Singita Lodges
Upon confirmation of your Singita reservation, Secrets VIP guests are also treated to one night complimentary stay at The Peermont D’Oreale Grande Hotel at Emperors Palace with return airport transfers.
Singita’s South African lodges are distinguished by their seamless blend of contemporary luxury and deep connection to the natural environment, offering exclusive, intimate safari experiences in prime wildlife areas like Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park. With architecturally striking suites featuring private plunge pools and panoramic views, personalized service, gourmet cuisine, and expert-guided game drives, Singita delivers world-class Big Five encounters in pristine private reserves.
Their commitment to low-impact, high-value tourism supports conservation and local communities, making each stay not only a lavish escape but also a meaningful contribution to Africa’s wilderness preservation
Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or an exhilarating wildlife experience, Singita promises an unforgettable journey.
Location & Introduction
Singita is a renowned luxury ecotourism brand with a collection of exclusive lodges and camps set in some of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas. The name "Singita," meaning "place of miracles" in Tsonga, reflects the brand’s commitment to offering transformative encounters with nature while championing conservation and community initiatives.
Singita’s lodges in South Africa are situated in two of the country’s most celebrated wildlife regions: the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. These exclusive properties offer guests unrivaled access to pristine wilderness, exceptional game viewing, and luxurious accommodations.
Located adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand is a privately owned reserve renowned for its rich biodiversity and frequent sightings of the Big Five, especially leopards. Singita operates three lodges within this 13,200 hectare sanctuary:
Singita Ebony Lodge: The founding lodge of Singita, Ebony is set along the banks of the Sand River and combines classic safari style with contemporary comforts, offering sweeping views and a deep connection to the surrounding bush.
Singita Boulders Lodge: Inspired by the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Boulders Lodge features organic architecture and interiors that echo the natural landscape, providing a tranquil and immersive safari experience.
Singita Castleton: Once a private family home, Castleton is now an exclusive-use villa ideal for groups or families, blending rustic farmhouse charm with modern luxury and extensive facilities, including a private pool and tennis court.
In the southeastern reaches of the iconic Kruger National Park, Singita holds a private 13,350 hectare concession on the border with Mozambique. Here, guests can experience two distinctive lodges:
Singita Lebombo Lodge: Perched above the N’wanetsi River, Lebombo Lodge is known for its dramatic cliffside setting and contemporary design, with suites that seem to float above the river, offering panoramic views and a sense of total seclusion.
Singita Sweni Lodge: Nestled among trees along the Sweni River, this intimate lodge features just seven suites and a vibrant design inspired by the colors and textures of the surrounding wilderness, providing a close and personal connection to nature.
Each Singita lodge in South Africa is designed to blend seamlessly with its environment, ensuring guests enjoy not only world-class hospitality but also a profound sense of place in some of Africa’s most untouched and wildlife-rich landscapes. With limited guest numbers and attentive, intuitive hospitality, Singita lodges serve as the perfect base for unforgettable adventures, meaningful wildlife encounters, and moments of personal reflection in the heart of Africa’s wildest places.
Getting to Singita
We recommend to our VIP travelers to fly into Singita Lodges for a seamless experience.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve (Singita Ebony, Boulders, and Castleton Lodges)
✷ Singita Private Airstrip: The closest airstrip to the lodges, with two daily charter flights from Johannesburg operated by Federal Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
✷ Skukuza Airport (SKU): The nearest commercial airport, with daily flights from Johannesburg (1 hour) and Cape Town (2.5 hours). Road transfers from Skukuza to the lodges take about 90 minutes.
Kruger National Park (Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges)
✷ Satara Airstrip: The closest airstrip to Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges, with a 1.5-hour flight from Johannesburg followed by a 45-minute game drive transfer to the lodges.
