EXPLORING SINGITA’S SOUTHERN AFRICAN LODGES
By Kathy Schulz
Somewhere in the distance of the African bush, a lion let out a low rumble. A sound you feel more in your chest than in your ears.
I was sitting on the deck of Singita Pamushana Lodge, watching the orange glow of the Malilangwe Dam as dusk settled in. There was no rush. Just the scent of wild basil and aromatic acacia, the gentle ripple of water, and a quiet certainty that I was exactly where I was meant to be. In that moment, I was reminded of something that can’t be discovered in a brochure: Africa changes you.
You don’t come to Africa just to see wildlife. You come to feel small again – in the best possible way. You come to remember that wonder still exists.
I’ve been in the travel industry for nearly four decades, and I’ve helped clients explore nearly every corner of the earth. But Africa—Africa is different. From the moment you step off the plane, it’s a full sensory immersion: the warmth of the air, the distant birdsong, the unmistakable energy of the people. You breathe more deeply. You notice more. You let go.
This past spring, I returned to Zimbabwe and South Africa to visit a number of Singita properties – some of the finest safari lodges in the world. Luxurious, yes, but also deeply grounded in place, people, and conservation. These are the kinds of locations where one night you’re sipping wine beneath a blanket of stars, and the next, you’re tracking a pangolin while the distant cry of a hyena – or perhaps a jackal – echoes across the savannah. A safari for the senses – and the soul!
Singita’s Southern Africa Circuit: Where Wilderness Meets Wonder
A curated, ultra-luxury safari journey that combines Singita’s exceptional lodges in Zimbabwe and South Africa. This seamless circuit offers immersive experiences across diverse ecosystems – with convenient charter flights connecting each destination for effortless travel.
Singita Malilangwe – Zimbabwe
Tucked away in southeastern Zimbabwe, Singita Malilangwe is a remote and conservation-driven safari destination set within the 115,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. Established in 1994 by the Malilangwe Trust—following the largest philanthropic conservation donation in Zimbabwe’s history—the reserve was created to protect one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Today, it spans 38 unique habitats and supports thriving wildlife populations, including reintroduced black and white rhinos, sable and roan antelopes, wild dogs, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and more than 400 species of birds.
Pamushana Lodge sits high on a sandstone ridge in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, and the lodge itself feels like a celebration of Zimbabwean heritage—thick-walled buildings inspired by Great Zimbabwe, thatched roofs, bold textiles, and incredible artwork. Each of the eight luxury suites and one private villa has its own plunge pool and sweeping views. From up there, you feel like the only person on earth.
Singita Malilangwe House is an extraordinary, exclusive-use villa featuring five luxurious suites and expansive, interconnected living areas – including an interactive kitchen. With a private chef, butler, dedicated host, game drive vehicles, and an expert Field Guide, every detail is tailored to your desires. Guests have the freedom to shape each day exactly as they wish, from safari adventures to moments of tranquil indulgence.
But what struck me even more than the beauty was the sense of peace. We explored ancient rock art sites, cruised the dam at sunset, listened to bird calls I couldn’t identify, and learned firsthand about the community and wildlife initiatives. This region is home to ancient baobab trees, rugged landscapes where black rhino still roam, and some of the best guiding I’ve ever experienced. It’s not just a safari—it’s truly a spiritual reset.
Singita Kruger National Park – South Africa
Singita’s private concessions in the southeastern reaches of the Kruger National Park, on South Africa’s border with Mozambique, grant access to some of the best wildlife viewing in the region, often with fewer vehicles and guests than the main Kruger. This means more private, undisturbed game drives and opportunities to see rare species.
The first time I saw Singita Lebombo, it took my breath away. The sophisticated and contemporary suites overlook the N’wanetsi River, all glass and air and light. It feels like you’re in a modern treehouse—with a panoramic, clear view of the bush. Every detail is designed to draw you closer to nature: open-plan living, wide wooden decks, an expansive lap pool, and star-gazing perches that invite you to linger. At Lebombo, modern architecture meets ancient rhythms – offering a luxurious yet grounded sense of place.
