Singita Pamushana Lodge
Highlights
- Remote wilderness with diverse wildlife, including the Big Five.
- Diverse activities: boating, fishing, cultural visits, rock art sites.
- Excellent guides and well-managed game viewing with no crowds.
- Singita's properties offer outstanding service, comfort, and cuisine.
Location
- Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
- Adjacent to Gonarezhou NP
- Southeast Zimbabwe
Singita Pamushana Lodge offers upscale and remote accommodation in the 203-square-mile (526-sq-km) Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in southeast Zimbabwe.
The lodge is located on reclaimed farmland that is now a private wildlife reserve with superb wildlife viewing, including on of the best places to see rhinos on the continent. The reserve has been restored to its natural state and provides habitat for diverse and abundant wildlife.
The lodge and each of the guests suites are situated atop a sandstone hill overlooking a large lake, offering breathtaking views.
The buildings are constructed and designed to emulate those of the historic civilization called 'Great Zimbabwe', with thick earthen walls, fine thatch work, natural stone, and hand-crafted tiles.
Pamushana Lodge indoor dining area.
Activities at Pamushana include safari drives to explore the area and see its wildlife (read more about the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve below), guided nature walks, boating and fishing on the reservoir, tennis, visits to prehistoric bushman rock-art sites, and cultural visits to meet the local tribal people.
Pamushana Lodge offers 7 luxurious suites with private pools and viewing decks offering amazing vistas of the Malilangwe Reservoir below. There are 4 one-bedroom suites, 3 two-bedroom suites, and a three-bedroom suite. The suites are well spaced from one another, ensuring privacy.
Located close to the lodge is the separate, exclusive-use, five-bedroom Malilangwe House, which is designed for extended families or a group traveling together.
Guest suite bedroom at Pamushana.
The main guest area at Pamushana includes spacious indoor and outdoor living spaces with lounges, dining areas, an interactive kitchen, a bar-deli, and wine room.
The lodge is designed to evoke the feel of the historic Great Zimbabwe civilization from centuries ago. The lodge has thick earthen walls with artistically woven thatching, and detailed stone and tile work. The interiors are a combination of bold African colors and refined hues of nature, with locally-sourced African décor and works of art.
Like all of Singita's safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, the service and attention to detail at Pamushana Lodge are at the highest level. Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Malilangwe Reserve.
Detailed stone and tile craftsmanship at Pamushana Lodge.
About Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve covers 203-square-miles (526-sq-kms) of pristine wilderness in southeast Zimbabwe. The reserve is bordered by two much larger protected areas: the Gonarezhou National Park on the south and the Savé Valley Conservancy to the north.
Malilangwe's landscape includes a variety of habitats, including rugged sandstone hills, savanna grassland, open woodlands, rivers and small lakes. The reserve also protects around 100 prehistoric San Bushmen rock art sites.
Wildlife is abundant in the reserve, and includes all of Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant). Common herbivores include southern giraffe, plains zebra, greater kudu, blue wildebeest, sable, roan, greater kudu, buffalo, eland, both black and white rhino species, and elephant. Predators that are seen often include lion, Africa wild dog (or painted wolf), spotted hyena, cheetah, and leopard.
Malilangwe Trust
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve was created in 1994 when the non-profit Malilangwe Trust purchased the land from the Lone Star Cattle Ranch. The transition to wildlife-based land-use began at once and over time, all the cattle were removed. The Trust began reintroducing wildlife that naturally occurs in the region, while also restoring the land to its natural state and working to integrate conservation into the surrounding villages.
In 1998, 28 black rhino and 15 white rhino were introduced to the reserve and there are now thriving populations of both species. The rhinos in Malilangwe have been so successful at reproducing that the reserve is now a source for restocking rhinos into other reserves in Africa.
There is also an onsite Environmental Education Centre for school children and teachers to facilitate outdoor education and fieldwork in the reserve. The Trust runs a Child Nutrition Program to provide local children with a morning meal before school to help address the increasing food insecurity in the region.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
8 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 4 one-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool.
- 1 two-bedroom family suite (2 adults, 2 children) with a private plunge pool.
- 1 three-bedroom family suite (2 adults, 4 children) with a private plunge pool.
- 2 two-bedroom suites (4 adults), each with a private plunge pool.
All the suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. The master bedrooms feature an en-suite bathroom with an indoor shower, outdoor shower, single-basin vanity and separate toilet. The two- and three-bedroom suites have an additional half-bathroom (single-basin vanity and toilet).
The suites are connected to the main camp area by footpaths on the ground.
Every guest suite has a private pool and deck offering outstanding views.
Malilangwe House
Singita Malilangwe House is an exclusive-use five-bedroom villa located next to Pamushana Lodge. Malilangwe House is designed for a group or family traveling together and sleeps up to 10 guests.
