Tucked away in one of South Africa’s finest reserves we discovered Lion Sands. A name synonymous with luxury and adventure, this privately owned property is situated within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and borders the unfenced Kruger National Park.
Lion Sands now boasts a number of exclusive lodges that all provide unique and special touches. When we were last there we stayed at River Lodge which is, as the name suggests, situated along the Sabie River. Nearby is the very secluded Ivory Lodge and not far from that the private and fully exclusive 1933 Lodge, designed to accommodate close friends and family.
Interesting additions to the Lion Sands management portfolio are the Tinga Lodges within a concession of the Kruger National Park. These are rather special and different in that they are governed by the rules and regulations of the South African National Parks Board (SANParks) and, although you can’t drive off road, the area is still rich in game and very rewarding. We have no doubt that Tinga will benefit greatly from the experienced Lion Sands management team.
I am, however, getting swept away in all this talk of lodges, luxury and concessions. What I really wanted to tell you about was breakfast at River Lodge. Although the food was fantastic, it wasn’t the perfectly ripe pawpaw, or the delicious fruit smoothie, that stuck in our mind on this occasion. It wasn’t even the great company of our friends Tracy and Derek. What we will all remember is the battle that ensued in the river below us.
Two rival hippos had decided that it was the day they have their showdown! What followed was a display of power, blood, pain, and in the end victory! In the process of deciding who would rule the pool, the one poor male got his tooth knocked out and was severely gouged by the more bulky and aggressive victor. We luckily still had our camera with us after the morning game drive and were able to rattle off a few photos during the battle.
When it was all over the loser made a speedy retreat and everyone went back to their breakfast under the trees, as if this was just another day in Africa.
For more info on the Lion Sands Lodges go to www.lionsands.com
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