Mapogo male lions following the Ximungwe pride of 4 youngsters and 4 females.

The Marthly male leopard. A massive male leopard that controls a large portion, north of the Sand River.  Lovely pose as he looks over the tall grass at impala in the distance.

Ravenscourt female after feeding from a young nyala kill.

This image is again of the Ravenscourt female, looking and sniffing curious smells under a large fallen Marula tree in a river bed.

The Ravenscourt female leopard – catching her in mid-yawn.

Wild dog pack running through the Sand River in a hurried attempt to cross, avoiding any crocodiles that might be close by.

Follow regional wildlife reports from our Field Guides, posted monthly on Singita’s website.

(Peter is standing with the bow.)

Peter Andrew was born in 1979 in Fort Ikoma village on the outskirts of Singita Grumeti Reserves. Peter’s mother died when he was 16 years old; his Dad remarried and thus Peter was forced to leave his home and village to fend for himself.  At the time he had no options for employment but poaching. He learnt hunting and tracking skills from a man much older than him, named Matere Muita, a father figure who taught him everything he needed to know about the skills of the hunt. They hunted together on foot day and night to harvest bush meat, tusks from elephants and skins from Colobus monkeys.  Peter remembers that they took pride in never being caught – “You were not a skilled poacher if a Wildlife Officer caught you”.

However everything turned a corner in 2003 when Peter learnt that a good-hearted man named Mr. Harris, was offering jobs to poachers in neighbouring villages.  This was Peter’s chance to change his life and earn an honest wage without fear of being locked in jail or eaten by lion. So Peter started work at Singita Sasakwa Lodge as a temporary employee helping with construction. He was interested in cooking and in 2004 took the opportunity to become the staff cook at Singita Sabora Tented Camp. He excelled in this position and developed quickly, so much so that in 2005 Peter became a Commis Chef at Singita Sabora and then further moved to Singita Faru Faru in 2011 as a full-time Pastry Chef where he currently works.

Stories like that of Peter Andrew continue to provide encouragement for the investment made by Singita in valuable conservation efforts.

With  over 500 000 acres of land under management, Singita offers luxury safari, tourism opportunities whilst pursuing a  core vision: the protection of vast wilderness areas that are home to magnificent wildlife populations and sensitive landscapes, for future generations.

Controlling poaching in the area has been a key priority facing Singita Grumeti Reserves since 2002.  This illegal industry threatened the dynamics and  balance of the eco-system and undermined the potential of the commercial tourism venture, required to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area.  With the establishment of an effective anti-poaching unit consiting of 120 game scouts and thanks to the support of the Tanzanian Wildlife Division, Singita Grumeti Reserves has to date been able to achieve an increase of game populations by up to 600% in some species.  Now Singita Grumeti employs close to 600 members of staff (a large proportion from local villages) in its effort to conserve the enormous tract of land in its care, and to support special Singita-style service to the guests that visit Singita Grumeti Reserves.

To read more about Singita’s community development and conservation projects in four regions around Africa, please take a look at Singita’s website.

Ravenscourt female leopard.

Perfectly posed – the Ravenscourt female leopard.

Relaxed state of mind – Mapogo male.

Two of the Othawa pride females – in good company.

For regular wildlife updates, don’t forget to refer to our monthly Guides’ Diaries posted on Singita’s website.  Also, if you would like to receive Singita’s blog posts in your email box, subscribe to our blog via email.

All the effort made by the team at Singita Kruger National Park on Mandela Day last year to raise funds to purchase soccer balls for schools in our local community, was made worthwhile at the end of 2011 when a group of 11 Singita staff went into Hluvukani, one of the local communities situated just outside the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate, to deliver the balls to the schools.

The soccer balls were handed out at 7 different schools.  At each school a soccer game took place between the staff and the school pupils.  The games and the new balls caused much excitement for both players and spectators.

A great day was had by all and the Singita Kruger National Park staff are looking forward to when we will be taking a similar trip to Welverdiend, another one of the local communities, to complete the delivery of the remainder of the balls.

Singita Kruger National Park would like to thank Adidas SA for assisting us in achieving this special relationship with the community schools, by providing the balls at a specially discounted rate.

(Article contribution by Christen Bennett – Singita Kruger National Park.)

If you missed the story last year about celebrating Mandela Day at Singita Kruger National Park, enjoy the blog post here.

Warmer weather goes hand in hand with lighter styled food at Singita Boulders Lodge this season, such as salads and chilled soups.

Utilizing the wonderful fresh produce from our new herb garden, we have tossed some vegetables together to make a delightful creation:

Easy root vegetable recipe

1 bunch beetroot

1 bunch parsnip

1 punnet baby carrots

1 sweet potato sliced

Basil pesto for dressing

Goat’s cheese (optional)

Rocket leaves

Trim the roots and leaves off the vegetables, keeping the skin on for extra nutritional value.
Dress the vegetables with olive oil, pepper and salt.  Roast the vegetables for 8-10 minutes at 180°C
Deep fry the sweet potato chips until crispy while vegetables are roasting.
Arrange the vegetables on a plate, dress with basil pesto and garnish with sweet potato crisps, leaves and goat’s cheese

Chef’s tip – by Loraine Pienaar:  Roast the different kinds of vegetables separately because cooking times may vary and the beetroot will colour the rest of the vegetables.

As summer and the rainy season arrive, it is sometimes difficult to know what to pack for safari. The most important rule regarding clothing is that it must be practical and comfortable. Temperatures can fluctuate from 50° F (10°C) to 100° F (38°C) +, in a few hours.  Summer mornings are generally cooler and as the day progresses and the sun rises higher in the sky, the temperatures rise. The temperature will gradually diminish as the sun goes down again. Keep in mind that the rainy season is on its way and early morning and afternoon thunder showers can be expected.

Keeping that in mind, we have some suggestions as to what to wear and pack for your trip to Singita Sabi Sand. Packing light layers will help you adjust to any climatic conditions, as you simply remove layers as the temperature rises. All the rooms have fleece ponchos available which are warm and comfortable – just in case you want to cut that morning chill while on early game drives. Safari clothes should be light in colour- both to reflect the sun’s rays, and for blending in with the natural environment.  Avoid dark colours such as brown, black and navy as they absorb the heat.  Try stick to cotton as this fiber breathes, allowing for cooler air to circulate, thus keeping you cool and comfortable.  It is often the case that safari clothing doubles up as dinner wear, so again a few layers and some neutral items that can be mixed and matched will serve you well.  A good rain jacket is recommended.  However, rain proof ponchos are also provided on the game drive vehicles.

An absolute essential item that you should have with you is a hat for shade from the African sun.  Preferably something with a broad rim as to maximise the shade over your neck and face.  Sun block is extremely important and should be applied before the morning and afternoon drives. Closed comfortable footwear is recommended for game drives as you might leave the vehicle for a break or go for a short walk away from the vehicle to view something.  Closed shoes also protect your feet and ankles from pesky mosquito bites.

Five “must-bring” items that Johan recommends for your trip – an absolute must is sturdy luggage; also cargo pants with lots of pockets; you’ll want to swim so bring a bathing suit; sunglasses; and flip flops or sandals are perfect for lounging around the lodge.

We hope that some of these ideas can assist you with having a more comfortable safari experience.  And if you forget something, not to worry, you’ll have lots of fun shopping at Singita’s boutiques.  (For a comprehensive packing list, click here.)

At Singita we try our utmost to use the best South African products that are available to us. The beef we source is from one of Africa’s best beef suppliers who has been producing top quality since 1974.  Along with all of the other local suppliers we have sourced we are only too pleased to showcase the best of South Africa.

