The décor, in a palate of ripening corn through straw to old oak, sang to my soul. There are things that can dramatically influence the way you feel and Singita Lebombo cosseted me in waves of harmony and tranquillity.
In a previously published review, I said that Singita Lebombo is like existing inside a magazine photo shoot. Its cool contemporary design would not look out of place if were situated by palm-lined beach or in a sun-drenched city, but here it is in the heart of the African bush looking perfectly at ease.
I just wanted to stay in my loft and laze on the outside day bed, which can also be made up for a night sleeping under the stars. Views from the balcony stretch across the gorge and down to the river where binoculars help to identify hippos, crocs and fish eagles.
Rains were long expected and the river had dwindled to large puddles of green algae which covered the hippos like moss on a stone.
By the time I visited Singita Lebombo I was at the end of a tiring trip and while others snooze, I am taking notes, snapping photos and trying to write my reviews. But an irresistible drowsiness came over me and I lay down for a few minutes on the display sofa in the boutique shop and woke up as they were locking the shop for the night. My man had left me there! He said he’d tried to rouse me but I was ‘sparko’, so he thought I deserved to sleep.
Singita Lebombo adheres to the Motto of “Touch the Earth Lightly” and as such, barely impacts on the ground at all. The buildings and loft suites – as they like to call the rooms – perch on the rocky hillside on a sort of scaffolding frame. Strengthened glass is used as walls and curving screens of rustic poles create shade and privacy. From the outside it looks like a makeshift building, but step inside and you’ll find nothing unresolved. Inside there is light and airy space decorated by the famous South African, Cecile & Boyd design team. The skill and imagination that goes into creating the ultimate living space looks deceptively simple.
They take food and wine seriously at Singita. A whole team of chefs can be seen, heads down perfecting their creations, in the open-view kitchen. The wine list is exceptional and there story about how it’s selected and finds its way to Singita’s lodges in South Africa and Zimbabwe and Tanzania is extraordinary. Read about it here about it.
As for the safari aspect, it's everything you could wish for from a private concession inside Kruger National Park. And of course, only the best qualified, most amenable drivers and guides. Has Singita reached the pinnacle of perfection in all aspects of safari? Well yes they have. Do you need such luxury and quality when you are really just there to see the wildlife? Well, no. But hey, if you've got the money to indulge in the best of all worlds, then why not!
