In Pictures – River Lodge, Lion Sands 

Lion Sands is a quintessential African safari icon and River Lodge is its most welcoming gem. It is the ultimate source of rejuvenating wilderness energy and sublime personal service in a setting that defines South African safari. The More family has owned this wilderness haven in the world-renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve for four generations. They are committed to family values, authentic conservation and are constantly pushing the envelope of what a luxury safari means.

On the banks of two great rivers is one of the most game-rich regions of the greater Kruger National Park. River Lodge is in the heart of the action – without leaving the comfort of your opulent suite, you can watch elephant bulls, tossing cool mud over their flanks, or wizened old buffalo lying in muddy pools, their scars and expressions bearing testimony to the trials of a life well-lived in the wild. Not only is this wonderful property famed for its remarkable leopard viewing, but is considered a sumptuous home away from home. 

The main lounge and bar offer you a friendly haven of relaxation on cosy sofas with some excellent books. Out on the main deck, you can drift with the gentle breeze on the sumptuous sofas and indulge in gastronomical delights. 

But the ultimate night time experience at River Lodge is an evening in one of the simplistically sophisticated tree houses. The treehouses are havens under the stars set high above the ground in amongst the trees – completely safe from the animals of the night. You’ll sleep in four-poster luxury and freshen up in the seclusion of a suspended, open-air bathroom. 

But don’t take our word for it – take a look at our hand-picked images of this breath-taking property below…

Introducing Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sands

A bold departure from its humble safari lodge beginnings, Cheetah Plains has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Today, it is a beacon to the eco-luxe safari set and a collaborative expression of South Africa’s rich heritage. Proud owner, Japie van Niekerk’s vision for the property is finally realised. By harnessing the power of eco-tourism, we are working hard to secure a rich legacy of posterity.

Cheetah Plains shares a fenceless border to the east with the vast, world-famous Kruger National Park and its southern border with the esteemed Mala Mala Game Reserve.  Cheetah Plains’ prime location within the inimitable Sabi Sands delivers a prolific, sustainable safari experience facilitated by the natural movement of wildlife over this vast land, fiercely protected under conservation.

Luxury eco-accommodation

A sophisticated, innovative eco-luxe safari experience for the modern age, the private Plains Houses provide a sensual backdrop to your private safari experience. The imaginative, honest architecture is complemented by restful interiors that invite the outside in.  The muted palette of the interior design imbued with warm, natural elements is enhanced with handpicked decor pieces by notable African artisans.

Perfect for an exclusive family safari or a party of friends the luxurious, private Plains Houses accommodateminimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 guests per house.

The location and unique appointment of each Plains House is a beautiful rendering of its environment.

Each house essentially takes the same form comprising two parts: the shared space and the accommodation.  Your exclusive safari hideaway provides you and your party a private bush retreat unlike any other.

The shared space boasts a formal lounge, living room, dining area, expansive sun deck, heated swimming pool, wine gallery, chef’s kitchen and sumptuous Private Suites. 

The accommodation comprises four graciously appointed free-standing Private Suites, two of which inter-lead.

Each of the three exclusive-use Plains Houses at Cheetah Plains accommodates a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 guests per house, offering you and your safari companions the ultimate private safari experience in the splendid Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

A dedicated hospitality team consists of your host, private chef, field guide and tracker. They are allocated to your Plains House for the duration of your stay. Together, they deliver a safari experience tailored to you and your party’s individual preferences. 

Delicious meals and snacks made to exacting standards are prepared by your talented private chef.

Personal wellness is in the hands of your dedicated wellness therapist.

An immersive connection with nature is facilitated by the expert field guide and tracker team at your service.

Wine & Dine 

Each Plains House hosts a fine wine gallery comprising a purely South African wine selection curated to reflect Japie’s favourite estates and varietals.  

Your host will readily recommend a wine to pair with your beautiful meal. Explore the wonders of new world wines by embarking on a wine tasting hosted by the on-property Sommelier (available upon request).

The accomplished culinary team delivers imaginative, soulful meals that, when paired with characteristic wines, resulting in an elevated dining experience you will savour. Your dining expectations and requirements are an important element of your stay.

Cheetah Plains has an ‘open kitchen’ policy; you’re always welcome to pop in and see what is cooking!  If you like, join in the culinary action or just observe while having a relaxed chat with your chef.  Dining al fresco, preferably out in the bush, is always a highlight.  Fresh, locally sourced produce is our preference and supports the farm-to-table vision at Cheetah Plains.

We know you’ll love this new addition to our portfolio as much as we do and hope to see you back in Africa soon!

Black Friday Special – NOW 40% off at Lion Sands

Don’t miss out this Black Friday! Save 40% on your dream luxury safari at the incredible Lion Sands. This deal is available for a limited period only, so there’s no time to lose!

Begin your festive season by treating yourself and your loved ones now and book an unforgettable safari at Lion Sands. Soak up the African sun, get up close and personal with the Big Five and tick off life-changing adventures at an extra-low price.

