Recently we visited Singita Ebony Lodge in the Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa. It had been several years since my last visit and the lodge has recently completed a major refurbishment, so I was excited to see all the changes. Over the years I have had the privilege to stay at almost every Singita property so I am very familiar with the Singita brand and their attention to detail yet once again Singita exceeded my expectations.
We arrived on a cold and rainy day following a two-hour road transfer as all flights were grounded. We were met by our guide Lucy and tracker. After a brief introduction to the team at the lodge we were escorted to our villas. Absolutely stunning as they are built on the ridge overlooking the Sand River. The décor is muted with a distinct African theme and there is absolutely everything that a guest could want to make their stay comfortable. From the ponchos, hats and umbrellas to the fully stocked pantry and the plush bath robes.
Vervet monkeys were playing on our pool deck and we knew not to open our doors or they would, in a flash, raid the pantry. After a quick change we left on our first game drive. Singita has the latest in safari vehicles and we were greeted with heated seats and warm ponchos. The mist had lifted and we soon found ourselves confronted by a magnificent leopard. I had heard lions roaring and calling for their mates but never a leopard. The deep guttural sound emanating from this specimen was chilling (click the image).
Singita has the exclusive rights to traverse the largest concession in the region so we encountered very few other game vehicles on our outings. Our guide, Lucy is incredibly knowledgeable imparting details about the bush that we had never heard before and encountering unique animal interactions. One afternoon we were looking at an owl as it took down a bird when, all of a sudden, a young bull elephant came charging out of the brush. This is very strange behavior and we soon realized that the elephant was actually chasing a pack of wild dogs. Several policies have been adopted to combat the proliferation of rhino killings. In the Sabi Sands they dehorn the animals so it is sad to see these splendid lumbering beasts without their proboscis, but on the positive side the populations are once again on the increase.
Singita invests heavily in training. All their guides already meet the highest guiding standards in South Africa. They are also encouraged to take specialty courses on unusual topics. One afternoon I sat fascinated, listening to two of the guides as they discussed the intricacies of, of all things, dragonflies. They knew every species (there are 93 species in South Africa and 760 species in Africa, under 7 classifications), their lifecycles and of course their symbiotic relationships with nature.
Our meals were delicious, superbly presented by exceptionally trained staff. My husband is gluten free and the kitchen not only accommodated his needs but actually produced exceptional breads and pastries (I requested several recipes). Singita has the largest wine collection in Africa and they are proud to share their cellars with their guests. Behind the scenes, Singita is very involved in conservation and ensuring that future generations get to enjoy the wonders of nature. They also support several programs to support local communities from education to farming partnerships. Singita continues to receive many of the most prestigious awards. It is no wonder as their ethos and dedication to excellence at every level is overly evident. It is a privilege to stay at a Singita Lodge. This is not an inexpensive endeavor but, for those who have the budget, it is an unforgettable experience.
DID YOU KNOW?
Africa has a greater variety of large ungulates (hoofed mammal) (90 species) and freshwater fish (more than 2 000 species) than any other continent. It also boasts more than 1,000 mammal species and 2,300 bird species. Africa has 60 carnivore species (meat eaters), most of them natural enemies of the herbivores (plant eaters) living on the continent.
van Lill, Dawid. African Wildlife Trivia. Penguin Random House South Africa.
