Things to do
A stay at Singita embodies so much more than just a strait-laced safari experience. Their carefully crafted style is applied to every dimension of your time here. The game drives that span across 33,000 acres of private, prime Kruger Reserve are just the start of the wildlife experience with some of the finest guides on African soil. The lodge is deep within the Kruger on a stretch of permanent water on the Sweni River which draws the abundant wildlife to create a Jungle Book vibe. Immersive safari walks with your personal guide means a continuation of knowledge and interaction, expanding on previous observations from the 4×4 safari and stretching your legs gives a greater insight to your surroundings.
Back at the lodge, enjoy the wide range of culinary offerings including wine tasting the inexhaustible cellars with the inhouse sommelier and experiencing the culinary school. Downtime between safari experiences can be peppered with visits to the wellness centre, high spec fitness rooms and partaking in yoga classes complete the rejuvenating experience. The boutique and art gallery draw upon South African talent, curating some of the finest modern art and sculpture along with clothes and unique souvenirs that really stand out.
Sleeping
Singita Sweni hosts just seven suites including the pool suite – the decks of which give a treehouse ambience whilst the open-plan living spaces have panoramic views beyond their individual riots of interior design and energy. The décor in the suites fuse modern accents to natural materials with style including designer lighting, vibrant geometric-patterned rugs, sink-into sofas and forged steel furnishings. The pool suite can be taken alone or connected to an adjacent suite to create a family suite. The others can share the main lodge pool or for the ultimate family getaway – take the lodge in its entirety.
Food & Drink
Singita set themselves an extraordinarily standard which continues to the kitchen and cellars of Sweni. Imaginative, fresh and constantly evolving meals are prepared by some of the best home grown South African chefs. Unlike other lodges, there isn’t a moratorium on premium brands so you are never too far from your favourite tipple. Pre-dinner cocktails is the perfect excuse for the barman to wow with eclectic infusions – before sitting down under the stars for incredible dinners.
What We Think
Singita is renowned for offering a level of service and style that very few other lodges can attain in Africa, because of this reputation it was a pleasure to see the wheels in motion – watching the team flawlessly weave their magic formula over every aspect of my stay – however what really made this visit stand above so many other luxury lodges was the level of guiding. An understanding of my knowledge base and personal obsession for the obscure meant we headed far beyond the usual game drive limits and found ourselves tracking leopard drag marks through newly burnt lowveld on foot before a late afternoon of in-depth birding culminating with an ice-cold beer at sunset.
Best For
The layout and inherent style of the property makes it ideal to be booked by a large family gathering or group of friends, yet with the rooms spaced out with their own privacy, it equally works for honeymooners and couples too.
Singita Sweni is best suited to people who like top level service and exceptional wildlife guiding in stunning contemporary surroundings.
