Singita Sweni Lodge

Tucked into the banks of the Sweni River, the Singita Sweini Lodge is a hidden jewel that provides a bold, new African context for contemporary design, architecture and cuisine.

Seven suites are hidden among a canopy of trees, each featuring open-plan interiors. A generously stocked minibar, two bathrooms and an outdoor shower overlooking the river – adding to the feeling of being enveloped by an ancient forest.

33,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Guests have private access to 33,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, ensuring unforgettable game-viewing experiences.

With the lodge’s proximity to the river, guests are also treated to up-close sightings of numerous animals and birds frequenting the area to drink or wallow in the water.

Accommodation & Amenities
An intimate hideaway hosting 7 suites; with decks that seem to hover in the branches and bold interiors that are inspired by beetles, chameleons and birds’ wings, and neutrals that draw in the light.

Each of the lodge’s contemporary en-suite units have been restructured to maximize open-plan living with panoramic game-viewing decks. All suites have outdoor showers that overlook the river, and outdoor day beds where you can spend a night under the stars.

With its close proximity to the Sweni River, guests are treated to exceptional up-close sightings of the wildlife that wander down to drink or wallow.

The Pool Suite with the unique inclusion of a private swimming pool and shaded riverfront deck can be connected to the adjacent unit to create a more generous unit with two en-suite bedrooms, offering guests an extra layer of privacy – perfect for families and honeymoon couples.

• 6 x Sweni Suites
• 1 x Pool Suite with a private pool and deck

Amenities

• There is a swimming pool in the main lodge area.
• Spa and fitness centre facilities are available.
• The Singita Boutique & Gallery
• There is a television at the Singita Boutique & Gallery.
• 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 baby-sitting services available and tailor-made activities to suit each family.
• In the interest of safety, participation of children 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 Sweni 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 also offers 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 Sweni Lodge. 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

Weather & What to Pack

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.

Best Time to go on Safari
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.

What to Bring
Your safari bag, 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.

We recommend packing the following:

• 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 (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, contact lens solution and an extra set of contact lenses (if required) as well as a sufficient supply of any prescription medication.

Cooking School
The Singita Community Culinary School is a unique program that serves to fulfill a real need in the community, as well as for the South African hospitality industry as a whole.

Graduates of this school emerge with highly sought-after skills and strong employment prospects, while kitchens at Singita lodges and those further afield benefit from a pool of expertly-trained young chefs.

The School is a significant step towards achieving Singita’s long-term, broad community development goal, which is to assist the people that live in and around the reserves to thrive, both economically and socially.

The school’s demonstration studio offers a unique experience for guests to participate in a cooking class led by an expertly trained chef, whilst supporting this important community development project at the same time.

Whether it is mastering a particular dish enjoyed from the day’s menu, learning a traditional South African recipe or helping to prepare an element of the lodge’s signature tapas-style lunch, time spent in the demonstration kitchen is a wonderfully enriching experience.

The details:

• The school now has a brand new, state-of-the-art demonstration studio located at Singita Lebombo Lodge (and nearby to Singita Sweni Lodge) where guests can take part in a pre-arranged cooking class.
• A professional, qualified chef leads the cooking class.
• Guests may choose to cook a popular, traditional South African dish on offer or a trademark dish from chef Liam Tomlin’s tapas menu.
• Classes should be booked at least 24hours in advance to allow the chefs enough time to prepare.
• Classes may be scheduled 7 days a week, subject to availability.
• Bookings may be made through or booked on-site at Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges.

Wine Experiences
Singita is recognised as one of Africa’s most influential collectors of wine, with an extensive cellar showcasing a premium selection of wines, including some of the continent’s most sought-after private reserves, including exclusive release, limited single vineyard and rare auction wines. It’s safe to say that wine is a key ingredient of the unique Singita experience.

The Singita wine list has received numerous awards of excellence, the top Diners’ Club Wine List accolade as well as recognition from countless other local and international organisations.

François Rautenbach is responsible for this excellence as the director of Singita Premier Wine, he manages the selection, purchase, storage, and service of all the wines at Singita’s lodges.

François also manages Singita Premier Wine Direct which allows guests to order their favourite wines from their safari to enjoy at home. With the Singita Premier Wine Direct service, wines can either be specially packed for guests as checked luggage or shipped directly to a guest’s home.

Personalised wine tastings within the unique ambience of each lodge’s own temperature-controlled cellar are a true guest favourite, for connoisseurs and casual tasters alike.

Singita’s experienced sommeliers are able to guide guests through a variety of wine styles, years and cultivars to find the wines most suited to their individual tastes.

As with all that Singita does, community upliftment is central to the Singita wine programme as well. François Rautenbach has created a special training programme for enthusiastic young wine lovers, developing the next generation of sommeliers for Africa.

The training provides educational assistance, personal mentoring, formal wine training and access to Africa’s finest wine programme.

Wellness
The Singita wellness philosophy creates an environment for our urban-weary guests to reconnect to nature, revive their senses, restore their body and mind, and explore our African culture.

The guests’ wellness journey can be performed in the tranquility of the Spa, out on a private deck, or in the comfort of guest suites. The products used 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.

The treatment is designed to fight the negative effects of excessive sun exposure and to repair sun damage. Allow your skin to be soothed by a body mask while you enjoy a relaxing head massage to ease away the rigors of the day.

Afterwards, a calming, cooling gel will be applied, and finally a gentle, restorative massage will complete the treatment.

Swimming Pool
The main lodge areas at both Singita Sweni and Lebombo Lodges are home to spacious swimming pools, each providing a delightful respite in the picturesque wilderness.

Fitness Centre
Fully equipped fitness centres are available for guests’ convenience. Each facility provides picturesque views of the bush, allowing you to keep an eye on the action outside while you work out.

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.

Warmth & wisdom

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

Key Species You Are Likely to See

During your stay at Singita Sweni Lodge, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife including elephant, leopard, famously large prides of lion, white rhino, black rhino, buffalo, hippopotamus, cheetah and sable.

Guided Safari Walks
Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide and tracker 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.

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.

For Families
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. Children’s activities offered at the lodge include:

• Cooking interactions
• Board games
• Stargazing
• Bush walks (minimum age 16)
• Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games
• Arts & crafts
• Movies
• Swimming

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

Boutique & Gallery

Not your regular curio shop, you will find original treasures that have been gathered from all corners of the African continent. A range of collectable sculptures, home-ware and furnishings will allow you to recreate ‘the safari dream’ within your own home.

Artefacts, as well as authentic carvings and jewellery created by local craftsmen are just a few of the treasures you may find to take home as gifts.

Amongst beautiful museum quality, fine-art prints and works by some of the most respected artists on the continent, there are many pieces especially designed for Singita.

Here too you can find a range of quality branded Singita safari wear. We offer a worldwide shipping service so you may make your purchases at the lodges with the option to send them straight home.

Premier Wine Boutique

As one of South 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 country 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.

Website: www.singita.com

Rooms: 7

Price: from 3.692 EUR per night