Welcome to Singita Traveller
This is the first edition of our online newsletter. From the beginning of 2008, we will be sending these out on a regular basis to keep clients updated.
You have received this as you contacted us or provided us with your email address when you visited one of our lodges (Ebony, Boulders, Lebombo and Sweni in South Africa, Sasakwa, Sabora and Faru Faru in Tanzania, and now Pamushana in Zimbabwe).
Singita Pamushana Lodge
The 'place in the sun' is taking great shape
One of Africa's 'best-kept secrets', Singita Pamushana Lodge in a remote wilderness area (possibly one of Africa's largest bio-refuges) in south eastern Zimbabwe, is now in its second phase of refurbishment. Singita took over management of Pamushana ('place in the sun') in July 2007.
Sitting on a rocky promontory overlooking the pristinely beautiful Nyamasikana Gorge, Pamushana is set within the Malilangwe ("Call of the Leopard") Reserve and is teeming with an astonishing abundance of wildlife, including rare and endangered species, such as 70 Black Rhino, Roan and Sable Antelope, and the painted hunting dog. The area is also rich in ancient rock art left by the San who lived here over 2000 years ago.
The lodge comprises six double villas and one large family villa, bearing the Relais & Châteaux stamp of approval for excellence. Exciting new developments include a gym, curio shop and a complete refurbishment of the lodge; it is anticipated that Singita Pamushana will once again open its arms to visitors in June 2008. Look out for further updates on this precious sanctuary...
Singita Grumeti Reserves
Across the plains
Guests at Singita Faru Faru in Singita Grumeti Reserves, Serengeti, have been treated to dramatically beautiful 'shows' of thunder clouds and purple skies and bright clear mornings, complemented by the return of a flowing Grumeti river which had dried up during the winter months. There have been frequent sightings of large herds of elephant in front of the lodge and 'big cat' spotting through the panoramic windows of the guests' suites has become a firm favourite.
At Singita Sabora Tented Camp, the 1920s-inspired retreat, the wildebeest herds are still all around the camp accompanied by herds of zebra, Topi and Thomson's Gazelle. Naturally, groups of predators followed, and there was plenty of additional action with hyenas preying on the wildebeest in the plains. Guests continue to be delighted with several surprise dining 'venues' such as beneath the boughs of a large Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana) and around the campfire on the plains. The unbridled romance continues, sparking the irresistible urge to return...
Olly Mills & Steve Carr, Managers, Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Ryan Schmitt, Manager, Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Singita Kruger National Park
Starting afresh
Spring in the Kruger has heralded a host of new beginnings, not least of all the season's first rains, precipitating new life and growth in the lush green bush. The now-legendary lions of the 24-strong 'Mountain Pride' in the Lebombo area have split up into two large formidable groups. The original females and sub adults have retained the 'Mountain Pride' name and are now 19 in total. The new sub-adult females and their new cubs have formed a new group called the 'Xi Rhombe (pronounced 'Shirombe', meaning 'fig') Pride', numbering 12 lions in total. The pride was named after the fallen fig tree in which a female first hid her cubs. There are a further two smaller groups numbering fifteen (the Northern Pride) and six (the Southern Pride) members in each, amounting to a staggering concentration of lions in this area.
Apart from the regular, frequent sightings of the 'Big 5', guests and rangers have witnessed some incredible performances including a honey badger devouring a 3-metre African rock python; and had some rare glimpses of (endangered) black rhino and Sable antelope. There are also consistently good bird sightings with huge concentrations along the pristine Nwanetsi ("Shining" or "Glimmering") River, including an impressive assortment of eagles, storks, herons and snipes.
The end of winter also saw the end of the first year of our Community Development project, the Singita School of Cooking. Nine months ago, Kurt Abrahams our chef trainer, took six timid students under his wing, mentoring each with the skills required for becoming a professional chef. As their graduation draws near, the students have been promoted to various exclusive lodges in the area to begin their new careers – and recently, a new batch of students started at the Singita School of Cooking. It goes without saying that we wish all new students and chefs 'bon appetit et bon voyage' as they embark on their culinary adventures!
This course equips these young people with a qualification and provides them with a future career in our industry. Currently Singita is sponsoring 6 fulltime students and we are hoping to increase the size of the class through sponsorship of individual students. If you are interested in this project please contact Pam Richardson (pam.r@singita.com).
Singita Kruger National Park is very proud to announce that Clinton Drake, Head Chef at Lebombo Lodge, has been awarded the title of Rising Chef of the Year 2008. This internationally esteemed honor is awarded annually to the most promising young chef in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio.
Jason Trollip, General Manager, Singita Kruger National Park
Singita Sabi Sand
The game is on
In the Sabi Sand area, guests at Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders Lodges are enjoying excellent game viewing, including the arrival of cheetah and leopard cubs. With some spectacular predator interaction, a male leopard was stalked and attacked by two lionesses, yet managed to escape relatively unscathed...albeit missing one claw!
As always, Singita is busy with the local community through a number of initiatives. Recently, the Singita Ximungwe Soccer League was launched. This is a schools' league for under 14 soccer players and is managed by the teachers. Singita was also involved in purchasing new equipment for two local clinics in Justicia and Lilydale, as well as facilitating two school building projects and helping several schools with class materials.
Singita Castleton Camp continues to welcome guests who seek adventures beyond the regular, enjoy the luxurious homely comforts, and intimate ambience of a private camp, as well as the proliferation of wildlife visiting the area.
Tony Romer-Lee, Senior General Manager, Singita Sabi Sand
