Singita Blog
Archive for the ‘Accommodation’ Category
June 22nd, 2011
A Groomed, Bespoke Country House
Singita Ebony Lodge – a groomed, bespoke Country House – a romantic mix of European and African heritage.
After a short closure a restored and re-invigorated Singita Ebony Lodge has just reopened. Singita’s flagship lodge, Ebony Lodge overlooks the Sand River and is inspired by the original Lewis Camp. Refreshed but true to its original design an authentic, colonial bush experience is represented by bold colours of Africa blended with real antiques, layers and florals that reflect the English heritage of a country home.
Geordi de Sousa Costa, from Cecile and Boyd’s, was involved in the original design of Ebony Lodge and was therefore highly qualified to advise on the way forward when we considered a refresh of the lodge.
Geordi’s interpretation is that Ebony’s style is unique. She speaks about the beautiful finish that has built up over years of dedicated polishing and care, and the clever combination of African artifacts and European collectibles that would be typical in the bush home of a seasoned, high-end traveler. Ebony is Singita’s flagship lodge and has a history and heritage that is unmatched.
For more information about Singita Ebony Lodge read more here – and if you are interested in the new rates of the Lewis Suites, find out more.
June 1st, 2011
When the Sun Sets at Singita Explore
The last of the entries in the ‘Safari Brothers at Explore’ series. Now James and Marlon are back at their postings at Singita’s private concession within South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park.
Ending the day under the stars at Singita Explore and tucking up under canvas was memorable in so many respects. Written by James Suter.
Each evening at around 07h30 pm Ed, our guide, started heading back to the Explore camp. As we drew closer we could see tiny lights in the middle of the endless darkness. We were welcomed with a refreshing towel and cocktail and headed toward the campfire to share all the stories of the day. The warmth and attention of the staff each night made us feel as if we were amongst friends sharing adventures and laughing at some of the days’ events.
Watching the moon rise in the vast expanse of sky above us was a sight to behold. Nights out on the Serengeti plains in Tanzania were alive with fascinating sounds and the smell of the camp barbeque tempted our appetites.
May 24th, 2011
Mornings at Singita Explore
Safari Brothers experiencing the adventure of Singita Explore….James Suter shares his morning moments, waking up to the smell of fireside-brewed coffee and glorious sunrises…
We awake in the morning at our Singita Explore tented camp filled with excitement, listening to both sounds of the Serengeti plains as well as the early morning sounds of the Swahili staff preparing coffee on the fire. Typical mornings include a 06h00 wake up call, hot shower and then as we step outside the tent we are greeted by the most magnificent Tanzanian sunrises.
Quite remarkable and eco-friendly, each sleeper tent is equipped with a 20 litre bucket that is used for the shower, and this provides 10 luxurious minutes of shower time – or more if needed. Hot water is made via a volcano pressure boiler, and is fuelled by recycled “green” energy.
After thrilling morning game drives, heading back to camp to enjoy a sumptuous cooked breakfast is all that is on our minds. A table is set up for us out in the open in front of the camp, with shade provided by a large acacia. Right by our table, staff prepare generous portions of eggs and meats to satisfy our ravenous appetites. We could stay here forever!
Nothing like the smell of filtered coffee brewed over the coals and a crisp morning chill in the air – James Suter.
Take a look at more amazing sights that we are capturing on camera….follow the account on Singita’s Facebook page all week.
May 23rd, 2011
Safari Brothers Explore the Unexplored
Tanzania is one incredible place! The vast spaces and dramatic settings absolutely blew our minds. The excitement levels grew as we flew over the Serengeti; we looked out of the small aeroplane and we could see the herds starting to make their way slowly NW towards the Singita Grumeti concession.
Our Singita Explore tented camp was set up in one of the more remote parts of the concession, giving one a feeling of freedom and genesis. On our arrival we were greeted by the notoriously friendly Swahili staff and greeting “Jambo!”. We tried to get our heads around the fact that we were in the middle of the Serengeti, with endless grasslands dotted with the familiar acacia species. Not only were we in this surreal place but also our accommodation was a tent fit for a king.
Although back-to-basics and in true camping-style, the tents are equipped with anything and everything one’s heart could desire; luxurious camp cots, hot showers and comfortable lounging wear and furniture. All is prepared within seconds upon request. The experience is hard to put into words; embraced by absolute luxury, yet at the same time feeling what it might have felt like to be the first people to set foot in Africa – exploring the unexplored.
I will never forget this experience – to feel so close to nature amongst herds of zebra, impala and giraffe; going to sleep with them and waking up with them. This is an experience that is truly life-changing – not just an opportunity to explore this amazing part of Africa but an opportunity to explore one’s self.
Written by James Suter, Guide from Singita Kruger National Park
James Suter and Marlon du Toit (AKA the Safari Brothers) are both professional guides and work in the heart of the Kruger National Park at Singita’s Lebombo and Sweni Lodges. This week they went up to experience Singita Explore in Tanzania and are now documenting the adventure through their eyes; the eyes of the Safari Brothers. Follow the entire adventure on Singita’s Facebook page.
You’ll be in awe of their astounding photography.
Tags: African Wilderness, Game Viewing, Luxury African Camp, Luxury African Safari, Luxury in the African Wilderness, Luxury Safari Experiences, memorable African stays, mobile tented camp, professional safari guides, Safari, Safari Brothers, Safari in Tanzania, Serengeti, Singita Grumeti Reserves, Singita Tanzania, Tanzania, Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation
March 24th, 2011
Sweni – Spirit of the River
Singita’s private concession in the Kruger National Park is one of the most pristine wildnerness areas in Africa and where a unique wildlife population thrive within an astounding diversity of flora and landscapes.
Sitting low on the Sweni River, Singita Sweni Lodge is a tranquil sanctuary built on stilts with decks of dark timber, giving it a grounded and earthy feel. The six secluded suites offer solitude in a wild setting that stimulates all the senses. The idea of ‘letting nature indoors’ is one of the main design elements at Sweni. The look and feel, with tactile furnishings, has been carefully created to bring in the textures and shades of the bush.
Imagine taking time to lie back in an enormous bath of bubbles or salt crystals, watching the hippos wallowing around in the river beneath open windows. Part of being a natural extension of the surrounding bush is enjoying the outdoor shower overlooking the river and ‘camping out’ under the stars on balcony beds.
The ‘touching the earth lightly’ concept plays a major role and every effort has been made to respect and protect the environment so that it will be conserved for future generations.
For more information about our exclusive lodges in Singita Kruger National Park read more on our website - and look out for our helpful ‘what to pack’ list and weather information.
