Singita Ebony Lodge
premier Camp | Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
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On the banks of the Sand River, a lifeline coursing through the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, sits an outpost of luxury: Singita Ebony Lodge. This deluxe respite in the heart of one of Africa’s wildest corners nestles in the shade of an ancient riverine forest, where leopards laze by day and hunt by night. Ebony Lodge is a masterful blend of vibrant African ambience and impeccable service.
Our Expert Says
A word of warning… the guest rooms here are so spectacular it might be tough to force yourself to leave for wildlife drives! Fortunately, wildlife is commonly seen from the lodge as well, as it overlooks the Sand River.
– Simon Krejcik
The Camp
Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Number of Tents: 12
Guests at Singita Ebony Lodge are accommodated in 12 secluded thatched suites that epitomize elegance and comfort. The décor features an eclectic mix of colors, fabrics and textures complete with Egyptian linens, African-patterned throws, antiques and every modern luxury. Each suite has an en suite bathroom with deep bathtub and indoor and outdoor showers, a private heated swimming pool, double-sided fireplace, mini bar and fridge, safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct-dial telephones and a private wildlife-viewing deck. A family suite is also available. Guests enjoy the vast view from most parts of the lodge, and the observation deck is the perfect place to gaze upon the diverse array of wildlife drawn to the waters of the adjacent Sand River. It’s not uncommon to see elephant, buffalo and antelope grazing any time of day. The main lodge has a comfortable lounge, bar area and traditional boma where meals are served, a gymnasium, and a library.
Facilities & Amenities
- En suite bathroom with tub and indoor/outdoor showers
- Shampoo, soap and lotion
- Hair dryer
- Air conditioning
- Fireplace
- Mini bar
- 220v charging outlets in room
- In-room safe
- Private plunge pool
- Central pool
- Spa (extra cost)
- Fitness center
- Wi-Fi
- Laundry included
- All drinks included
- Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- Cellular coverage is intermittent
Wildlife Viewing & Activities
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is duly famous the world over for its exceptionally abundant and diverse wildlife. Guests at the exclusive Singita Ebony Lodge enjoy a front-row seat on all the action in this truly wild corner of Africa. The region is particularly famous for its big cats. Frequent, up-close encounters with leopards are common in the riverine forests that fringe the Sand River as it weaves its way through the property. Day and night drives in 4x4 safari vehicles may reveal prides of lion, herds of buffalo, dazzles of zebra, journeys of giraffe, parades of elephant, clans of hyena, crashes of rhino, and possibly even a glimpse of an elusive pack of wild dogs. The diversity of habitats here attracts a vast array of birdlife as well, with more than 400 species recorded. And for those with an interest in African culture, an impromptu visit to the neighboring villages is an essential experience.
The Sabi Sand is known for great leopard viewing, healthy rhino populations and the rest of the Big Five, making it a great wildlife destination for all levels of safari experience. The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced here. Other typical sightings may include warthogs, baboons and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on weather and wildlife movements.
Country | Park/Reserve |
Black Rhino
|
Buffalo
|
Cheetah
|
Eland
|
Elephant
|
Giraffe
|
Greater Kudu
|
Hippo
|
Hyena
|
Leopard
|
Lion
|
Sable Antelope
|
White Rhino
|
Wild Dog
|
Wildebeest
|
Zebra
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
South Africa | Sabi Sand Reserve |
Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
---|---|---|---|
January | 84° F | 68° F | 3.86 in |
28° C | 20° C | 98 mm | |
February | 88° F | 70° F | 6.54 in |
31° C | 21° C | 166 mm | |
March | 88° F | 68° F | 5.24 in |
31° C | 20° C | 133 mm | |
April | 84° F | 61° F | 1.85 in |
28° C | 16° C | 47 mm | |
May | 81° F | 50° F | 0.43 in |
27° C | 10° C | 11 mm | |
June | 81° F | 43° F | 0.12 in |
27° C | 6° C | 3 mm | |
July | 77° F | 43° F | 0.16 in |
25° C | 6° C | 4 mm | |
August | 82° F | 48° F | 0.16 in |
27° C | 8° C | 4 mm | |
September | 82° F | 57° F | 0.55 in |
27° C | 13° C | 14 mm | |
October | 81° F | 61° F | 1.77 in |
27° C | 16° C | 45 mm | |
November | 84° F | 66° F | 6.61 in |
28° C | 18° C | 168 mm | |
December | 84° F | 63° F | 9.41 in |
28° C | 17° C | 239 mm |
Conservation
Singita Ebony Lodge supports the Singita Community Development Trust Fund, a pioneering community development program funded by Singita, donations from guests, and revenues generated from community tours. The fund delivers tangible benefits to local communities, including significant financial support for underfunded schools, many of which are educating the children of Singita staff. Singita also supports the Tshemba Hosi Care Center, which provides care for 100 physically and mentally disabled children. In addition, Singita is deeply invested in the training and professional development of its 200 staff members, most of whom are from nearby villages. Toward this end, it has established its own in-house Field Guide and Tracker Training Academy, which offers a comprehensive 6-month training program. Singita is also deeply committed to operating in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner and has received numerous awards and accolades for its efforts. By restricting the number of guests it accommodates, pressure on the land and wildlife is greatly minimized in the reserve.