South Africa - Singita (Sabi Sands / Ebony & Boulders)
© Photos from the album of Lisa Anderson
The Singita properties are breathtaking as well as filled with exceptional staff. The outstanding service starts with your arrival at the airport (private landing strip), just 5 minutes from the property, where you are greeted by smiling rangers in open air/convertible Range Rovers.
Once arriving at the property, you are welcomed with a glass of lemonade or tea and a cool, wet towel. The "hotel lobby" is like a big outdoor den, with open sides and nature literally at your doorstep. From every angle, the wild is all around you, with impala grazing under the trees, an occasional baboon in the river, an elephant chomping away at the trees, and monkeys lounging on the pool furniture.
Once in your rooms, it is luxury at its finest. With a beautiful backdrop from your outdoor deck, you can also take a dip in your private plunge pool or take advantage of the outdoor shower. It's a great spot to cozy up with a book or to relax with music from the iPod that comes pre-loaded in each room, mounted to the wall with speakers throughout your space. Adapters are provided, as well as an animal guide for tracking the various species throughout your stay. Other happy momentos and necessities include a small paint kit and sketch book, insect repellent, a mosquito net over each bed, and a number of other items to make your stay comfortable and stress free.
Out on the game drive, you will have no more than 6 guests per vehicle, unless you are with a group that has requested to go out together. Normal wake-up time is 5am to get a quick start on game viewing. After the morning game drive, it's back to the lodge for breakfast and them time to nap or lounge by the pool or participate in other activities, like a visit to the local village of Justicia. After a late lunch, it's time for the second game drive at 4pm, again with a guide and a tracker...and a gun! Just around sunset, the guide finds the perfect spot for a "sundowner" — time for a cocktail using the hood of the Range Rover as your table. It's a great way to take in your setting, socialize with others in your group, stretch your legs, and savor your surroundings.
The Singita properties in Sabi Sands, Boulders and Ebony, are breathtaking and special to say the least. To see additional pictures, visit the Singita website. Remember, each property has less than 15 rooms and they fill up way in advance, so plan early. Ebony also offers two family suites, for families with children over the age of ten years old.
For rates and booking information, call Young Travel & Cruises at 864-232-8880 or contact us. We are specialists in Africa and will help you craft an extraordinary safari experience.
