Singita Boulders Lodge Review

Singita Boulders Lodge is a top luxury safari lodge in South Africa. It’s where stressed-out millionaires come to retreat and to reconnect with the natural world. Timid and worn out guests who arrive at the remote airstrip depart feeling inspired and intrepid. In fact, Singita is the Shangaan word for “place of miracles”.

Located on the banks of the Sand River in a game-rich private reserve, Singita Boulders Lodge offers extraordinary safari experiences at the highest standard of luxury. The whole lodge hums with an ethereal coolness. It’s easy to imagine the A-listers that have traversed the same floors in the past, and you can’t help but keep an eye out for any potential celebs currently on the premises. The attentive staff appropriately respond to elaborate requests from discerning clients and can make magic happen.

A Day in the Life // Safari Schedule

Safari life is all about the game drives and spotting wildlife, particularly the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, and rhino. You have two drives a day - one in the morning and one in the early evening. Après-game drive, escape the heat with a plunge into your shady pool or relax with a massage. Enjoy delectable meals on the open air terrace, with panoramic views of the dream-like landscape. Spot monkeys, elephants, impala, and birds while sipping chilled Chenin Blanc. Ahhh safari life :)

This schedule will give you an idea of what a day on safari looks like -

5:30am: Wake up call. Not sure what to wear on safari? Check out my packing tips here.

6:00am: Morning tea in the main lounge. I’ll have an energizing ginger or jasmine tea. It’s still too early for me, so I’ll skip the goodies displayed.

6:30am: Set out on your morning game drive with your guide, tracker, and a few other guests.

8:00am: Bush break. Tea and coffee (spiked with Amarula if you wish) is served alongside homemade treats on the hood of the safari vehicle.

10:00am: Arrive back at the lodge filled with adrenaline after your exciting sightings. Now have your formal breakfast. A generous buffet awaits, as well as an a la carte meal. I love a good Eggs Florentine in the bush. Want a cappuccino, glass of sparkling wine, fresh squeezed orange juice, and a green juice? No problem at Singita, I’ve seen it firsthand. You can have whatever you like.

10:45am: Free time. Have a little siesta or read a book. Perhaps book a massage.

12:30pm: Lunch time.

1:00pm: More tree time. Go on a walking safari or a bush bike ride. Learn archery or cook with the chefs. Visit a local community. Simply relax in your gorgeous suite. Continue your safari from your personal plunge pool or bath tub.

3:30pm: Gather around the main bar and fuel up for the afternoon game drive. I’ll have an iconic Gin & Tonic, as will most other guests.

4:00pm: Depart on your afternoon game drive.

5:30pm: Sundowners in the bush. Have another G&T and some snacks as the sun sets.

7:00pm: Arrive back at the lodge and freshen up. Pop into the wine cellar and pick up a special bottle for dinner.

7:30pm: Be wowed by a lantern-lit dinner in the boma. Share stories with other giddy travelers around the fire. Watch traditional dancers and musicians proudly show off their passion. I’ll join the dancers, along with a few other spirited guests, capping off the night with full cups and full hearts.

*** Count it - yes that’s 7 meals in one day. And you can have any drink you want at any time of day. You will not go hungry or thirsty on safari. Even those with palettes that require a little more attention will be taken care of at Singita, that is for sure!

open air terrace singita sabi boulders lodge

salmon lunch singita sabi boulders lodge

Lodge Details // Room Tour

A wooden walkway links together 12 standalone stone suites. Design-savvy guests will appreciate the room accents, from petrified wood tables to hand-woven textiles. Each piece, though unique, blends seamlessly for an earthy, relaxed feel.

luxury family suite singita sabi sand boulders lodge

Large glass windows allow the colors of nature to flow inside. A Super King bed with luxurious linens, plush pillows, and a billowing mosquito net create the coziest sleeping space. A double-sided fireplace contributes to this harmonious ambiance.

The bathroom is straight out of a home decor magazine. The star of the massive bathroom is the oval bathtub, in prime position to view wildlife safely from your room.

If you are brave enough to relax outside, take advantage of it. There’s a bean-shaped private pool, perfect for a plunge after a dusty game drive. After your dip, rinse off in the discrete outdoor shower.

private plunge pool singita boulders lodge

The entire aesthetic is driven by sustainability, with a desire to ensure minimal impact on the natural environment. Instead of moving the boulders to build the aptly named Boulders Lodge, Singita highlighted them in their design. Note the giant boulder in the wine cellar below ↓

The Importance of Conservation // Biodiversity, Community, Sustainability

I will be upfront, Singita is one of the most expensive properties that I have ever stayed at, but it is worth every penny. Remember, all meals, beverages, activities, and even laundry are included. And more importantly, a chunk of your nightly rate directly impacts the surrounding ecosystem.

Singita is more than just a luxury safari brand. Singita is dedicated to preserving all of aspects of African wilderness - the animals, the plants, and the people. Through wildlife protection, reserve management, and community development, they demonstrate how their successful model of low-volume, high-impact tourism plays a role in conservation. It feels good to know that you are supporting their impressive mission by choosing to stay there.

Read more about Singita’s incredible conservation efforts here.

Location

Singita Sabi Sand is located in a private concession in the greater Kruger region, arguably the best destination for a safari in South Africa. It consists of three options for lodging, Boulders Lodge, Ebony Lodge, and Castleton, a private use farmhouse. Boulders Lodge is my first preference. Next door, Ebony Lodge is ideal for families, and then Castleton is perfect for groups.

How To Get There

Fly directly into the Singita Sabi Sand airstrip. Book a private charter flight or shared journey with Federal Air from Johannesburg. Please note, luggage is restricted to soft sided bags and there’s a weight allowance of 44 lbs for checked luggage & 11 lbs for hand luggage.
A more affordable option: Skukuza Airport & Kruger Mpumalaga International Airport can be reached via SA Airlink flights. These airports are within driving distance of Singita Sabi Sand, so they will organize roundtrip transfers. SA Airlink flights operate from Cape Town and Johannesburg, so it’s easy to connect to the rest of South Africa.

leopard at singita sabi boulders lodge airstrip

Singita Boulders Lodge is one of my most memorable travel experiences. Sustainable luxury is the future and Singita is what all safari lodges should strive to aim for. It’s encouraging see the positive side of tourism and the immense impact it can have on the animals, the plants, and the people. Absolutely add this one to the bucket list!

Please reach out to me if you have any questions. I love to share my passion for travel.

Adventure awaits.

xx Kathryn