Bucket list luxury African Safari

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.

Key Species You Are Likely to See

During your stay at Singita, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife, including cheetah, bearded wildebeest, Bat Eared fox, Maasai giraffe, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and the rare Colobus monkey.

When Is the Peak Time to See the Wildebeest Migration?

There is no real beginning or end to the wildebeest’s constant search for food and water. The only beginning is when calves are born – almost 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a 6-week period usually between late January and mid-March. The migration path varies from year to year depending on weather and other environmental factors.

What Time of Year Can We See the Wildebeest Migration and in Which Area?

It's difficult to predict exactly where the migrating wildebeest will be in a given month because movements depend so much on weather patterns. Generally over the year the animals move from the wet southern and eastern plains of the Serengeti from November to March through the western and central region to the dryer north of the Serengeti National Park, both north and south of the Mara River, from the end of May through October.

Guests at Singita Grumeti have the opportunity to visit the Environmental Education Centre, which was developed for the young people of the local communities, to meet the students and learn about the programme. The Centre is dedicated to instilling in its students an understanding of the Serengeti Ecosystem and provides education on the rationale behind “protected areas” and on general, local and global environmental issues.

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.

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.

Offering the luxury of unfiltered time and space, the African wilderness is the ultimate setting for complete unwinding, while the continent’s healing energies are encapsulated in rituals that nourish and nurture.

At Singita, our enduring purpose to restore the land and its wildlife extends to offering healing experiences to our guests at every touchpoint. The dedicated treatments in our massage spaces tap into the profound benefits of indigenous wisdoms and essential oils that relax, replenish and revive. Each tailor-made therapy can be customised and timed to preference, ensuring a completely personalised experience.

The massage menu has been designed to immerse guests into their beautiful surroundings, and all treatments incorporate that peace and vibrant energy to revitalise and nourish the soul.

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.

There are two pools at the main lodge area at Singita Faru Faru Lodge as well as a private infinity pool at the lodge’s private villa suite.

Visitors to Singita Grumeti in Tanzania have the unique opportunity of chartering a hot air balloon for an unforgettable ride over the treetops of the Serengeti. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes game viewing to new heights and gives photography buffs an amazing new perspective on the world below. You’ll skim above the grasslands and acacia forests, and at other times ascend to 1 000 feet to see the enormity of the reserve. The Singita Balloon Safari is a romantic and evocative way of experiencing the wilderness as you gracefully and silently glide over the plains, observing the wide variety of wildlife below.

Visit the SGF Canine Unit to meet the handlers and learn more about how this specialized anti-poaching unit works to protect this iconic region in the Serengeti. Watch as the dogs use their skills to detect a piece of wildlife contraband hidden for the demonstration. If the dogs are working on tracking you may be able to experience their ability to track a person through the bush. These are pre-organized training sessions and no guest will experience any law enforcement operations for legal and safety reasons. Due to the sensitive and costly nature of the program, a donation amount of $500 per person has been set. A minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 guests is allowed per demonstration.

Immerse yourself in a world of relaxation at Hemingways Nairobi with a luxurious spa experience that restores both mind and body. From calming massages to rejuvenating facials and invigorating treatments, each service is carefully designed using natural, locally sourced ingredients. In a serene and soothing atmosphere, our expert therapists will ease away your tension, leaving you feeling completely refreshed, rejuvenated, and deeply relaxed. Treat yourself to an unforgettable wellness experience that will leave you feeling revitalized and at peace.

Back massage Credit: Hemingways collection

Hot Stone massage Credit: Hemingways collection

Back massage Credit: Hemingways collection

The Silo Hotel offers wonderful private art tours that allow guests the opportunity to learn about the incredible African art scene and to celebrate the incredible artists and their work. Widely recognised as one of the best art hotels in the world (by the likes of Forbes and The Telegraph), The Silo Hotel houses a remarkable collection.

Situated below The Silo Hotel lies the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the world's largest contemporary African art museum. This incredible space is a momentous mark on Africa’s cultural canvas, an exciting new era for African artists, and a remarkable achievement for our beautiful continent. This public, not-for-profit art museum collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first century art from Africa and its Diaspora. Containing over 100 galleries, spread over nine floors, this exquisite space boasts a diverse and unique range of contemporary African art. Various tours of the museum are available, including AfriSam Audio Tours, Art Tours, Architectural Tours, and Children’s Tours.

The Silo Spa, located on the fourth floor of The Silo Hotel, has five treatment rooms, two of which can be made into a couple’s room. A tranquil space in which guests can relax and indulge in the latest therapies and spa techniques. There’s also a gym, sauna and a dedicated manicure and pedicure area. Enjoy signature treatments using top international products including Ling and Black Pearl. The Silo Spa is the only spa in Africa to use exclusive Ling products.

Robben Island, easily seen from the rooftop of The Silo Hotel, is situated only 9kms offshore from Cape Town. The island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 because of its historic political importance, having been where Nelson Mandela lived for 18 of the 27 years that he was a political prisoner during the apartheid regime. It is advisable to allow us to pre-book this very popular tour on your behalf. Allow half a day for this tour.

Table Mountain is a great source of pride for Capetonians. At 240 million years old it is older than the Andes, the Rockies, The Himalayas and the Alps. It was acknowledges as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a few years ago. A four-minute cable car ride will take you to the 1067m “table top”, with spectacular views on the way up. Enjoy walking along the pathways and taking photographs, there is also a restaurant for refreshments. Table Mountain hosts one of the richest floral kingdom on earth, with more than 1 470 floral species.

Cape Town has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on offer. Clifton Beaches: there are four Clifton beaches, each as beautiful as the next. Camps Bay: the palm fronds of Camps Bay make for the most dramatic sunset pictures – and the main street across from the beach has a number of bars and restaurants and is a great spot for cocktails or a bite to eat. Muizenberg: head down to the Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg and take a surfing lesson with the local experts. Cape Point & Boulders Beach: explore the Cape Peninsula and see the fascinating penguins of Boulder’s Beach on a day trip from Cape Town. There are smaller, lesser known beaches - let us know how we can direct you to the beach experience of your choice. Please ask a member of our team should you need directions or transport.

The best place to experience Cape Malay cuisine is on a walking tour through the Bo-Kaap District in Cape Town, an area with steep cobblestone streets and brightly-coloured houses where former Cape Malay slaves settled in the early 19th century. Stop to enjoy a local bobotie, sosatie, koeksister or Cape Malay curry for lunch whilst learning about the rich heritage of the Cape Malay people who live there.