Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is closed due to fire until 31st August 2025
Ivory Lodge is the understated jewel in the Lion Sands’ crown. A 5 star premium graded lodge. Here, hospitality is designed entirely around YOU. From customized spa therapies and private dining, to safaris with surprise refreshment stops. Luxury is much more than a sophisticated room in an exotic location. It has substance.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is a lodge ‘of the earth’. Natural materials that complement the surrounding bush environment. And an open design that draws your attention outside. Decor is rich yet minimal, lighting is ambient, and African design accents subtly pick up on the Africa safari theme.
Chose between any of the one bedroom villas or the exclusive-use Fish Eagle Residence.
Ivory Lodge impresses with a natural and simple beauty, enhanced only by breathtaking river scenes.
The guest areas at Ivory Lodge include: A private bar with fireplace, Library lounge, Well stocked wine cellar, Wooden viewing decks, Magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, A spa, and gymnasium, MORE Gallery boutique, Both an indoor dining room and open-air, traditional Boma dining area.
The lodge’s 8 x one bedroom suites, are the ultimate bush retreats. At the confluence of the Sabie and Sand rivers. Your private lounge, patio, deck and pool invite easy relaxation. While a dedicated team of staff is always on hand to take care or your every whim and fancy. Everything is included. From a champagne stocked maxi bar, to the washing and pressing of your favorite shirt. To create a highly personalized experience of a safari, your way.
The suites are glass, wood, and concrete meld into the riverside.
Suite – 145m2 | 1 560ft2 Viewing deck – 28m2 | 300ft2 Total – 173m2 | 1 862ft2
Lounge ViewsExterior view of villa
Fish Eagle Residence
Occupying a prime spot in the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, Fish Eagle Residence is perfect for exploring the bush. On the back of a game vehicle or on a walking safari. Interspersed with lazy days at the pool, and quality time with family or friends. This beautiful villa has 2 x en-suite bedrooms, each with an outdoor shower area and open plan living space. This includes a fully equipped interactive kitchen, lounge, study, and dining area. It offers the ultimate in private luxury and personalized service.
The Residence itself is a contemporary style masterpiece. Built of concrete, timber, glass, and steel to meld into the riverside. An expansive deck and covered patio walk onto a 10 metre long lap pool. A private fire deck and star jetty overlook the Sabie River for quiet enjoyment of the natural environment. And vivid Milky Way above. Guests also have a private wellness area (with a double treatment room) and a fitness facility.
The residence can accommodate four adults. For families, two young children may be accommodated on single beds, sharing in their parents’ room. Fish Eagle Residence can be booked in conjunction with an adjacent Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Villa. Up to eight guests can comfortably enjoy the Fish Eagle Residences’ ample facilities. Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers program – keeps curious youngsters busy (and parents relaxed). See more info under family safari dropdown.
Here, everything is included. From your personal chef, to field guide and game viewer vehicle. For an ideal tailor made South African safari.
Fish Eagle ResidenceFamily safari at Fish Eagle Residence
Ivory Lodge Family Safari
Family Safaris ↓
The villas at Ivory Lodge welcome children from 10 years old. They will pay 50% of the adult per person rate if sharing (Kids up to 15 years).
The Fish Eagle Residence can accommodate children of all ages and the rate includes 2 x children.
Both options offer the children’s program so parents can choose to have some well-deserved alone time.
Mack & Madi Kids’ Program
Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers is not just a kids’ club. It’s an all round family experience that makes a family safari child’s play. This offering is inspired by owners Rob and Britt More’s firsthand experience of traveling with their twins, Mack and Madi. Along with the lodges’ options and flexibility around accommodations and meals, tailor made activities give children a little extra freedom to explore and just be kids. And make family travel child’s play.
Activities keep young guests occupied with the wonders of the natural world. As well as with sports and crafts, during their stays. Just some of the fun includes: Family morning game drives, Bush orientation, Bug CSI, Dung tracking, Spoor casting, Scavenger hunts, Pool games, Rock painting; Beading, Pizza making in the bomas, Cookie baking and cupcake decorating in the kitchens, Stargazing.
