General Information
Wildlife
Wildlife in South Africa
There are five Singita lodges in two special parts of South Africa, both of which are known for their exquisite beauty and large concentration of game, including the renowned ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo).
The Sabi Sand Reserve is bisected by the perennial Sand River, and game viewing is abundant in this part of the world. Groves of Acacia Thornveld and Marula trees give way to open expanses of grassland where zebra, antelope and wildebeest graze freely. The region is particularly famous for its big cat activity and leopard sightings.
Singita Kruger National Park is located on the Park’s eastern border with Mozambique and represents one of the few unspoilt territories in Africa where large prides of lion thrive. The rocky outcrops of the nearby Lebombo Mountain range provide a unique habitat for a range of species; including the famous Mountain Pride of lions. There are also elephant, buffalo, leopard, white and black rhino, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, hippo, wildebeest, kudu, crocodile and many other mammal, reptile and bird species.
About Singita Game Reserves
Singita (‘place of miracles’) is world-renowned for providing the best safari experience in Africa. The balance of hospitality, conservation and community is what sets Singita apart, and has been at our core from the very beginning.
Our Philosophy
The balance of hospitality, conservation and community is what sets Singita apart, and has been at our core from the very beginning. Since the early1900s, when the Bailes family first had the vision of what is Singita today, we have been able to share a unique part of the world in a manner which is highly respectful of the natural environment.
Singita also believes in ‘fewer beds in larger areas’: the idea that a minimal number of guests would have little impact on the land and its fauna and flora. This benefits the environment but also makes for up-close, intimate experiences for guests – with numerous opportunities where they can interact with their surroundings and learn more about our conservation principles.
Another important focus of Singita is dedication to our local communities and to assist in generating prosperity and social upliftment. Thus far, a number of successful development initiatives have made a significant difference to the lives of many people surrounding our properties.
Our History
The heritage of Singita can be traced back to 1925, when James Fawcett Bailes first purchased a pristine tract of land in the Lowveld (the present-day Sabi Sand Reserve). It has remained in the family and his dream to preserve a large piece of land and protect its magnificent wildlife, lives on today.
In the early 1990s, James Fawcett Bailes’ grandson, the current owner of Singita, undertook to focus on preserving his grandfather’s legacy. Using 1930s aerial photographs, he undertook to maintain and restore the land to its original condition with the help of environmentalist Dave Wright (who has overseen its revitalisation since 1978). He also decided to build an exclusive game lodge offering unsurpassed luxury and wildlife experiences. In 1993, Ebony, the first Singita lodge, opened its doors. Following its success, Singita created four more game lodges in South Africa.
In recent years, Singita’s signature has extended beyond South African borders to Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Singita Grumeti Reserves is located in northern Tanzania, on the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park – Africa’s No. 1 World Heritage Site. Singita’s most recent addition is Pamushana Lodge in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe, where – along with the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund – Singita is supporting an ambitious relocation initiative of the endangered black rhino.
Giving Back
Sustainability
Singita is committed to making a sustainable difference to local communities and to protecting the environment and wildlife. To date, a number of successful projects have come to fruition, including the building of schools, micro-financing of small businesses, supporting agricultural initiatives as well as training people in the conservation and hospitality sectors. Many of our guests express an interest in contributing towards such initiatives and we gratefully facilitate this.
Community
Singita has a strong bond with our local communities. Many of our staff live locally and are transported to and from their homes on a daily basis, and most of our staff are ex-pupils of the local schools which we support. We have therefore pledged to undertake projects that empower the local people, using resources at our disposal. This includes providing funds, access to the reserves, expertise and getting involved in social outreach projects. We also deliberately manage our lodges in a way that maximises the benefits to local communities so that they can experience the positive effects of eco-tourism.
Our guests are often keen to learn more about African culture. As a result of our community involvement, we are able to share with them an active and positive community which is making strides in improving its situation.
Conservation
At each of our lodges we have dedicated teams whose sole focus is to preserve the land and to protect and increase the wildlife to match its natural carrying capacity. This includes environmental care and anti-poaching units.
Our Guiding teams are selected on the basis of their passion and knowledge of the bush and then deliberately up-skilled by our Head of Guide Trainng and Development to ensure our guests have rich, educational and enjoyable experiences during their time with us.
Lodges
South Africa
There are five lodges in two equally alluring parts of South Africa, both famous for their exquisite beauty and the chance of finding the ‘Big 5’. The founding lodges, Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders, are located within the Sabi Sand Reserve – the world’s best leopard viewing area, as well as Castleton Camp, a private 6-roomed villa that overlooks a well-frequented waterhole.
Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni Lodges are found along the secluded eastern reaches of the Kruger National Park – a remote wilderness area renowned for its lion prides.
