Located on the border of Kruger Park, Sabi Sands is the oldest private game reserve in South Africa. Singita meaning ‘place of miracles’ truly is a fitting name for a hotel collection that I am going to talk about here. Starting in 1993 with Singita Ebony Lodge in Sabi Sands, the brand has grown to now encompass 12 lodges located in South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Each lodge provides a unique and totally once in a life time experience and an opportunity to get close to the animals with expert guidance.
During a recent trip to South Africa I stayed at newly refurbished, Boulders, one of Singita’s stunning properties on the banks of the Sand River within the Sabi Sands Reserve; I totally fell in love with the place and here’s why:
6. Conservation, Sustainability and Community
Singita is so much more than a luxury hotel there is a firm commitment to the surrounding environment and the philosophy of the company builds on three core pillars: wildlife conservation, eco-friendly tourism and community support. At Sabi Sands there is a team employed to conserve the bio-diversity of the land, ensure the animal’s safety against poachers and protect plant-life. Staff are employed within the five regions and Singita purchases as much as possible from local businesses in the area in order to strengthen the economy.
I can highly recommend Singita Boulders, it is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in, incorporating the very finest accommodation, service and food.
5. The Safari and Animals
All guests of the Singita Boulder can expect two daily game drives: one in the morning at sunrise and one in the evening as it’s getting dark. There is only a small group of you on the drive and you are lead by a guide and tracker with astounding knowledge of the wildlife and the wilderness. Whilst staying in Singita Boulders we saw all the of the big five (elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalos) as well as hippos, hyenas, wild dogs, zebra and giraffes. The reserve is know for having a high concentration of leopards which are notoriously hard to spot.
4. The Scenery and The Reserve
The Sand River makes a beautiful back drop to the reserve and all the rooms and the public areas have a view looking on to the stunning body of water.
The area itself, Singita Sabi Sand, is a privately owned area of land in the Sabi Sand reserve spanning more than 45 hectares. Sabi Sand and the adjacent Kruger National Park make up some of the most stunning and pristine land in South Africa with beautiful waterways and diverse flora and fauna.
3. The Service
The service at Singita Boulders in second to none. From the smooth check-in at the beginning you know you’re in safe hands. All the staff remember your name, wait-staff know your dietary requirements right down to how you take your coffee, little thoughtful and personal extras are left in your room. The knowledge of the guides and trackers on the game drives is astounding but nothing feels stiff or stuffy everyone is friendly, personable and relaxed.
2. The Food and Wine
Singita Boulders operates on an all-inclusive basis with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and all drinks (excluding champagne) included. Trust me, you won’t go hungry at Singita…a typical day will include a light breakfast before the morning safari and a proper full breakfast on your return. Lunch can be enjoyed at your leisure, and at around 4pm there’s afternoon tea before the evening game drive and dinner on your return.
Breakfast includes a buffet spread plus anything that you wish from the a la carte menu. Lunch and dinner is a moveable feast and guest can dine in different areas of the lodge for variety. The menu includes African, European and Asian flavours but the daily changing options are just suggestions and you can actually request whatever you like from the chef. All the food is beautifully cooked and of the standard that you’d expect from a lodge as luxurious as this.
You may also partake in the Boma dinner, an outdoor barbecue in a secluded spot in the lodge with excellent food and entertainment.
There is also an extensive wine collection at Singita and the wine list has received awards for excellence. While we were there we also enjoyed a bespoke wine tasting in the lodge’s cellar with guidance from the experienced sommelier resident at Singita Boulders.
1. The Lodge and Accommodation
The main public area of the lodge encompasses a lounge, bar, multiple dining areas and a gorgeous swimming pool with views out to the Sand River. The decor of the lounge feels earthy and natural and many of the furnishings are made of reclaimed wood but still retain a raw and natural look. The rustic feel gives the impression of there being no division between inside and outside and the lodge was designed with the intention of a natural flow so that the landscape and animals can be seen from every area and the guests can feel truly immersed in the whole experience.
There are ten one bedroom suites and two family suites with two bedrooms, which are the height of luxury. Our suite was huge and like the main lodge it had the same indoor / outdoor feel with natural furnishings enhanced with African artwork.
The living area and bedroom were generous in size with a double-sided fire place and the bathroom has a large soaking bath and both an indoor and outdoor shower. A sizeable terrace area is perfect for soaking in the hot African sun and each suite has it’s own plunge pool to be enjoyed.
The room also comes with an all-inclusive mini bar, complimentary wifi and sun and mosquito protection. There’s no television in the room, and trust me you won’t need one, but there is one located in the library in the main lodge just in case.
Other fantastic facilities at the hotel include a Boutique and Gallery and a wine boutique, spa and gym and complimentary laundry facilities.
Address :
Singita Sabi Sand Reserve,
Kruger National Park 0,
South Africa
Telephone : +27 21 683 3424
Angie Silver is the blogger behind luxury lifestyle, food and travel blog, SilverSpoon London. Check out her blog for the low-down on London’s best restaurants and cool destinations. You can also follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram.
