South Africa Accommodation

Singita, which can be translated as ‘place of miracles’, is world-renowned for providing ‘the best safari experience in Africa’ and has notched up virtually every hotel and travel award since its inception in the mid-90s.

The Singita Philosophy

The balance of hospitality, conservation and community is what sets Singita apart, and has been at their core from the very beginning. Since the early1900s, when the Bailes family first had the vision of what is Singita today, they have been able to share a unique part of the world in a manner which is highly respectful of the natural environment.

Singita also believes in ‘fewer beds in larger areas’: the idea that a minimal number of guests would have little impact on the land and its fauna and flora. This benefits the environment but also makes for up-close, intimate experiences for guests – with numerous opportunities where they can interact with their surroundings and learn more about their conservation principles.

Another important focus of Singita is dedication to their local communities and to assist in generating prosperity and social upliftment. Thus far, a number of successful development initiatives have made a significant difference to the lives of many people surrounding the Singita properties.

Singita's History
 
The heritage of Singita can be traced back to 1925, when James Fawcett Bailes first purchased a pristine tract of land in the Lowveld (the present-day Sabi Sand Reserve). It has remained in the family and his dream to preserve a large piece of land and protect its magnificent wildlife, lives on today.

In the early 1990s, James Fawcett Bailes’ grandson, the current owner of Singita, undertook to focus on preserving his grandfather’s legacy. Using 1930s aerial photographs, he undertook to maintain and restore the land to its original condition with the help of environmentalist Dave Wright (who has overseen its revitalisation since 1978). He also decided to build an exclusive game lodge offering unsurpassed luxury and wildlife experiences. In 1993, Ebony, the first Singita lodge, opened its doors. Following its success, Singita created four more game lodges in South Africa.

In recent years, Singita’s signature has extended beyond South African borders to Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Singita Grumeti Reserves is located in northern Tanzania, on the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park – Africa’s No. 1 World Heritage Site. Singita’s most recent addition is Pamushana Lodge in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe, where – along with the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund – Singita is supporting an ambitious relocation initiative of the endangered black rhino.

Singita: Relais & Châteaux

For more than fifty years, the esteemed Relais & Châteaux has been the ultimate mark of quality for hotels, lodges and restaurants around the world. Several of Singita’s lodges belong to Relais & Châteaux, which means that the highest standards are consistently maintained.

 

There are over 453 Relais & Châteaux hotels and restaurants in over 50 countries that follow a dedicated philosophy of excellence. Relais & Châteaux has remained faithful to its ‘5 Cs’ ethos which constitutes its essential character and is something that guests all over the world look forward to. These ‘5 Cs’ are: Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine – and the Singita properties certainly possess and are dedicated to all these attributes.

Singita Lodges in South Africa:

Singita Ebony Lodge
Singita Boulders Lodge
Singita Castleton Camp
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Singita Sweni Lodge

Singita Lodges in Tanzania:

Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Singita Lodge in Zimbabwe:

Singita Pamushana Lodge