• There can’t be many safari lodges that can boast a wine cellar with a wine list that encompasses approximately 200 labels.
• The lodge is a magnet for wildlife - it’s not uncommon to see elephant, buffalo and antelope.
• Head to the lookout deck, offering the perfect spot from which to observe the surrounding landscape.
The Whole Story
Contemporary design, a modern health spa, indulgent cuisine and a a wine list that encompasses approximately 200 labels: these are things not normally associated with a safari expedition. But at Singita they are exactly what you get. This is an African experience for people who have no interest in sacrificing creature comforts for the sake of adventure.
Located on the edge of the world-famous Kruger National Park in the Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita is a seventy-five-minute flight by charter plane from Johannesburg. This is not your ordinary connecting flight. It's more than likely that you will fly over herds of buffalo and elephants along the way and the pilot is quite likely to apologize for a violent swerve because he had to avoid a vulture, The safari that started in the plane continues with the drive from the airstrip to Singita Sabi Sand. During the day impala, zebra and water buffalo are the most likely large game to be seen; the lions and leopards prefer to hunt at night or in the cool of dusk.
Singita Sabi Sand is split into two separate lodges, each situated on the banks of the Sand River, half a mile or so apart. Ebony Lodge is designed in a turn-of-the-century, leather wing-chair colonial style, while Boulders Lodge is more contemporary. In both, the accommodation is an elaborate 'all suite' affair. Boulders features twelve guest suites (air-conditioned, of course) each with their own living area, double-sided fireplace (with a sort of witch's hat steel grate that swivels to direct the heat to either the living room or the bedroom) and private swimming pool. The common area is a lofty, open-plan space with gleaming, dark polished-concrete floors, massive easy chairs with crisp white linen dust covers and oversize throw pillows covered in traditional African cloth. For want of a more precise term, I would call the style 'organic Africa-graphica' – but however you describe it, `roughing it' in dusty khakis this is not.
It's a hell of a way to be introduced to South Africa's veld. This place is so indulgently luxurious, so comfortable, so accommodating that it stimulates you to want to do precisely nothing. And therein lies the only problem you're likely to run into at Singita – torn between the call of the wild and the debilitating desire for a nap, what's a hedonist to do? It's a miracle that guests can be lured from their sumptuous suites at all (though be assured that Singita does mean 'the miracle' in the local Shangaan language).
Extending over 45,000 acres of the Sabi Sand ecosystem, it is in the very heartland of Africa and is home to giraffes, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and zebras (to name just a few of its species). All of them can be tracked for shooting (with a camera) on foot or in an open vehicle in the company of a professional ranger and a skilled Shangaan tracker. Landrover excursions are limited to six passengers and a network of radio contact helps alert your ranger to the whereabouts of game. It is all set up to maximize your chances of seeing Africa's unique and exotic wildlife – up close. How up close? Well be prepared for the shout 'there's a hippo on the lawn, because at dusk they're often found feeding in the grounds. The personal game guard assigned to escort guests from their suite to dinner in the open-air reed boma (the palisaded dining area) is perhaps not so redundant after all.
But with private swimming pools, elaborate meals, outdoor massages on your own teak deck overlooking the bush ... when is there time for a real safari? Chances are you will be roused on your first morning at what would normally be considered an ungodly hour. But don't even think about diving back into bed. It's thoroughly worth it, Dawn and dusk are when the veld comes alive and not only might you witness a giraffe giving birth, lions mating or an elephant devouring an entire tree, you'll be able to reflect on your first expedition over a bush breakfast of champagne, eggs scrambled over a wood fire, smoked leg of impala, strawberries and fresh honeycomb.
I don't care how long you've subscribed to National Geographic or how many wildlife documentaries you've seen – nothing, absolutely nothing can hold a candle to the adrenalin rush of experiencing the African wilderness at first hand, And luckily for Singita, no amount of luxury and pampering can deflate the thrill.
The Rooms
Singita Ebony Lodge and Boulders Lodge both comprise twelve double suites, all with their own en suite bathroom and shower, outside shower, private swimming pool, double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, room mini safe, air-conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game-viewing deck.
Facilities at each lodge are lounge and timber-deck dining areas overlooking the Sand River, bar area and open boma, gymnasium, health spa, library, wine cellar and swimming pools.