In the recipe shown below we use Karan beef, blue cheese from the Cape and butternut from local Belfast farmers.

Ingredients:

4 x 200g per portion Beef fillet

2 x large butternut or pumpkin

20-30 marjoram leaves- picked

250g blue cheese

200g green beans or asparagus

2 TBSP butter

salt and pepper to taste

The vegetables:

Peel and seed the butternut, cutting one butternut into medium-sized pieces.  Place in a tray and season with salt and pepper, oil and some thyme leaves.  Roast for 8-10 min until tender, and then set aside in the refrigerator.

With the second butternut, roast whole in the oven for about 20-30minutes until soft.  If the skin becomes a bit burnt, don’t worry; what we are after is inside.

Cut the cooked butternut in half and discard the seeds.  Scoop out the flesh of the butternut into a blender, add butter and blend.  If the puree is too thick just add some water until you achieve the right consistency.

Crumble the blue cheese into medium-sized pieces.

Cook green beans in boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then run under cold water and keep aside until needed.

For the sauce:

1 liter beef stock (store bought is fine)

500ml red wine

1x large carrot

1x onion

1x leek

1 stick celery

2 cloves garlic

3 sprigs of rosemary

50ml sherry vinegar

2TBS of dark brown sugar

Making the sauce:

Cut onion, celery, carrot and leek into small rough cubes and sauté with 1 tsp of oil till softened, and then add garlic and rosemary

Add sugar and caramelize for depth of flavor (the sugar should just melt and form a light brown color) then de-glaze with sherry vinegar and reduce by about half.

Add red wine and reduce by half.

Add the beef stock and reduce by ¾; it should have a shiny and slightly thick

Putting it all together:

Pre-heat a heavy base pan; season the beef fillet with salt and pepper.

Place about 2TBSP of vegetable oil in the pan and put your beef in the hot pan; don’t move the beef around for about 3-4minutes, it should form a beautiful crust before you turn it.  Once turned, cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.

Then place a little bit of blue cheese on top of the beef and place into a 180˚C  oven for 2 minutes.  Take out and let the meat rest for another 2 minutes.  This should give you a perfect medium rare fillet.

To plate, place a bit of the butter puree on the plate (this is were your creativity comes in).  Lightly mix the blue cheese and butternut cubes with the fresh marjoram leaves, and place on top of the puree.

Put the rested beef fillet on the plate and pour over some red wine sauce.

Enjoy!  And warmest wishes for a wonderful 2012.

Spending Christmas in the African wildnerness is something memorable and life-transforming.  One is struck by the utter serenity of the wide open spaces, the vast skies, and the natural rhythm of the fauna and flora.  Traditional details are carefully selected to enhance the quiet moments at Singita, but not clutter the uniqueness of the wild.  Holiday meals are special and designed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

It takes very little time to slip into the unhurried lifestyle that embraces guests at Singita lodges.  What a perfect place to surrender – enjoying the festive season with family and loved ones, as ordinary moments are transformed into indelible memories.

On November 1st, men register at Movember.com with a clean-shave face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery.

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate, with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and the Czech Republic. (Information courtesy of www.za.Movember.com.)

Read up on all the latest Moustache Season news and highlights on the official Movember South Africa website.

This November some of the chaps at Singita Kruger National Park have taken up the challenge to support this noble cause, supporting men’s health.  Already sporting some worthy whiskers, take a look at their progress so far.  We’ll keep you updated on the development of some fine moustaches.

Herewith introducing…

Brett  “Cheese Viscous” Appelgryn

Matt  “Scatterbrain” Naude

Dan  “The Dungeon Crawler” Mongwe

Gavin  “The Punisher” Rosenbaum

Hermann  “Snaggletooth” Naude

Ian  “Arsenic” Weerepas

Louis “Loose Balls” Niels

Tharwat  “Slapnuts” Londt

Mac  “Hammer Smash” Maclachln

Nicolaas  “Squash Bowels” Louw

Marlon  “Riot Rattler” du Toit

and last but not least…Wayne  “The Butcher” Leeson

a.k.a the MO-town Boys….taking this challenge seriously.

At 5:30 in the morning you’re collected from your lodge or camp and transfered to the launch site at Singita Grumeti Reserves.  Here you meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch in eager anticipation as the balloon is inflated.  At dawn, the balloon takes off, rising as the sun is coming up and floating in whichever direction the winds of the morning are moving.

The pilot can precisely control the altitude of the balloon – sometimes at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.  At other times the pilot will ascend to 1000 feet or more in order to view the enormity and wonderful panorama of Singita Grumeti Reserves.  From time to time he may put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners.  In between these burns there is absolute silence…apart from the natural sounds of the Serengeti landscape.

Plan for the flight lasting about an hour, depending on the conditions of the day.  You’re back at camp by 8:30, famished and ready for a lavish breakfast spread…and the start of the day’s activities.  (That might include a nice, long morning nap.)

(Photos by Frank Louw, chef at Singita Sasakwa Lodge.)

Minimum of 4 passengers; the on-site balloon can carry a maximum of 8 passengers.  Balloons carrying 12 and 16 passengers are available with prior notice.

For more information about balloon safaris at Singita Grumeti Reserves, please contact our Reservations department at reservations@singita.com

If you have never spent a night in the African bush with nothing between you and the vast African night sky but a canvas tent, you have to put it on your ‘bucket list’!

Anthropologists are pretty certain that man originated in Africa and I have to believe that this accounts for the spiritual experience often described by first-time visitors to this continent. Africa is etched deeply in the DNA of all of mankind. The best way to experience this is to immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and feel of the night, and what better way to do this than to lie in a comfy bed in a beautiful tent with a gentle breeze blowing.

An evening at Singita Explore starts with a gathering around the fire. Cocktails and campfire talk as you watch the fire throw sparks up into the dark sky, and above you a view of the Milky Way as you have never seen it before. Because there is no surrounding light pollution, each star in this huge galaxy is clearly visible. Satellites drift across the evening sky, distant reminders of the technological world that seems so irrelevant when you contemplate the universe. Nearly 14 billion years old and expanding at hundreds of kilometres per second, around a billion galaxies in the universe and approximately a billion stars per galaxy – the numbers are beyond comprehension. Our sun is just one of those billion x billion stars and our earth is just a tiny speck revolving around that tiny sun. How irrelevant we are and how full we are of our own self-importance!

Nearby a fiery necked nightjar calls its plaintive prayer ‘good Lord – deliver us’.  Far away a hyena whoops to announce that her night patrol has begun.

“Dinner’s ready” shakes you out of your reverie and to the table set just beyond the campfire. Hurricane lamps create a warm glow as you sit down to a simple but beautifully prepared meal. Potato and leek soup with bread freshly baked on the fire, grilled game meat with locally grown, organic vegetables and a good old fashioned malva pudding with cream for dessert.

Coffee is served around the fire and as the embers fade so too does the conversation.

Back to your tent and, in the silence of the camp as you snuggle between the sheets, you become aware of the fact that many of the nocturnal creatures are just beginning their ‘day’.  A spotted eagle owl hoots while the nightjars continue their repetitive call to the Lord. A lone hyena, closer now, whoops gently and sadly and in the distance you can just make out the roar of a territorial male lion announcing his dominance.

As you drift off to sleep you briefly contemplate how strangely familiar it all feels and yet how far away you are from the life you lead. You are hooked – and you’ll be back!

Take a minute to dream about a tented experience at Singita – watch our new video…. Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp…Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania.

Tonight at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, we’re pulling out all the stops.  Grilling lobster from Dar es Salaam, chilling champagne, and setting up a dance spectacle that is certain to enthrall – all as the sun sets.  It doesn’t get better than this – we’ll let the pictures tell the story.

