On a recommendation from Bench Africa in Sydney, I ventured to the wonderful Lion Sands Game Reserve within Kruger National Park. One aspect that immediately appealed to me was their ethical approach, which allowed guests to support the local village in a way that felt meaningful.
Spending five luxurious days enjoying early morning and late afternoon game drives was a “pinch me” experience—being up close and personal with the Big Five is truly the real deal.
Before departing, I chose to add a few South African rand to my account to help the local village and promised myself I would return with additional support. Over time, I did this numerous times, feeling grateful to contribute in some way.
On my last visit, three of my work colleagues joined me. Arriving at Johannesburg airport with 400kg of luggage, we stayed overnight at a local hotel to rest before the 12-hour drive to Kruger National Park. Tears came more than once, as spotting elephants or giraffes up close was simply overwhelming. On a couple of stops, I had to remind my colleagues to stay inside the vehicle, as we were surrounded by real wild animals—even when they appeared unaware of us, they were not.
Settling into the luxury of Lion Sands Game Reserve—with its game drives and dining under the stars overlooking the Sabi River—was a stark contrast to visiting the local village. After a day or two of indulgence, we set off on a three-hour drive from the Game Reserve to Huntington Village to help distribute aid.
Watching the children delight in bubbles for the first time, alongside the clothes, pencils, and books we brought, was as joyful as our previous visits.
Eventually, I paused my aid trips, as support for the village was abundant from many countries, and I needed to dedicate my annual leave to rest and relaxation.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable Game Reserve experience, Lion Sands is it. Run by the More family, they also have other accommodations, including locations in Cape Town.
Bench Africa
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Lion Sands – Game Reserve
A private sanctuary rooted in both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve & Kruger National Park.
A Private Game Reserve Awaits
Arrive into Johannesburg before taking a short connecting flight to Mpumalanga International Airport. From there, a scenic two-hour drive delivers you to the exceptional Lion Sands Game Reserve, set within the legendary Kruger National Park.
