Singita Boulders Lodge

Overview

Per Person Per Night:

$3,481-4,074

$4,074

Type

Lodge

Standard

Exceptional

Rooms

WI-FI

Yes

Families

Yes

Malaria Free

Highlights

The Sabi Sand Reserve is renowned for its superb wildlife viewing
See Africa's Big Five animals, often on a single game drive
Excellent guides and well-managed game viewing with no crowds
Singita's camps offer outstanding service, comfort, and cuisine

Location

Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Bordering Kruger National Park
Mpumalanga Province - South Africa

Singita Boulders Lodge is located in South Africa's top wildlife-viewing destination, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which adjoins Kruger National Park.

The lodge is situated overlooking a boulder-strewn section of the Sand River in one of the best wildlife viewing sections of the reserve. Singita operates only few properties in this 70-square-mile (182-sq-km) private sector of the reserve, so guests here will enjoy an exclusive safari experience free from the crowds that can be experienced in some national parks. It is not unusual for special wildlife sightings to have just one vehicle of visitors in attendance.

Main lounge at Singita Boulders Lodge.

Wildlife in the Singita section of the reserve includes all the the Big Five species (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as a large variety of other iconic African animals such as zebra, giraffe, greater kudu, impala, spotted hyena, African wild dog, nyala, hippo, crocodile, and others. Activities include day and evening night drives and guided safari walks.

Boulders Lodge offers 12 luxurious guests suites, two of which are two-bedroom family suites that accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. All of the suites are air-conditioned and include a private plunge pool. The glass-fronted suites are spacious and comfortable, with the wide windows offering views over the river and bush.

Guest suite interior.

The lodge's main guest area comprises a lounge, dining area, and bar. A large outdoor deck provides views to the Sand River and a space for outdoor dining. There is also a swimming pool on the deck. There is a traditional boma for al fresco dinner nights. For those who want extra pampering, the Wellness Centre offers massages and beauty treatments and a fitness centre is available as well. Shopping is offered at the Singita Boutique and Gallery and the Premier Wine Boutique.

The lodge itself offers contemporary luxury and is designed to blend into its natural surroundings. Like all of Singita's safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, the service and attention to detail at Boulders Lodge are at the highest level.

Singita are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Boulders Lodge is connected to the national grid with a backup generator available. Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Sabi Sand Reserve.

Lounge deck and view to the Sand River at Boulders Lodge.

About the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

The Sabi Sand Reserve directly borders the Kruger National Park and is without question one of Africa's best safari destinations. There is no better safari area for seeing all of the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in their natural habitat and it is not uncommon for visitors to see all five on a single game drive in the reserve.

The Sabi Sand is comprised of a diversity of habitats including open plains, rugged rocky outcrops, woodlands and riverine forests.

Wildlife in the reserve is diverse, and besides the Big Five, includes many other species, such as giraffe, zebra, impala, hippo, crocodile, spotted hyena, African wild dog (or painted wolf), cheetah, wildebeest, greater, kudu, warthog, and more. Both black and white rhino species are seen regularly. Common primates include chacma baboon and vervet monkey. Bird life is prolific and diverse.

The reserve is named for the two primary rivers that flow there. The Sand River enters the roughly square-shaped reserve in the northwest, flowing east and then south through the heart of the reserve, where it joins the Sabie River, which forms a portion of the reserve's southern border.

Some of Africa's most established safari operators have had safari camps in the reserve going back to the late 1940s and the long history of safaris over many decades had habituated the wildlife to the safari vehicles, which means they carry out their lives paying little attention to the vehicles.

The Sabi Sand is most renowned for being the best place in Africa to see leopards, which in most safari areas are known to be elusive and sometimes difficult to see. This is not true in the Sabi Sand, which has miles of forested areas that are prime habitat for these beautiful big cats.

There are a multitude of safari camps in the Sabi Sand, each of which manages their own parcel of land, and all of them offer an excellent safari experience for their guests. Some of the best properties are those located along the Sand River.

The Sabi Sand Reserve is contiguous with Kruger National Park and the animals move freely between the two protected areas (the fence that once separated them was removed in 1993) as one large and spectacular ecosystem.

Although Kruger and the Sabi Sand are a single uninterrupted ecosystem, the experience of staying at a camp in the national park is vastly different from that of staying in the private Sabi Sand Reserve. Kruger has strict regulations and far more visitors, with off-road driving prohibited, while camps in the Sabi Sand permit off-road driving to follow big cats or for a closer look at other unique sightings.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

12 guest accommodations in total comprising:

8 River Suites are found along the river facing stretch of the property.
2 Bush Suites overlook a well-visited watering hole and pristine natural surrounds.
2 Family Suites, each with two bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own en-suite facilities. There is a shared extensive outdoor dining and lounge area with a stone fireplace and a private viewing deck with a heated plunge pool. The family suites can be connected to form a four-bedroom suite for an extended family.

Each suite includes en-suite bathrooms with an indoor bathtub, indoor shower, outdoor shower, double-basin vanity, and separate toilet.

All of the suites are air-conditioned and have sumptuous bathrooms, an expansive living area with double-sided fireplace, a private outdoor wooden leisure deck, and a private heated plunge pool.

The guest suites are connected to the main camp area by footpaths on the ground.

Guest suite deck and private pool.

All the suites are airy and full of contemporary luxury and creature comforts. Oversized windows offer sweeping views and welcome in the surrounding wilderness.

Boulders Lodge's 12 suites each have a private sitting and outdoor game viewing deck. Each suite also has a private plunge pool. The interiors are tastefully furnished with rustic, handmade furniture made from fossilized tree stumps, with additional elements crafted from stone, wrought iron, and leather. The beds are very comfortable and include natural flax linens.

