Singita Lebombo Lodge

Overview

Per Person Per Night:

$3,652-4,274

$4,274

Type

Lodge

Standard

Exceptional

Rooms

WI-FI

Yes

Families

Yes

Malaria Free

Highlights

Singita offers an exclusive experience in Kruger National Park
See Africa's Big Five animals, including two species of rhino
Excellent guides and well-managed game viewing with no crowds
Singita's camps offer outstanding service, comfort, and cuisine

Location

Singita Concession
Kruger National Park (Eastern)
Mpumalanga Province - South Africa

Singita Lebombo Lodge offers upscale and exclusive accommodation in a private land concession in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

The lodge and 15 private guest suites are perched atop a cliff above a river that is a popular watering spot for the diverse wildlife that live in the area.

Singita operates only two lodges in this 55-square-mile (142-sq-km) private concession and guests staying at one of the two lodges enjoy exclusive access to this wilderness section of the national park. With such a large area and only a handful of safari vehicles out on game drive, it is not unusual for special wildlife sightings to have only a single vehicle in attendance.

Lebombo Lodge's pool deck prepared for evening dining.

Wildlife in the Singita concession 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 many others. Activities include safari drives and nature walks, both conducted by expert guides.

Lebombo Lodge offers 15 luxurious, loft-style suites, two of which are two-bedroom suites that accommodate 4 guests. All of the suites are air-conditioned and the two-bedroom suites include a private plunge pool. The glass-fronted suites are spacious and comfortable, with the wide windows offering views over the river and/or bush.

The lodge's main guest area comprises a lounge, dining area, and bar. A large outdoor deck provides views to the /N'wanetsi River and a space for outdoor dining. There are two swimming pools, including a 25-meter lap pool. Visit the spa and fitness centre for exercise and pampering and indulge in the Singita Wine Experience. Enjoy sunset drinks or a meal atop 'The Pod' rooftop terrace. There is also a traditional boma for al fresco dinner nights. Participate with the chef in the interactive kitchen and visit the Singita Community Culinary School. Shopping is offered at the Singita Boutique and Gallery and the Premier Wine Boutique.

Guest suite interior and view.

Like all of Singita's safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, the service and attention to detail at Lebombo 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. Singita Lebombo is powered by 1 188 photovoltaic solar panels connected to state-of-the-art batteries and inverters situated close to the lodge. Two diesel generators provide back-up power for cloudy days and when the battery systems run low. The system also powers the neighboring Singita Sweni Lodge.

Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Kruger National Park.

The bar lounge at Lebombo.

About Kruger National Park & Singita

The Kruger National Park is one of Africa's oldest and best-known wildlife destinations. The wildlife in Kruger is abundant, but the roads can become congested with large numbers of self-drive visitors and the experience in most of the park can suffer as a result. No off-road driving is permitted in the park, so wildlife sightings are often confined to animals next to or on the paved roads.

Within Kruger's boundaries are a number of private land concessions that are operated separately from the rest of the park, each one managed by a safari operator with exclusive rights to the land reserved for guests staying at the lodge or camp located there.

Singita's private concession (the Singita/N'wanetsi Concession) is located on the far western side of Kruger National Park in the Lebombo Mountains and very close to the border with Mozambique. The concession covers 55 square miles (142 sq kms).

Lions in the Singita private concession of Kruger National Park.

Guests staying at one of the two Singita properties (Lebombo or Sweni) have exclusive access to the sizable concession, so the quality of the wildlife viewing experience is high, with very few vehicles in this large landholding.

The Singita/N'wanetsi Concession is rich in wildlife and its location at the merger of the Sweni and Nwanetsi Rivers attracts a diversity of species. The landscape is scenically beautiful and can accurately be called a true wilderness, with no human settlements nearby. The concession is situated on the western side of the Lebombo Mountain range that continues further west into Mozambique.

Habitats in the concession include savanna grassland, riparian thickets, open woodland, and dramatic rocky outcrops.

Wildlife in the concession is diverse, and includes all of the African Big Five (leopard, lion, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). Other species include zebra, giraffe, impala, hippo, crocodile, spotted hyena, African wild dog (or painted wolf), cheetah, wildebeest, greater kudu, warthog, and many more. Both black and white rhino species are seen regularly. Common primates include chacma baboon and vervet monkey. The bird life is prolific and diverse.

Click to learn more about the Kruger National Park.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

15 guest accommodations in total comprising:

13 one-bedroom suites with sweeping views across the vast wilderness.
2 two-bedroom suites with private plunge pool and views of the river.
Lebombo four-bedroom villa: combines both two-bedroom suites and includes a private swimming pool, lounge, dining room, and deck.

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

The suites are connected to the main camp area by wooden boardwalks (many with some stairs) on the ground.

Singita Lebombo Lodge is a bold, contemporary, and eco-conscious lodge with 15 loft-style suites that are built atop a cliff overlooking the Nwanedzi River below. Each suite is glass-fronted with a private outdoor deck that gives panoramic views. The decks can be fitted with a sleep-out bed with just mosquito netting between you and the stars.

Guest suite interior at Lebombo Lodge.

The design of the 15 light-filled suites, floating between river and sky, was inspired by the many eagles’ nests built into the cliff face of the river bank. Sophisticated and contemporary, the glass-walled suites are romantic hideaways leading outdoors onto elevated wooden viewing decks where guests may sleep out with nothing more than mosquito netting between them and the stars.

Other items and features in the guest suites include:

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

Lebombo Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 34 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 13 one-bedroom suites and 4 persons in each of the 2 two-bedroom suites.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and beverages including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne.
Twice daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles and walking safaris, both of which are led by experienced guides and trackers.
Return road transfers between the Satara airstrip and the lodge.
Laundry service.
WiFi access.

Excludes:

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

* Guests wishing to check in before 13h00 and/or check out after 11h00 are required to book an additional night at the day-use rate.

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

Children

Children under 10 years old are welcome at Lebombo Lodge in the two-bedroom suites.

A single child accommodated in their own suite will attract the full adult rate.
Families of four or more members, including at least one child under 10 years are required to book a two-bedroom suite and are guaranteed the complimentary use of a private vehicle.
Families of up to three members, including at least one child under 10 years, are required to book a two-bedroom suite and pay for the use of a private vehicle.
Triples are available 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:
All activities at the lodge are tailored for each family. The lodge offers child minding services and a wide array of activities to keep children actively engaged.

The Mini Rangers Course is a fun program for kids that includes instruction on how to track animals, bush survival techniques, games involving wildlife, bird, and tree spotting, nature quizzes, and much more.

Additional activities for children:

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

A multitude of airy living areas flow outdoors onto an expansive deck framed by the euphorbia-tree lined landscape. The expansive pool, screened by mature trees but with views of the bush beyond, is the perfect vantage point to enjoy your surroundings during the day.

Main guest area facilities include:

Two swimming pools, including a 25-meter lap pool.
Spa and fitness centre.
Interactive kitchen.
Espresso bar and help-yourself deli.
Wine studio.
Library.
The Pod rooftop terrace.
The Singita Boutique & Gallery.
Television in the main lodge area.
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 available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.

Activities

Safari activities to see the wildlife are offered twice daily at Lebombo, 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 of any age are welcome at Singita Lebombo Lodge (children under age 10 must be booked into one of the 2-bedroom suites). 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 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 Singita Concession in Kruger National Park offers good 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 Kruger National Park do not migrate, although some may range widely between Kruger and the private reserves that border the park to the west. During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the buck 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 Lebombo 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.