Singita Blog
Archive for the ‘Singita Sabi Sand’ Category
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.)
October 20th, 2011
Working with Local Farms
One of the benefits of working in remote areas like Singita Sabi Sand is the abundance of local farming communities around the reserve. I was fortunate enough to have found one, Saringwa farm that is only a few kilometers down the road in the town of Belfast.
They have a wide variety of freshly picked vegetables on offer, and with such fresh produce available it’s a sin not to utilize them when they are at nature’s best.
I could not wait to get hold of the sun- ripened tomatoes that were on offer and make one of my all time favorites: tomato and chili jam with local tomatoes and chilis out of the herb garden that we started behind the Boulders’ kitchen. You’ll want to store this recipe deep in your recipe chest because it is an absolute winner – and something to pass down the generations.
Enjoy!
Peter Liese – Sous Chef, Singita Boulders Lodge
Tomato and Chili Jam
Ingredients
500g plum tomatoes
100g golden sugar
100 ml white wine vinegar
2 red chilis
4 cloves garlic
1 red onion
Making the Jam
Wash the tomatoes, chili and peel the garlic and red onion. Place in a food processor and puree until liquid. Pour into a heavy bottomed pot and add the vinegar and golden sugar. Bring to a simmer on a gentle heat and cook for about 40 to 80 minutes. Occasionally stir the pot to ensure the mixture will not burn. Place two suitably sized jars into rapidly boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to sterilize. Fill the jars with the hot jam and seal immediately.
Pair the jam with crispy tempura vegetables, calamari or cheese for some delectable flavors.
Tips: If you would like less bite to the jam feel free to take the seeds out of the chilis first.
For more texture to the jam you may also chop a third of the tomatoes roughly and add them to the liquid when you begin to cook it.
September 27th, 2011
Watching out for Rhino
Controlling poaching in the Sabi Sand Reserve is one of the Singita environmental team’s prime responsibilities. World Rhino Day on the 22nd of September provided a valuable opportunity for staff at Singita to build awareness of the devastation that is caused by poaching which is slowly reducing the world population of rhino on a daily basis. To date this year in South Africa alone, a count of 290 rhinos have been poached – we take those statistics very seriously.
On the 22nd the team at Singita Sabi Sand put their full efforts behind supporting World Rhino Day – starting the day with the Guides and Trackers sporting red caps, branded with the World Rhino Day logo. Guests soon donned red caps for game drives to show their support. For the more energetic, twelve Singita staff took part in a cycling event – the ‘Ride for Rhinos’ 25 kilometre challenge through the Sabi Sand Reserve and into the local communities – with the goal to raise awareness of the misconception around rhino horn usage for medicinal purposes. Not only was it a fun and engaging activity in the community but it also helped to generate generous funding to be channeled directly to a rhino fund.
A sweet ending to the day – even the cupcakes at tea-time helped to nudge conversations toward the future of rhinos. Thanks to guests and staff for their enthusiasm and support for a day of awareness, well-celebrated.
To find out more about Singita’s conservation efforts, read about significant projects on Singita’s website.
August 25th, 2011
Finding your way to Singita Sabi Sand
We asked Andrew Temblett – Assistant Lodge Manager at Singita Boulders Lodge – to provide some helpful tips and guidance for reaching the lodges at Singita Sabi Sand – Ebony Lodge, Boulders Lodge and Castleton Camp.
(Singita Boulders Lodge – Singita Sabi Sand)
There are a few ways to arrive at Singita Sabi Sand but certainly the easiest and most efficient way is by air; and depending on your particular requirements you may fly from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nelspruit or a neighboring lodge on either a scheduled charter, private charter or even a chartered jet. Singita Sabi Sand has its own airstrip and the most common flights are taken from Johannesburg or Nelspruit. Johannesburg is roughly a 50 minute, relaxed flight to Singita Sabi Sand, and from Nelspruit the flight is approximately 20 minutes. Depending on where you will be flying from should determine the flight path that allows for greatest ease and efficiency.
One of the best parts of flying to Singita Sabi Sand is the arrival “lounge” on the airstrip where you are welcomed by your Guide and Tracker, a delectable snack and refreshing drink – a mere 5 minute drive from the lodges, it couldn’t be more efficient.
There are also self-drive options and transfer company options allowing you to drive yourself or be transferred by chauffeur, bearing in mind the drive from Johannesburg is 5 hours and the drive from Nelspruit is 2 hours.
The drives have their benefits though as they are scenic especially as you approach the White River Hazyview area. Driving also builds the excitement of beginning your safari in the bush and understanding more about where you are travelling to. Passing through the local communities on the way provides a glimpse into the world where most of our staff come from. Also as you drive to Singita, with each passing mile you will be in awe of the remoteness of our “miracle”.
(The view of the Sand River from Singita Ebony Lodge deck)
Whichever way you chose, you will arrive and be greeted by our fabulous staff, who will endeavor to have you settled into your new “home” and have you pampered from morning to night.
August 22nd, 2011
Wildlife – the News in Pictures
Again it has been an action-packed month of great game sightings at Singita Sabi Sand.
“To share these wonderful moments with people who have a similar interest in and love of nature is for me the most rewarding aspect of my job. To immerse oneself into a world that holds such majesty and evokes such wonder in an unscripted and unexpected manner is what safari is all about.” Dylan Brandt – Field Guide, Singita Sabi Sand.
The Singita Sabi Sand Guides’ Diary is compiled by James Crookes, Guide, Singita Sabi Sand. For more astounding photography and wildlife updates read the full Guides’ Diary on Singita’s website.