Massive glass walls maximize views from inside the suites and create a connection to the natural world outside. The outdoor decks provide views to the Sand River (River Suites) or a wildlife watering hole (Bush Suites) and are an excellent place to relax or enjoy private dining.

Other items and features in the guest suites include:

Air-conditioning.
Minibar and fridge.
Tea and coffee station.
Safe.
Hairdryer.
Mosquito netting over the bed.
Bathroom amenities.
Direct-dial telephone.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Outdoor deck.

Boulders Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the eight river suites and two bush suites and 4 persons in the family suite.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne.
Twice-daily game drives in open game-viewing vehicles, walking safaris (accompanied by experienced guides and trackers).
Return road transfers between the Singita airstrip and the lodges.
Laundry service.
Wi-Fi access.

Excludes:

Tourism levy.
Carbon Offset levy.
Telephone calls.
Purchases from the Singita Boutique & Gallery.
French Champagne.
Massage treatments.
Transport to and from the reserve.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply if 3 or more single rooms are booked in a reservation. A supplement of 25% of the adult rate will be added from the 3rd single room onwards.

Children

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome at Singita Boulders Lodge.

Children aged 10-16 years will be accommodated at 50% of the adult rate when sharing a Bush or River Suite with one adult or another child.
A single child accommodated in their own suite will attract the full adult rate.
Family Suites are suitable for families with young children.
If no family accommodation is available, an additional guest (10-16 years) can be accommodated in a triple on request. An additional room needs to be booked and a minimum charge of 3 adults will apply.
In the interest of safety, participation of children in game activities is at the discretion of the guide.

Children's Activities

Mini Rangers Course is a customized, fun-filled program that opens up a whole new world to young explorers. It includes learning how to track animals; astronomy; bush survival techniques; game-, tree- and bird-spotting competitions as well as nature quizzes.
Cooking interactions.
Board games.
Stargazing.
Bush walks (minimum age 16).
Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games.
Arts & crafts.
Movies.
Swimming.

Facilities

Contemporary and airy, Boulders Lodge is inspired by the rough natural geometry of the rocks among which it is built. Overlooking the expanse of the Sand River and the plains beyond, Boulders is furnished in simple luxury, using the natural materials which Africa provides in abundance.

Main guest area facilities include:

Large deck with a swimming pool and views to the river.
Wellness and fitness centre facilities.
Traditional boma for outdoor dinner nights.
The Singita Boutique & Gallery and Premier Wine Boutique.
Library with a television.
Interactive kitchen.
Mobile phone signal (not always reliable)
There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.

Activities

Safari activities to see the wildlife are offered twice daily at Boulders Lodge, once in the early morning (with something to eat and drink beforehand) and again in the afternoon after snacks. Professional guides conduct both game drives and safari walks, each offering a distinct experience.

Middays are typically spent at the lodge, either in the main area or at your private suite.

Family safaris are a wonderful way to connect with each other and an unforgettable learning experience for children of all ages. Families with children aged 10 years and older are welcome at Singita Boulders Lodge and the staff will design a special program of activities and adventures tailored to suit each family's interests that will result in lasting memories.

Spa treatments are offered for those who want to have some pampering during their stay and there is a fitness centre for those who like to exercise between safaris. Star-gazing is offered on clear nights and the wine tasting experience is another pleasant diversion on offer.

Activities included in the rate:

Twice-daily game drives (staying out past sunset is allowable) in open 4x4 Land Cruisers.
Guided nature walks.
Star gazing.
Birding.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
Spa treatments.

Example of a typical day:

Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
Return to the lodge for a meal and rest period.
Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or around the campfire before retiring.

Great Good Fair Poor

WHEN TO GO

The Sabi Sand Reserve offers very good to excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, but summer (December through mid-March) rains may interfere when they set in, particularly during especially wet years.

The animals in the Sabi Sands and the other private reserves around Kruger National Park do not migrate, although some may range widely between Kruger and the private reserves. During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.

The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.

Singita Boulders Lodge is open year-round.

SUMMER & RAINS

Late spring and summer (from December into Mid-March) is the rainy season in this region and some rains can be heavy, so avoiding the months of January and February is a good idea if you want to avoid rainy days. Wildlife viewing can still still good during the rainy months and the landscape and dramatic skies make for exceptionally good photography.

Palaearctic migrant birds arrive to breed beginning in September some herbivores (particularly impalas) time their birthing cycles to coincide with the rains so that the mothers have plenty of rich grasses and foliage to eat when they need to produce milk. Tourists may shy away from this season, so safari camp prices and availability is better.

The majority of rain comes between November and March, and January and February are the wettest months. Temperatures are hot and humid during the rains, with daytime temps averaging 90°F/30°C, but reaching as high as 104°F/40°C on some days.

WINTER / DRY SEASON

The winter months (June through August) are dry and the temperatures are comfortable during the midday, but chilly to cold overnight and in the early mornings. Game viewing gets better and better as the season progresses and the last of the rain-filled waterholes become drier and drier.

Once the temporary rain-filled waterholes dry up, the animals remain close to the permanent water in the rivers and scattered permanent water holes, making them easier to find. Warm clothing is advised for the chilly morning game drives in the open vehicles.

April and May are the transitional months between the end of summer and the start of winter. Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.

September is a lovely month in terms of both wildlife viewing and temperatures. A few brief rains may fall, but the days are typically beautiful, with afternoon temps averaging 82°F/28°C and mornings a comfortable 57°F/14°C. This is one of the busiest months for tourists and most lodges are booked out far in advance.

October is very dry, with much of the lush bush now in desperate need of the coming rains. Days can be blisteringly hot, but the game viewing is excellent.