Singita Pamushana Lodge

Perched high on a sandstone ridge overlooking the shimmering expanse of the Malilangwe Dam, Singita Pamushana Lodge’s eight elegant suites – all with private plunge pools – draw inspiration from the rich tribal history of ancient Zimbabwe.

Maximising opportunities to be immersed in the restorative power of its incredible wilderness setting, the lodge’s guest experience allows for a safari that’s both soothing and inspiring – with comfort, intuitive ease and a complete sense of freedom underpinning every stay.

Featuring a series of staggered and interlinked platforms, the main lodge area provides a variety of living spaces from which to appreciate the astounding natural beauty of the area. Expansive decks deepen connections with the landscape and a cliff-top fire pit and bar-deli overlooking the dam provides the perfect setting for alfresco dining and fireside storytelling.

Pamushana Lodge is set in Zimbabwe’s remote southeast, within the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. Guests have exclusive access to this untouched wilderness and can immerse themselves in nature on twice-daily game drives, bush walks, sundowner boat cruises, excursions to rock art sites and more.

ACCOMMODATION
Singita Pamushana Lodge: one of Africa’s most exclusive, remote hideaways. The organic shaped buildings of Singita Pamushana Lodge are reminiscent of Great Zimbabwe. Thick walls, meticulous thatching and incredibly detailed stonework lay the foundation for bold interiors that are in marked contrast to the surrounding landscape.

• 4 x 1-bedroom suites each with a private plunge pool
• 1 x 2-bedroom family suite (2 adults, 2 children) with a private plunge pool
• 1 x 3-bedroom family suite (2 adults, 4 children) with a private plunge pool
• 2 x 2-bedroom suites (4 adults) with a private plunge pool
• 1 x 5-bedroom villa with a private infinity pool

AMENITIES

• Swimming pool in the main lodge area.
• Spa and fitness centre facilities are available.
• Singita Boutique & Gallery in the main lodge area.
• There is a 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 also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.
• Children of all ages are welcome. There are babysitting services available and tailor-made activities to suit each family.
• In the interest of safety, children’s participation in game activities is at the discretion of your guide.

CHILDREN
Encountering Africa’s magnificent wildlife is a truly life-changing experience, no matter what one’s age, and time spent at Singita Pamushana Lodge makes for an unforgettable family holiday.

Filled with discovery and shared connections within nature, it’s an ideal opportunity to open children’s eyes to the wonders of an untouched wilderness. All activities at the lodge are tailored to specifically suit the interests of each family.

In the interest of safety, children may participate in game drives and bush walks at the discretion of dedicated Field Guides. The lodge and villa also offer childminding services, as well as an array of activities to keep little ones engaged and entertained.

Our exciting Mini Rangers Course is a customised, fun-filled programme 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. Children of all ages are welcome at Singita Pamushana Lodge and Malilangwe House. More children’s activities offered:

• 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

WEATHER & WHAT TO PACK 
Seasons & Weather Vary in the Reserve, To ensure your comfort you may want to tailor your clothing choices to the time of year:

• October – April: The weather is warm during the day and cooler in the morning and evenings. We recommend casual summer clothes (shorts and cool shirts) and a warm jersey/sweater for the cooler times of day.
• May – September: This is Fall and Winter and the temperature will be mild during the day, but colder in the mornings and evenings. We recommend casual light clothing and a very warm parka/jacket for the extremely cold mornings and nights.

Southern Africa is a year-round destination. Traditionally the dry winter months (April to October) are best for game viewing, due to the shorter grass, lack of foliage and the absence of water which forces the game to concentrate around the remaining sources of drinking water.

Annual rainfall, usually in the form of short afternoon thunder showers that clear up within an hour, occur from December to March. Many species give birth to their young around the start of the rains, so the bush is alive with newborn animals.