The Xirombe lion pride – Singita Kruger National Park

Wild dog

Buffalo bull

Xinkelengane female leopard

A remarkable week of game viewing at Singita Kruger this week.  Behind the lens is Singita Guide, Marlon du Toit, who loves every minute of his day introducing the wilderness to guests at Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges.

From the desk of Luke Bailes, Singita’s Owner and Chief Executive Officer

The other day I was alerted to just how many awards Singita has won this year. Singita has never flaunted the awards it has received – in fact one of our guiding principles is humility. However it did occur to me that it is entirely due to our supporters and guests that we are being recognized for the incredible job our staff does, and for this reason I would like to thank everyone who has played a role in our success.

We have become globally recognized for the conservation work we are doing across the African continent. This has reached a point where, today, we are invited to participate in many conservation/tourism projects throughout the world.

Our warmest thanks for your support of and contribution to these prestigious accolades this year – some of them to note:

Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2011 – No. 1 in Conservation, Singita Pamushana

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011 – No. 1 World’s Best Hotel, Singita Grumeti Reserves and No. 2 World’s Best Hotel, Singita Ebony and Boulders Lodges

Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2011 – No.3 Best Hotel in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, Singita Grumeti Reserves

World Luxury Hotel Awards 2011 – Best Luxury Lodge, Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Andrew Harper – No.5 Top International Hideaways , Singita Boulders Lodge

Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2011 – Singita Ebony and Boulders Lodges

Singita’s primary objective is to secure and protect large and threatened tracts of wilderness thereby ensuring sustainability and long term survival.

One of the benefits of working in remote areas like Singita Sabi Sand is the abundance of local farming communities around the reserve.  I was fortunate enough to have found one, Saringwa farm that is only a few kilometers down the road in the town of Belfast.

They have a wide variety of freshly picked vegetables on offer, and with such fresh produce available it’s a sin not to utilize them when they are at nature’s best.

I could not wait to get hold of the sun- ripened tomatoes that were on offer and make one of my all time favorites:  tomato and chili jam with local tomatoes and chilis out of the herb garden that we started behind the Boulders’ kitchen.  You’ll want to store this recipe deep in your recipe chest because it is an absolute winner – and something to pass down the generations.

Enjoy!

Peter Liese – Sous Chef, Singita Boulders Lodge

Tomato and Chili Jam

Ingredients

500g plum tomatoes

100g golden sugar

100 ml white wine vinegar

2 red chilis

4 cloves garlic

1 red onion

Making the Jam

Wash the tomatoes, chili and peel the garlic and red onion.  Place in a food processor and puree until liquid.  Pour into a heavy bottomed pot and add the vinegar and golden sugar.  Bring to a simmer on a gentle heat and cook for about 40 to 80 minutes.  Occasionally stir the pot to ensure the mixture will not burn.  Place two suitably sized jars into rapidly boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to sterilize.  Fill the jars with the hot jam and seal immediately.

Pair the jam with crispy tempura vegetables, calamari or cheese for some delectable flavors.

Tips:  If you would like less bite to the jam feel free to take the seeds out of the chilis first.

For more texture to the jam you may also chop a third of the tomatoes roughly and add them to the liquid when you begin to cook it.

This beautiful young leopard (above) has taken over the reins from her mother it seems. Sadly, her mother, the much loved and well known Xinkelengane female has been missing for almost three months now. We are not sure where she is and we continue looking for any signs of her. In the meantime the leopard pictured, has been leaving her scent along all of the prominent landmarks within her mother’s old territory. This is vital for establishing a territory. She is still a young cat, barely 18 months of age and her territorial behavior is very early. It is perhaps brought on by the absence of a dominant female (her missing mother) and as leopards are very opportunistic she may be using the chance to make her presence known before another female claims this abundant piece of real estate.

The two cubs are still seen together from time to time. Independently they are doing very well. Both are hunting successfully and kill prey up to the size of adult male impala and young waterbuck. A recent get-together resulted in them spending the night together feeding on a carcass, and they separated again by mid-morning. The young male, pictured below to the right feels more pressure in terms of territory. His father, the Shingwenyana male, is still very active in this region. Fortunately for the young male his father has not reacted aggressively towards him allowing him to stay in this space. We even witnessed recently as this young boy watched his father mate with another female. There was no aggressive behavior from his father suggesting a strong bond between the two.

Only time will tell where these young leopards will finally set up their own territories. We hope we don’t lose track of them into the massive Kruger National Park as they have become much loved by the guides.

Singita Kruger leopard update provided by Marlon du Toit, Guide, Singita Kruger National Park.  To follow what happens to these young leopards, stay in touch with our monthly Guides’ Diaries on Singita’s website.

A wonderful sighting this morning (Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe) of a relaxed mother leopard and her two tiny cubs.  Hours were spent watching their intimate rituals of nursing, bathing and playing – Jenny Hishin.

For more photographs of this remarkable sighting, take a look at Singita’s Facebook page.

The dam on the plains in front of Singita Sasakwa Lodge was a hive of activity before the rains started in earnest.  Animals trek for miles to reach the waterhole, which is one of the few that offers a good field of view. In particular there have been huge herds of zebra coming in to drink, often wading deep into the water. From around 09h00 through to 17h00 it is always busy.  Sometimes there are smaller herds of impala joining the zebra and often the Butamtam lion pride is found positioned close to the waterhole in the hopes of making a kill.

This striking black and white photography was taken by Lee Bennett, Head Guide at Singita Grumeti Reserves.  To follow wildlife updates from Grumeti Reserves, refer to the monthly Guides’ Diaries posted on Singita’s website.

I’ve mentioned that we’ve been having some hair-raisingly close encounters with a black rhino (Diceros bicornis) around the area of the Malilangwe Dam, at the foot of the lodge. The story began in June when staff members awoke to the colossal sounds of huffing, puffing, bashing and crashing.

Two male black rhinos were engaged in a mighty battle over what seemed to be a territorial dispute. One of the bulls was injured but our scouts managed to keep track of him and determine the extent of his injuries – thankfully he recovered well.

The battle aside, this aggression over territory is an encouraging sign for us because it has been observed that rhinos in low density populations become more territorial and less tolerant of intruders as their population density increases.

Rhinos use dung and urine to stake out the areas of their rule, and their middens act as important communication posts to other rhinos wanting to pass through the area peacefully or challenge the ruler for it.

Black rhinos are not as social as white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) and solitary individuals of both sexes are likely to be encountered. They have earned the reputation from humans as irascible, temperamental animals that prefer to investigate and possibly chase off a potential threat, rather than wait to be attacked or hope that the intruder will go away.

Three months after the initial battle it now seems certain that the victor enjoys the banks of the vast dam as his exclusive real estate.  A highlight of a peaceful boat cruise on the luxury Suncatcher is to spot him on the dam’s green fringe – and a highlight of a far less peaceful excursion is to find him in the harbour area where we moor the boats!

For more of Jenny Hishin’s wildlife updates, follow the monthly Singita Pamushana Guides’ Diary – posted on Singita’s website.

On the 22^nd the team at Singita Sabi Sand put their full efforts behind supporting World Rhino Day – starting the day with the Guides and Trackers sporting red caps, branded with the World Rhino Day logo.  Guests soon donned red caps for game drives to show their support.  For the more energetic, twelve Singita staff took part in a cycling event – the ‘Ride for Rhinos’ 25 kilometre challenge through the Sabi Sand Reserve and into the local communities – with the goal to raise awareness of the misconception around rhino horn usage for medicinal purposes.  Not only was it a fun and engaging activity in the community but it also helped to generate generous funding to be channeled directly to a rhino fund.

