Singita Sweni Lodge
premier Camp | Kruger National Park, South Africa
Click here to be the first to review Singita Sweni Lodge
It’s no cliché to say that Singita Sweni Lodge is unique. Influenced by the structures of dens, warrens and lairs found in the area, the lodge rests harmoniously within its verdant environment on the Sweni River. Set deep in the Lebombo Mountains on a private concession on Kruger National Park’s eastern edge, Sweni’s exclusivity puts you where animals abound—but people do not.
Our Expert Says
Fab-u-lous! Picture an urban retro African-inspired boutique hotel, add world-class amenities like luxe spa services and a state-of-the-art gym, nestle it into the wilds of the bush on a cliff overlooking the plains below, and you’ll have a vision of what Singita Sweni is like. Most importantly, the wildlife count in this part of the Kruger is just as impressive as the thread count.
– Aly Jacobsen
The Camp
Location: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Number of Tents: 6
Singita Sweni Lodge can’t be appreciated apart from the natural world that inspired its design. Set on the luxuriant banks of the Sweni River, this tranquil sanctuary melds harmoniously with the wild world beyond its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Since the lodge is built on elevated timber decks, you’ll have the sensation of being one with the riverine environment and the wildlife that dwells within it. The main lodge is inviting, with its spacious lounge for socializing, swimming pool, well-stocked bar, dining area and evening campfire. Six secluded, air-conditioned suites have open, spacious floor plans with full bedrooms, en suite bathrooms and generous living rooms. Interiors are carefully designed to incorporate the textures and shades of the bush. Watch wildlife as you indulge in a private al fresco shower, or for a real treat, sleep beneath the canopy of stars on the day bed on your private deck.
Facilities & Amenities
- En suite bathroom with tub and indoor/outdoor showers
- Shampoo, soap and lotion
- Hair dryer
- Air conditioning
- Mini bar
- 220v charging outlets in room
- In-room safe
- Central pool
- Star bed deck
- Spa (extra cost)
- Fitness center
- Wi-Fi
- Laundry included
- All drinks included
- Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Diner's, American Express)
- Cellular coverage is intermittent
Wildlife Viewing & Activities
Hidden in the Lebombo Mountains on the eastern side of Kruger National Park, the Singita Concession boasts some of the best wildlife viewing in all of Africa. Because the concession is comprised of four distinct habitats, it offers an exceptionally diverse and rewarding safari experience. Explore the region on twice-daily wildlife drives in the company of top professional guides and trackers, and on optional guided nature walks and mountain bike outings. The rocky outcroppings of the Lebombo Mountains provide a unique habitat for a wide range of species including the famously large prides of lions that rule this wild kingdom. Other species you are likely to encounter include elephant, buffalo, leopard, white rhino, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, hippo, wildebeest, kudu, and crocodile—to name but a few! Many real rarities can be found on the reserve as well, such as the elusive black rhino, sable antelope, serval, caracal and African wildcat.
Kruger National Park is a quintessential wildlife destination, featuring the Big Five and other big cats and large mammals. The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. 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 | Kruger National Park |
Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
---|---|---|---|
January | 86° F | 63° F | 1.42 in |
30° C | 17° C | 36 mm | |
February | 81° F | 64° F | 12.8 in |
27° C | 17° C | 325 mm | |
March | 82° F | 63° F | 4.17 in |
27° C | 17° C | 106 mm | |
April | 81° F | 60° F | 1.22 in |
27° C | 15° C | 31 mm | |
May | 77° F | 55° F | 0.75 in |
25° C | 12° C | 19 mm | |
June | 73° F | 46° F | 0.43 in |
22° C | 7° C | 11 mm | |
July | 72° F | 43° F | 0.16 in |
22° C | 6° C | 4 mm | |
August | 79° F | 39° F | 0.0 in |
26° C | 3° C | 0 mm | |
September | 82° F | 45° F | 0.0 in |
27° C | 7° C | 0 mm | |
October | 86° F | 52° F | 1.3 in |
30° C | 11° C | 33 mm | |
November | 86° F | 57° F | 6.61 in |
30° C | 13° C | 168 mm | |
December | 86° F | 63° F | 4.09 in |
30° C | 17° C | 104 mm |
Conservation
The philosophy of ‘touching the Earth lightly’ infuses every dimension of Singita Sweni Lodge, from the eco-friendly construction and operation of the property, to the extensive staff development and training programs designed to empower local people and enrich their communities. Singita Lembombo Lodge supports the Singita Community Development Trust Fund, a pioneering program funded by Singita and donations from its guests. The fund delivers tangible benefits, including significant financial support for underfunded schools, many of which are educating the children of Singita staff. In addition, the Singita School of Cooking provides local youth with the opportunity to develop professional culinary skills and the Singita Field Guide and Tracker Academy offers a comprehensive six-month training program that enables participants to pursue careers as professional safari guides. Singita also provides the base for operations of the African Wildlife Foundation's Leopard Research Project, which is paving important new ground in efforts to protect these charismatic big cats.