Touch the earth lightly
Singita Lebombo brings remarkable design and architecture to its fantastic location, deep in the bush. Designed to “touch the earth lightly” and preserve the game-rich surroundings, the Lodge is light, airy and gives you a sense of floating over the surrounding wilderness.
Wood and glass with a view
Accommodation is fifteen simple boxes perched on stilts and nestled into the side of the cliff. These rooms are constructed of local timbers and expanses of glass, and are filigreed with polished metal, sophisticated fabrics and trompe-l’œil decorations. Hi-tech and cleverly sculpted, they exude serenity, inviting the great outdoors inside with uninterrupted views over the N’wanetsi river.
Simple, elegant class
The rooms are extremely classy, making the most of the view whilst offering the greatest in comfort, from iPods attached to the wall to his and her sinks. Everything at the lodge is relaxed, unrushed, yet perfect in its attention to detail. It is perhaps not surprising how large a part the lodge itself plays in guests’ recollections of the place.
Huge game-rich concession
Lebombo’s exclusive 15,000 hectare (33,000 acre) concession is due east of Satara in the Kruger, and both are justifiably famous for their high density of big cats. Singita’s land surpasses the public Park by having its own major seasonal river – the N’wanetsi – rising to its greatest extent in the area.
The Mountain Pride
The diversity and concentration of game is amongst the best in the Kruger, and extremely good all year round. So much so that National Geographic chose this location to film their “Caught on Safari: Live!” series. The infamous Mountain Pride of lions, numbering up to thirty in number, make this place their home; they are frequently sighted.
Big Five
The Big Five are here in strength, with both white and black rhino roaming the plains to the north of the Lodge. Elephants abound. Large buffalo herds come to drink. There are believed to be about thirty adult leopard within the concession, and these are a treat to see.
Varied game drives
Singita Kruger is large and would take months to fully explore. The lodge’s exclusive traversing range is unusually rich in variety: open savannah plains, riverine systems, dense bush forests, and mountain foothills at the start of the Lebombo range.
Wide range of activities
Walks, stops and sundowners offer a pause in the rhythm of the game drives, and can all be taken at different spectacular spots, including a gorge looking back into South Africa from its border with Mozambique. More unusual activities on offer include mountain biking (escorted by an armed Guide) and archery.
World class amenities
Lebombo’s facilities excel, with all the amenities of a world-class hotel (Singita has been showered with awards). The centre of the Lodge opens into a huge deck overlooking the river with a long, narrow swimming pool running its length. There is a variety of dining locations here, indoors and out: the wine cellar; the bar; a lounge where delicious patisserie high teas are served. There is plenty of space to relax and take in the vista with a good book from the library.
Noteworthy cuisine and wine
With your senses heightened by the bush, activity and excitement, the creature comforts at the lodge are exceptional and most welcome. The cuisine and wine cellar are both exquisite at Lebombo, and rank amongst the best on the continent. This is a remarkable achievement given its remote location.
Recent innovations
Other highlights of the lodge include a rooftop terrace, viewing area and multi-level “retreat” which boasts a library, multi-media room, and wine studio. There is an open kitchen where you can interactive with the chefs, an espresso bar and help-yourself deli. An additional 25-metre lap pool has been added with views from the front of the property.
Private villa
A private villa is set apart low down on the river bank beneath mature trees. It features two linked 2-bedroom suites with plunge pools, forming an exclusive-use villa. It is fully staffed, has an open- plan kitchen, boma, and a further shared pool.
Have a listen to our podcast recorded here, “24 hours in the life of a luxury lodge”:
