The warmth of Singita Sweni Lodge

Miracles are nature's way of exposing the truth to the world, and at Singita we are careful to listen to the voice of nature and its innate wisdom. We have discovered that if you spend enough time in Africa’s wild spaces, you will find the world is governed by the simple truth - that perfection lies in the present moment, and that nature is always on a journey to restore balance and to create abundance.

The wild world adjusts in times of plenty as it does in times of scarcity, but it’s in times of need that we really see small (and large) miracles unfold. At Singita, the emphasis is on sustainable tourism where humans and wildlife live together in perfect harmony. Since the very beginning, the eco-driven concept of our lodges has been paramount. We create the space for guests to interact with nature in a real and meaningful way and to experience, first-hand, our philosophy regarding ‘touching the earth lightly’. Because we have fewer beds in larger areas our impact on the environment is not only minimized, but we afford guests the opportunity to enjoy intimate experiences with the wild.

Singita is more than a five-star experience, we are dedicated to uplifting local communities and wildlife, and to date, a number of successful initiatives have been launched.

Now is the time to spread the language of giving, the spirit of truth.

This centre will offer learners from fifty-one local schools an intensive 5-day programme on the Serengeti Ecosystem. Learners will be taught about environmental issues – not only local issues, but also national and global challenges as well as an understanding of ‘protected areas’. Teachings will include the essential link between the environment and how it affects livelihoods. The programme is also aimed at teaching learners how to live in a way that creates a better place for the animals, the environment and the community - and will give them the tools to take action in conserving the wild spaces of Grumeti, in small and useful ways. This environmental initiative will also promote wise use of land (so that it can be used for many generations to come). The thinking is that if the youth is encouraged to understand the place in which they live, a spirit of conservation will be created and will serve the community in the long run.

According to Brian Harris, Wildlife and Community Development Manager of Singita Grumeti Reserves, training will be carried out on an ongoing basis. Once one group of learners (12 youths) has completed training, similar programmes will be conducted with other groups and so the learning will have a knock-on effect. Harris told the Guardian newspaper: ‘The idea behind this programme is to equip the villagers with relevant information on wildlife conservation which is the lifeline of this area’s activities.’ He added that the objective is that within a period of five years the entire community would be aware of its responsibilities and that conservation would become a way of life.

The programme will also allow Singita to identify youth with potential to play a role in the future of Singita Grumeti Reserves and highlight youth who are well suited to tertiary level study, guiding or hospitality. This will assist greatly in sourcing quality candidates for the bursary and guide training programmes.

Of course, learning about the birds and plants is also a key aspect of the programme. Singita Grumeti Reserves is part of the Serengeti-Mara eco-system and is home to abundant wildlife including 25 species of large carnivores, 40 species of herbivores, and over 400 species of birds (including numerous raptors). By having a greater understanding of the animal and plant life, learners will begin to appreciate the value of the place in which they live.

Teachers will also be involved in this educational programme, to ensure more effective teaching of environmental issues at a school level.

There is no doubt that by empowering the youth with the environmental knowledge about Singita Grumeti Reserves, we will help pave the way for local communities to understand that their greatest asset is the land and the wild areas surrounding their villages.

Please email us if you would like us to send you a copy of our Community Development projects brochure.

We have been monitoring the life and times of a young male leopard (Panthera pardus) through the diary entries of Nicky Silberbauer, Field Guide, Singita Sabi Sand.

One of our young male leopards is learning fast that being alone means that he needs to keep himself entertained, and most importantly fed.

Let me be kind and say that generally his hunting skills are below par - he seems less serious about the business of hunting and wastes a lot of time with impractical ambition and wishful thinking. We have watched him try and bring down anything from a buffalo bull to a crocodile!

He recently tried to catch a Nile Monitor in one of the Sand River tributaries. It was an unbelievable sight, watching him wade up and down the river, jumping from one side of the bank to the other. When it was time for the real thing, he ambushed the monitor with a very impressive leap. He carried his catch onto the bank of the river, decided to climb to the top of a very nimble tree and proceeded to fall and drop his prize! The Monitor made a very hasty retreat back into the water - a disappointing finale for a very ambitious leopard.

Once leopards leave their mothers, it is imperative that they learn to be self-sufficient as they now have to feed themselves. Our young male has been seen feeding on a male impala; scrub hare and a tortoise and on the whole he is looking incredible physically and starting to be comfortable on his own.

Rush hour in the concession

Marlon du Toit, Field Guide at Singita Kruger National Park, has been enjoying the best game viewing he has ever seen on the Concession and has been keeping us updated through his diary entries.

There are simply no words to describe the amount of animals on the concession at the moment. Elephants almost outnumber impala, buffalo herds of up to 600 roam the grasslands, zebras are found just about everywhere and the long necks of the giraffe stick out from above the trees wherever you look.

Water is drying up in the west of the concession as the N’wanetsi River has not flowed much this year. However, the Xinkelengane stream is another story; it spans throughout the whole concession and contains a fair amount of water. The animals have flocked to the east to take advantage of this which has resulted in some very exciting game viewing, for where there’s water, there is life!

Around a water source it is not uncommon to find many different species together - elephant bulls meandering through in search of females in the breeding herds. Most of these big bulls are now in musth, a time of heightened hormone levels and reproductive intent, almost exclusively searching for mating opportunities. Zebra, wildebeest, impala and giraffe are often seen together. This is a form of anti-predator behaviour, with more eyes and ears collectively scanning their surroundings for danger. It is stunning to witness these large numbers of herds together.