A sweet ending to the day – even the cupcakes at tea-time helped to nudge conversations toward the future of rhinos.  Thanks to guests and staff for their enthusiasm and support for a day of awareness, well-celebrated.

To find out more about Singita’s conservation efforts, read about significant projects on Singita’s website.

Eighty kilometres of gruelling single track cycling every day across dusty, rugged terrain through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, clocking up 300 kilometres over 4 days – we asked General Manager of Singita Sabi Sand what compels him to undergo this test of endurance year after year.

Actually there are a few good reasons why Jason Trollip keeps coming back for more.  Amongst them are the incredible scenery, great wildlife and caring community spirit created by this event.  However Jason tells us that the overriding goal is to raise funds for Children in the Wilderness and that’s really what tugs at his heart strings.

Children in the Wilderness is a non-profit environmental and life skills educational programme.  Their vision is something that Singita can relate to and stand behind.

Jason – “The sense of achievement at the end of 4 days is incredible and experiencing 300 kilometres of some of the best areas that Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa have to offer is just sensational.

You have to at all times remember that the whole event is to raise money for environmental awareness – it’s a great cause, and knowing we are helping young people and conservation by having so much fun, made it a perfect 5 days away!”

Jason Trollip, General Manager, Singita Sabi Sand.  Jason is now in his 9th year at Singita, beginning at Singita Kruger National Park and then most recently managing Singita Sabi Sand properties.  No stranger to the Lowveld area, Jason grew up here, and prior to his management roles he was a field guide for 7 years – that totals 15 years in the bush.  With a keen interest in birding, we look forward to seeing some of his sightings captured on camera.

After three vacation stays at Singita Lebombo Lodge, prominent designer Michael Kors describes Singita’s dramatic retreat remotely situated in the Kruger National Park as his “favourite escape in the world”.  Often inspired by his travels, Kors captured the luxe African holiday experience in his new Spring 2012 collection, tempering urban slickness with gauzy textures, leather accessories, utility jackets and rich colours of sand, olive, and cinnamon.  Kors describes this new look as “Afri-luxe” boasting the “rustic modernism of Lebombo Lodge” and created for the “new voyager”.  This is a look that will be as comfortably worn on a rainy, city street as next to a sleek, infinity pool overlooking beautiful African bush.

Explore the uniqueness of Singita Lebombo Lodge and the wildlife experience at Kruger National Park – read more.

(Singita Boulders Lodge – Singita Sabi Sand)

There are a few ways to arrive at Singita Sabi Sand but certainly the easiest and most efficient way is by air; and depending on your particular requirements you may fly from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nelspruit or a neighboring lodge on either a scheduled charter, private charter or even a chartered jet.  Singita Sabi Sand has its own airstrip and the most common flights are taken from Johannesburg or Nelspruit.  Johannesburg is roughly a 50 minute, relaxed flight to Singita Sabi Sand, and from Nelspruit the flight is approximately 20 minutes.  Depending on where you will be flying from should determine the flight path that allows for greatest ease and efficiency.

One of the best parts of flying to Singita Sabi Sand is the arrival “lounge” on the airstrip where you are welcomed by your Guide and Tracker, a delectable snack and refreshing drink – a mere 5 minute drive from the lodges, it couldn’t be more efficient.

There are also self-drive options and transfer company options allowing you to drive yourself or be transferred by chauffeur, bearing in mind the drive from Johannesburg is 5 hours and the drive from Nelspruit is 2 hours.

The drives have their benefits though as they are scenic especially as you approach the White River Hazyview area.  Driving also builds the excitement of beginning your safari in the bush and understanding more about where you are travelling to.  Passing through the local communities on the way provides a glimpse into the world where most of our staff come from.  Also as you drive to Singita, with each passing mile you will be in awe of the remoteness of our “miracle”.

(The view of the Sand River from Singita Ebony Lodge deck)

Whichever way you chose, you will arrive and be greeted by our fabulous staff, who will endeavor to have you settled into your new “home” and have you pampered from morning to night.

“To share these wonderful moments with people who have a similar interest in and love of nature is for me the most rewarding aspect of my job. To immerse oneself into a world that holds such majesty and evokes such wonder in an unscripted and unexpected manner is what safari is all about.”  Dylan Brandt – Field Guide, Singita Sabi Sand.

The Singita Sabi Sand Guides’ Diary is compiled by James Crookes, Guide, Singita Sabi Sand.  For more astounding photography and wildlife updates read the full Guides’ Diary on Singita’s website.

(Singita Premier Wine Boutique – Singita Sabi Sand)

Deep into mid-winter in Southern Africa there is a dramatic change in the bush colouring from verdant dense greens to the straw-browns of the dry season.  Extended animal movements abound as they search for the last vestiges of green fodder and the elusive pools of fresh water.

Having been requested to speak at the inaugural Winebiz Conference on wine marketing and sales, I travelled once again to the wintery Winelands.   A great time to be hosting such an event in the Cape as the winemakers use the cooler wet days to finalise their blends and bottle those vintage wines that have been slumbering, developing magnificently in barrel.  The wine marketers grab onto these new and exciting developments and releases to enhance the attraction of their portfolios.

In this regard it may seem odd that a ‘bush wine specialist’ was requested to speak on the topic ‘Put your best foot forward – optimising cellar door experiences’.  However with the many years of hosting thought-provoking and informative wine tastings in the Singita Cellars not to mention the wonderful success of the Premier Wine Boutique as an added-value home of wine, information and passion, it suddenly seemed quite possible that we could add real value and insight into the Wine Farm’s visitor experience.

On a cool, bright and sunny day the conference turned out to be both stimulating and informative and well worth attending even as a delegate let alone as a speaker.

Further to the conference I received an impromptu invitation to Ken Forrester Vineyards nestled in the foothills of the Stellenbosch – Helderberg Ridge mountains for a vertical presentation of the now 10 year production of the famed single-vineyard ‘FMC’.  Now that sounded like an absolutely rare and unique opportunity.  An exciting prospect as I departed for the farm enthralled by a magnificent sunset of pink and orange hues.

Ken a renowned, lifelong restaurateur realised his dream of wine making when he purchased a small run-down farm with his family. Realising that not only was Chenin Blanc the wine style that offered South Africa it’s greatest potential for renown but that this newly acquired farm hosted one of the unique ‘heritage’ blocks of old dry-land bush vine Chenin planted in 1967 (Mmm, my own lifelong wine endeavours – sharing the same birth date!).  Ken set about a tireless journey to revitalise the vineyard and image of this historical grape.

Roping in Martin Meinert, winemaker and blender extraordinaire and long time restaurant partner into this new project they tackled the 1998 & ’99 vintages with gusto but with little success.  Even greater care and attention ensued with each bush vine pruned back to one bud which captured the entire root system’s energy into a couple of bunches but resulted in a yield of less than 1 ton of grapes per acre.  Wow – the resulting first release 2000 vintage showed ground-breaking concentration yet remained balanced and enthralling!

With a single long, farm-style table at centre stage in the tasting room sandwiched between small and jam-packed barrel maturation and fermentation rooms the tableau of ten spaces set with five large glasses each raised the expectations even further for an individual experience. Personally pouring each vintage Ken held us enraptured with tales of the wine’s development, the original description of the FMC’s acronym (now know in political correctness as the Forrester-Meinert Chenin) and the attention given to each of the multiple hand harvests completed through the vineyard to ensure perfectly even ripeness throughout the bunches of grapes used to fill each individual 400 litre Loire Valley French oak barrels.

Presented with the youthful, distinctly green tinged 2009 vintage redolent with stewed apple and ruby grapefruit on the nose we set off on a journey through the last decade.  What concentration displayed by this emerging teenage wine with promise of supreme pleasure in years to come.

