Singwe River Lodge

Singwe River Lodge

Description

This magnificent property situated in Balule Reserve, a 40,000 ha reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, is built on the banks of the Olifants River, which provides many opportunities for game viewing even while in camp ... watch families of elephants who have come down to bathe, lazy hippos surfacing for a yawn, a skittish herd of impala drinking nervously ... and listen for the cry of a fish eagle.

At Singwe River Lodge we provide a memorable and affordable Big Five game experience in a low-risk malaria area, with excellent accommodation, delicious food and warm African hospitality.

Shaded by giant fig trees, the beautiful, tranquil camp has accommodation for up to 12 adults in a Manor House and three thatched riverside chalets, a large swimming pool and rolling lawns which extend down to the banks of the river. If the weather permits dinner is often served in the African Boma under the night sky around a campfire. Alternatively it is served in the restaurant. 

Children are welcome and a child-minding service is available if parents wish to dine alone or go on a game drive.

Singwe is easily accessed with daily flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to three international airports close by. The nearest, Eastgate International Airport at Hoedspruit, is about 37 km from Singwe. We provide road transfers from the airport to the lodge, as well as from Nelspruit, Phalaborwa and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

About Singwe River Lodge

Built in 1993, Singwe, meaning bushbaby (a small nocturnal primate), is one of the oldest lodges in the area. It consists of Combretum bushveld, characterised by African savannas, Acacia trees such as Sweet Thorn, Leadwood, and Marula trees.

The eastern Lowveld region has a typical savanna climate with a hot wet summer season, and a cool dry winter. The average summer temperature is 26ºC.

As far as game viewing is concerned, both seasons have their advantages. Many young animals are born in summer and migrant bird species are in abundance. In the cooler, drier months the animals are more visible through the sparser bush and we tend to have more sightings at the river and water holes.

Singwe River Lodge forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. With the game roaming freely in this area, there are excellent opportunities for viewing many species of wildlife including the Big Five - buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. A vast natural dam on the farm and various water holes also attract game to the property.

The lodge has excellent game viewing vehicles, and employs qualified, professional rangers and Shangaan trackers who have good knowledge of the local wildlife and vegetation.

What sets Singwe apart from other private games reserves in the area is its location on the banks of the magnificent Olifants River, which offers exceptional opportunities for viewing game from the lodge, and the personalised service from the dedicated team of staff. Jack Nicklaus and his family are some of the celebrity guests who have stayed at the lodge over the years.

The owners have invested in the land and the local community by assisting with rehabilitation programmes to remove alien trees and vegetation and by employing, training and mentoring people from the area.

Accommodation

Manor House

Set back from the river and shaded by trees, the Manor House has stunning panoramic views of the river and surrounding bushveld. Built on two levels, it is a cool, thatched building with an upper deck and lower covered veranda.

There is one suite upstairs and two on ground level. Each luxury room has an en-suite bathroom with shower and bath, and doors which open onto the garden or the deck. One of the lower level suites can also accommodate two children under 12.

  The rooms are spacious and airy, fully carpeted with air-conditioning, fans and mosquito mesh on the windows for guests who prefer to leave their windows open.

Queen size beds, thick fluffy white towels, bathroom amenities, towelling robes and personal safes complete the luxury.

Guests have access to a comfortable living area upstairs with a bar and facilities to make tea and coffee. A television is available for major sports events!

Riverside Chalets

Built on the banks of the Olifants River, the three thatched chalets each have a bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with shower, air-conditioning and a fan. One of these chalets can also accommodate two children under 12.

What to pack

Attractions

Game Drives

Singwe River Lodge is in a Big Five game reserve with common sightings of buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. However, the area also offers a selection of other interesting species such as cheetah, serval, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and many species of buck, including bushbuck, kudu, klipspringer, duiker, steenbuck and waterbuck which wander freely, thriving in their natural habitat.

The area boasts many bird species including the African Fish Eagle found all along the river, which is also home to many crocodile. Many remarkable sightings have been made at the river, including lion kills, rhino sightings and herds of elephant coming down to bathe and wallow in the mud.

Our game drives are conducted by qualified, professional rangers and local Shangaan trackers, in open 4X4 safari vehicles. We tailor our outings to our guests' preferences. If you want to see the Big Five, we will attempt to track them for you. If you are simply interested in exploring the beauty of the surrounding area or discovering the remarkable birdlife, we will take you on a scenic excursion while our rangers share their insights about the local flora and fauna….of course you might just happen on a pride of lions along the way!

A typical day at Singwe

This is what you can expect from a day at Singwe:


• Early wakeup (summer 05h00 or winter 06h00).
• Set off on a morning game drive as the sun is rising with coffee, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, rusks and muffins to enjoy along the way.
• ±09h00: Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast, served on the deck, weather permitting - full Continental and English with fruit, fruit juice, yoghurt, cereals, muffins and croissants followed by a cooked breakfast with eggs to order, bacon, sausage, toast etc.
• After breakfast laze at the pool watching for hippo, elephants or other game which come down to the river to drink. We provide books, games and binoculars for guests. 
• A light lunch is served between 12h30 and 14h30. A typical menu might feature a cold pasta salad or quiche served with green salad and homemade bread.
• After lunch guests have time off to enjoy a siesta or relax before the next game drive.
• 15h30 / 16h00: Depart on your afternoon game drive from dusk until sunset, when spotlights will help to see the game. You will stop for drinks and snacks at a scenic location along the way.
• Back to the lodge to freshen up for drinks and dinner.
• Dinner is served in the Boma (weather permitting) or in the main dining room. A typical menu could include potjiekos, a traditional South African stew prepared outdoors in a cast iron three-legged pot over a fire. Or a main course of fillet steak served with couscous and mixed vegetables and mustard sauce followed by a mouth-watering dessert. At Singwe we cater for various dietary requirements if we have advance warning. If you are celebrating a special occasion and would like to enjoy a private evening, we will arrange an intimate dinner in the Manor House dining room.

Activities

At the lodge

• Game drives
• Swimming in the lodge pool
• Game viewing on the riverbank
• Birding
• Spa treatments - massages, facials and other treatments can be arranged with a local therapist in your suite, on the lawn under a shady tree or on the riverbank. These treatments are not included in the rates and will be charged to your account.

In the area

Guest wishing to explore the local area can do so in their own vehicle or we will arrange transport for your account. Lodge staff will assist guests to arrange and book any of the excursions below.