Singita Castleton

Overview

Per Person Per Night:

$2,822-3,302

$3,302

Type

Lodge

Standard

Exceptional

Rooms

WI-FI

Yes

Families

Yes

Malaria Free

Highlights

Sole-use property, perfect for families or groups
The Sabi Sand Reserve is renowned for its superb wildlife viewing
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 Castleton is a private-use homestead located in South Africa's top wildlife-viewing destination, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which adjoins the Kruger National Park.

The lodge is located in the center of the Singita property, well away from any other safari camp and offers a private experience for families or groups numbering up to 12 guests. Castleton is only available by booking out the entire property.

Singita Castleton main house and pool.

The beautiful stone-walled homestead and six double en-suite cottages are perfect for families and friends and accommodate up to 12 guests. Exclusive facilities include a Bocce court, extensive wine cellar, country style kitchen and tennis court, as well as state-of-the-art wellness facilities such as a fitness centre, yoga pavilion and double and single massage treatment rooms. An outdoor boma with uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape allows for magical fireside dinners under the stars.

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.

Guest cottage bedroom at Singita Castleton.

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 safari drives in open 4x4 Land Cruisers, guided nature walks, tennis, spa treatments, the Singita wine experience, and bocce ball.

Like all of Singita's safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, the service and attention to detail at Castleton 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. Castleton 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.

Evening drinks on the lawn at Castleton.

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

6 guest accommodations in total comprising:

6 double/twin cottages.

Each cottage includes en-suite bathrooms with an indoor bathtub, indoor shower, double-basin vanity, and separate toilet. All of the cottages are air-conditioned and have sumptuous bathrooms.

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

Singita Castleton is only available by booking out the entire house and is offered at different rates based on 1-8 guests or 9-12 guests. The property consists of a stone-walled main house with communal living spaces and accommodation located in six individual cottages within the grounds, catering for up to 12 people.

Castleton is a grand homestead on the site of the original camp built by the grandfather of Singita's founder, Luke Bailes. The property features nostalgic items that give guests a feel for the history of those early days of safaris in South Africa.

Cottage bedroom.

The 6 individual cottages are located separate to the main house and two of the cottages are inter-leading, which is perfect for families with children.

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.

Singita Castleton is only available by booking out the entire house and is offered at different rates based on 1-8 guests or 9-12 guests.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and beverages including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne.
Private Guide, house manager, chef and house staff.
Private game drives in open game-viewing vehicles (one vehicle for up to 8 guests, two vehicles for 9-12 guests), walking safaris (accompanied by experienced guides and trackers).
Yoga, tennis & bocce.
If a private massage therapist is booked during stay, the daily rate includes a maximum of 5 one-hour massages.
Return road transfers between the Singita airstrip and the house.
Laundry service.
WiFi access where applicable.

Excludes:

Tourism levy.
Carbon Offset levy.
Purchases from the Singita Boutique & Gallery.
French Champagne.
Massage treatments.
Any additional activities not mentioned above.
Transport to and from the reserve.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

* Please note that guests wishing to check in before 14h00 and/or check out after 11h00 are required to book an additional night at the day-use rate.

Children

Children of all ages are welcome at Singita Castleton.

Children's Activities:

In the interest of safety, participation of children in game activities is at the discretion of the guide.
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.
Tennis.

Facilities

Castleton has all the refined features of a five-star safari lodge while retaining the rustic charm of a country farmhouse. The main house is replete with antiques and refashioned items that contribute to the sense of place that exists here. The main house's covered verandah offers views onto the expansive lawn, the large swimming pool, and a well-visited wildlife watering hole beyond.

Main guest area facilities include:

Swimming pool on the front lawn overlooking the Castleton Dam and the open grassland.
Tennis court and Pavilion.
Trampoline for children (and adults) to have fun.
Double and single spa treatment rooms (in-room treatments are also available).
Yoga Pavilion.
Fitness Centre.
Television with full satellite/cable in the main house.
Outdoor boma for dining with uninterrupted views of the watering hole.
Dedicated game drive vehicle with experienced field guide and tracker.
Private staff consisting of house manager, chef, housekeeper, guide, and tracker.
The Singita Boutique & Gallery and Premier Wine Boutique is nearby.
Dependent upon area coverage, there is mobile phone signal.
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 available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.
Kosher and Halaal is available at Singita Castleton at an additional charge – please book in advance.

Activities

Safari activities to see the wildlife are offered twice daily at Castleton, 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 Castleton, either in the main area or at your cottage. Tennis, swimming, bocce ball, spa treatments, bird watching, or just relaxing are all on offer.

Family safaris are a wonderful way to connect with each other and an unforgettable learning experience for children of all ages. Families with children of any ages are welcome at Singita Castleton 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.
Tennis.
Bocce ball.
Star gazing.
Birding.

Optional activities at additional cost:

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 also 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 Castleton 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.