Your safari suitcase, packed properly, will ensure that you have everything you need for the ultimate African bush experience. Cotton clothing in neutral colours is recommended for all game drives and bush walks. It is best to avoid white clothing and dark colours for bush activities, as they tend to attract certain bugs. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges.

• Comfortable walking shoes/track shoes/hiking boots for walks; and sandals to wear around the lodge.
• Swimming costume/bathing suits, sun block, sun hat, sunglasses, lip balm, mosquito repellent (Lip balm and mosquito repellent is provided for all our guests, but you are welcome to bring along your favourite brand).
• Camera and video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (also known as drones) is strictly prohibited at Singita.
• Please note that in the event of rain during a game drive, waterproof ponchos will be provided for guests’ comfort.
• All of our lodges are located in remote areas and therefore guests should remember to bring an extra pair of correction glasses (if required), contact lens solution and an extra set of contact lenses(if required) as well as a sufficient supply of any prescription medication.

WINE EXPERIENCE 
As one of Africa’s most influential buyers of wine, Singita’s cellars are home to some of the most sought-after private reserves and vintage wines the continent has to offer. Whether you are a connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional glass of wine, our experienced sommeliers delight in introducing guests to a vast selection of varietals from all over the world.

Through Singita Premier Wine Direct guests may purchase wines from our cellars: either to be taken home at the end of their trip or conveniently delivered to their door.

As an addition to cellar purchases, we have secured allocations of highly limited, sought-after wines, including ‘Icons’, ‘Single Vineyard’ and ‘Limited Release’ wines, directly from leading wineries in South Africa. Stored in temperature-controlled cellars, these wines are unlikely to be available anywhere else.

SPA & WELLNESS
The wellness journey can be performed in the tranquility of the Spa that overlooks the beautiful waters of the Malilangwe Dam, out on a private deck, or in the comfort of guest suites.

The products we use are carefully selected for the positive impact that they have on our guests and the environment. The Dermalogica facial products use only the finest ingredients available from eco safe sources and do not test on animals.

The Terres d’Afrique products, which are used for all body treatments, are a sustainably developed, organic, skincare range that harnesses the potency of Africa’s legendary botanical heritage. Both products are suitable for men and women.

This highly specialized massage uses a combination of deep massage practices, stretching techniques, and trigger point therapy to help release lactic acid in the muscles, reduce inflammation and loosen tension.

SWIMMING POOL
Guests at Singita Pamushana can enjoy a swim in the swimming pool located at the main lodge area with expansive views across the reserve. All of the guest suites also come complete with their own private infinity pools.

FAMILY TRAVEL
Inspiring new perspectives, our tailormade safaris allow for endless discovery in nature’s abundant classroom, and with a front-row seat to the continent’s most iconic wildlife and wilderness areas, families are able to share profound and unfiltered moments in the bush throughout their stay.

Designed to specifically suit the interests of each group, our family safaris awaken the senses and the Singita experience encourages an appreciation of the wilderness from a very young age.

Africa’s untouched landscapes offer a rich environment for learning which cannot be found anywhere else and our Field Guides and Trackers take immense pride in sharing their vast knowledge – about everything from bird calls to fascinating plant species – with our guests, instilling a sense of awe and respect for the infinite beauty of the bush.

As you immerse yourself in the wide-open spaces – learning how to track animals, witnessing the raw power of predators on a hunt together, and more – a world of knowledge opens up, while strengthening the bonds with your loved ones.

From easing into the luxury of sharing family meals under the stars every night to twice-daily game drives, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

Singita’s Mini Game Rangers’ Course confirms that nothing compares to nature’s ability to inspire, excite and transform, and the value of giving the next generation the freedom to learn more about the environment in the heart of the wilderness is simply immeasurable.

This specially crafted, fun-filled course teaches young explorers everything from outdoor survival and animal tracking skills to more about the wonders of astronomy and the secrets of tree and bird identification.

GAME DRIVES 
Journeying into the heart of Africa’s most untouched and remote wilderness areas, Singita’s twice-daily game drives present the opportunity for intimate connections with nature and discovering the raw beauty of the continent’s most magnificent creatures up close.