Quickly followed on by an enticingly approachable 2008, a deep yellow in colour, bouquet and stone fruit inspired palate already offering tremendous pleasure.

Next the powerful 2007 with a deep golden yellow hue fit for an artist’s brush. An entry of delicate herbal ‘Garrigue’ or Cape Floral notes underpinned by distinctive almond and marzipan leading to a riveting flavour demanding rich food or further maturation time.

Just when we thought we had seen the spectrum, the 2006 emerged to enthral with dainty intensity, freshness and elegance.  The lightest coloured and most superbly balanced – what difficulty to not consume in one draft.

Finally the 2001 flowed into it’s receptacle to offer complete integration with the richness of matured marmalade upfront and the tight and lengthy finish to follow – supreme now yet with a portent to further years of pleasure to come.

As the ‘Cape Doctor’ South-Easter started blowing, rattling doors and windows we could ruminate over the first decade of a now internationally iconic wine as we savoured giant tempura prawns dipped in hoisin sauce, crisp pork belly and artisinal cheeses subtly proving that the food matching versatility of Chenin Blanc is unsurpassed.

Nodding off to sleep some time later I looked forward to the development of Singita Premier Wine’s own stocks in maturation and to the next decade of a developing heritage.

Find out more information about Singita Premier Wine on Singita’s website – or contact us directly at premierwine@singita.com.

Happy imbibing,

François

From the desk of Luke Bailes, Singita’s Owner and Chief Executive Officer, about Singita’s modern conservation model.

In 2002, the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund (Grumeti Fund) was granted the right to manage and conserve 350,000 acres of land in the western Serengeti, Tanzania (as a comparison, the entire world famous Masai Mara National Game Reserve in Kenya comprises only 370,000 acres).  The area Grumeti Fund chose to conserve is among the most vital natural habitats left on the planet.  Chief among its wonders is the world renowned wildebeest migration and the multitudes of flora and fauna this strategic buffer zone supports.  By undertaking this project, Grumeti Fund and its supporters hope to conserve one of the world’s true remaining spectacles and thereby embrace former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere’s vision to have “a world in which people and wildlife live together sustainably forever”.

Singita’s involvement with the Grumeti Reserves commenced in 2006 and through the work of Singita’s truly talented management team, the property was transformed and upgraded and now includes 3 expanded lodges and the most exclusive mobile tented camp in the world.   All situated on 350,000 acres of privately managed land.  It is our sincere belief that the only way to protect vast pristine wildlife areas is to practice a model of modern conservation where low impact tourism generates income to assist in funding conservation and community outreach programmes to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserves.

Without creating this type of virtuous partnership, wildlife will always lose out and the world’s natural wonders will slowly but surely disappear.  If we are successful however, there is no doubt pristine, well-protected wilderness areas like the Serengeti will become truly priceless.

Today, Singita Grumeti Reserves is an unqualified success story.  It has delivered on its most basic promises; to develop the most prolific wildlife populations in East Africa and become the best managed and protected reserve in the Serengeti.  In addition, Singita Grumeti Reserves has been a true leader in the areas of community development and scientific research.

Travel & Leisure, the world’s largest hospitality publication, recently announced the results of its “Top 100 Hotels poll” for 2011 and T+L readers selected Singita Grumeti Reserves as its No1 in the World.  This extraordinary achievement bears testimony to man’s desire to experience authenticity and realness, while we believe at the same time promoting sustainability and a true commitment to conservation.  These qualities together are what we believe makes Singita Grumeti Reserves and the entire Singita portfolio stand out (as an aside, I am also very pleased to let you know that Singita Sabi Sand took second place in this prestigious poll for 2011).

To read more about Singita and ten unique safari experiences in four regions in Africa, spend a few minutes on Singita’s website.

The Wildebeest Migration was declared the 7^th new Wonder of the Natural World in June 2006 and it is well justified.  This annual mass movement of over a million wildebeest has to be one of the most awe inspiring sights on earth.  It is very possible that these animals have been making this astonishing trek for millions of years and if that is so then man must have been marveling over this for millennia.

There have been literally rank after rank of wildebeest filing onto the plains on a daily basis.  From the 25^th May we watched as the numbers swelled until it seemed there would be room for no more.  Yet they continued to arrive.  The herds of topi and zebra gave way before encroaching hordes; elephant left the low lying areas and headed for the hills.

They passed by Singita Sabora and spent a few days on the plains in and around the tented camp, consuming the new grass that had sprung up after the fire a few months ago.

From there they headed east, grazing and honking as they went.  Thousands of them staked out areas around the Sasakwa airstrip and we spent many hours on the strip keeping it clear for arriving and departing aircraft.

With them came the scavengers, hyena walked unperturbed between them, and the wildebeest hardly gave them a glance.

Vultures soared overhead or dropped down onto carcasses and the wildebeest didn’t seem to care; it seemed that everything benefitted from their arrival.

There was literally nowhere on the property you could go without driving through thousands of wildebeest.  It is an amazing experience that is impossible to describe:  the constant movement of all the animals, the noise of their continual honking, the clash of horns as the bulls charged into one another, and calves and mothers that have become separated call to one another in an attempt to reunite.

The migration faces all challenges head on.  Sometimes there is a bit of trepidation or hesitation by each animal when faced with a tricky river crossing or a wooded area but in order to survive they have to keep moving.  Food and water are the main motivation and as much as wildebeest are responsible for consuming vast quantities of grass on a daily basis they are also a key component in the regeneration of the same grasses, and other grasses they don’t eat.

(Outstanding view of the wildebeest right in front of Singita Faru Faru Lodge.)

Herbivores can and do play a large role in grass successions.  When the rains come through after the migration has moved on there will be a marked regeneration.  The millions of hooves crush and trample the moribund material into the earth and their dung helps to fertilize it.

To read the full report of the annual wildebeest migration through Singita Grumeti Reserves this year, take a look at June Guides’ Diary on the Singita website.  For daily and weekly updates of the location of the migration, follow Singita on Facebook.

Alan Yeowart, Guiding Skills Facilitator and Private Guide, Singita Sabi Sand – shares insights into the initial phase of training individuals to become “Game Rangers”.   Singita Field Guide Training Academy – 2011.

Apart from the obvious basics about learning the theory of Field Guiding and its associated knowledge component, the real essence of spending 6 months as an aspirant Field Guide or “Game Ranger” is the accrual of stories and experiences that will equip you from a practical sense.

Where better than Singita’s iconic properties can you be exposed to such an onslaught of experiential opportunities?

Alan Yeowart’s 9 new recruits are currently busy developing their skills and the following are some photographs after their first 4 weeks of training.

How strong does a Musth Bull smell at 2 metres?

What does a lion’s breath smell like?

How loud does your heart-beat sound when you are told – “now let’s see if we can get a little bit closer”?

Joining the dots; collecting evidence; analyzing the scene and recreating the sequence of events.

Spectacular places…

To keep up with news about the Field Guide training – follow the Guides’ Diaries posted monthly on Singita’s website.

To ensure our Field Guides and Trackers are as passionate about the wildlife and flora as we are – and to ensure they are able to convey this to Singita guests through sharing accurate information and insights about the land which they traverse – Singita has established an in-house Field Guide and Tracker Training Academy under the care of one of our most experienced and knowledgeable guides.  A comprehensive six month training programme covers all areas of field guiding and tracking from an in-depth understanding of all flora and fauna, to responding appropriately and professionally to the specific needs and interests of each of our guests.  For more information refer to Singita’s website.

Relax in warm winter sunshine on the deck overlooking the Sand River with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.  Chef Loraine Pienaar at Singita Boulders Lodge has created a zingy starter for you to try at home, while reminiscing about your stay at Singita Sabi Sand.