Steeped in history and tradition Lion Sands is the most prized possession of the More’s extravagant collection of luxury wilderness properties. It’s an intimate and spectacular safari experience. Lions Sands is a pride of four ultra-luxury lodges, all perched along the Sabie River.

Tinga is a rare treasure – a private lodge and concession in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The diverse 5000ha concession in this conservation icon is one of South Africa’s most game-rich regions and is a refuge to the highest concentration of endangered black rhino in Africa.

With Narina Lodge, the trailblazing More family has created what feels like a supremely luxurious and exotic treehouse. This pearl of Africa is perched on the southern bank of the Sabie River – suspended beneath trees which have more than 100 years of Kruger memories embedded in their gnarled bark.

Tinga and Narina Lodge Black Friday Deal Includes:

  • Luxurious accommodation in a suite with private lounge and plunge pool (Tinga Lodge &
  • Narina Lodge)
  • Three meals per day; Teas/Coffees; Mini bar in room; Inclusive drinks & selected snacks (all soft drinks and selection of beers, spirits & house wines)
  • Two game drives daily with FGASA qualified ranger & tracker; Game drive refreshments & snacks
  • Specified inclusive safari activities
  • Skukuza Airport transfers
  • Wi-Fi in public areas

Tinga and Narina Lodge Black Friday Deal Excludes:

  • Laundry
  • Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines & champagnes; Cigars & cigarettes
  • All flights and transfers (other than Skukuza Airport)
  • Gratuities; Telephone calls
  • Curio shop purchases; Spa treatments; Any additional extras will be for the guests’ account
  • Kruger National Park Entrance Fee per person
  • Guest Conservation Contribution per guest per day

For more information on Lion Sands, click here.

Keep an eye out for our Madikwe Black Friday Deal for those wanting to gift themselves or a loved one this festive season with the best gift of all – a true Africa safari.

ENQUIRE NOW or call us: United States +1 888 345 3443 or South Africa: +27 82 411 5776

Availability is limited so contact us as soon as possible so we can make your African safari dream come true.

Terms & Conditions

All enquiries to be submitted here between 08:00 29 November and 11pm 2 December.

Bookings need to be confirmed and deposits paid in full within 7 days of confirmation

Travel dates are for 4 January & 31 May 2020

All bookings are subject to availability.

 

 

5 Iconic Destinations – Luxury Londolozi African Adventure Tour

Discover everything Africa has to offer with this month’s tour of the month. Visit a land of unchartered beauty and experiences, from Londolozi – a place consistently voted amongst the world’s best to an awe-inspiring natural wonder of the world! 

The Luxury Londolozi African Adventure Tour takes you to five Iconic destinations including Cape Town, Sabi Sands, Victoria Falls and Botswana. 

Iconic Africa has crafted the perfect mix. You’ll begin your trip in the Cape of South Africa at the Cape Grace – in the heart of the world’s most beautiful city and then visit La Residence perched on the slopes of the Franschhoek Valley on the world’s most beautiful wine-lands. From there you will travel to the magnificent Londolozi Founders Camp in the exquisite Sabi Sands and then on to Zambia where you will experience the majesty of Victoria Falls from The Royal Livingstone and lastly to Jao Camp in the midst the wilderness wonderland of the Okavango Delta. See the full itinerary below.

THE CAPE GRACE

Cape Town

  • Cape Grace is in the ideal position for you to enjoy all the enchantments of the Mother City including the harbour, yacht basin and Table Mountain.
  • The Cape Grace offers various choices of expansive, luxurious suites and rooms to suit all needs.
  • You are guaranteed to the ultimate opulence.
  • The African Spa offers a full suite of beauty and massage treatments, a gym and a hair salon.
  • Boasting endless panoramic views of the marina, mountain and the Atlantic Ocean

FRANSCHHOEK – LA RESIDENCE

Cape Winelands

  • La Residence is part of the world-beating Royal Portfolio.
  • It brings with it all the luxury, service excellence, scrumptious cuisine and tasteful décor that have become synonymous with this great brand.
  • The hotel is set on an exclusive 30-acre estate surrounded by vineyards and plum orchards with the breath-taking views of the Franschhoek valley beyond.
  • Each suite is an individual masterpiece of sophistication and opulence and filled with original art, antiques and freshly cut flowers.
  • From this spectacular boutique hotel, you can explore the valley, the surrounding farms or cosmopolitan Cape Town further afield.

Accommodation: La Residence

LONDOLOZI FOUNDERS CAMP

Sabi Sands

  • In Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2014, Londolozi was named the best hotel in the world!
  • It effortlessly exceeds all expectations on a luxury, hospitality, wilderness and experiential front
  • Londolozi is a feeling, you simply must visit to experience it for yourself.
  • Londolozi Founders Camp is one of Londolozi’s five intimate camps, set under a lush riverine canopy of Jackalberry trees and dotted along the banks of the Sand River.
  • Nestled at the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve lies Londolozi whose pristine river frontage positioning affords it an abundance of wildlife which has made Londolozi infamous for its incredible game viewing.