Each tailormade exploration with your personal Field Guide celebrates the freedom to spend unfiltered time in wide-open spaces and while no two Singita game drives are ever the same, you are bound to be enchanted by vivid encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife – which flourish and thrive through the tireless efforts of Singita’s non-profit conservation Funds & Trusts.

From rolling grasslands where giraffe and elephant meander in peace to riverine woodlands where shy creatures suddenly appear from lush foliage; and from rocky outcrops favoured by big cats to hidden valleys where large herds of antelope roam and graze, each game drive traverses landscapes that are as rich in scenery as they are in wildlife.

As the warmth of the African sun slowly starts to light up the treetops and grasslands, our early morning game drives are filled with an energy that’s simultaneously exciting and soothing.

Never knowing what’s around the next corner, the sense of adventure for what lies ahead for the rest of the day welcomes a continuous unfolding of magic as the bush wakes up to reveal its secrets.

And when the sun dips on the horizon, bringing the day to a close with a brightly painted sky, idyllic sundowner stops in exclusive settings encapsulate the romance of safaris deep into the bush.

Accompanied by a cool evening breeze and the beauty of the clear night sky above, the tranquil journey back to the lodge often reveals the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa, making for a fitting finale.

Imparting a wealth of knowledge and intuitively responding to each guest and group’s interests, Singita’s expert Field Guides and Trackers exude an unlimited passion for Africa’s wildlife and wilderness.

Their in-depth knowledge of the area – and the inherent role of every plant, insect, bird, mammal, predator and season in its unique ecology – makes every encounter and sighting all the more meaningful, and elevates each connection with nature. “Highlighting the freedom and unhurried beauty of Africa, Singita’s game drives allow you to spend as much time as you choose at each sighting.

In our case, we spent at least five hours with a female cheetah and a series of repositions ultimately resulted in witnessing a stalk-and-kill scenario – something my children had never seen from a cheetah before… A powerful experience for everyone.” – Ryan & Malaka Hilton, Admiral Travel

During your stay at Singita Pamushana Lodge, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife, including species such as Lichtenstein hartebeest, sable, nyala, klipspringer, cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo and an abundance of bird life.

GUIDED SAFARI WALKS 
Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you. We suggest a minimum age of 15 years for this activity, but participation is at the discretion of your Field Guide.

SUNDOWNER CRUISE
The African sunset is an occasion worth celebrating. The dam below the lodge is the perfect spot to enjoy a gorgeous sunset cruise while sipping refreshing sundowners and to watch the magnificent wildlife as it comes down to sip from the dam.

FISHING
Water is a source of life and beauty, and no place is this more apparent than in the remote tranquility of the African bush. Fishing at the dam below the lodge is the ideal way to experience this wonder firsthand.

Drop in a lure and see what bounty the day will bring, while your guide and tracker show you how the locals catch fish using plants found in the area. Singita Pamushana boasts excellent game fishing throughout the year including Tiger Fish, Bass, Bream (tilapia), and Catfish.

STARGAZING
There is perhaps no more transcendent experience than looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars. Man has had a love affair with the nighttime sky for centuries and with very little pollution and no city lights to detract for the stars, your view of the heavens here will be crystal clear – nothing between you and the vast African sky above.

ROCK ART SITE VISIT
The San Bushmen are one of the earth’s oldest continuous cultures on earth, the original hunter-gatherers, their way of life is a mirror into our past. Take an educational tour to view San Bushmen rock art dating back hundreds of years and learn about their remarkable way of life.

COMMUNITY VISITS
Community tours provide guests at Singita with the opportunity to gain insight into community life and the local Shangaan culture. You will be able to witness firsthand the positive impact of the thriving development programmes in place and meet the fascinating people who live in these communities.

Rooms: 9

Price: from 3.218 EUR per night

Source: www.singita.com