CHERMOULA PRAWNS WITH PAPAYA DRESSING AND POTATO SALAD

12 prawns cleaned and deveined

CHERMOULA

Chermoula is a traditional Moroccan dipping sauce that originally would have been made using a mortar and pestle. It is quite acceptable to use a food processor these days.

1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro)
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp coarse sea salt
2–3 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
½ roasted red pepper (fresh is best but canned also works)
juice of 1 lime
3 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

- Blend all ingredients in a food processor
- Marinate the prawns in the Chermoula for at least 2 hours

POTATO SALAD

2 Large potatoes (+-650g)

3 Sprigs spring onion sliced finely

2 ½ tbs Crème fraiche

- Peel the potatoes and dice into even small blocks
- Blanch in salted water until al dente and cooled
- When potatoes have cooled, add crème friache and spring onion, mix well.

PAPAYA COULIS

½ medium sized papaya

½ red chilli chopped finely

1 tbs sugar

100 ml white wine

2 cm cinnamon stick

- Boil all the ingredients together until the papaya turns into pulp
- Puree in a food processor and strain through a fine sieve

Putting it all together

- Pan-fry the prawns in olive oil until pink and season with salt, pepper and lemon juice

- Arrange the potato salad onto 4 plates and stack the prawns on top

- Dress with papaya coulis, garnish with fennel (optional)

Bon Appetit from the kitchen at Singita Boulders Lodge.

(For more Singita recipes, take a look at the Singita Facebook page where there is something for everyone.)

All over South Africa yesterday there was a buzz in the air – all because of an extremely special occasion:  Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday.

In case you didn’t know this, but as a result of the success of the birthday celebrations in London, June 2008, to commemorate Nelson Mandela and his life work, it was set in motion thereafter to acknowledge Mr. Mandela’s birthday each year as “Mandela Day“.  What a perfect way to ensure that his legacy endures for a very long time.

The Mandela Day campaign message is simple:  “Mr Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity.  All we are asking is that everyone gives 67 minutes of their time, whether it’s supporting your chosen charity or serving your local community”.

In a tucked away corner of the Kruger National Park, a group of people decided to take this challenge very seriously – our amazing Singita staff at Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges.  They came up with some innovative and creative ways for everyone to particpate in order to raise funds to make a difference.  Some signed up to shuffle for 6.7 minutes; delicious cupcakes were auctioned off; some chose to cycle 67 kilometres while others opted for running 6.7 kilometres – and even one staff member signed up to hug or kiss 67 girls!  All proceeds are planned to support local primary schools in the area.  What a day and a great amount of fun had by all – all for an oustanding cause.

Written by Marlon du Toit, Singita Guide, Singita Kruger National Park

Elephant, Cape buffalo, White Rhino and Hippo are plentiful on the concession. There are two prominent water sources within the concession during the dry season: the Nwanetsi River system and Gudzane Dam.  As the last remaining water holes dry up west of the concession, animals are forced to move east in order to quench their thirst.

Elephants can trek amazing distances in pursuit of water. They prefer to drink at least once a day and will cover up to or more than 12km in a single journey. We have a large resident hippo population. As the water evaporates under the heat and the pressure mounts, some sections of the river can house more than eighty hippos. This is not ideal for them as they are territorial animals that do not like to share, but they have no choice.  Battles between dominant male hippos are a common sight.

To read more of this month’s safari updates from Singita Guides, click here for recently published journal entries.  Also for up-to-date, out-of-this-world photography of the daily happenings at Singita Game Reserves, follow us on Facebook.

It is with pride and a great sense of achievement that we are announcing an extremely significant award just released this week.  The readers of America’s leading travel magazine “Travel + Leisure” have for the Travel + Leisure 2011 World’s Best Awards, declared Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania, as no. 1 in their worldwide “Top 100 Hotels” poll.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce this news – and not only have we scooped up the 1st place but also Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa, has been ranked as No. 2 Hotel in the World overall.  But there’s more – we are also extremely proud that Singita Kruger National Park secured the winning slot for Best Hotel Spa in Africa and the Middle East.

The awards are featured now on TravelandLeisure.com/worldsbest and will appear in the August issue of the American Travel + Leisure magazine (due for release on 22 July).  The survey results are based on readers’ ratings.  Properties were rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being excellent, according to selected characteristics: rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food, and value.  Hotel spas are rated on the basis of their ambience, treatments, service and value.

Singita Game Reserves featuring in the coveted Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards follows on from Singita Pamushana winning the 2011 Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award last month demonstrating that our tourism development and operations have made a tangible contribution to the conservation of nature.

To read more about the Singita model of modern conservation and our recent recognition in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2011 please refer to our media release.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

Singita Ebony Lodge, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for Singita updates and some of the most splendid photography, capturing once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences in Africa.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge, Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

Singita Lebombo Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa

After a short closure a restored and re-invigorated Singita Ebony Lodge has just reopened.  Singita’s flagship lodge, Ebony Lodge overlooks the Sand River and is inspired by the original Lewis Camp.  Refreshed but true to its original design an authentic, colonial bush experience is represented by bold colours of Africa blended with real antiques, layers and florals that reflect the English heritage of a country home.

Geordi de Sousa Costa, from Cecile and Boyd’s, was involved in the original design of Ebony Lodge and was therefore highly qualified to advise on the way forward when we considered a refresh of the lodge.

Geordi’s interpretation is that Ebony’s style is unique.  She speaks about the beautiful finish that has built up over years of dedicated polishing and care, and the clever combination of African artifacts and European collectibles that would be typical in the bush home of a seasoned, high-end traveler.  Ebony is Singita’s flagship lodge and has a history and heritage that is unmatched.

For more information about Singita Ebony Lodge read more here – and if you are interested in the new rates of the Lewis Suites, find out more.

By James Suter, Guide at Singita Kruger National Park.  Follow our monthly Guides’ Diaries for more enthralling updates about the diverse wildlife at each of the Singita game reserves.

Singita Explore like all Singita locations has its own unique bush signature with elements that echo the feel and structure of the camp.  The simple yet comfortable is replicated within the cuisine.  Food is slightly more interactive as chefs cook eggs to order in front of guests, meals are prepared on the coals, and wood scented fires are very much a part of the camp ethos.  The kitchen creates the backdrop to camp life.  There are camping staples like potjies, barbecues, pot breads and the full cooked breakfast with the focus on unprocessed, wholesome food.

For lunch we love to spread out a tantalising smorgasbord of cold meats, cheeses served with pickled red onion and cucumber, raw beetroot relish, sesame bread sticks, rustic olive loaf, and a fresh, green salad.  A special hot item would be traditional pilau with kachumbari (local salad made of sliced tomato, onion, lemon juice and chilli) and Greek yoghurt.  We opt for delicious and light for our dessert selections – one of our favourites is roasted pineapple and strawberries with Almond praline cream.

For high tea at the camp we are creating simple but mouthwatering delights, such as a banana walnut loaf served with raspberry jam and butter.

After evening game drives, guests love to position themselves around the roaring campfire.  Nothing is more comforting as the evening settles in, than Stok brood (bread cooked over the fire by the guests themselves) dipped into chilli dipping sauce and savoured under the stars.

Then follows a full dinner feast of pork chops, lamb mishkaki (skewers), potato bake (creamy garlic potato), butternut chakalaka, and a garden salad.  There is always a little room leftover  for warmed apple crumble with vanilla custard.  Is your mouth watering yet?

Some of the menu items that are gaining the greatest rave reviews – oxtail potjie, chicken apricot sosaties and our famous chocolate Malva pudding.  We will have to share some recipes in the next blog articles, so keep watching this space.

