There are places that simply move you in ways that are indescribable, destinations that stand out, vacations that you know you will never forget. When booking a safari itinerary, you’re probably looking for a lodge that will impress, giving you those once-in-a-lifetime memories that usually come with experiencing an African safari. Whether you are traveling on a honeymoon or planning a bucket list family vacation, Singita Ebony Lodge in Sabi Sands, South Africa, is one place that will definitely deliver that “wow” factor, one you will be talking about for years thereafter.
Our family recently returned from a 4-night stay at Singita Ebony Lodge, and we can’t say enough about this extraordinary place. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by a family of elephants at the main lodge, until we said our sad goodbyes, every minute was absolutely sublime. After visiting 10 different safari lodges throughout Africa, I can honestly say that Singita Ebony Lodge is the most luxurious and well-rounded safari experience, seamlessly incorporating its natural surroundings and supporting the ultimate goal of conservation.
Singita Ebony Lodge sits amongst giant trees on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. It’s a stylish and modern safari lodge that blends with the true essence and rhythm of the bush. With a carefully designed layout and gorgeous use of natural elements throughout, the lodge inspires an understated elegance that pampers each guest with luxurious amenities, while simultaneously bringing them closer to the surrounding environment. Singita Ebony Lodge is comprised of 12 suites, each with its own private plunge pool. The internal and external walls of each suite are made of canvas and glass, which maximizes the views and creates the feel of a safari tent. Apart from individual suites, there are also two 2-bedroom family suites that can be combined to create the Ebony Villa and accommodate up to eight guests
My family and I stayed in a 2-bedroom family suite, which was exquisite. We watched buffalo, hippo and elephants grazing daily on the banks of the Sand River. We saw monkeys traveling along the tree lines, and listened to the distinctive calls of the birds, all while relaxing on our villa deck and enjoying our heated infinity pool.
Singita Ebony Lodge is Perfectly Curated for Families
All itineraries at the lodge are tailored to specifically suit the interests of each guest, and each family is assigned a staff member to care for them, be a point of contact, and schedule their activities throughout the stay. This is especially handy when traveling with children. Children of all ages are welcome at Ebony Lodge, and the incredible staff helps keep little ones entertained with a slew of activities. From cooking interactions, arts & crafts and movies, to bush walks, stargazing and swimming, they can do as much as their hearts desire. The lodge also offers babysitting services upon request.
For us, the flexibility was a breath of fresh air. Each detail of our stay was perfectly curated and personalized, at our pace. The staff was perfection. They welcomed us like family and took such beautiful care of us. They planned engaging activities for our children each day—cookie decorating, pizza making and sand art. No request was too big.
Our guides were professional, kind and incredibly knowledgeable. The game drives were dreamy, with sightings of the Big 5, roaring lions at sunset and so much more. We were even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive pangolin. So incredibly special! Oh and have I mentioned the safari vehicles? You may want to save this as a surprise for those traveling with you, but the safari vehicles are luxuriously outfitted with everything you could ever want—ponchos to keep you warm, tissues, binoculars, camera rests for the aspiring nature photographer, USB ports at every seat, and heated seats. Singita really does go the extra mile to anticipate their guests’ every need.
A Visit that Pays It Forward
Singita is a Tsonga word meaning “place of miracles”—a name that is quite fitting for a brand that strives to preserve the incredible settings of each of its lodges. They see the land as a precious miracle to be cared for through sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives. Singita’s origins date back to 1925, when Luke Bailes’ grandfather purchased a piece of land in what would later become the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa. In that 45,000-acre reserve Singita opened its first lodge, Singita Ebony Lodge, in 1993. Since then, the Singita brand has grown to now manage 15 lodges and camps across six game reserves in four different countries. As a guest at Singita, you will have a far-reaching impact, contributing to a multitude of conservation initiatives and programs that empower the local communities.
Although our visit to Ebony Lodge was our first experience with the Singita brand, I have no doubt that each and every one of their destinations are equally magical. In any case, our family safari at Ebony Lodge was a true bucket list experience in every way, and I hope to have the opportunity to visit their other lodges in the future.
For more information, visit singita.com/lodge/singita-ebony-lodge.
For Mayra Bazavilvazo’s family adventures throughout South Africa, click here, here and here.
