Singita Blog
Archive for the ‘Singita Sabi Sand’ Category
February 6th, 2012
Tremendous Battles
There are few battles more tremendous than elephant bulls in conflict. This image shows two such giants battling over the right to mate. With so many breeding herds in the area, females in estrous, and so many musth bulls in close proximity to one another, conflicts like these are inevitable. When their tusks first clashed together, at the initial impact, it sounded more like that of rifle fire than ivory connecting. The contest was short lived and the winner chased the defeated bull several hundred meters before returning to the nearby breeding herd.
What Singita Field Guides encounter every day. Account by Dylan Brandt at Singita Sabi Sand. For more exciting encounters follow our Guides’ Diaries posted on Singita’s website every month.
January 16th, 2012
Wildlife – the News in Pictures
Another spectacular few days of wildlife sightings at Singita Ebony and Boulders Lodges. Follow the story in pictures provided by Field Guide, Dylan Brandt.
Mapogo male lions following the Ximungwe pride of 4 youngsters and 4 females.
The Marthly male leopard. A massive male leopard that controls a large portion, north of the Sand River. Lovely pose as he looks over the tall grass at impala in the distance.
Ravenscourt female after feeding from a young nyala kill.
This image is again of the Ravenscourt female, looking and sniffing curious smells under a large fallen Marula tree in a river bed.
The Ravenscourt female leopard – catching her in mid-yawn.
Wild dog pack running through the Sand River in a hurried attempt to cross, avoiding any crocodiles that might be close by.
Follow regional wildlife reports from our Field Guides, posted monthly on Singita’s website.
January 10th, 2012
Wildlife – the News in Pictures
A magnificent week of wildlife sightings at Singita Sabi Sand. Dylan Brandt, Singita Field Guide, shares some of his close encounters from the past few days.
Ravenscourt female leopard.
Perfectly posed – the Ravenscourt female leopard.
Relaxed state of mind – Mapogo male.
Two of the Othawa pride females – in good company.
For regular wildlife updates, don’t forget to refer to our monthly Guides’ Diaries posted on Singita’s website. Also, if you would like to receive Singita’s blog posts in your email box, subscribe to our blog via email.
January 6th, 2012
Summertime in the Bushveld
Warmer weather goes hand in hand with lighter styled food at Singita Boulders Lodge this season, such as salads and chilled soups.
Utilizing the wonderful fresh produce from our new herb garden, we have tossed some vegetables together to make a delightful creation:
Easy root vegetable recipe
1 bunch beetroot
1 bunch parsnip
1 punnet baby carrots
1 sweet potato sliced
Basil pesto for dressing
Goat’s cheese (optional)
Rocket leaves
Trim the roots and leaves off the vegetables, keeping the skin on for extra nutritional value.
Dress the vegetables with olive oil, pepper and salt. Roast the vegetables for 8-10 minutes at 180°C
Deep fry the sweet potato chips until crispy while vegetables are roasting.
Arrange the vegetables on a plate, dress with basil pesto and garnish with sweet potato crisps, leaves and goat’s cheese
Chef’s tip – by Loraine Pienaar: Roast the different kinds of vegetables separately because cooking times may vary and the beetroot will colour the rest of the vegetables.
January 5th, 2012
Kitting up for Safari 2012
As an Anchor at Singita Boulders Lodge, Kobus De Kock knows the ins and outs of a typical day on safari – and he has interacted with myriads of travelers who have come from afar to live out their dreams in the African wild. With these valuable insights, Kobus shares some handy tips for preparing and packing for a summer safari in South Africa.
As summer and the rainy season arrive, it is sometimes difficult to know what to pack for safari. The most important rule regarding clothing is that it must be practical and comfortable. Temperatures can fluctuate from 50° F (10°C) to 100° F (38°C) +, in a few hours. Summer mornings are generally cooler and as the day progresses and the sun rises higher in the sky, the temperatures rise. The temperature will gradually diminish as the sun goes down again. Keep in mind that the rainy season is on its way and early morning and afternoon thunder showers can be expected.
Keeping that in mind, we have some suggestions as to what to wear and pack for your trip to Singita Sabi Sand. Packing light layers will help you adjust to any climatic conditions, as you simply remove layers as the temperature rises. All the rooms have fleece ponchos available which are warm and comfortable – just in case you want to cut that morning chill while on early game drives. Safari clothes should be light in colour- both to reflect the sun’s rays, and for blending in with the natural environment. Avoid dark colours such as brown, black and navy as they absorb the heat. Try stick to cotton as this fiber breathes, allowing for cooler air to circulate, thus keeping you cool and comfortable. It is often the case that safari clothing doubles up as dinner wear, so again a few layers and some neutral items that can be mixed and matched will serve you well. A good rain jacket is recommended. However, rain proof ponchos are also provided on the game drive vehicles.
An absolute essential item that you should have with you is a hat for shade from the African sun. Preferably something with a broad rim as to maximise the shade over your neck and face. Sun block is extremely important and should be applied before the morning and afternoon drives. Closed comfortable footwear is recommended for game drives as you might leave the vehicle for a break or go for a short walk away from the vehicle to view something. Closed shoes also protect your feet and ankles from pesky mosquito bites.
Five “must-bring” items that Johan recommends for your trip – an absolute must is sturdy luggage; also cargo pants with lots of pockets; you’ll want to swim so bring a bathing suit; sunglasses; and flip flops or sandals are perfect for lounging around the lodge.
We hope that some of these ideas can assist you with having a more comfortable safari experience. And if you forget something, not to worry, you’ll have lots of fun shopping at Singita’s boutiques. (For a comprehensive packing list, click here.)
