A Cut Above – Dining at Lion Sands River & Ivory Lodge

Arriving at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sand in time for lunch, the view that greets me is the seasonal Sabie River, where a large hippo is out of the water, making his way to the lush greenery upstream that will nourish and sustain him. It’s rather strange to see this sizeable creature unsubmerged in the middle of the day, but he seems intent in indulging in a feeding frenzy.

Table for one

On my side of the riverbank, the tables have been set up for lunch, and the green chairs are both stylish and comfortable. My butler is the joyful Clifford, and he ensures that my water glass is always full and whatever I prefer to drink is served with a smile. Today’s menu, personalised for me with my name on it, has plentiful choices, and I opt for the perfectly prepared beef fillet, egg, and thick hand cut chips. For dessert, the melt-in-your-mouth vanilla ice cream is the perfect conclusion to a delicious meal.

You will never go hungry or thirsty at any of the Lion Sands properties. Between lunch, dinner and breakfast, you can look forward to a variety of snacks and beverages in your suite, pre-game drive freshly baked goodies, a coffee stop while out on morning game drive with more eats, afternoon tea with a scrumptious array of snacks, and not forgetting the sundowner stop during your afternoon game drive where there is a tipple of your choice and even more snacks!

Dinner is an elaborate affair, with lanterns leading the way to my table next to the river. I dine on Springbok carpaccio for starters, Pink peppercorn crusted Rib Eye with Herb potato for main course, and the most delectable baked cheesecake for dessert.

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day, is just as delightful. A favourite amongst guests seems to be the gorgeous Eggs benedict. The breakfast menu is vast – from Eggs Royale, Avo Toast, Amarula Oats, to Build Your Own, there is something for everyone at Lion Sands River Lodge.

A mere 5 minutes from Lion Sands River Lodge is the undisputed jewel in the Lion Sands crown – Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. Walking down the wooden walkway to the main dining area, I am struck by the phenomenal vista over the Sabie River. The tables are set up under the shaded branches of a huge Bushveld-Natal Mahogany tree.

Lunch with the wild

Seated at my table, I am in awe of the parade of passing wildlife – two lone buffalos graze on the banks of the river and while tucking into my lunch, a herd of elephant amble down to feed on the trees. One of them ventures into the river, much to the delight of fellow guests. This is no ordinary dining experience!

I opt to have my dinner delivered to my suite, which is brought exactly at the scheduled time by my butler Torrence. Once again, a gastronomic feast has been prepared by a team of chefs.

Making his Mark

As the Food & Beverage Manager for Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Mark Purdy oversees the food, beverage & service, for both Ivory and River Lodge, and all their outside venues that includes bush dinners and the like.

Having worked in hotels, restaurants and banqueting for many years, abroad as well, Mark set himself the challenge of lodging knowing it would be a completely different environment. “I said to myself – try it – why not push yourself to your limits. It’s been interesting to say the least,” he tells me with a smile.

The personal touch

Mark continues: “Within the MORE Family Collection, we aim to serve meals that are more South African in style, incorporating cultures but with added creativity for the European palate. It’s not always an easy one as there are limits, but with our incredible team of chefs they make it easier. A lot of it is their doing not mine, and making it appealing to the guests is where I come in. We go seasonal, seeing what is out there, including what new trends there are and how are we can make ours stand out from the rest.”

“Apart from the personalised menus, we take it a step further at Ivory Lodge - we try and give every guest a more intense experience by consulting with them to ascertain whether there is a specific beverage or food that they really like, and we will source it for them. A staple favourite that our guests gravitate towards is the meat side of our menus. The way we prepare meat in South Africa is just different than they’re used to - they love our braais, the cuts, the steaks.”

And what an amazing privilege to dine with an elephant taking a walk in the riverbed, I think, as I sit back and admire the view.