these waters intimately and can guide you in fishing for different species, from Job Fish, Bonito and Mackerel to impressive Tuna, GTs, Dorado and Wahoo depending on the season. Aphrodite is fully-equipped with a fighting chair and outriggers.

Dhow safaris - Adopt a slower pace and set sail on Santorini’s traditional dhow, a hand-crafted wooden vessel with distinctive lateen rigging. The ancient art of dhow travel has been practiced in this region for centuries, where fathers have passed on the craft of skippering dhows to their sons through generations. Still used today, it is a vital part of everyday life in Kingfisher Bay. Dhow travel is relaxed, simple and unhurried – the perfect way to experience a sunset in Mozambique. Shared sundowners are available on Santorini’s dhow, but it can also be booked exclusively for the quintessential romantic sunset cruise. Settle into comfortable cushions for a laid-back sundowner drinks experience, complete with canapés from Santorini’s chefs.

Charter yachts

Scenic helicopter flights - Experience the allure of the Bazaruto Archipelago from above in a helicopter. While relaxing aboard with the Captain’s full attention, passengers can experience the Bazaruto Archipelago with its scenic wonders. From the elegance of flamingos, the amazing sea life such as Dugongs, crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, golden dunes, historic lighthouses and pristine islands to nature’s art work in the form of ripples in sand and water.

Private beach picnics

Horse riding - Vilanculos is renowned for its superb variety of white sand beaches, alluring golden sunsets and tall palm trees. The beach stretches for tens of kilometres allowing riders plenty of opportunities for exhilarating canters and long trots. The views from the towering cliffs overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago are extraordinary and will be a memory you will never forget.
Mandy Retclaff, the writer of 104 horses owns the beautiful stables a 45-minute drive from Santorini. There are a variety of rides along the coast and inland that cater for beginners to experienced riders. The spirit of fun and adventure runs deep at Mozambique Horse Safari so saddle up and enjoy a truly unique African adventure on our wonderful horses.

Yoga classes - Strengthen your body and bring tranquility to your mind and spirit with a Hatha
Yoga Session here at Santorini. Hatha Yoga includes asanas (poses), meditation
and breathwork with a qualified yoga teacher.