Singita Lebombo, deeply extraordinary

Singita is one of the most iconic names in the safari industry. It is hard to put into words what Singita has achieved, but in many ways it feels like pure perfection. Grounded, earthy, energising and quiet. While it belongs to one of the most exclusive safari brands, it also feels simple in its own way. No unnecessary fuss. What do we mean by this? Turndown is candlelight in your room, a special aromatherapy oil for better sleep, and chamomile tea set out for you. It is rejuvenation at the highest standard.

Arrival

We did a self drive to the Singita Lebombo, which in itself was already part of the experience. Entering through Orpen Gate into the Kruger Park, we saw cheetahs, wild dogs and elephants along the way to Singita. On arrival at Singita’s 15,000 hectare private concession within Kruger Park, you go through a hand washing ritual, almost like rinsing off the tension and pace of the outside world before stepping fully into the lodge.

The inspiration for the lodge came from the way eagles build their nests, which adds another layer to its distinctiveness.

The design of this lodge is absolutely fascinating. Inside outside living with soaring ceilings of perhaps 15 metres or more creates a luxurious sense of openness. What drew our attention most was the earthiness of it all, especially the colour scheme. It is calming, deeply considered and very high end, yet never too bold or overly polished.

Proudly South African

Singita is recognised as one of Africa’s most influential collectors of wine, with an extensive cellar showcasing a premium selection of South African wines. They have partnered with various winemakers across the country and even created wines for different moments of the day. A light, crisp rosé for lunch. A fruity pinotage for sundowners during the game drive. A richer Bordeaux style blend for a gourmet dinner in the evening. The wines are available in 500 ml bottles, which encourages tasting across the range without the sense of waste that can come with opening a full bottle. It is all thought through in remarkable detail.

What left one of the biggest impressions on us was that most, if not all, beverages are sourced locally. From gins to local craft beer such as Zwakala, to kombucha, and even cola and soft drinks from smaller South African producers. This is all paired with exceptional dining. Breakfast is cooked to order, lunch is served more as sharing plates, and dinner is a gourmet à la carte experience. The food was outstanding, not only in flavour and combination, but also in presentation. And while we really tasted our way through the menus, we never felt as though we had overeaten. The portioning is exactly right.

The spaces

Recently refurbished in early 2026, Singita Lebombo has 17 rooms, made up of 13 suites and one 4 bedroom villa created by combining two 2 bedroom suites. There is a large swimming pool, really made for proper laps, as well as a smaller heated pool. The two bedroom suites each have their own private pool.

Dining can be enjoyed in a variety of spaces. There is the formal dining room opening onto the pool, numerous loungers and sitting areas around the pool deck, a bar area with tables and lounge seating, a winter lounge with a small fireplace, and a rooftop for private dining.

One of our favourite places for a pre dinner drink was the open air fireplace area tucked into the indigenous vegetation.

The warm lighting at night is exceptional. We visited at the end of May, when evenings were cooler, and the team lit gas fires beside each table. It was a beautiful touch. There is also a large boutique and art gallery, probably one of the biggest we have seen at a lodge, as well as a gym, sauna and treatment rooms. There is no fixed spa menu. Each massage is tailored to your needs, whether that is energy healing, chakra balancing or more classical aromatherapy. The therapists truly work wonders on the body.

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Conservation and wildlife

Many lodges today speak about conservation. Singita approaches it in a way we have rarely seen before. They have a Conservation Lounge and a Gallery of Treasures. What this means is that guests can access information about conservation in a way that is both interactive and genuinely informative. We had the pleasure of meeting Fern, a young woman with vast knowledge of the environment and conservation. It is not only about wildlife. It is about the broader ecosystems within Singita’s concession, about artefacts found from the earliest days when bushmen still lived in the area, about plants, bushes and leaves. Everything plays a role, and Singita brings this closer to the guest in a way that feels meaningful. Each stay contributes a certain percentage toward the conservation of this habitat.

The Gallery of Treasures is a must for art lovers. There are various sculptures made from different materials, including a life sized crocodile and a pangolin made from cork. There is a python skin, and there is art created from the Lebombo euphorbia, which is endemic to this region and grows only in the Lebombo Mountain range where Singita Lebombo sits. Nowhere else in the world.

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Also especially exciting for us was hearing about the in house chef school based right there at Lebombo, where chefs undergo extensive training in what it means to become truly excellent. Many lodges in the surrounding area are now employing chefs who graduated from this programme.

Singita Lebombo, together with its sister property Sweni, is less about chasing the Big Five. It is about slowing down and appreciating the smaller details of the bush.

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What we loved

Singita is, as one would expect from reading this journal entry, exceptional. It is polished, yet grounded and relaxed. The staff are trained to the very highest standard. The food could easily have come from a Michelin star restaurant, and the night’s sleep felt genuinely rejuvenating and energising. While it carries a serious price tag and a very luxurious overall feel, it never once felt stiff or tiring. It felt grounded, restorative and effortlessly extraordinary.

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Feeling inspired to experience Singita Lebombo for yourself? Get in touch with us for the best available rates.