Singita Lebombo also offers a unique culinary experience, highlighted by immersive cooking classes at the Singita Community Culinary School. Guests can join demonstrations and hands-on sessions led by expert chefs, learning to prepare traditional South African dishes or selections from the lodge’s refined tapas menu. I had the chance to make Umngqhosho – a comforting dish of samp and beans, and a favorite of Nelson Mandela. It was a meaningful, memorable way to connect with local culture through food.
A short distance away, Singita Sweni offers a different kind of intimacy. Tucked into the banks of the Sweni River, with just seven suites nestled among the trees, it’s quieter and feels more cocooned. The soundtrack shifts; the low grunts of hippos in the water, the rustle of leaves, and the distinctive call of the Fiery-necked Nightjar. On still nights, one can lie in bed listening to the soft flap of an elephant’s ears just beyond your deck. Two tons of power and presence —silent but unmistakable, passing like a shadow just beyond your bed.
The private 33,000-acre concession here is a haven of biodiversity, home to four distinct ecological zones – a remarkable concentration I’ve rarely encountered in a single location. It’s a place that rewards stillness, where the more you slow down, the more the bush reveals itself.
Singita Sabi Sand – South Africa
The Sabi Sand Reserve borders Kruger National Park but is privately owned – and legendary for its remarkable leopard sightings. Here, you feel part of something larger: Singita’s long-standing conservation efforts have restored water to once-dry tributaries and helped revitalize the surrounding ecosystem. Every stay plays a direct role in supporting this vital, ongoing work.
Singita Ebony Lodge is the brand’s founding lodge (1993), and was recently refashioned to provide airy, cohesive spaces that bring the bush visibly inside. 12 suites – including river, bush, family suites, and a luxury villa – with indoor/outdoor showers, double-sided fireplaces, and private plunge pools overlooking the Sand River. The central lodge includes a new wine cellar and the interactive Conservation Room, plus a bar-deli, spa, fitness center, boutique, and library with thoughtful renovation that weaves together classic adobe structures, canvas, timber, and glass.
Singita Boulders Lodge mimics the flow of riverside boulders – organic, grounded architecture that blends its rocky environment with 12 luxurious suites featuring glass walls, private decks contoured to the Sand River, and heated plunge pools for a whisper-quiet immersion in nature.
If I had to choose one property to bring a family, or a group of close friends, it would be Singita Castleton. Once the private home of the Bailes family, founders of Singita, Castleton now operates as an exclusive-use lodge accommodating up to 12 guests in a main house and six cottages. It’s got all the comforts of a sophisticated, private safari lodge with the charm of a countryside farmhouse and boasts a staff and setting that rival any five-star retreat.
There’s a pool overlooking a busy waterhole, a boma, tennis and bocce courts, a wine cellar, and your own chef and guide. One morning, we enjoyed yoga along with sound therapy on the tranquil lawn while impala and zebra grazed nearby. Another evening, we watched a leopard at sunset from our private safari vehicle. The exclusivity of Castleton doesn’t feel isolating—it feels deeply personal and uniquely special.
What unites these sanctuaries is more than luxury, it’s Singita’s commitment to leaving the land better than they found it. Low-impact design, community empowerment, and visionary conservation efforts are seamlessly interwoven with every guest experience.
Singita’s Southern Africa Circuit left its mark, not just on a map, but on the soul. It’s the kind of journey you carry with you long after your boots are clean and the dust has settled.
Planning the Safari That’s Right for You:
Africa isn’t one place. It’s a mosaic of ecosystems, cultures, and experiences. No two trips are the same—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re drawn to the migration in Kenya, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or the quiet elegance of the Okavango Delta, the best safaris aren’t booked en masse—they’re created individually.
Here are a few questions to help you start thinking:
Q: What draws me to Africa—wildlife, culture, scenery, or all of it?
This is the first—and most important—question. Are you dreaming of lions on the move at dawn? Curious about tribal traditions and village life? Or do you want to sip wine overlooking the Cape coastline after hiking a mountain trail?