The house features a private chef, game-drive vehicles, safari/field guide, and a butler catering for the guests' every need. The villa's bedrooms each have their own private deck. There are spacious communal areas, an interactive kitchen, a bar/deli, and main deck with a large rim-flow pool.
Every suite has a lounge area with a double-sided fireplace, an outdoor deck with views to the Malilangwe Dam below, and a private plunge pool.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Air-conditioning.
- Lounge and writing desk.
- Minibar and fridge.
- Tea and coffee station.
- Safe.
- Hairdryer.
- Overhead fan.
- Mosquito netting around the bed.
- Bathroom amenities.
- Direct-dial telephone.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Outdoor deck with Swarovski spotting scope.
Pamushana Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 22 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 4 one-bedroom suites, 4 persons in each of the 2 two-bedroom suites, and 6 persons in the three-bedroom suite.
Malilangwe House is designed for a group or family traveling together and sleeps up to 10 guests.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and beverages including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne.
- Twice-daily safari drives in open game-viewing vehicles, walking safaris, boat cruises, fishing, visits to ancient rock art sites (all accompanied by experienced guides).
- Tennis.
- Return road transfers between Buffalo Range International Airport and the lodge.
- Laundry service.
- Telephone calls.
- WiFi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Purchases from the Singita Boutique & Gallery
- Carbon Offset Levy
- French Champagne
- Massage treatments
- Any additional activities not mentioned above
- Singita Malilangwe House: Day Use Rate (applicable for early check-in & late check-out)
- Transport to and from Buffalo Range International Airport.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
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 of all ages are welcome at Singita Pamushana Lodge and Malilangwe House.
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.
- Fishing.
- Nursery tours.
- Tennis.
Facilities
Singita Pamushana Lodge is perched atop a sandstone ridge overlooking a large natural reservoir. The lodge is designed in the style of the buildings of historic Great Zimbabwe, with thick walls, artfully crafted thatching, and detailed stone work. The interiors are a combination of bold African colors and refined hues of nature, with locally-sourced African décor and artwork.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Lounge
- Bar & deli.
- Swimming pool.
- Spa and fitness centre.
- Traditional boma.
- Tennis court (a short drive from the lodge).
- Singita Boutique & Gallery.
- Game-viewing hide a short distance from the lodge.
- Television available in the main lodge lounge.
- 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.
Activities
There is a lot to see and do during a stay at Pamushana, including game drives, walking in the reserve, exploring the rock-art sites, fishing, boating, and cultural experiences.
Game drive safaris are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles by experienced guides to see the wildlife living in the Malilangwe Reserve. Game drives are offered twice daily, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Drives are tailored for groups, but generally last 3-4 hours, while middays are spent at the lodge.
Walking safaris are an excellent way to connect with nature and explore the smaller details in the reserve. Wildlife is sometimes seen from a distance, but the idea is to learn from the knowledgable guides. Identifying animal tracks and learning about the diverse flora are just some of the aspects of a bush walk. Note that the minimum age for walking in the bush is 15 years.
Educational visits to the San Bushmen rock art sites (there are nearly 100 known sites in the reserve) are not to be missed during your stay. The San is the name given to the earliest humans that populated much of central and southern Africa. The San people were hunter-gatherers and they created paintings on the walls of rocks showing depictions of animals and sometimes people.
Activities included in the rate:
- Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 Land Cruisers.
- Guided nature walks.
- Game viewing at the hide.
- Prehistoric rock art site visits.
- Boating and fishing.
- Tennis.
- Star gazing.
- Birding.
Guests to Singita Pamushana have the opportunity to visit the Kambako Living Museum (which is the Shangaan word for an 'old bull elephant'). Kambako was founded in 2011 and its aim is to pass down the 'old ways' to the younger generation before they become lots forever. Kambako is located just outside the Malilangwe Reserve (a 45-minute drive from Pamushana Lodge) and has become a very popular cultural experience for guests.
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 Kwitonda Lodge (the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years). The staff will design a special program of activities and adventures tailored to suit each family's interests that will result in lasting memories.
Boating and fishing in the Malilangwe Dam is a great way to spend some time off of a safari vehicle. Fish that may be caught include bream (Tilapia), African tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), bass, and catfish.
Spa treatments are offered for those who want to have some pampering during their stay, while the well-equipped fitness centre offers exercise for those so inclined. Stargazing is superb on clear nights at Pamushana.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
- Spa treatments.
- Visits to the Kambako Living Museum.
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
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- Aug
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- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
The Malilangwe Reserve is a year-round destination, but there are seasonal variations in the weather which may influence your decision as to when to visit.
Singita Pamushana Lodge is open year-round.
SUMMER & RAINS
Late spring and summer (from December into Mid-March) is the rainy season in southern Africa 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.