For more information about our introductory offer at Singita Explore follow this link to read more.

“Winning the Tourism for Tomorrow Award in the Conservation category is a momentous endorsement of 17 years of conservation efforts at our Zimbabwe property, Singita Pamushana, since it gives enormous encouragement to our team of research ecologists, anti-poaching scouts and all involved in the management and protection of this beautiful part of Zimbabwe”, said Mark Witney, Chief Operating Officer of Singita Game Reserves.  “We hope that as a result of winning the award, visitors will be encouraged to experience for themselves this success story in terms of both the preservation of habitat and wildlife and the significant community projects we support.”

The winners underwent a rigorous judging process by an international team of 22 independent judges, led by Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges, WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, and a leading expert on sustainable tourism.  Mr. Christ is also an award-winning travel writer and eco-traveller who has explored more than 125 countries.

Costas Christ commented: “We are entering a new era where sustainable tourism principles and practices are no longer represented by a handful of well-meaning companies. Instead, sustainability itself has emerged as an important global initiative for protecting natural environments and assisting the well being of local communities.”

Article submitted by The Travel Corporation, sponsors of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2011.

Ending the day under the stars at Singita Explore and tucking up under canvas was memorable in so many respects.  Written by James Suter.

Each evening at around 07h30 pm Ed, our guide, started heading back to the Explore camp.  As we drew closer we could see tiny lights in the middle of the endless darkness.  We were welcomed with a refreshing towel and cocktail and headed toward the campfire to share all the stories of the day.  The warmth and attention of the staff each night made us feel as if we were amongst friends sharing adventures and laughing at some of the days’ events.

Watching the moon rise in the vast expanse of sky above us was a sight to behold.  Nights out on the Serengeti plains in Tanzania were alive with fascinating sounds and the smell of the camp barbeque tempted our appetites.

(Photography by James and Marlon)

Game drives in the Grumeti concession differ from those in South Africa, and Marlon and I took some time before we realised this. Every time we head out onto the plains and our guide stops, we immediately grab our binoculars and start scanning the landscape. As we start spotting animals, which one always does every time one looks around, we start calling out the names of the different species.

This is really exciting as not only are a lot of these species new to us but the abundance of life is astounding. We managed to tick off many new species of birds, Aardwolf, and saw lions climbing trees, which we are told is a very common habit of the Butamtam pride.

Once again the wealth of game including massive herds of eland, topi, zebra, giraffe and elephants blew us away. One of the most enjoyable moments for me was getting out of the vehicle and watching the sun set over the Serengeti amongst hundreds of animals.

Keep up with stunning photography on the Singita Facebook page…more to come.

To book Singita Explore, please take a look at our introductory offer available through 15 December 2011.

We awake in the morning at our Singita Explore tented camp filled with excitement, listening to both sounds of the Serengeti plains as well as the early morning sounds of the Swahili staff preparing coffee on the fire. Typical mornings include a 06h00 wake up call, hot shower and then as we step outside the tent we are greeted by the most magnificent Tanzanian sunrises.

Quite remarkable and eco-friendly, each sleeper tent is equipped with a 20 litre bucket that is used for the shower, and this provides 10 luxurious minutes of shower time – or more if needed.  Hot water is made via a volcano pressure boiler, and is fuelled by recycled “green” energy.

After thrilling morning game drives, heading back to camp to enjoy a sumptuous cooked breakfast is all that is on our minds.  A table is set up for us out in the open in front of the camp, with shade provided by a large acacia.  Right by our table, staff prepare generous portions of eggs and meats to satisfy our ravenous appetites.  We could stay here forever!

Nothing like the smell of filtered coffee brewed over the coals and a crisp morning chill in the air – James Suter.

Take a look at more amazing sights that we are capturing on camera….follow the account on Singita’s Facebook page all week.

Our Singita Explore tented camp was set up in one of the more remote parts of the concession, giving one a feeling of freedom and genesis. On our arrival we were greeted by the notoriously friendly Swahili staff and greeting “Jambo!”. We tried to get our heads around the fact that we were in the middle of the Serengeti, with endless grasslands dotted with the familiar acacia species. Not only were we in this surreal place but also our accommodation was a tent fit for a king.

Although back-to-basics and in true camping-style, the tents are equipped with anything and everything one’s heart could desire; luxurious camp cots, hot showers and comfortable lounging wear and furniture. All is prepared within seconds upon request. The experience is hard to put into words; embraced by absolute luxury, yet at the same time feeling what it might have felt like to be the first people to set foot in Africa – exploring the unexplored.

I will never forget this experience – to feel so close to nature amongst herds of zebra, impala and giraffe; going to sleep with them and waking up with them.  This is an experience that is truly life-changing – not just an opportunity to explore this amazing part of Africa but an opportunity to explore one’s self.

Written by James Suter, Guide from Singita Kruger National Park

James Suter and Marlon du Toit (AKA the Safari Brothers) are both professional guides and work in the heart of the Kruger National Park at Singita’s Lebombo and Sweni Lodges.   This week they went up to experience Singita Explore in Tanzania and are now documenting the adventure through their eyes; the eyes of the Safari Brothers.  Follow the entire adventure on Singita’s Facebook page.

You’ll be in awe of their astounding photography.

With this in mind, Singita is launching a transformational new travel concept – Singita Explore, a return to the very essence of safari.  This exclusive mobile camp is designed for minimal environmental impact,  treading lightly on 340,000 acres of private reserve, offering en-suite canvas hideaways that restore true adventure to days in the wilderness.

The camp will be sold on an exclusive use basis only, available year round, and this back-to-basics mobile camp only operates within Singita Grumeti Reserves.  Comprising 6 tents and 2 mess tents the camp will be placed in remote parts of the reserve, guaranteeing closeness to wildlife and untouched landscapes, and is hosted by a private guide, camp host, chef and camp staff.

Singita launches Singita Explore 1 June 2011.  For information about the introductory promotional offer, contact our Reservations department at enquiries@singita.com.

From the plains of the Serengeti to the rocky outcrops at Singita Pamushana, to the unique wildnerness settings of Singita Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand, Easter festivities were celebrated with a special touch of safari style.  New life abounds with the Ravenscourt female’s cubs at Singita Sabi Sand; the breathtaking new cheetah cubs and the growing and magnificent Mountain Pride at Singita Kruger; and the Butamtam lion cubs at Singita Grumeti Reserves.  But also age-old holiday traditions were tucked into the Easter weekend including Easter egg hunts for the little ones at Pamushana Lodge and the most delectable hot cross buns served on the grand verandas of Sasakwa Lodge.  As usual, we love to create memories of a lifetime at Singita!

In Ernest Hemingway’s book, The Green Hills of Africa he describes the habits of sable antelope, which he used to hunt. Since those ‘glory days’ of teeming herds their story has not been one of good fortune in Zimbabwe. Trophy hunting as well as poaching for meat has led to their decline. Habitat loss has resulted in isolated populations and inbreeding, and increased predation and parasite loads have taken their toll.

However, here’s the good news: according to the IUCN List of Threatened Species, “any further decrease in the free-living population may be compensated by the continued growth of its numbers on private farms.” Here at Malilangwe’s Captive Breeding Centre we’ve recently brought in sable from other fragmented populations to complement our own herds, and are doing pioneering work regarding their health, diet and breeding. They are sensitive antelope but we are achieving encouraging results.

For more information about Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and Singita Pamushana Lodge take a look at our website for further details.

Something easy and special from the Singita Grumeti Kitchen.

Roast Chicken Caesar Salad

Serves 4

Everyone’s favourite classic Caesar with delicious roast chicken turns it into the perfect main course.

