It’s as close as you’ll ever get to waking up in an eagle’s nest, but in sublime comfort and luxury. That’s exactly how it feels when sleeping out on your private deck, perched high above the N’wanetsi River, with panoramic views over the Kruger National Park. Built against a dramatic rocky cliff face, with the river running far down below, Singita Lebombo Lodge blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings with a feather-light footprint. 

The stilted glass suites, shaded by reed screens, are cutting edge in design. There are no interior walls and décor is pared back in shades of stone, clay and cream which defers to nature and brings it right inside. Each of the 13 suites and the private villa has a front row seat to undisturbed bush and river views, where wildlife wanders past through the day. 

Singita’s private concession is 13 000 hectares of magnificent wilderness where the Big Five, vast herds of buffalo and large prides of lion roam. You may even see endangered wild dogs on your game drives. Bush walks here are evocative too, traversing koppies dotted with prehistoric-looking euphorbias. 

Guest suites are so decadently spacious and airy, you’ll want to kick back and simply exhale. Maybe enjoy a bean-to-cup coffee in your suite, roll out a yoga mat and stretch to soothing music, or simply be hypnotised by tranqility. For a healthy snack, help yourself from the all-day bar-deli stocked with salads, smoothies, fresh juices and wholesome bites. It’s right alongside the inviting marble bar, where fine cocktails and sundowners are also served.  

In suite, under the stars, cosy in the boma, around the pool or in the bush are all dining options for dinner. But for romantic diners, on the rooftop terrace above the wine cellar is as close as you can get to the clouds by day and stars by night. Wherever you dine, cuisine is light and fresh, vegetable led, tasty and with beautifully layered flavours – all from the interactive kitchen with menus inspired by food magician, Liam Tomlin. Alongside the kitchen is the Singita Community Culinary School, where community students are trained to be internationally acclaimed chefs. Interested guests can even book a cooking lesson with them. 

The lodge is a vibey space favoured by young couples, families and creatives – actually everyone who appreciates unspoiled spaces and the tread lightly ethos. There’s ample luxury in this award-winning lodge, along with uncluttered, living. It all seems effortless, high up on this cliff face where eagles fly.  

What we love

• that the lodge has minimal environmental impact and is solar powered.
• the remote location, rugged landscape and expansive views
• a holistic wellness focus, long before it was popular
• that all the staff are so passionate and dedicated to what they do
• so many authentic conservation and community projects
• the stargazing 
• shopping for souvenirs in the Boutique & Gallery, and the Wine Boutique

Need to know

• access by scheduled flights or private charters to Satara airstrip, then a 40-minute transfer to the lodge. From Johannesburg, flying time is 1 hour; driving time is 8 hours. 
• Complimentary wifi 
• Children under 10 years are welcome in the family suites and 4 bedroom villa (which includes a private pool, vehicle and guide)
• Safari activities can be tailored to suite families – Mini-ranger’s course
• There is a spacious gym with essential workout machines
• Kosher and Halaal food is available with advance booking

Posted by Keri Harvey