Parents are welcome to join in or sneak a few hours for themselves.
As anticipated as the experiences, mealtimes bring everyone to the table with delicious dishes that are familiar and many options for even the pickiest eaters. Chefs sneak in plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And treats, too, like hot chocolates with toasted marshmallows around the fire.
Kids activities
Spend a night in a Tree House ($)
There are two tree houses to choose from at Ivory Lodge. Chalkley and Kingston Tree houses in the Sabi Sand are the ultimate bush bedrooms. Where romantics, adventurers, and solitude seekers alike can discover the magic of a night out in Africa. In complete luxury. Lit only by the soft glow of lanterns and the absence of WiFi creates an Au-natural bush experience. The added creature comforts mean you won’t be roughing it.
Guests arrive at sunset for a picnic dinner. Spend the dusk hours watching animals wander past (at a safe distance). And fall asleep counting shooting stars. Rest easy knowing a field guide is always just a radio call away should you feel you need assistance.
As you look out over the bush from your Tree house, the animals go about their business. Undisturbed by your presence. Birds flit by. You could spot anything from an antelope to a leopard wander past. As night falls, the sounds of the wild carry through the cool air. Fall asleep to an African lullaby of chirps, distant growls, and the rustle of the breeze through the leaves.
The animals aren’t the only thing you’ll spot out here… Through the dark night and crisp, clear air, stars by their millions appear. To help you identify the constellations, planets and even the odd passing satellite, a stargazing app can be loaded on your smartphone.
Chalkley Tree House (40m2/430ft2)
The Chalkley Tree House has a deluxe king sized bed, a double shower, double vanity, and a WC. Solar lighting is along the balustrades of the Tree house. There is a safety door, secure stairway and two way radio contact for your peace of mind. It is 2.7mi/4.3km from the lodge.
Chalkley Treehouse in the evening
Kingston Tree House (60m2/645ft2)
Built just beyond an outcrop of boulders, Kingston is a couple or family’s private vantage over the untamed and untainted. Its stillness punctuated only by animals’ whistles, huffs, growls. This large tree house sleeps 2 x adults and 2 x children between 10 – 14 years. There is a deluxe king sized bed and twin pullout beds. Guests savor this far faraway experience, in complete luxury. With a picnic dinner, feather beds, and full bathing facilities with a rain shower, double vanity, and a WC. Solar lighting is in the bedroom, bathroom, and along the balustrades. There is a safety door, drawbridge and two way radio contact for your peace of mind. It is 1mi/1.6km from the lodge.
Kingston Tree house
A Tree house Experience is booked in conjunction with lodge accommodation A Tree house stay is charged at a per person sharing per night rate. This is over and above the lodge accommodation rate Guests pack an overnight bag with their essentials, leaving the rest of their belongings back in their lodge suite
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Activities ↓
Game Drives
A Lion Sands safari plays out like a natural documentary’s highlights reel. The reserve conserves 6 400ha (15 800ac) of a habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. Including all of Africa’s iconic species. Adventure into the wild for hours every day, and find your own personal space within this grand natural ecosystem.
Game drives, in open safari vehicles, head out each day at sunrise and again in the late afternoon. Lion Sand’s natural animal population includes the Big Five. The reserve is especially renowned for the quality of its leopard viewing. The most elusive of predators. Other signature species include the endangered pangolin and African painted wolf (wild dog). As well as lucky sightings of the African civet. Look skywards and birders will find themselves in paradise with 550 species to identify.
Being entirely private, Lion Sands offers you a very personal safari experience with only six guests to a safari vehicle. With exclusive traversing rights on both Lion Sands’ Sabi Sand and Kruger Park sections, guests are assured a truly intimate safari experience. While you’re out exploring, you’ll also by no means be roughing it. Your vehicle is kitted out with cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets and ponchos. A maximum of 16 vehicles are allowed out on the reserve at any one time. And the number of vehicles per sighting is also limited. This ensures the animals feel at ease and guests are able to spend more time with them. Observing their natural behavior.