Habitat & Wildlife
Singita’s South African lodges, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and a private concession in Kruger National Park, offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities within some of Africa’s richest ecosystems.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve features a verdant, riverine landscape characterized by diverse habitats including open savanna, dense woodlands, and the perennial Sand River. The unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park allows for free movement of wildlife, creating one of Africa’s richest natural habitats. The landscape supports a mosaic of flora and fauna, with ecosystems functioning as close as possible to their natural, undisturbed state thanks to Singita’s conservation stewardship. Sabi Sand is world-renowned for its high density of the Big Five-lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros-and is especially famous for frequent and close leopard sightings, considered among the best in Africa. The reserve supports approximately 145 mammal species, including large herbivores such as giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, sable antelope, and hippos, as well as carnivores like cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, and various jackal species. Smaller mammals such as pangolins, honey badgers, and servals also inhabit the area, adding to its biodiversity. Birdlife is abundant, with over 260 species recorded, including raptors like the African fish eagle, secretary bird, and Cape vulture.
In Singita’s Kruger National Park concession, the diverse habitats of savanna plains and rocky outcrops support similar wildlife, including resident prides of lions such as the Mhangeni pride, wild dog packs, and significant populations of elephants and buffalo. Both black and white rhinoceros are present, with active conservation efforts focused on protecting these threatened species from poaching. This reserve support diverse herbivores including giraffe, zebra, impala, and sable antelope, as well as a rich birdlife including vultures and other raptors.
Singita’s conservation programs emphasize habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, and ecological monitoring to maintain healthy populations and natural behaviors. The unfenced boundary between Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park allows free movement of wildlife, promoting genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience.
This integrated landscape supports complex predator-prey dynamics and seasonal movements, offering guests intimate and authentic wildlife encounters in a thriving wilderness.
Overall, Singita’s South African lodges provide access to a remarkably rich and varied wildlife community, from iconic megafauna to elusive smaller species, all thriving within carefully protected and managed habitats.
Luxurious Accommodations
Singita’s South African lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park offer a range of luxurious accommodations designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment while providing exceptional comfort, privacy, and world-class amenities.
Ebony Lodge 
Singita Ebony Lodge, is the founding lodge of the Singita brand and offers a fresh, contemporary interpretation of the classic safari experience. The lodge is set on the banks of the Sand River within a private wildlife sanctuary renowned for its abundant big game and frequent leopard sightings.
Suites and Room Types
The lodge comprises 12 luxury suites, each featuring its own private heated plunge pool and expansive elevated timber viewing deck suspended above the riverbank.The external walls of the suites are largely replaced by glass and canvas, creating a tented safari atmosphere that maximizes natural light, views, and a sense of spaciousness. Suite categories include:
✷ 6 River-facing Suites: Ideal for single travelers or couples, offering stunning views of the Sand River.
✷ 2 Bush Suites: Slightly more secluded, perfect for singles or couples seeking privacy.
✷ 2 Lewis Suites: Designed for families with teenage children; these suites are adjacent to each other and close to the main lodge.
✷ 2 Family Suites: Each includes an en-suite main bedroom and a twin bedroom, with a shared dining and lounge veranda featuring a stone fireplace and private viewing deck with plunge pool.
The suites feature a blend of vintage campaign furniture, antiques from the Bailes family collection, and contemporary African art, with interiors inspired by natural hues such as indigo, ochre, and ecru. All suites have en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, double-sided fireplaces, and spacious living areas.
Ebony Villa: The Ebony Villa combines the two family suites into an exclusive-use villa with a private entrance, additional lounge, swimming pool, deck area, and a private boma for outdoor dining. The villa includes a dedicated guide and vehicle, chef, host, and personal waiter (banakeli), making it ideal for groups or families seeking total privacy. It accommodates up to six adults and teenagers or four adults with four children under 12.
Singita Ebony Lodge combines the romance of traditional tented safaris with modern luxury, offering guests an intimate and immersive wilderness experience with impeccable service and elegant, nature-inspired design.
Boulders Lodge
Singita Boulders Lodge is situated on the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, offering a seamless connection with the prolific wildlife and natural beauty of the Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge features 12 luxurious suites designed to blend rustic African elements with contemporary comfort. Suite types available here:
✷ 7 River Suites overlooking the Sand River.
✷ 3 Bush Suites, two facing a popular watering hole and one set back in pristine bush.
✷ 2 Family Suites, each with an ensuite main bedroom and twin bedroom, plus an extensive outdoor dining and lounge area with stone fireplace and private deck with heated plunge pool.