Africa can deliver all of these things—but not always in the same place or at the same time. A traveler who prioritizes wildlife might be steered toward Kenya’s migration season or Botswana’s Okavango Delta, while someone drawn to culture might find more connection in Tanzania’s Maasai villages or the historic neighborhoods of Cape Town. The more clarity you have, the more intentional—and rewarding—your itinerary will be.
Q:Do I want to travel solo, as a couple, or with a group or family?
Who you travel with – or choose not to – shapes every detail of your safari. A solo traveler may thrive with the camaraderie of a small-group departure, or they might seek the quiet introspection of a private tented camp with tailored game drives and time for reflection. Families, on the other hand, often benefit from exclusive-use lodges like Singita Castleton, where children are warmly welcomed, the schedule bends to your preferences, and everyone can relax into the adventure – together.
For multigenerational groups, private safari homes offer the best of both worlds: shared meals, spacious communal areas, and the joy of being together—without sacrificing the spirit of adventure. Understanding your travel dynamic allows us to recommend the right properties, pace, and even flight options to ensure every generation feels considered and cared for.
Q: What level of comfort or exclusivity am I seeking?
This question defines how you experience the bush. Do you want a private guide and vehicle, with total flexibility on when and where you go? Do you prefer the camaraderie of shared sundowners and communal meals filled with stories and laughter?
Luxury in Africa ranges from beautifully appointed tents to world-class private lodges. At Singita, for example, guests can dine privately on their own deck, enjoy spa treatments in the wild, or even have an impromptu lunch appear in the middle of the bush—no other guests in sight. I’ve had guests charter planes, book out entire lodges, and not cross paths with another traveler for days. Others find joy in shared experiences. Both are valid—it all depends on what feels right to you.
Q: What level of physicality suits me best?
Safari doesn’t have to mean roughing it—but some experiences are more active than others. Whether you’re climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, tracking rhinos on foot, or simply stepping in and out of a game drive vehicle multiple times a day, physical ability plays a key role in shaping what’s possible – and what’s comfortable. Knowing your preferences and mobility helps us to design a journey that’s adventurous, accessible, and deeply rewarding.
Many camps can accommodate mobility needs or special requirements, but early planning is essential. On the other end of the spectrum, those craving adrenaline can opt for high-energy experiences like helicopter fly-ins, multi-day canoe safaris, or even shark cage diving off South Africa’s rugged coast. Understanding your comfort level and appetite for adventure helps us fine-tune your itinerary to match your energy, interests, and pace – perfectly.
Q. When can I travel—and what wildlife events coincide with that time?
Africa is always magical—but it’s not always the same. Timing influences everything: weather patterns, wildlife behavior, water levels, even the kind of photographs you’ll bring home.
Dreaming of baby elephants wading through the Okavango Delta? Hoping to witness the thundering herds of the Great Migration in the Serengeti? These moments might only happen in certain places—and the best opportunities might only be tied to certain times of the year.
If your travel dates are flexible, we’ll guide you to where the action is likely to be. While nothing in the wild can ever be guaranteed, our track record has been tested over time – and we know how to stack the odds in your favor. If your dates are fixed, we’ll steer you toward destinations that shine in that particular season. We’ve been there when the grass was tall and the wildlife more elusive—and we’ve been there when it felt like every creature in the bush was waiting just for us. Timing makes all the difference, and we’re here to help you get it right.
Let Us Help You Get There:
People often ask me why I return to Africa so often. The answer is simple: I haven’t seen it all, and I don’t want to rush it. I want to savor it.
Africa teaches you to slow down. To listen. To look more closely. It’s not just about what you see. It’s how it makes you feel: free, grounded, alive. A safari isn’t just another trip—it’s a lifelong memory in the making. Whether you’ve dreamed of it for years or are just beginning to consider it, we’d be honored to help you craft something extraordinary.
At Frontiers, we’ve planned safaris across nearly a dozen African countries. We don’t own any camps or lodges, which means our recommendations are based entirely on what’s best for you. And we’ve walked the walk: my team and I have been there, eaten the food, met the guides, watched the sunrise over the savannah, and felt the heartbeat of the wild.
The hardest part? Deciding how soon you want to go.
The easiest? Let us design the safari of a lifetime for you.