Singita Ebony Lodge
South Africa
Reviews
Character and identity
Singita's founding lodge sits on a bend of the Sand River in the leopard-rich Sabi Sands, the original 1993 property reborn after a 2024 redesign by Cape Town's Cécile and Boyd. Twelve thatched suites with private plunge pools step down towards the riverbed through indoor-outdoor spaces of recycled wood, adobe fireplaces, soft indigos and ochres, and oversized portraits by David Ballam. Cooking under Lerato Molaudi runs lighter than safari norm, with a deep all-South African wine list. Game drives use private Land Cruisers across a 45,000-acre concession, with veteran guide-and-tracker pairs and a 24/7 canine anti-poaching unit in the background. Service is warm, personal, never intrusive.
Who's it for
Best for:
Couples and design-literate travellers who want a benchmark Big Five safari without the compromises of shared vehicles or crowded sightings. The conservation programming, sommelier-led wine cellar, and quiet attentive service suit guests who care as much about the storytelling and aesthetics as the leopards. Families are genuinely welcomed, with kids' activities and bush-based learning.
Should look elsewhere:
Anyone rate-sensitive: this is among the most expensive safaris in Africa, and the experience is built around that. Travellers wanting beach time, sleek modernism (try sister property Sweni or Boulders), or a high-energy social scene will find Ebony's register too quiet and too immersed in nature.
Bottom line
What sets this lodge apart is the combination of an exclusive-use concession, veteran guide-tracker pairings, and a refreshed design that finally matches the calibre of the safari itself. Rates are punishing, but the wildlife access, food and service genuinely deliver. Book a riverside suite with a private plunge pool, allow at least three nights, and pair it with a second Singita concession for contrast.
Location
What this place offers
- Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Room service
- Breakfast
- Smoke-free property
- Front desk
- Gift shop
- Boutique shopping
- Pool
