In the late 1920's Guy Aubrey Chalkley, an American of Irish descent, came to South Africa to explore opportunities as a mining engineer. With the gold rush at its height, a stock exchange had been created earlier to help raise finance for all the mining activity. It was in this field that Guy chose to establish himself and, together with Paul Davis, formed a stock broking firm, Chalkley Davis. The business flourished and culminated in one of South Africa's foremost stock broking firm, Davis, Borkum & Hare, which was purchased recently by Merrill Lynch to form the basis of its South African branch. Being a keen hunter Guy Chalkley often ventured into the wilds. It was on one such adventure that he stumbled onto Kingstown, a jewel of a property belonging to the Transvaal Consolidated Lands that bordered the Kruger National Park. Those lands were soon to become the basis of what is now the world famous Sabi Sand Wildtuin. Guy Chalkley, overcome by both the affection for the animals around him and the admiration of the pristine condition of the Kingstown property, refrained from doing any form of hunting for the rest of his life. There were no roads then, only markings on trees indicating the route to the camp which Guy followed in his old Ford sedan. This passion for conservation and protection of wilderness areas has been passed down through four generations to the three More brothers who now own and run Lion Sands Private Game Reserve on the very same property, Kingstown. John More, who married Louise Chalkley, granddaughter of Guy Chalkley, introduced Kingstown to the public in 1978 when he built two camps - River Lodge and Bush Lodge. Even during those early days of extremely basic bush operations, where hot water was a luxury, the More family concentrated on keeping Kingstown in pristine state. Today, the family employs a full time Ecologist (the only reserve in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin to do so), to monitor the effect of commercialisation on the wilderness. In the late 1930s Guy Chalkley built a small camp on the banks of the Sabie River, which flows through the Kruger National Park and the Kingstown property. For over 60 years the camp was enjoyed as a peaceful retreat by the Chalkley and More families until the 7th February 2000 when an incredible flood changed the face of the banks of the Sabie River. On that day, by 09h00 the river had risen above the roofs of both River Lodge and the family camp, Warthog Wallow, wiping away decades of history in a single blow. Nick and Robert More, fourth generation owners of Kingstown, set about rebuilding River Lodge and creating the stunning new Ivory Lodge. They also introduced a new name, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, to the market and it incorporates the magnificent Kingstown property (approximately 3500 hectares) and both River Lodge and Ivory Lodge. The brothers have the type of passion for Lion Sands that can only be instilled by a great family history. Guy Chalkley, in his brilliance, had provided an enormous opportunity for his family to create something unique and magnificent to share with the world. 
The Lodge has been built on the banks of the Sabie River. It faces due east, catching the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. There are 18 luxurious thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor & inside shower & wooden viewing deck. The bedroom area is air-conditioned with an overhead fan. All rooms have mini-bar & telephone access. The rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways. The lodge comprises the following: a private lounge and bar, 2 swimming pools, wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, private hammocks, conference room, gymnasium & health spa, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area. River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands. It is positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. The lodge is about spirit, warmth, nature & relaxation. It is hosted by a family of staff that will make it feel like home from home. Relax, enjoy and experience African hospitality at its finest.
The rooms at River Lodge offer respite and protection from the Lowveld heat. The interior is a tranquil purple and cream haven, cool in the summer, cosy in the winter. The bathroom, with its tranquil look and pebble-inlaid floors complements the bushveld well. Each bedroom has its own deck with a view of the river. Room Amenities:
|  | En-suite bathroom | | Inside and outside shower | | Bath and vanity basin | | Private Viewing Deck | | Air-conditioning and overhead fans | | Mini-bars | | Safes and telephone 
The Ivory Lodge has been built on the banks of the Sabie River with magnificent views, extending onto the open sand banks of the Kruger National Park. The Lodge faces due south and is approximately 100 meters upstream of River Lodge. The entrance area is separate from the main lodge in order to ensure that guests arriving and departing have no impact on other overnight guests. The main and entrance area comprise a private lounge, wooden viewing decks, board room, wine cellar, gymnasium & health spa, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area. Ivory Lodge is about African Euro elegance, sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, ebony & ivory, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity & complete privacy. | | | 
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There are 6 ultra luxurious suites with en-suite bathroom, outdoor & inside shower, courtyard, lounge with fireplace, wooden viewing deck, patio & private plunge pool. The bedroom & bathroom area are air-conditioned and overhead fans cool the bedrooms and lounges. All rooms have telephone and Internet access. The suites are 165m² in size and are positioned at least 20 meters apart, being linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways. They all have breathtaking views over the Sabie River, a setting where game viewing can be done from the luxury of one’s private suite – Africa’s finest bedrooms! Room Amenities:
|  | En-suite bathroom | | Inside and outside shower | | Bath and vanity basin | | Private Viewing Deck | | Air-conditioning and overhead fans | | Mini-bars | | Safes and telephone 
The philosophy of the safari experience at Lion Sands is to deliver a consistently professional, informative & holistic safari experience, ensuring that all spheres of the eco-system, from the small insects to the mighty African elephant, are covered in as much detail as the Guest may require. The Senior Ecologist, Ranger & Tracker teams have been carefully selected to make certain that your Safari Experience will not only meet but exceed your highest expectations. For pictures of what one can expect to see on safari take a look at the guest photo gallery for a sneak preview...will take your breath away! 
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The epitome of every stay at Ivory Lodge is the luxurious care one indulges in at our Lalamuka Health Spa. Our therapists offer most treatments in the privacy of ones suite. Massages can be done in your courtyard outside where you can become one with nature whilst gazing across the endless wonders of the African bush. (list treatments and prices) |
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Click here for a Lion Sands Honeymoon Package |
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