Apr 23 2008
Lion Sands Game Reserve
I know, completely off topic here but here goes anyway. The Lion Sands Game Reserve situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjoining the famous Kruger National Park has recently released it newest lodge (the first two being Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Lion Sands River Lodge), a book the whole lodge or you cannot stay there lodge (I fear my English is getting worse). Yes this lodge is expensive but when you look at it from a traveling with the whole family or groups of friends point of view and you fill up all the beds, the cost per person is actually quite reasonable.
“You have to know your roots in order to find your wings!” This is exactly how Guy Aubrey Chalkley felt when he first discovered the raw beauty and ancient spirit of the Kingstown Game Reserve, near the Kruger National Park, back in 1933. Not even he could have realised, on that warm November morning, the legacy he was creating. A legacy that has survived through four generations, the unpredictable nature of the Sabie River and the great responsibilities of protecting and ensuring the Kingstown Game Reserves ecological environment.
As a tribute to their predecessor’s pioneering spirit, Nick and Robert More, the great grandsons of Guy Chalkley and present-day owners of Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, have built their own private family camp. This, after the original family camp was washed away in the floods of 2000. Aptly named 1933 at Lion Sands, this exclusive sole use lodge welcomed their first guests on 24th October 2007. Since 1933 at Lion Sands has been designed by the family, for the family, it encapsulates both the warm, personal ambience associated with a family owned lodge and a world class luxury safari experience.
Nestling on the banks of the Sabie River, 1933 at Lion Sands represents a secluded environment where comfort and relaxation are the order of the day. There are four spacious suites, each with their own private view of the Sabie River. The bathrooms are just as inviting, courtesy of their double vanity units, elegant bath and outdoor showers. There is also a childrens dormitory, able to sleep up to 8 children, with his and hers bathroom and an interleading bedroom for the au-pair.
The lodge’s large windows, sliding doors and muted colours mirror the surrounding landscape and create a seamless, indoor-outdoor flow. Timber, thatch and screed flooring add earthy charm to the interior, where the decor is classic-contemporary. Take the lounge, for instance, with its natural fibres, oversized chairs and open fireplace that together create a haven for relaxation. The kitchen is ideal as it opens onto a dining area that’s equally suited to informal family meals or a banquet affair. All of these public areas open onto a large, wraparound wooden deck and lap-size swimming pool.
If this sounds like your dream home, that’s exactly what 1933 at Lion Sands strives to be: a gracious home away from home – with a few added luxuries, including your own private chef and ranger, with the exclusive use of a 4×4 Landrover for safari game drives.
A communal, self-contained space with a smart-casual vibe, where absolute privacy is assured – that’s 1933 at Lion Sands. However you choose to spend your leisure time here, the lodge is certain to leave you refreshed and re-acquainted with yourself, with the other members of your group and with the breathtaking, natural escarpment that’s unique to Africa. Listen closely to the Sabie River meandering past your suite, and you may just hear the soft, satisfied sighs of Guy Chalkley…