Singita Ebony Lodge, Singita Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

For some, Singita safari lodges need no introduction, but read on anyway to find out what Carrie Hampton says in her latest book; ‘Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa’ with stunning photos by Gerald Hoberman.

The earthy African tones and feel of Singita Boulders Lodge are replaced here at Singita Ebony Lodge with colonial chic and an audacious splash of colour.

Checks and tartans in reds and oranges are thrown over well-padded sofas and chairs of similar hues. Added to this mix are Persian rugs and zebra skins, antique furniture and wall displays of antelope horns, resulting in a truly unique yet traditional African safari interior.

The interior designers have devised a distinctive style for each of Singita’s four lodges – Ebony and Boulders in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Lebombo and Sweni in the south-east of Kruger National Park.

At Ebony Lodge they have used classic comforts – oversized beds, crisp white cottons, thick pillows, shady spaces and individual terrace pools – to make each luxury safari suite a place of refuge. Perfect for an African honeymoon safari.

There are also ample outdoor viewing decks from which to watch animals as they come down to the Sabi River to drink. Game viewing is paramount to the Singita experience and since you are in Sabi Sand ‘Big Five’ country, the chances of seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, during even a short safari vacation, are very good.

Food is central to a Singita safari, and fresh ingredients are so creatively used that a buffet salad lunch turns into a sumptuous midday feast. Dinner is as innovative and the table is laid to accommodate you and your ranger, who is dedicated to your wellbeing for the duration of your stay. To say you are well looked after at Singita is an understatement.