Lions and elephants
Duration: ±3 hours Includes: a hot beverage or sun downer stop in a scenic spot to purely appreciate being in the bush and in the moment Children 10 years and older are welcome on the twice daily game drives
Private Game Drives (at an additional cost)
Private game drives give you complete freedom to safari your way. Take your time, explore your own interests and feel as if you have the wilderness entirely to yourself. While enjoying dedicated guiding by your expert field guide. This is the perfect option, whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family/friend group. Departure times and duration of these drives are flexible. A minimum of 2 nights must be booked and private vehicles are subject to availability.
Bush Walks
After breakfast enjoy the bush walks on the wild side. Guests are immersed in the bush, rather than just observing it. All five senses are engaged. As you feel scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch the velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone. And spot big game at eye level. Totally exhilarating! Expert guides will tailor walks to each guest’s area/s of interest. Focusing on mammals, birds, insects, plants, geology, etc.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on guests’ fitness levels Children under 16 years are not permitted on the bush walks Guests should wear neutral colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen Guests should bring along a lightweight dry mac jacket, camera/smartphone, and binoculars
Wildlife Lectures
At times when the weather is unsuitable for safari activities, our field guides and trackers present short nature talks. They cover a host of subjects, giving guests more insight into the animals they see on safari (e.g. elephant behavior). And the natural surrounds (e.g. the ecological impact of commercial lodges on the environment). The talks are informal presentations, largely guided by interactions with guests.
Local Community Experiences
More Community Trust’s (MCT’s) purpose is to empower people of local communities in which MORE Family Collection operates. It does this by providing access to early childhood development, skills development, and clean water. MCT has built close relationships with the people, and guests are encouraged to take Community Tours and take part in the Get Your Hands Dirty upliftment programs in place.
This gives guests the opportunity to experience a different and humbling way of living. Visit culturally and historically significant sites. And connect with local people, while positively impacting their lives. These extraordinary social experiences bring guests into the heart of Southern Africa. Making your visit that much more meaningful.
Visit the local community
Duration: ±4 hours Children of all ages are welcome to accompany their parents
Stargazing
During evening game drives or bush dinners (weather permitting), the field guides will share insights into the skies. The clear air and minimal light pollution of this remote African wilderness make it an ideal location for stargazing. Guests will see planets and stars they have never before noticed with the naked eye. The guides will point out the constellations that shift seasonally and those that are unique to the southern hemisphere, taking guests on an astral safari.
Spa & Wellness
Between safaris, you’ll have the luxury of free time – how better to indulge than in the spa? The hours between safaris are an ideal time to spend being pampered. Guests choose from massages, exfoliation, reflexology, and facials with skincare products and essential oils. All ethically formulated with the finest natural and organic ingredients. As well as manicures and pedicures. If you must gym, this one has a bush view to distract you.
Spa
MORE Gallery
Nothing immortalizes a moment quite like art does. The MORE Gallery’s original paintings, sketches, and photographs, as well as high-end accessories, clothing, and mementos, mean that you can take a little something from your Ivory Lodge safari experience home with you.
Food & Wine
Dining at Ivory can turn into an exploration. With a table laid out wherever you wish. And dishes and wines introducing you to new flavors. Ivory Lodge caters to all dietary requirements with prior notice.
Delicious food
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Kosher Offering
It is important that all guests feel at home, while also enjoying every treat that a luxury Ivory Lodge stay has to offer. There is a dedicated kosher kitchen offering two costed options. Either full supervision by a Mashgiach or self supervision with additional cooking equipment and utensils provided. All ingredients and beverages served are certified kosher. To ensure kosher principles are observed and guests have a worry free stay, we establish their specific needs before arrival. Contact us for more info.
How to get to Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
The best is to fly into Skukuza Airport which is 25 minutes from the lodge. A complimentary transfer in an open safari vehicle is offered so you can start your safari immediately.