1 Lemon and herb roast chicken

4 boiled eggs (8 minutes), peeled and cut into quarters

3 slices white bread, crusts cut off and cubed

Fresh Parmesan

Lettuce greens (classic uses Cos lettuce but mix it up according to preference)

Caesar dressing

Olive oil

Seasoning

Drizzle bread with olive oil and bake in a moderate oven until golden. Cool and then put into a mixing bowl with chicken, lettuce,  tablespoon finely grated parmesan, a  little dressing and drizzle of olive oil; lightly toss. Place on a platter or in individual bowls followed by the boiled egg with extra dollops of dressing.  Using a peeler make Parmesan shavings and place on top. Serve.

Caesar dressing

½ cup Homemade mayonnaise

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Capers, chopped fine

40 ml Parmesan, finely grated

Juice of one lemon

3 Anchovy fillets

Combine all ingredients – for smoother consistency, blend.  Refrigerate until needed.  Should last up to a week.

The excitement started when we were privileged enough to have our first glimpse of the new leopard cubs in the first week of the month. Even though it was only a long distance visual of the cubs together with their mother on a rocky ledge, everyone realised just how rare and special it is to view leopard cubs, especially at only 5 weeks old.

In general, however, the first few days of the month were fairly quiet until one afternoon there seemed to be more than we could take in. Suddenly, we found the 3 members of the Mapogo coalition of male lions, the Othawa Pride of 8 as well as 6 members of the Southern Pride. The large herd of buffalo were also grazing in the southern sections of the property together with various crashes of white rhino and breeding herds of elephant making the most of the last scatterings of ripe marula fruit. If that wasn’t enough, the pack of 7 wild dogs were also discovered and some guests were lucky enough to witness them make two impala kills in a matter of minutes. Since then, this seems to have been the theme of the month, with a male cheetah also making a couple of appearances in the more open southern reaches of the property. The Southern Pride have been sharpening their buffalo hunting skills and have managed to kill a couple of these animals during the month. Nicky was lucky enough to witness one of these events which she describes further in this month’s Guides’ Diary.

Article contribution by James Crookes – excerpt from March Guides’ Diary, Singita Sabi Sand

If you have been following the updates on the Singita School of Cooking, located at our Staff Village in Singita Kruger National Park, then you will definitely enjoy watching our newest video clip.  The clip details the background of the school; some of the success stories; and dreams of what we hope will be coming next.  Listen to Oriel Mbowane, previous Sous Chef from Singita Sweni and now Skills Chef Trainer at the School of Cooking, talk about his own inspiring history and dreams for his students in the future.

For more information about Singita School of Cooking, take a look at our website and furthermore a previous blog article about this life-changing community project that has touched our hearts.

Rugged but breathtakingly beautiful sandstone hills, with their deep secret ravines and plateaus are eathered grey, sometimes cracked and sometimes smooth, they are adorned with lime, grey and orange lichen.  White fig tree roots strangle then split the rock to reveal a myriad of sunset colours. These bewitching hills straddle the property and provide a refuge for mountain acacia and iron wood trees. Under their shade klipspringer and hyraxes hide themselves; wild dogs den and Black Eagles soar.  The hills are studded with fairytale springs and seeps which are favoured watering holes for black rhino, swimming pools for elephants and mud wallows for ‘dagga boys’ – the ill-tempered old buffalo bulls who have left the herd.  Numerous San rock art paintings, dating back to the Late Stone Age (more than 2000 years ago), bear witness to the historic diversity of animals that occupied this area, and whose descendents still roam free.

In the heart of the hills lies the Malilangwe lake, reputed in Zimbabwe for the excellent fishing opportunities it affords. The lake is also home to hippos and crocodiles, and an array of water birds. Few sites could offer a more spectacular fishing spot or sun-downer cruise.

To the south of the hills the soils are dark and rich – derived from basalt rock of the Jurassic period. In this semi-arid savanna, herds of plains species such as impala, zebra and wildebeest graze, and giraffe can be seen browsing Acacia trees. Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and sable also favour this area, but are more elusive. Woven through the mopane and Acacia trees are stream-like depressions that function as ‘vleis’ (open moist grasslands). These provide food for bulk grazers like white rhino and the herds of more than 500 buffalo.

North of the hills is black rhino and wild dog country. This densely wooded area makes game viewing difficult but extremely rewarding. Amongst the Grewia scrub grow giant baobab trees. Hollows in their gnarled branches trap water and their silvery limbs are home to Buffalo Weavers and honey bees. By-gone hunters used climbing pegs to scale the massive stems in search of honey and water. In some trees these climbing pegs are still evident while in others only swirling scars remain.

The Chiredzi River, a perennial source of water, forms the western boundary of Malilangwe. On it’s sandy banks grow tall ebony and sausage trees. They camouflage the rare and mysterious Pel’s Fishing Owl, and in the tangled ‘wait-a-bit’ undergrowth shy nyala feed, bushbuck bark and francolin call. Lions, leopards and hyenas traverse the entire property, and are often heard calling at night.

As a result of a healthy, functioning ecosystem, game has thrived at Malilangwe.  Population growth has soared to such an extent that Malilangwe has been able to restock other wildlife areas in Zimbabwe. Of particular pride are the black and white rhino populations which have grown so well over the past 10 years that Malilangwe is now able to restock other parts of Africa with these remarkable, endangered species.

Article contribution by Sarah Clegg, BSc, MSc – Consulting Ecologist at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve for the past 15 years.

To view the Malilangwe wildlife in their natural habitat, follow Kim Wolhuter’s extraordinary video footage published regularly on Singita’s Facebook page.  Kim is an internationally acclaimed, documentary film-maker residing on the Malilangwe Reserve recording footage for upcoming documentary projects.

Sitting low on the Sweni River, Singita Sweni Lodge is a tranquil sanctuary built on stilts with decks of dark timber, giving it a grounded and earthy feel.  The six secluded suites offer solitude in a wild setting that stimulates all the senses.  The idea of ‘letting nature indoors’ is one of the main design elements at Sweni.  The look and feel, with tactile furnishings, has been carefully created to bring in the textures and shades of the bush.

Imagine taking time to lie back in an enormous bath of bubbles or salt crystals, watching the hippos wallowing around in the river beneath open windows.  Part of being a natural extension of the surrounding bush is enjoying the outdoor shower overlooking the river and ‘camping out’ under the stars on balcony beds.

The ‘touching the earth lightly’ concept plays a major role and every effort has been made to respect and protect the environment so that it will be conserved for future generations.

For more information about our exclusive lodges in Singita Kruger National Park read more on our website - and look out for our helpful ‘what to pack’ list and weather information.

One of our favourite weddings at Singita Lebombo took place last year.  A New York couple now residing in Nashville, Tennessee, exchanged their vows in a truly intimate fashion – just the two of them.  The setting was breathtaking; at the confluence of two rivers with the low rumble of hippos in the background and the calls of fish eagles piercing the serene tranquility.

After the ceremony the blissful couple drank champagne and cut cake at a look-out point over N’wanetsi Gorge while the sun set over this memorable occasion.

More treasured memories were made when the DiCristinas were married at Singita Sweni.  A slightly larger affair but still truly intimate with a few family members seated around the couple.  Every detail was carefully hand-picked to grace the picturesque bush setting – candles, silk ribbons, hanging flowers, gently draped fabric, and lanterns.  The Singita Sweni team pulled out all the stops to make the afternoon ultimately romantic.

A tender moment with Sam and Scott the evening after their South African wedding…overlooking the N’wanetsi River.

All photographs were taken by Marlon du Toit – Guide, Singita Kruger National Park.

For more information about planning a small and intimate wedding at Singita, please contact our Reservations department at enquiries@singita.com.