The suites feature spacious glass-walled interiors with handmade furnishings crafted from fossilized tree stumps, stone, wrought iron, and leather, private heated plunge pools and elevated game viewing decks, indoor and outdoor showers, double-sided fireplaces, air conditioning and ceiling fans, mini-bar, fridge, and tea/coffee station and king-size beds with mosquito nets.
The lodge’s design incorporates natural earthy tones and textures that reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil sanctuary for guests to relax. This contemporary architecture using natural stone, thatch, and glass maximises views of the bushveld and wildlife.
Boulders is ideal for couples and guests seeking tranquility and a deep connection with the wilderness.
Sweni Lodge
Singita Sweni Lodge is an intimate, contemporary lodge located on the banks of the Sweni River within Singita’s private concession in Kruger National Park. This facility has 7 suites in total.
✷ 6 Standard Suites with double or twin beds.
✷ 1 Pool Suite featuring a private plunge pool and the option to connect to an adjacent suite for families or groups.
The suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls and private decks with daybeds and deck chairs overlooking the river, bathrooms with twin washbasins, freestanding bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and separate toilets, air conditioning and overhead fans, mini-bar, fridge, tea/coffee station, digital safe, and Wi-Fi.
Singita Sweni combines modern design with comfort and offers an immersive wilderness experience with attentive service.
Castleton Lodge
Singita Castleton is an exclusive-use lodge offering a private sanctuary for families and groups within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Accommodation is made up of six individual double en-suite cottages spread across a stone-walled homestead.
Facilities:
✷ Large communal living areas including lounges, dining rooms, and a country-style kitchen.
✷ Large swimming pool overlooking a waterhole.
✷ Tennis court and bocce court.
✷ Wellness facilities including a fitness center, yoga pavilion, and massage treatment rooms.
✷ Outdoor boma for fireside dinners under the stars.
✷ Extensive wine cellar.
The atmosphere combines rustic farmhouse charm with modern luxury and comfort. It is perfectly suited for families or groups wanting privacy, exclusivity, and personalized service boasting dedicated staff including private chef, guide, and host.
Castleton Villa: The entire Castleton lodge with six cottages and full communal facilities can be rented for exclusive use by families or groups to provide the highest level of exclusivity, personalized service, and luxury within Singita’s wilderness properties.
Castleton offers a unique blend of homely warmth and wilderness adventure in a private setting, ideal for an immersive safari experience with family or friends.
Lebombo Lodge
Singita Lebombo Lodge is perched dramatically on a cliff above the N’wanetsi River in Singita’s private concession of Kruger National Park, offering spectacular panoramic views. The suites comprises of 18 elevated suites suspended on stilts featuring:
✷ Floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing uninterrupted views of the river and plains.
✷ Private decks with plunge pools
✷ Indoor and outdoor showers
✷ Modern, sculptural design emphasizing light, space, and airiness
✷ Spacious living areas with fireplaces
✷ Air conditioning and ceiling fans
Lebombo lodge features a contemporary and dramatic design that immerses guests in the surrounding wilderness and is ideal for guests seeking a luxurious and visually stunning safari experience. Lebombo’s architecture and location provide a unique perspective on the African bush, blending luxury with nature.
Lebombo Villa: This facility is a luxurious private villa built into the N’wanetsi riverbank, providing expansive views and a strong connection to the wilderness. The villa includes airy living areas that flow outdoors onto a large deck framed by euphorbia trees, with a main pool screened by mature trees but overlooking the bush. It offers an exclusive and immersive nature experience with a contemporary, organic design that blends into the natural surroundings. The villa accommodates up to 8 guests in two linked two-bedroom suites, each with its own private pool, creating a four-bedroom exclusive-use property with open-plan kitchen and exclusive boma.
Singita lodges combine contemporary and natural design elements to create luxurious, private suites and villas with features such as plunge pools, indoor/outdoor showers, expansive decks, and fireplaces. Facilities include wellness spas, fitness centers, fine dining, and exclusive-use options, all set within breathtaking wilderness locations that enhance the safari experience.
This accommodation standard ensures guests enjoy both comfort and an intimate connection to the surrounding environment during their stay at Singita’s South African lodges.