Else, Nelspruit (also called Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) (MQP) Airport. This is approximately 110km (68mi) drive which will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Flights depart MQP for either Victoria Falls (either Victoria Falls Airport or Livingstone). Or Vilanculos in Mozambique.
Best Time to Travel
Lion Sands Game Reserve is a year round safari destination. The wildlife here is non-migratory. Except, of course, birding. The best period for bird watching is from October to April. The variation in the safari experience is season; rather than location related.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Accommodation Rates
Rates operate on quarterly price updates. Therefore, rates change based on market conditions. Send us your dates and we’ll get back to you with the best rates. These are the rates as of 20th November 2024 to give you an indication.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge INDICATIVE Rates
Per Person Sharing
Single
4th January – 31st May 2025
R 43 800
R 65 700
1st June – 30th September 2025
R 48 670
R 73 005
1st October – 19th December 2025
R 45 990
R 68 985
20th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
R 48 670
R 73 005
4th January – 31st May 2026
R 45 990
R 68 985
​
Fish Eagle Residence INDICATIVE Rates
Per Residence Per Night
4th January – 31st May 2025
R 231 695
1st June – 30th September 2025
R 268 765
1st October – 19th December 2025
R 254 865
20th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
R 268 765
4th January – 31st May 2026
R 254 865
​
Rates Include / Exclude ↓
Rates Include
Ultra luxurious accommodation in a Villa, with a private lounge and plunge pool, All meals, teas/coffees, maxi-bar in room, Selection of premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines and champagnes, Laundry, Two game drives daily with FGASA accredited field guide and tracker, Game drive refreshments and snacks, Specified inclusive safari activities, Skukuza Airport transfers, WiFi.
Fish Eagle Residence rates also include Exclusive use of the residence with two en-suite bedrooms A dedicated residence concierge, housekeeper, butler and chef Spa treatments Childminding Private open safari vehicle, personal field guide, and tracker Gratuities.
Specialist activities included: Game drives, and bush walks; Stargazing; Wildlife lectures; Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and bush dinners; Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers experiences.
Rates Exclude
Cigars and cigarettes; All flights and transfers (other than Skukuza Airport transfer); Gratuities; and telephone calls; MORE Gallery purchases and spa treatments; Sabi Sand entrance fee and guest conservation contribution; Impact Levy; Any extras will be for the guest account
Specialist activities excluded: Treehouse experiences; Private open safari vehicle hire; Local community experiences (with More Community Foundation); Helicopter flights, or golf; Exclusive bush breakfasts and dinners.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Accommodation Special Offers
*Peak period block-out dates for the below special offers: 20th December until 3rd January
These offers are updated regularly so please check with us for any others.
StayMore
Stay for 4 nights and only pay for 3. Valid until 31st May 2026*
ConnectMORE Promotion
Book 9 nights at any MORE Family Collection Residences and only pay for 8 nights. The free night applies to a Cape Town Residence. Split the stay between Fish Eagle Residence at Ivory Lodge and either More Quarters Residence or Cape Cadogan Residence in Cape Town.
Or split stay among the other residences: Monwana Residence (coming soon to this site) Hinkwenu Residence Marataba Residence Navarre Residence (coming soon to this site)
Valid: Until 31st May 2026* This promotion can only be combined with a Friends of MORE promotion.
Friends of More Offer
Repeat guests get 10% off their accommodation rate at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Fish Eagle Residence Valid until 31st May 2026* Can be combined with other offers except Love More
Discover More – Long Stay Offer
Stay 6 nights at one or more at More Family Collection properties* and get 10% discount on your stay.
For newlyweds on their honeymoon! Spend three nights at the Lion Sands Game Reserve lodges and one of you will get a 50% discount on accommodation.
Valid until 31st May 2026* The honeymoon offer is valid for a year after the date of marriage. A marriage certificate is to be provided. Excludes Residences.
We also do weddings at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge – email us for more information now.
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge offers luxury all inclusive accommodation in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa – perfect for honeymoons and even weddings
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the western Sabi Sand Game Reserve, for an incredible Greater Kruger National Park safari. Lots of offers and packages including family and honeymoon.
