If you’ve done any research on a luxury trip to Southern Africa you have probably come across the world famous Singita Lodges. Singita means 'place of miracles' in Shangaan (Tsonga) and the Lodges are living up to their name. Our Roar Africa clients continually return from Singita raving about their unique and unforgettable experience. The only downside might be that their expectations for future travel are forever raised sky high. Singita has once again won numerous major awards in 2008. It was named Best Hotel in the World, Best Small Hotel in the World and Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East in the US Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2008.

Luke Bailes’s Singita properties comprise of a number of low impact high-end lodges. There are nine Singita Lodges in all. Five in South Africa, one in Zimbabwe, and three in Tanzania. We’ll focus on Southern Africa Lodges since that is where Roar Africa operates. Here is a little description of each of them in one place mostly summarized from the website for your convenience and to whet your appetite.


South Africa:

Singita’s South African Lodges are located in the Greater Kruger National Park which is a national park about the size of Whales. There are three lodges in the private 18,500 hectare Sabi Sands reserve on the western edge of Kruger National and two lodges in the Private Kruger Concession on the eastern border near Mozambique.

Singita Ebony Lodge, Sabi Sands Reserve:
The founding Lodge of the Singita brand is on the banks of the Sand River. The design is earthy but luxurious with interiors offering a bohemian take on bush décor. The secluded thatched suites are the epitome of elegant comfort, with cosy rooms styled with an eclectic mix of colours, fabrics and textures. The decor has an African colonial theme, lending a somewhat homey sensation to the overall design. Most of the accommodations here overlook the Sand River. Traditional English linen, African throws, antiques and modern luxuries combine to create the homely, lived-in feel. All twelve private suites have private heated swimming pools, en suite bathroom and shower, outside shower, double-sided fireplace, air conditioning, private lounge, and game-viewing deck. The main lodge has lounge and timber deck dining areas overlooking the Sand River, a bar area and traditional open boma, gymnasium, health spa, library and wine cellar.The library has two computers and direct internet links.
Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sands Reserve:
Boulders Lodge is also on the Sand River. The design is organic and embraces nature. All twelve suite interiors are as spacious as a small house and luxurious using earth colours , wood, and stone. They feature massive Balu teak decks and private rim-flow plunge pools, sliding floor-to-ceiling glass walls, stone fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms with Victorian-style baths with uninterrupted views, and beautifully furnished lounges. Our guests have claimed "the most comfortable beds they have ever slept in". Boulders Lodge has an air of tranquility that honours Africa in an authentic way. Named so after it was impossible to remove an enormous boulder without disturbing the environment, Boulders is literally built around the elements. Guests can enjoy wrap-around views from most parts of the coarse stone lodge and lookout deck.
Singita Castleton Camp (Private Camp), Sabi Sands Reserve
Singita Castleton Camp lies between the Sabi and Sand rivers, in the Sabi Sand Reserve. This is a comfortable hideaway that exudes timeless charm, in lush grounds overlooking a waterhole, where buffalo, antelope and lion prides are regular visitors. The colonial homestead offers accommodation in six charming en-suite rooms in a garden setting, with fascinating memorabilia and artifacts that create an ambiance of understated luxury. The camp is booked as an exclusive villa and can accommodate up to twelve guests at a time. Guests can enjoy sublime cuisine prepared by an executive chef, vintage wines, fireside dinners in the boma and sundowners out in the bush, while children can have fun at the tennis court, swimming pool or trampoline.

Singita Lebombo Lodge, Private Concession
The pristine and remote location offers the gift of splendid isolation, yet with every luxury imaginable. Poised over one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes, the design of the fifteen glass-walled suites with contemporary finishes at Lebombo Lodge was inspired by the nests of wild eagles that view the world from heightened perspectives. Like the Lebombo Euphorbia tree, the design of Lebombo Lodge is one of a kind. The sweeping wooden decks provide the perfect vantage point from which to watch the theater that unfolds before you. The lap pool that lines the dining area reflects the beauty of the nearby N’wanetsi River, while large sunbeds beckon you to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Inside, the romantic beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton bedding, silky-soft throws and a layered lattice ceiling. Enjoy dinner in the boma, with the sounds of the bushveld as background music, and then spend the evening sleeping under the stars on the bed of your private terrace – complete with mosquito net. All suites are en-suite with an inside and outside shower, air-conditioning, and game viewing deck with a day bed. The main lodge boasts an open-plan lounge and bar area complete with a library and internet and computer facilities. There is also a gymnasium, health spa, wine cellar, traditional boma and a swimming pool on the property.
Singita Sweni Lodge, Private Concession
Sweni Lodge was influenced by the structures of dens, warrens and lairs found in the area. Flanking the Sweni River, this tranquil sanctuary is elevated on stilts with decks of timber. Even when you’re indoors, you’ll have the sensation of being close to the river and trees. The six secluded suites, with tactile furnishings, have been carefully created to bring in the textures and shades of the bush. Designed with open-plan living in mind, your suite flows from the bathroom area, through to the lounge and into the bedroom – yet if you wish, each area may be sealed off by curtains. Try the outdoor shower overlooking the river or – for a magical experience – ‘camp out’ under the stars on the day bed out on your viewing deck.


Zimbabwe:

Singita Pamushana Lodge, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve:
One of Africa’s best-kept secrets, Singita Pamushana Lodge is found within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe. Nestling beneath the trees, the lodge incorporates the natural environment and the forest-like architecture enhances views of the pool, the lush gardens and lake below. Pamushana Lodge comprises six luxury suites and one five-bedroom villa, each offering incredible views of the lake. Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is teeming with birds and wildlife, including rare and endangered species – such as the rare Roan antelope and Sable, and the black rhino. Famous for its cathedral Mopane forests and majestic ‘upside-down’ Baobab trees, Malilangwe is an area where you will also find over 100 rock sites with paintings that date back more than 2,000 years.

Tanzania: The remaining three Singita Lodges are in the Grumeti Reserve which is part of the Serengeti Mara (350 000 acres of untouched wilderness). They are the Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, and Faru Faru Lodge.

Pictures courtesy of Singita.