Singita Ebony Lodge in Sabi Sands for pinnacle Safari Magic

From the moment we arrived it felt like intimate friends had invited us home for deep nurturing and restoration. We were in the processes of packing up and moving countries and continents when this trip materialised, something I'd shared when booking without realising it. As our safari vehicle travelled from our collection point towards camp on that first day, we were greeted with warm smiles and a welcome board that spoke directly to our hearts, naming our whole family individually, as friends, and assuring us that "Africa would always be our home." For the remaining journey to camp, the boys beamed with chocolate milkshakes in hand and we sipped on our own favourite drinks with smiles wider than the sky.

Enjoying their milkshakes

This was the tip of the pampering iceberg. Our lodgings were magnificent. We had interconnecting suites where the boys were in their own room — ensuite complete with private plunge pool, fluffy gowns, safari caps, lip balm and a treasured beaded bracelet (supporting rhino conservation that only came apart recently to puddles of tears). So much attention to detail in the rooms with interconnecting open-air bathrooms, outdoor showers and dressing rooms. All this inside space flowing out onto an outdoor pool area, overlooking the river where we often shared company with a lone elephant. I painted on the deck with Winsor and Newton watercolours while the boys splashed in the plunge pool and Paul played with his camera.

It's quite hard to capture the Singita experience in words. I remember one night after arriving back to camp after the sun had set. The boys had fallen asleep on the vehicle; Paul and I are die hard game spotters and so we kept searching as long as we could. We'd already celebrated the setting sun in a beautiful rocky river bed, with a fire and marshmallows on sticks, beautiful candles laid out creating magical ambiance. But it was the feeling when we arrived back to camp. Many hands arriving to meet us at the vehicle. Favourite foods radio'd ahead by our guide now prepared and ready for the boys, served anywhere of our choosing. Copper fire pits, cushions for the boys, we sat in the warm evening air, the boys munched their meal, still half dreamy from their open air safari vehicle oxygenated snooze.

Walking into camp

As a mom, I felt held and supported.

As a nature lover, I was in heaven.

As a traveller and lover of luxury travel, I was in awe.

Because of how the safari all-inclusive works, it lends itself to feeling extra special. Singita takes this to another level. More thought, more passion in the people involved on the ground. This safari experience showcases excellence in service across all areas of hospitality. Food moments, drinks moments, moments of magic in the boma or around fire pits on the riverfront, magical moments in the suites, at the plunge pools, capturing sightings on camera, drinking in the wisdom of the guides and trackers, spa heaven.

I recommend the Singita safari experience to families, honeymooners and conservationist/photographers alike. Each experience is tailored to the guests' needs, tastes and moods. There is no one-size fits all. Each guest feels pampered and held. It's an intimate, curated luxury experience that is unlike anything else.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to South Africa. In need of further inspiration? Check out Thomas Gosschalk’s guide, Live it up in South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.