Sustainable Management at Lion Sands
THE YOUNG and happening directors of Lion Sands Private Game Reserve have not rested on their hunky laurels since launching this old family reserve as a premier safari tourist destination in 2000. And, for their commitment to eco-tourism and å‘saving the planet,å’ Lion Sands was a finalist in the category Best Waste Management Programme in the recent FEDHASA Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards held in lieu of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Sandton in August and September this year.
Says Robert More, Marketing Director of Lion Sands: “The use of environmentally friendly products is part of Lion Sands’ goal of ‘preserving the present to improve the future’ for future generations.”
Perfectly situated on the Sabi River in the Southern portion of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, the reserve enjoys exclusive access and vistas of 10.5 km to the perennial river.
Activities are varied and guests need never be bored. Being completely flexible in format and at the discretion of the guest, each activity can be tailor-made to suit each individual - all complementing the Lion Sands luxury safari experience.
Open Land Rover game drives (private or general), bush breakfasts and dinners, interpretive bush walks, bird watching (over 350 species), lion tracking walks, river fishing, clay pigeon shooting, special interest lectures, game viewing from the Sabi River hides, hippopotamus tours, bush survival courses, wine tasting, bush cookery lessons, star gazing, full-moon walks and bush sleep-outs are included in the myriad activities on offer. There is also a good opportunity to see the enormous crocodiles (12/14ft), which inhabit the river.
Visits to the Kruger National Park golf course, the Park’s Conservation Head Office & Museum, helicopter flights to the Blyde River Canyon and Gods Window, balloon safaris in Hazyview, Shangaan (African) cultural village, and science research expeditions are offered by arrangement.
Rangers and trackers are carefully selected to ensure that guests’ highest expectations are exceeded and provide daily lectures to keep visitors abreast of ecological and animal progress. Projects currently under discussion by the owners include the building of a science laboratory on the property, while a full-time ecologist has been involved on the property for some time.
Lion Sands is celebrated for its excellent service, deluxe accommodation that includes 6 luxury thatched rooms at South Camp and 14 luxury thatched rooms at River Lodge.
The health spa overlooking the river offers treatments ranging from Alpha Hydroxy Skin Care Treatment to Full Body Combo Wraps, Swedish Massage and Reflexology - ideal for stressed travellers.
International cuisine, with a touch of pan-African, is world-class and the bush cookouts under the stars are a treat, with true African touches including ‘pap,’ tomato and onion-fried sauce, with meat including beef, ostrich and chicken. The freshwater fish, fresh vegetables and salads are a feast for the eyes and palate, not to mention the delectable desserts.
Children under 10 years old are not allowed unless the Lodge or Camp is booked for families with small children - this ensures that other guests are not inconvenienced at this deluxe reserve.
Access to the lodge by road and air is made easy using Skukuza airport as the main landing strip, while private charters are also available.
Rates vary between R2150 per person sharing to R4910 per person single, including meals and game drives, depending on visitors’ choice of accommodation. Extras (drinks, additional meals and additional activities) excluded.
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is part of the African Pride Hotels group of Superior Deluxe Hotels and Lodges and a SATSA member. Contact the lodge for reservation on (27-) (0) 13-735 5000, fax (27-) (0) 13-735 5330, email: [email protected] and view website at www.lionsands.com
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