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Personal Impression
Lebombo and Sweni are the two new additions to the Singita
property portfolio. Both lodges are incredible, staying in either
lodge would be a wonderful experience. The beauty of this area
in the Lebombo mountains is hard to describe. In certain spots it
looks like a Disneyland set with the unique foliage and striking red
rocks. As with all Singita properties the accommodations are
luxurious, incredible food with included
wines and spirits, even complimentary 24-hour laundry. Singita
properties are
expensive but after visiting many different properties and
comparing the facilities and the cost I feel Singita it is worth
every penny spent. .
Accommodations
Room is an inappropriate name for these unique suites that blend
into the landscape and almost disappear from a distance. The
rooms are huge with an incredible amount of glass that makes you
feel as if the outdoors is right in the room with you. These
are very contemporary rooms but also very comfortable. King size beds
are draped in netting different from anywhere else, It is dark in
color and somewhat rigid, the nightstands are also enclosed
(very convenient). The
luxurious bathroom area is trendy with a free standing large bathtub
with an incredible view, indoor
and out door showers, and a huge deck. Sweni rooms are
actually a little more luxurious in my opinion. You have two bath
areas and a nice wet bar with sink. The rooms are all located above
the river and we actually saw crocodiles in the river from our room.
Behind the river is a hill with incredible trees and plants. The
scene is idyllic. There is a nice swimming pool, great bar and a
small dining area. This is an intimate lodge that holds just
12 people. Lebombo is much larger and accommodates 30 people.
The rooms are similar just without the extra bath and wet bar area.
The colors are also lighter and makes the room feel a little more
contemporary. The views are truly spectacular as they look down from
a high vantage point, just breathtaking views. All the rooms have complete privacy with the windows
facing into the bush. There is a room in each lodge that can be
accessed without any steps so there is availability for those with
walking difficulties.
Singita Lebombo Village
Between the two properties is
Singita Village. A unique attraction featuring incredible African
art, both paintings and sculptures, shopping for souvenirs and the
incredible spa that serves both properties. A really unique
concept that is fun to browse though in the afternoon between game
drives.
Two lodges, Lebombo and Sweni are about
2
minutes apart by land rover.
SWENI & LEBOMBO ACCOMMODATIONS
Game Drives
The topography around the private reserve of Singita Lebombo and
Sweni is truly spectacular. This is actually a 20 year
concession of part of the Kruger National Park. This must be the
most beautiful area of Kruger and just driving around here is
incredible if you never saw an animal. Certain spots are so
picturesque, red rocks, unique plants and mountains, really
stunning. Then there are river crossings full of lily pads,
mirroring water, with colorful African birds playing in the water.
The animals are still getting used to the vehicles as this is a new
concession and they do retain a little more distance from the lions.
However it is a game rich environment and your game drives will not
disappoint. The pictures
below are personal pictures from our last game drive at Lebombo and
Sweni. I
have selected these to show you how beautiful the land is around the
lodges.
The guides
Singita has incredible guides. They hire the best.
They stop at sundown and cook little appetizers and mix you your
favorite drink in the bush. You enjoy this while soaking in
the spectacular surroundings. They will join you at
dinner when you wish and share tales of the bush and the lifestyles
of the South African people. They are well educated, speak excellent
English and have a true love of the African bush and the animals.
Dining and wines
Dinner is always
a great event at
Singita. After a exhilarating game drive, a quick freshen up you are
ready for your pre-dinner drink and a great dinner. At Lebombo
and Sweni they assign you a waiter who is always there to attend to
your every need. There are multiple choices on
the menu and the staff are happy to accommodate your every whim.
So any preferences for a particular way of eating or
particular foods can be accommodated. They have exotic items such as
game meats but also offer standard fare that all American guests are
used to eating. Wines and spirits are included complimentary with
the only additional charges being for selected premium wines for
purchase. The Boma dinners at Singita Lebombo are truly something very
special. The Boma at Lebombo is huge and different from any other
boma I have ever seen. A "contemporary" boma
Normal day at Singita
Morning.
At 5.30am you will get the wake up
call to get ready call to get ready call to get ready for your morning drive. Yes it is early but the
anticipation of seeing the animals makes this easier than you would
anticipate. After breakfast you h
anticipate. After breakfast you head out on your morning game
drive. The game drives can last for about two to three hours
depending on the passengers in the vehicle, what you see and how
long you wish to stay out.
Lunch and the afternoon.
These are lazy times after lunch with normally a little nap in the
afternoon, or a visit the Village and it the Village and enjoy the
spa.
Afternoon tea at 4.00 pm
Meet in the lodge and enjoy an English Tea or iced coffee complete with the
necessary snacks before heading out with your guide and jeep
companions for the afternoon drive.
Dinner
After freshening up you call and a guide comes to escort you from
your cottage to the lodge for dinner. Although it is safe to walk
around during the day the animals are more active at night and they
will not allow you walk around after dark without a guide. A dinner
in the restaurant, or under the stars in the BOMA you will be
treated to a delectable relaxed dinner before retiring to look
forward to the next days adventures.
I predict that your time at Singita will be one of the greatest travel memories.
Web Page:
www.singita.com
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
DETAILS ON SINGITA LODGES
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OF SINGITA PROPERTIES
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