Facilities and Amenities
Singita’s South African lodges feature a wide array of sophisticated facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and deepen their connection to the natural environment. Central to the lodges are expansive communal areas, including large swimming pools ideal for relaxation amid the bushveld. Wellness facilities such as fully equipped spas and fitness centers offer rejuvenation and holistic treatments inspired by indigenous traditions. Guests can also explore the Singita Boutique & Gallery, showcasing curated local art, crafts, and exclusive merchandise that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
A highlight of Singita’s culinary offerings is the state-of-the-art demonstration studio at Singita Lebombo Lodge, where guests can participate in hands-on cooking classes led by professional chefs. These classes allow guests to learn how to prepare traditional South African dishes or signature tapas-style meals created by acclaimed chef Liam Tomlin. The cooking classes support the Singita Community Culinary School, a program that trains young local chefs through an internationally recognized curriculum, and guests’ participation helps sustain this important community initiative.
Dining experiences are integral to the lodges’ offerings, with elegant dining rooms and outdoor bomas where guests can enjoy gourmet meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Private dining options under the stars or by the poolside add to the exclusivity and ambiance.
Wine enthusiasts benefit from expertly curated wine experiences, including tastings that complement the lodge’s gourmet cuisine. The lodges feature well-stocked wine cellars and sommeliers who guide guests through a selection of premium South African and international wines, enhancing the overall dining journey.
Additional guest services include complimentary WiFi (subject to intermittent connectivity due to the remote locations), mobile phone coverage where available, laundry services, and tailored family-friendly options. Together, these facilities and amenities create a seamless blend of luxury, cultural enrichment, and authentic wilderness immersion, ensuring a memorable and enriching stay.
Activities and Adventures
Singita offers a range of activities and adventures that allow guests to explore the African wilderness in a unique and exciting way. From thrilling safaris to relaxing wellness activities, there is something for everyone.
✷ Morning and afternoon game drives in open Land Rovers to view the Big Five and other wildlife.
✷ Guided walking safaris for an intimate experience of the bush and tracking wildlife on foot. (minimum age restrictions apply)
✷ Night drives to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
✷ Stargazing under clear African skies, often accompanied by expert guides sharing astronomy insights.
✷ Cooking interactions and classes, including participation in the Singita Lebombo School of Cooking and Mini Rangers culinary activities for children.
✷ Relaxation and wellness at lodge spas and fitness centers offering indigenous-inspired treatments.
✷ Community visits and cultural tours to engage with local people and conservation initiatives.
✷ Bush meals and private dining experiences, including boma dinners under the stars
✷ Shopping at the Singita Boutique & Gallery, offering local art, crafts, and exclusive merchandise.
✷ Wine tastings and wine studio experiences featuring South African and international selections
✷ Family-friendly activities such as tennis, archery, watercolour painting, trampoline, and cooking for children (at Singita Castleton and other lodges)
These activities focus on immersive wildlife encounters, culinary enrichment, wellness, and cultural connection within the South African wilderness. Scroll down past the image library below to get a comprehensive breakdown of all the activities awaiting our VIP guests at Singita.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Singita’s South African lodges, including those in the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Reserve, is during the dry winter season from May to September. This period offers optimal wildlife viewing as the vegetation thins out and animals gather around the remaining water sources, making them easier to spot. The weather during these months is generally mild and dry, with chilly mornings and evenings that require warm clothing for early and late game drives. September is often considered the most attractive month to visit, as temperatures become warmer while still benefiting from excellent visibility and abundant wildlife activity.
In contrast, the wet summer season from October to March brings lush green landscapes and the arrival of newborn animals, which is a special time for observing young wildlife. If you're interested in birdwatching, the summer months (October to April) offer a different kind of beauty with many species migrating to the region. This period also sees the birth of many animals, providing opportunities to witness newborns in their natural habitat.
Regardless of the season, Singita promises a remarkable safari experience. Each season offers unique advantages and attractions, ensuring that every visit is filled with unforgettable moments.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family adventure, our dedicated team will assist in crafting the perfect itinerary. From transportation and accommodations to activities and dining, every detail is thoughtfully coordinated to ensure a stress-free experience.