Sabi Sand Reserve
Singita Sabi Sand offers rare solitude and the ultimate in safari luxury on prime game viewing land recognised globally for its diversity and formidable concentration of big game and frequent leopard sightings. Guests can choose between three unfenced lodges, infused with the glamour and elegance of Singita.
Ebony and Boulders, overlooking the Sand River, offer lavish comforts that have earned Singita the highest international accolades. Each lodge accommodates just 24 guests in twelve air-conditioned suites. Guests can enjoy the complete exclusivity of a private pool and game viewing deck.
Castleton Camp is a sincerely inviting hideaway overlooking a well-frequented waterhole. Comprising a stone-walled ‘farmhouse’ and six charming rooms, this colonial homestead offers a welcoming ambience of understated luxury. Castleton Camp is booked as an exclusive retreat and can accommodate up to twelve guests at a time.
Kruger National Park
Singita Kruger National Park is situated where two rivers meet, in an exclusive game-rich 33 000 acres concession in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Boasting the highest concentration of wildlife in the entire park, including the ‘Big 5’, the area is also known for its majestic Mountain Pride of lions and unique Euphorbia trees.
Offering contemporary African chic, Singita Lebombo Lodge is a celebration of light and comfort with intrinsic touches that delight the senses. Structurally inspired by an eagle’s nest the 15 loft-style suites perch high above the N’wanetsi River. A spectacular cliffside pool offsets views of the Lebombo Mountain foothills. Nestled low on the Sweni River, the more intimate Singita Sweni Lodge boasts six exclusive suites on the water’s edge. Expressing a distinctly avant-garde African style, the lush surroundings blend beautifully with Sweni’s charm.
General Info
What to Bring
Since we want your safari experience to be perfect and completely comfortable, we recommend a few items that we believe you should remember to bring along:
• From June to September be sure to pack a few warmer items for cooler mornings and evenings. Days are warm, but a jacket/fleece will be needed for the safaris.
• From October to December temperatures rise and cool, light clothing is once again recommended.
• Try to keep colours neutral for the safaris. Dark colours such as navy blue and black tend to attract the tsetse flies and other bugs.
• Comfortable walking shoes, track shoes or boots will be suitable as well as sandals to wear around at meals and within the lodge area.
• Shorts or skirts and short-sleeve shirts for the warm midday periods.
• Dinners are casual, except at Sasakwa Lodge which lends itself to smart/casual evening attire.
• Swimming costume.
• Sun block, sun hat, sunglasses and lip balm.
• Mosquito / insect repellant.
• Malaria prophylaxis (see our note on Health matters.)
• Extra pair of correction glasses (if you wear them).
• Contact lens solution and an extra set of contact lenses (if required).
• Cameras, binoculars and your favourite film. We do sell film at the lodges but our stock is very limited.
• Spare memory card if you use a digital camera.
• Video camera and a spare battery. (Batteries can be recharged in your suite; electricity voltage is 220V. Power converters and spare video cassettes are available on request).
• Each room is equipped with bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer and basic amenities.
We hope that this little checklist will help with your packing. As this is a time for you to get away and enjoy peace and tranquility, formal attire is not required. Wishing you a fantastic bush and wildlife safari with us!
Spa
The Singita wellness philosophy takes your personal rejuvenation to a level well beyond any pampering you’ve previously experienced. All our peaceful lodge spas, where nature provides its own special brand of calm, present the ultimate escape, sure to restore equilibrium to body and mind.
Whether you’re in need of a cleansing facial, a relaxing deep-tissue massage or a scintillating body polish, our professional therapists will assess your specific needs and offer personalised care through a variety of therapies and skincare treatments using the Dermalogica range. This skincare system has superb products for every skin type.
If all the ‘living it up’ at the lodges motivates you to step up your exercise programme, a visit to one of our fully equipped gyms is just the thing to do – and with views of the bush, you can keep an eye on the action outside while you work out.
Health, visas & travel insurance
Since malaria is present in all the regions the Singita lodges are situated, it is essential to ensure that anti-malarial precautions be taken. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents (passport as well as visa) and that you have taken out comprehensive travel insurance.
Singita Shop
The Singita Shop offers a wealth of treasures that have been carefully selected from all corners of the African continent, including artefacts, cloth, skins, beads and carvings.
You’ll find jewellery crafted from Africa’s precious metals and gems, sculptures for the discerning art collector and bespoke furnishings that allow guests to recreate ‘the safari dream’ of sophistication within their own homes.
Many of the pieces are especially designed for Singita and crafted by local craftsmen and artists. Included in the collection are also some of the most extraordinary and sought-after artworks: silver sculptures by world-renowned Patrick Mavros of Zimbabwe, fine-art prints of museum quality, and works by some of Africa’s most respected wildlife artists. Here too, you can find a range of quality branded Singita safari-wear.
It is most certainly worth experiencing the ambience of the Singita Shop and viewing our merchandise. The Singita Shop offers a worldwide shipping service.