Singita’s lodges and camps and Singita’s anti-poaching unit were born at the same time—poaching was a serious problem on Singita Grumeti Reserve, and it had to be curbed. Today, the poaching unit consists of 112 scouts in the field, and poaching is virtually unknown. This means that endangered and vulnerable species like leopard, cheetah, rhino and elephant can roam free and rest easy. This also means year-round, excellent game-viewing for travellers here, and the income from said travellers will ultimately ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserve and its magnificent game. That’s a symbiotic relationship that we just can’t get enough of!
Sharing its border with the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, Grumeti Reserves encompasses 400,000 acres of unrivalled, pristine wilderness. Being on the famous and dramatic migratory route, the reserve is annually a witness to one of the greatest natural wonders on earth—the Great Migration! Committed to high standards of luxury safari living with discerning attention to detail, the reserve runs two luxurious lodges and one tented camp, each offering a distinctive and exceptional safari experience.
Singita keeps three hostelries, each rivaled only by the other two, so that choosing between them becomes a delightful dilemma:
The nine cottages at Sasakwa Lodge were each built in the style of an Edwardian manor house, with stone walls, deep verandas, high ceilings, stately furniture, and silver and crystal ornamental pieces giving the place a homey feel. Each cottage also has a private infinity pool on the veranda, so you can swim high above the plains and watch the animals cavort below. The bedrooms are tastefully decorated in the fashion of the safari-goers in the early 1900s: dark wood and leather furniture complement the landscape, along with crisp linens, imported chandeliers and hand-crafted furniture.
Set on the seemingly endless Sabora plains, these nine tents house guests in luxury: a bedroom and reading area are complemented by the viewing deck with its own Swarovski spotting scope and a cosy lounge library. The lavishness of a bygone era is reflected in the décor with rich fabrics, beautiful antiques and antique camping furniture. Dine beneath elegant awnings, your table set with crisp white Irish linen, the finest porcelain, crystal goblets and silver cutlery. The view of the extended plains with their tall grasses bending in the wind is the only “wall art” you’ll need.
Built on a gently sloping hill, this lodge overlooks a waterhole and the Grumeti River. Each of the eight air-conditioned suites features a picture window and deck, with your own spotting scope from which you can peruse the rugged landscape, while at the same time enjoying the luxurious comfort of your suite—decorated with contemporary, barefoot elegance. In addition, the Swahili-inspired “beach” offers an opportunity for some serious rest and relaxation.
At Sasakwa and Faru-Faru, children of all ages are welcome. At Sabora, children over the age of 10 are welcome.
Game drives here are spectacular—Singita Grumeti Reserves is just to the north of the Serengeti, and the wildlife is abundant and inspiring. If you want to view wildlife in a more vigorous fashion, Sasakwa Lodge’s equestrian centre is home to 16 horses, available for guests of all three properties. Or you may choose to mountain bike the rugged plains, or embark on a nature walk—whatever strikes your fancy. Hot-air balloon safaris or stargazing safaris are also available.
Or stay at home, and enjoy the delicious ministrations of the massage therapists in the spa; watch elephants munch leaves while stretching in the yoga facilities; notch back your bow and practice some archery with a Maasai warrior; or play a rousing round of tennis.