The Singita Experience | Why Choose Singita
Singita is more than just a luxury lodge; it is a gateway to the African wild, offering experiences that are as enriching as they are luxurious. Here, guests can enjoy world-class hospitality while being deeply immersed in the natural beauty and cultural richness of South Africa.
Singita is deeply committed to restoring and protecting biodiversity across its South African properties. This is achieved through:
✷ Maintaining reserve and ecosystem integrity by ensuring natural processes and wildlife populations thrive.
✷ Collaborating with local communities via the Singita Lowveld Trust to promote sustainable coexistence and socio-economic benefits alongside conservation.
✷ Supporting research and monitoring programs to guide adaptive wildlife management and habitat restoration.
Together, these efforts ensure that Singita’s lodges offer guests not only luxurious safari experiences but also the opportunity to witness and contribute to the preservation of Africa’s most treasured wildlife and habitats
A Commitment to Conservation
Singita isn't just about luxurious accommodation; it's also deeply committed to conservation and community. For over two decades, Singita has been at the forefront of preserving Africa's pristine landscapes and wildlife. Their dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices is evident in every aspect of their operations.
Singita's conservation model focuses on wildlife management and anti-poaching initiatives. They collaborate with local communities and governments to create sustainable environments where wildlife can thrive. Each guest contributes to these efforts, as a portion of the lodge's profits is reinvested into conservation projects.
Their commitment extends beyond wildlife to include community development. Singita supports local education and healthcare initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the people living in and around the reserves. This holistic approach to conservation and community engagement is what sets Singita apart.
Singita Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa offer an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and conservation. With its stunning locations, exceptional accommodations, and commitment to preserving Africa's wilderness, Singita provides a safari experience like no other. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Singita promises memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay and embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Africa's wild beauty.
Contact our safari desk today to start writing your Singita story.
RATES AND PROMOTIONS
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Activities and Experiences at Singita
Daily Game Drives
Game drives at Singita’s South African lodges, including those in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand, offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities led by professional guides and trackers in state-of-the-art open Land Rovers accommodating up to six guests. Guests embark on twice-daily drives-morning drives at sunrise provide a tranquil experience to observe animals in cooler temperatures, while afternoon and sunset drives reveal the dynamic transition of the bush from day to night, often concluding with sundowners in scenic spots. Night drives offer a unique chance to see nocturnal wildlife using spotlights, unveiling creatures rarely seen during daylight hours.
These game drives take place within Singita’s expansive private concessions, rich with diverse wildlife including the Big Five, and are complemented by expert interpretation of the flora, fauna, and ecosystem. For those seeking a more intimate connection with the wilderness, guided walking safaris are also available, allowing guests to track animals and explore the bush on foot under the close supervision of experienced guides.
Guided Safari Walks
Guided safari walks at Singita offer guests an intimate and immersive way to experience the African wilderness on foot. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, guests explore the bushveld and grassy plains, gaining heightened awareness of the smaller details of the ecosystem-from tracking animals to discovering indigenous plants and their traditional medicinal and cultural uses. These walks provide a unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature, learn about the environment, and appreciate the intricate balance of the wilderness in a quiet, uninterrupted setting.
The walking safaris are conducted with strict safety protocols, ensuring a secure experience while allowing guests to observe wildlife and the landscape up close. This slower pace compared to vehicle safaris encourages reflection and a renewed appreciation for the natural world, making it a soulful and educational adventure that complements the broader game drive experiences offered at Singita’s lodges.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching at Singita’s South African lodges is a captivating experience for both avid birders and nature enthusiasts alike. Situated within diverse ecosystems such as the Sabi Sand Reserve and Kruger National Park, Singita’s concessions are home to over 500 bird species, ranging from vibrant kingfishers and lilac-breasted rollers to majestic eagles and elusive nightjars. Guests can enjoy birdwatching during game drives, guided walks, or from the comfort of lodge decks and hides, where binoculars and expert guidance are often provided.
