Kruger National Park, South AfricaSabi Sand
Singita Ebony
Riverbank safari lodge
Sabi Sand Kruger National Park, South Africa
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
SingitaRiverbank safari lodge
Timber decks cantilever over the Sand River, where days revolve around tracking big game and watching elephants cross the water.
“The second part of our October 2024 family safari was at Singita Ebony Lodge, which is inside Singita Sabi Sand, a privately owned game reserve beside Kruger National Park.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
Arriving here is sublime: down a foliage-fringed wooden walkway past an organic two-tiered pool built into the rocks.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Sand River flows through the 45,000-acre private reserve, a leopard-rich territory bordering Kruger National Park.
The rooms
Adobe fireplaces warm the bedroom and sitting areas, while private plunge pools look out from shaded timber decks.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A lap pool sits among granite boulders and riverine trees, shaded by palms along the bank of the Sand River.
The gym and spa
Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps the thatched fitness pavilion, and therapists offer open-air massages out on private suite decks.
Lodge Bar & Deli
Woven stools line the concrete counter beneath high thatch, where bartenders mix bush negronis beside an adobe fireplace.
The original lodge enjoyed a recent refresh, opening up the classic African safari-style lodge and giving it a more modern touch, in contrast to the earthy adobe architecture.
At the table
Linen-draped tables look out into riverine trees, and sommeliers pour rare South African vintages from the walk-in cellar.
How it began
The Bailes family bought this hunting tract in 1925, eventually remaking it in 1993 as Singita's first conservation lodge.
Kruger National Park
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.