VICTORIA FALLS – ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTEL, ZAMBIA

Victoria Falls

  • The Royal Livingstone is situated in the heart of the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls.
  • It radiates Victorian elegance and local charm.
  • The luxurious Afro-chic rooms are generous spaces each with their own secluded terrace and view over the Zambezi.
  • Endless adventures and activities to explore.
  • One of the best sundowner spots as dusk turns the fall’s mist a golden pin

THE OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA – WILDERNESS SAFARIS

Botswana

  • The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most remarkable natural phenomena which supports an intimidating diversity of iconic African wildlife.
  • Wilderness Safaris pioneered luxury safaris in this patchwork water wonderland with either water or land-based camps.
  • At Jao you might spend a full day out on a mokoro (dugout canoe) enjoying a picnic on an island in the shade of an ancient fig tree.
  • All the way through your Okavango escapade, you will enjoy delicious cuisine prepared by the dedicated staff at Wilderness Safaris.

Accommodation: Jao Camp

The Beauty of the Sabi Sands

Not only did our director John Holley spend two wonderful years working at Londolozi in the Sabi Sands but our team is often there visiting. In fact, we just can’t seem to stay away! Here are a few reasons why this wonderful place holds a special place in our hearts. 

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve was the first private game reserve in South Africa, founded in 1948 and now forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. 

Sharing a 32-mile unfenced border with the Kruger, wildlife can traverse freely creating an exceptional opportunity for big game viewing with some of the world’s finest rangers and trackers. 

The Sabi Sands is one of the most sought-after private game reserves for safari and this comes as no surprise with the unforgettable luxury accommodations available. 

This 65, 000-hectare wilderness should definitely be on your travel bucket-list – a destination that will see your many returns once you get a taste of all its magic! 

Here are some of our favourite luxury accommodations in the reserve; from romantic escapes to family retreats, there is the perfect bush escape for every reason, season and occasion. 

Singita

Singita means “place of miracles,” which truly embodies everything for which this incredible brand has become famous. Known for astonishing game viewing, Singita has won “Top Hotel in the World” more than 16 times.

Dulini Lodge 

Sheltered beneath the shade of ancient trees and embraced by the riverine setting, the tranquil haven offers a five-star luxury experience.  The subtle blend of pan-African art and the traditional safari theme creates an enchantment while ensuring Dulini feels like a home away from home. Dulini Lodge is also world-famous for its leopard sightings. 

Londolozi

Three of Londolozi’s five lodges, namely GranitePioneer and Tree are Relais & Chateaux properties and these lodges are true to the elegance and attention to detail that this world-renowned signature embodies. The remainder of the five, Founders and Varty are not to be overlooked. Varty Camp is adored for its deep history and endearing charm; and Founders is equally deserving of complimentary adjectives: sophisticated, warm and classic.

Kirkmans Camp 

This opulent Victorian-themed masterpiece conjures an atmosphere of bygone luxury and calm on the banks of the Sand River.

Chitwa Chitwa 

The sophisticated lodge is set amongst towering Acacia and ancient Ebony trees, overlooking the Sabi Sands largest waterhole. 

Lion Sands  

Lions Sands’ pride of four ultra-luxury lodges, all perched along the Sabie River, are a testament to a family’s passion and admiration for their pristine piece of wild Africa. It is nurtured as a gift passed down over four generations and each lodge endeavours to share its story and its beauty with everyone that visits. 

These properties are world-contenders for the best hospitality, food, architecture and luxury. But it is not only the lodges that provide the avid traveller with a lifetime of memories. 

The ultimate bush experience is made distinct by the quality of game viewing. The Sabi Sands is one of the best places to view leopards – on exciting night drives, the Big Five and other game. On a single outing, you may even get to see up to 10 different animals and birds and observe their habits. 

With hundreds of bird species and tons of recorded mammal species, you won’t have to leave your lodge to see a plethora of plants and animals, especially being close to either the Sand or Sabie Rivers – perennial water sources that attract herds of animals to their water source year-round. Watch hippos cool down in the water while you take in the lush surroundings in summer or watch how the wild bring new life to this unspoilt corner. During the winter months, wildlife are more active and you have a greater chance of seeing big cats on the hunt or young cubs playing. 

In addition to the safari classics; the giraffe, zebra and hyena, you could spot a rare pangolin if you’re lucky. And the best part is that your experienced guides will be able to drive the vehicle off-road to follow any tracks and get up-close and personal with some of Africa’s finest wildlife. 

The easiest way to optimise your time in this prestigious wilderness is to catch a flight from Johannesburg or Kruger Mpumalanga International airport or to an airstrip in the Sabi Sands and have a transfer take you directly to your lodge. 

Take the necessary precaution and get vaccinated. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic about anti-malaria tablets and pack in your long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and closed shoes. 

First-time safari-goers and regulars always return time and time again. This private game reserve is always in high demand, so book your Sabi Sands safari now!