The Lion Sands Private Game Reserve: experience a five-star safari
The Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is a name bound for greatness. Back in 1933, the American mining engineer, Guy Chalkley, purchased Kingston; a piece of land on what would become known as the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Passed down for four generations, Kingston has grown and developed into the Lions Sands Private Game Reserve. This gem that shares the bank of the Sabie River with The Kruger National Park offers timeless elegance and luxury comfortably cradled by the rustic, untouched African bush.
A true African bush experience
Located about 490km north east of Johannesburg, adventures in Lion Sands typically begin with a chartered flight into the area. Flying overhead the first thing you’ll notice travelling in the air is that there are few tarred roads leading into the reserve.
Upon arrival one of the reserve’s friendly game rangers is on hand to welcome you to with an unofficial game drive as you leave the landing strip and make your way to the magnificent Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. Excitement mounts as the 20 minute drive to camp takes you up turns, across rivers and into the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Miles from any big city, you couldn’t be closer to nature if you tried. The usual din of city life is replaced with bird chirps, rustling bush and sometimes the occasional elephant trumpet or lion’s roar in the distance. The African bush is a subtle enchantress and it won’t be long before you’re completely swept away by its unapologetic beauty and charm.
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve offers travellers of every shape and size an experience to suit their needs. Three lodges on the banks of the lazy and meandering Sabie River offer varying degrees of privacy catering to the needs of even the fussiest travellers. For the most adventurous, the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve offers you the opportunity to sleep under the stars in one of their stunning one-of-a-kind Treehouses.
Under the stars
For couples with a sense of adventure the Treehouse is an experience you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the world. Located about 6km (4 miles) from River lodge, the Treehouse is a secure and lavish platform under the African stars, with all the comforts that a guest can experience at a five star safari reserved for the wild and adventurous at heart.
Built 10m (22ft) up, the Treehouse has the most glorious view of the surrounding bushveld plains. Couples spending a night in the Treehouse are welcomed to a Treehouse lit with lanterns as twilight ushers in the African night. Just in time for a quick sundowner before devouring a prepacked meal and a bottle of fine wine.
As the dusk sky is transformed into a starry ceiling, nocturnal animals come out to feed and roam the plains. A spot light torch allows for night time game viewing whilst keeping warm in the comfortable four poster bed. Enveloped by the gorgeous surroundings, this is the closest encounter you’ll ever have with the African bush.
Guests can choose between three different types of Treehouse : the Chalkley Treehouse, the Kingston Treehouse and the Tinyeleti Treehouse.
Kingston is an experience reserved for the fortunate few. Indeed, the Kingston Treehouse is constructed entirely from wood and glass, with contemporary décor in understated hues of greys, white, black and purple. No matter what the weather has in store, you will have a safe and luxurious setting with a unique window to enjoy the ever-changing views. Moreover, Kingston is equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities, and Africology products to complete your sensory experience.
Completely safe and with no history of incidents, except perhaps a onetime quarrelling couple, the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve’s Treehouses are a rare luxury and a must-do.
