Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

The villas at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge are all luxurious, chic, modern and spacious. They are built with features of wood and concrete, which work to keep the villa connected with the surrounding nature. Although the decor inside the villa is modernist, there are exposed thatch ceilings, which add a touch of traditional safari character. A comfortable lounge sits to one side of the villa, with a feature fireplace where guests can gather on chilly evenings and a mid-century modern style sofa. The colour palette that runs throughout the villa is inspired by earth tones, with beiges and creams, light browns, and feature colours of yellow and orange.

The bedroom and bathroom are open-plan, with a large king-size bed sat surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, allowing guests to gaze at the luscious wild bush without having to leave the warmth or comfort of the bed. The bathroom includes a luxurious freestanding bathtub, marble hand basins, and a unique outdoor shower.

A private decking in front of the bedroom area offers the perfect place for guests to unwind after a long day and enjoy staring over the endless horizons at sunset. A private pool affords guests the opportunity to cool off in the afternoon heat, without missing any of the breathtaking views or wandering animals.

Children of all ages are welcomed in this family villa. With its own private entrance, this villa offers guests complete exclusivity and privacy and is perfect for a small family or group of friends. Much like the standard villas, the decor style is modern, chic and luxurious. With a neutral colour palette flowing throughout, guests’ attention will be focused on the indigenous forest which surrounds the villa.

Large floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors flood the villa with natural light and keep the space feeling spacious and bright. There are two bedrooms in this villa, both of which come with their own open-plan ensuite bathrooms, complete with deep freestanding bathtubs, indoor showers, marble hand basin and a unique outdoor shower, screened for privacy and surrounded by luscious trees.

Between the two bedrooms sits a large lounge and library area, with a fireplace which can be lit on cold evenings where guests can gather to keep warm and recount stories of their day. Guests of the family villa will be spoilt for choice with where to spend their downtime.

Outside the front of the villa is a modern covered patio area with comfortable sun loungers, a sparkling private pool, and a fire deck. Wherever guests choose to unwind, they can be rest assured that they will be surrounded by astounding wild beauty, and views over the beautiful Sabie River.

Guests can dine in the authentic boma area, around a crackling fire, seated at a romantic candlelit table. The food served at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is inspired by local recipes, and talented chefs have inventively created modern dishes with these same flavours. The food will be paired with some of South Africa’s finest wines, creating a feast for the senses. The food can be tailored to any dietary requirement if guests so wish.

Wine tasting sessions offer guests a chance to taste some of the best wine of the Cape, before choosing which to enjoy with dinner.

Guests can head out in the morning or evening in an open safari vehicle for an authentic safari tradition – the game drive. Traverse around the area, being driven to all the best wildlife viewing spots by your knowledgeable guide and see if you can spot the Big Five, as well as giraffes, zebras, hyenas and hippos. Stop mid-drive to enjoy a refreshing drink and keep an eye out for any passing animals.

Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings and explore the reserve on foot. With a knowledgeable and friendly guide, wander through the thick bush and marvel at the wonders of the micro-ecosystems, such as smaller flora and fauna, as well as following animal tracks and spotting insect life. This is a perfect way to experience the wilderness of the park as you become part of it.

Indulge in an afternoon of self-care and relaxation, as any tension melts away with a stress-relieving massage. For guests who like to work out, there is a fully equipped gym with a view where you can enjoy a quick morning sweat session.

A unique experience available at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is to spend some time in the heart of the bush, high in the trees. The treehouses are available for dinners, or guests can even spend the night here, sleeping out under the wide, unpolluted starry sky.

To help preserve and protect the environment and communities where they operate, MORE Family Collection – Lion Sand Ivory Lodge’s owner – is “committed to regenerative tourism sustainable practices.” Their sustainable practices help to protect the planet for generations to come, and for the “continuity of life.”

MORE Family Collection is “committed to promoting conservation through education and raising awareness.”

They do this by being active members of programmes such as Nakavango Conservation Programme, which is a volunteering programme to help protect and preserve the Victorian Falls Private Game Reserve and to develop the nearby Woodlands Village. This programme gives its volunteers the opportunity to “learn about and make personal contributions to: conservation management and research on the reserve, community development projects, and the maintenance of Nakavango Conservation Centre and its sustainable green operations.”

MORE Family Collection has also established a field guide college called NJ MORE Field Guide College. This is endorsed by the Field Guide Association of South Africa, and helps to train new guides while creating the next generation of nature ambassadors. This programme has a track record of training guides who “have a vast knowledge of the environment, a passion for guiding, a dedication to teaching people about our extraordinary natural heritage, and inspiring them to do their part to protect it.”

MORE Family Collection have various development projects which help to support the local community with both staff and guests being encouraged to get involved in these projects.

The MORE Community Trust was founded in 2002. This trust helps the local communities through self-sustainable projects and they uplift local communities “through support and access to childcare; skills development through community-based development initiatives; access to fresh water and health facilities; and developing overall environmental health.”

Currently, some of the ongoing projects are providing digital education through the Huntington Digital Learning Campus, creating boreholes in Huntington Village so there is adequate access to clean drinking water, a “Soul Food” project which guests can donate to help local communities in need, and the support of the Frida Hartley Shelter which homes vulnerable local women and children.

The “Get Your Hands Dirty” programme is one which encourages guests to help in the projects which “address local needs around education, health and environment, and infrastructure.”

MORE Family Collection are committed to treating their staff fairly and to “following best practices in the employment and treatment of our people.” They hire locally wherever possible, pay their workers and contractors fair wages, and create opportunities as well as “embracing diversity” and inclusivity. The health of their staff is promoted through “support partners, such as Mistral Medical.”

MORE Family Collection strives to make a positive impact on the environment in which they operate. They have specific issues which they are focusing on making as eco-friendly as possible, such as “energy, water, waste, food, materials and conservation.”