Jason Trollip has taken over from Tony Romer-Lee as General Manager of Singita Sabi Sand, comprising Singita Ebony and Boulders lodges, and Castleton Camp. Tony has taken up the position of Resort Manager with One&Only Cape Town after three years with Singita in the Sabi Sand.

Jason joined Singita in 2003 and has for the past six years held the position of General Manager Singita Kruger National Park, situated on Singita’s private concession that comprises Singita Lebombo and Sweni lodges. With a genuine passion for conservation, Mpumalanga born Trollip has played an important role in the establishment of the Singita concession, and has displayed a unique understanding of the requirements of guests and staff alike.

We are delighted to welcome Caroline Burke who takes over as General Manager of Singita Lebombo and Sweni lodges. Caroline is well-known in the travel and safari industry for her professionalism and customer care excellence, and brings extensive experience to the team.

Singita is also proud to announce that after just over 3 years with Singita Game Reserves, Moses Nkuna has been promoted to Lodge Manager at Singita Sweni lodge in the Kruger National Park. Nkuna has proved himself here as a competent and caring host, and also brings with him a vast amount of hospitality experience.

In Tanzania, Singita Grumeti Reserves has appointed Mandy Cloete as Lodge Manager Singita Sasakwa. Having taken time off to complete her MBA degree, Mandy returns to Singita where she previously served as Lodge Manager Singita Sweni. Hence she not only has a complete understanding of the Singita ethos and its guest profile, but also brings with her experience gained at other exclusive private game reserves, as well as enthusiasm for East Africa and the offerings of Singita Grumeti Reserves and the Serengeti.

A new wild family

Parents can relax and unwind secure in the knowledge that their children are being safely and expertly cared for. For young explorers our Mini Rangers course opens up a whole new world of tracking, fishing, frogging, bush survival, cosmic safaris (stargazing) and lots more fascinating outdoor experiences. There’s loads of fun to be had with a variety of sports, games, baking and wildlife shows.

Singita castleton camp - sabi sand, south africa

The camp is booked in its entirety so you have it all to yourselves! The six rooms accommodate twelve guests so it’s also ideal for a couple of families and friends. In between game drives and bush walks you can enjoy the view from the verandah, while your children have fun in the swimming pool or on the trampoline. Or why not challenge them to a championship match of tennis to work up an appetite for your private chef’s delicious creations?

Family Suites at Singita Ebony & Boulders - Sabi Sand, South Africa

Still within the Sabi Sand are the family suites at Ebony and Boulders Lodges. Each suite includes an en-suite master bedroom and an en-suite twin bedroom, a lounge area and viewing deck with a heated plunge pool. One Family Suite sleeps four but there are two family suites at each lodge and they are connected by the dining room and lounge/verandah area. If you book both family suites you’ll have this large communal area to enjoy your meals together and relax as your children play in safety.

The Villa at Singita Sasakwa Lodge - Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

The villa has four en-suite bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, a nanny flat and a private infinity plunge pool in the garden. The Villa is booked out exclusively and is ideal for one or two families travelling together, comfortably accommodating eight guests. The wrap-around Serengeti views alone will be one of the treasured memories to take back home.

The Villa at Singita Pamushana Lodge - Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe

The Villa overlooks the Malilangwe Lake, an endless expanse of breathtaking serenity. Within the sunlit villa you’ll find five en-suite bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, a nanny flat and a private infinity plunge pool. It sleeps a maximum of ten people and is booked exclusively.

We hope that these special offers will create opportunities for more people to experience our pristine wild spaces, to see nature in its purest form and to find their own true soul.

SPECIAL OFFER AT A GLANCE:
- Book 4 nights at Lebombo or Sweni and only pay for 3!
Rate: ZAR29 850.00 per person sharing for 4 nights
Valid: 15 Feb 2009–15 Dec 2009

SPECIAL OFFER AT A GLANCE:
- Book 6 nights at Singita Grumeti Reserves & only pay for 5!
- Bookings must be made before 31 Oct 2009
Rate: D ependent on number and combination of lodges booked
Valid: 15 Feb 2009 - 15 Dec 2009

SPECIAL OFFER AT A GLANCE:
- Combine: 2 nights at Singita Kruger National Park, 2 nights at Singita Sabi Sand and 3 nights at Singita Pamushana (consecutively) and all flights between Johannesburg and the lodges in South Africa are complimentary
- Due to the flight schedule en-route to Singita Pamushana, an overnight stay in Johannesburg is necessary. We highly recommend one night, bed & breakfast, at the luxury Saxon Hotel & Spa in Sandhurst with return airport transfers included (non-commissionable).
Rate: ZAR46 635.00 plus US$2 400.00 per person sharing for 7 nights at Singita (add R3437.50 pp for The Saxon & airport transfers)
Valid: 20 Mar 2009 2009 - 15 Dec 2009

We have partnered with Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek & the new One&Only Cape Town to bring you some ‘miraculous’ options that combine an incredible safari experience with a visit to the scenic Western Cape. Le Quartier Français is known as one of the finest boutique establishments in South Africa and the One&Only Cape Town which delivers the high standards that our Singita guests have come to expect.

For more, visit:

Le Quartier Français

One&Only Cape Town

THE SINGITA TEAM.

South Africa: Singita Ebony Lodge | Singita Boulders Lodge | Singita Lebombo Lodge | Singita Sweni Lodge
Tanzania: Singita Grumeti Reserves Sasakwa Lodge | Singita Grumeti Reserves Sabora Tented Camp
Singita Grumeti Reserves Faru Faru Lodge | Zimbabwe: Singita Pamushana Lodge