Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
Lion Sands has recently extended its community involvement to the Huntington HIV Clinic, which is being managed by an ex-employee of Lion Sands.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

Through community based tours, all guests at Lion Sands get the opportunity to visit Henna Pre School and HIV / Aids Home Based Care Initiative in the local village.

Therse tours are complimentary and sponsorships and donations received from cisitors to the school are directed through Bhubesi Community Projects (a Section 21 Company) and applied to agreed projects. We have appointed a facilitator, Thembi Mdluli, a former employee of Lion Sands, to ensure that the funds are applied efficiently and that all donors are sent constant updates on the various projects. To date the total donations received from guests exceeds R400 000.00 and includes initiatives such as books, stationery, shelving tools, food, cooking utensils.

The new classroom initiative (recently built by Lion Sands and sponsored by an American group) has helped Henna Pre-School educate the children in their correct age grups by dividing them into four different classes. Lion Sands also invites the children on an annual day excursion to the lodge and the children get to go on a morning game drive and enjoy a lovely lunch, prepared by the lodge. This  also exposes the children to go beyond the boundaries of Huntington Village and it gives them a chance to experience something most of them can only dream of.