Singita’s knowledgeable guides enhance the birdwatching experience by sharing insights into bird behavior, calls, and habitats, helping guests identify species and understand their role within the ecosystem. Seasonal variations bring unique migratory species, making each visit a fresh and exciting opportunity to discover new birds. Whether a casual observer or serious birder, Singita offers an enriching and immersive way to connect with Africa’s rich avian diversity amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Stargazing
Stargazing at Singita’s South African lodges offers guests a transcendent experience under some of the clearest, darkest skies in Africa. With virtually no light pollution and unobstructed views of the vast African sky, guests can marvel at a breathtaking canopy of stars, planets, and constellations. Many lodges feature dedicated star-gazing perches or elevated decks designed to maximize the connection between earth and sky, allowing visitors to relax and absorb the celestial spectacle in comfort.
Expert guides often accompany these stargazing sessions, sharing insights into astronomy, local myths, and the significance of the night sky in African culture, enriching the experience with storytelling and scientific knowledge. Whether enjoyed as a peaceful end to a day of safari adventures or as part of a special evening under the stars, Singita’s stargazing is a memorable highlight that deepens guests’ connection to the wilderness and the natural rhythms of the African landscape.
Wine Experience
Singita’s wine tasting activities are a distinctive and celebrated part of the guest experience at their South African lodges. Guests can enjoy personalized, sommelier-led wine tastings within temperature-controlled cellars or in scenic outdoor settings on the lodge grounds. The extensive wine collections include approximately 222 labels and 20,000 bottles featuring rare, exclusive South African wines and older vintages that are often unavailable elsewhere. These tastings offer an opportunity to explore a wide variety of varietals and vintages, guided by expert sommeliers who tailor the experience to individual preferences.
In addition to tastings, Singita offers a Premier Wine Direct service, allowing guests to purchase their favorite wines during their stay and have them shipped home or packed for travel. The wine program also supports a sommelier apprenticeship training initiative, nurturing the next generation of African sommeliers through education and mentoring. Overall, Singita’s wine experience combines luxury, education, and community upliftment, enriching the safari stay with world-class wines and expert guidance
Wellness
Singita’s wellness offerings provide a deeply restorative and holistic experience designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit amid the tranquility of the African wilderness. Guests can enjoy tailored spa treatments inspired by indigenous African healing traditions, using natural, locally sourced ingredients such as riverbank sand and essential oils that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and grounding. The wellness facilities across Singita’s South African lodges include serene massage rooms, steam rooms, and fully equipped fitness centers with picturesque views of the bush, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routines in inspiring surroundings.
Beyond spa therapies, Singita embraces a broader philosophy of “Wholeness,” encouraging guests to find balance through activities such as yoga sessions, meditation, and leisurely moments by the pool or private fireside bomas under the stars. The wellness experience is woven into every aspect of the stay, from nourishing meals featuring fresh, seasonal local ingredients to opportunities for quiet reflection and connection with nature. Whether seeking active rejuvenation or peaceful restoration, Singita’s wellness programs offer personalized options that harmonize with the rhythms of the wilderness, making each visit a transformative journey of health and well-being.
Anti-poaching Canine Unit
Singita’s Anti-Poaching Canine Unit is a vital component of its conservation efforts, particularly in the Sabi Sand Reserve and Kruger National Park area. Established in 2012, this specialized unit pairs highly trained tracking dogs with dedicated handlers who patrol the reserve 24/7 to protect endangered wildlife, especially rhinos, from poaching threats. The dogs’ exceptional scent-tracking abilities enable them to detect poachers and illegal wildlife contraband such as rhino horn and snares, while their presence acts as a strong deterrent to criminal syndicates. This increased mobility and vigilance have significantly reduced poaching incidents, with Singita’s Sabi Sand concession reporting no rhino losses in the past five years thanks to the unit’s effectiveness.
The canine team consists of carefully selected dogs trained in partnership with organizations like Working Dogs for Conservation. Many of these dogs are rescued animals given a second chance to serve a vital role in wildlife protection. They live and train alongside experienced handlers in purpose-built, fly-proof kennels equipped with medical facilities to ensure their health and well-being. Singita continuously invests in advanced technology and training to enhance the unit’s capabilities and response times. The canine unit not only strengthens on-the-ground anti-poaching efforts but also supports Singita’s broader mission of conservation, community engagement, and sustainable wilderness stewardship for future generations.
Boutique & Gallery
Singita’s Boutique & Gallery spaces, located at their South African lodges such as Singita Sabi Sand and Singita Kruger National Park, offer guests a unique opportunity to explore and acquire exceptional African art, décor, jewellery, and lifestyle pieces. These beautifully curated spaces showcase contemporary African artworks-including sculptures, photography, and installations-by both renowned and emerging artists from across the continent. The collections are regularly updated to reflect Africa’s vibrant creative energy and rich cultural heritage, allowing guests to connect meaningfully with the stories and traditions behind each piece.
Beyond providing a stylish shopping experience, the Boutique & Gallery also plays a significant role in Singita’s conservation and community efforts. A portion of all sales supports local entrepreneurship and small businesses, while proceeds contribute to the Singita Lowveld Trust, which funds wildlife conservation and community development projects. Singita collaborates with artists, galleries, and curators passionate about promoting African creativity, including initiatives like artist residencies that inspire works reflecting the wilderness and wildlife of the region. This integration of art, culture, and conservation makes the Boutique & Gallery a distinctive and purposeful feature of the Singita guest experience.
For Families
Singita’s South African lodges offer a wide range of family-friendly activities designed to engage and inspire young explorers while providing memorable experiences for all ages. Children can participate in the innovative Mini Rangers’ Course, which includes animal tracking, bird watching, bush survival skills, frogging, butterfly capture and release, astronomy, and fun quizzes culminating in a certificate recognizing their achievements. Other activities include arts and crafts, board games, baking and cooking interactions with lodge chefs, stargazing sessions, and swimming. Teens can also get involved in community projects like tree planting and learn practical survival skills such as making fire and identifying edible plants.
For families seeking more active adventures, options include bush walks around the camp (with age restrictions), mountain biking for older children, archery, and tennis at select lodges. Babysitting services are available to allow parents time to enjoy spa treatments, fitness centers, or private moments. Singita also offers tailored family safaris with flexible accommodation options, including spacious family suites and private villas equipped with pools, private chefs, and dedicated safari vehicles. These activities foster a shared connection to nature and conservation, making a Singita family safari both educational and unforgettable
Singita Community Culinary School
The Singita Community Culinary School in South Africa offers a rigorous, year-long professional cookery course for young people from local communities near Singita’s lodges in Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve. Developed in partnership with the Prue Leith Culinary Institute, the program equips students with internationally recognized qualifications and hands-on experience in Singita’s lodge kitchens. Graduates gain strong employment prospects, often securing positions within Singita or the wider hospitality industry, contributing to economic and social upliftment in the surrounding areas.
Guests at Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges can engage with the Culinary School through hands-on cooking classes held in a state-of-the-art demonstration studio. Led by professional chefs, these classes offer an opportunity to learn traditional South African dishes and recipes from Singita’s acclaimed menu, with all proceeds supporting the school’s ongoing community development work. This interactive experience allows guests to connect directly with the program’s mission while enhancing their culinary skills in a meaningful way.
Fitness Centre
Singita’s South African lodges feature modern, well-equipped fitness centres that enable guests to maintain their exercise routines while immersed in spectacular natural surroundings. These centres include a range of cardio machines such as treadmills and elliptical trainers, free weights, and strength-training equipment, often complemented by innovative personal training tools for Pilates and resistance workouts. Designed to harmonize elegance with nature, the fitness rooms boast large windows or open layouts offering panoramic views of the bush, allowing guests to enjoy wildlife sightings while exercising. Whether working out independently or with guided sessions, these serene and private spaces provide an ideal environment for cardio, strength, and flexibility training, ensuring a balanced wellness experience throughout your safari stay.
Tennis
Singita Castleton offers guests the opportunity to enjoy tennis in a unique and picturesque setting within its private luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge features a private tennis court with an adjacent pavilion, set amidst lush gardens and the sounds of the surrounding African bushveld. Tennis equipment, including balls and rackets, is provided for guests, making it easy to engage in a friendly match or practice session. After playing, guests can cool down with refreshments and a swim in the nearby expansive swimming pool overlooking the tranquil landscape and wildlife. This combination of sport, relaxation, and stunning natural surroundings makes tennis at Castleton a memorable and refreshing activity for families and friends alike.
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