Crafting a mountain gorilla and Serengeti safari with Singita
East Africa offers some unforgettable wildlife experiences, with spotting the “Big Five” and coming face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas up there with the best. Travellers wanting to tick both off their list in the one trip can take advantage of Singita’s luxurious properties on one of our custom-designed Rwanda and Tanzania safari packages.
The first Singita lodge opened in 1992 in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and they now operate around a dozen lodges throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Rwanda. Not only do they offer luxurious safari experiences but are committed to protecting some of the most pristine wilderness areas on the planet. Their private concessions, reserves and properties offer unparalleled wildlife-spotting experiences while working in conjunction with local communities to ensure sustainable development.
In this article, we’ll introduce each of the Singita lodges in the private Grumeti Game Reserve of the Serengeti and their ambitious eco project on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Our team of experts can share their wealth of knowledge about these regions and assist in crafting the best safari in Africa that will enable you to experience both.
Exuding old-world elegance, Singita Sasakwa Lodge is a luxurious property in the Serengeti that was inspired by the colonial-era homes of East Africa. It’s positioned on a rocky promontory that boasts breathtaking views across the wildlife-dotted plains below, with all the action of the Great Wildebeest Migration right outside your door. Guests can select between their European-style cottages with private plunge pools or the Hillside Suite, which features a sweeping wooden deck and rim-flow pool. Aside from Sasakwa’s elegant dining room and pampering spa, this Serengeti lodge also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness room so you never have to miss a workout.
Overlooking the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor, the Singita Faru Faru Lodge boasts a remarkable position along the legendary Serengeti migration route. Its private watering holecan be viewed directly from the swimming pool, with the surrounding grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see. Each of the nine suites is traditionally built with stone, canvas and thatch while the interiors are designed with a Danish aesthetic for the ultimate in luxury. Panoramic glass windows mean you’ll never miss a minute of the wildlife action, with the on-site fitness centre and indulgent spa offering a welcome escape when you need a break.
Styled after a 1920s explorer’s camp, the Singita Sabora Tented Camp is positioned in an area of untouched wilderness within the Grumeti Reserve. It’s ideal for adventure lovers who want the thrill of staying in the middle of the African wilds while offering a good dose of nostalgia. Opulently decorated, the camp exudes romance, with four-poster beds, Persian rugs and sparkling chandeliers. The luxurious tents are adorned with antiques and reproduced fold-away furniture, completely transporting guests to their very own “Out of Africa” experience. If you’re craving more facilities, the stunning swimming pool, tennis courts and spa of sister-lodge Sasakwa are just a short drive away.
Situated on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill, this refined yet luxuriously comfortable African home affords uninterrupted views across the Serengeti plains. It’s designed for exclusive use by families or groups of friends, with a neutral palette that celebrates sophisticated safari living. In addition to its four beautifully appointed suites, the Serengeti House features stylish living spaces, an eat-in kitchen and a media room, not to mention a fully-equipped gym and a tented spa suite. Watch herds of elephants traverse the savannah from the privacy of your infinity pool, then be treated to gourmet cuisine crafted by your personal chef.
One of only a handful of camps operating completely “off the grid”, the Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a driving force in Serengeti safari sustainable tourism. It relies entirely on a custom-designed solar system for its power and draws on recycled and biodegradable materials wherever possible. But despite its eco-conscious philosophy, the camp still exudes contemporary elegance and is ideal for those wanting a relaxed stay. Artworks by young African designers and craftspeople decorate the spaces, with the contemporary interiors blended seamlessly with the majestic outdoors.
Situated on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the Singita Kwitonda Lodge is a driving force in environmentally conscious tourism. It occupies a 178-acre tract of wetlands and lush meadows that offer magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. It forms part of an ambitious undertaking to rehabilitate and maintain the biological integrity of the area while empowering local communities. Aside from offering guests the opportunity to get up close to mountain gorillas in the wild, the lodge features elegant suites that highlight handmade local crafts. The central hub of the lodge combines indoor and outdoor living spaces, including a cosy fire pit and an interactive kitchen where produce grown in the lodge gardens are transformed into gourmet meals.
Positioned adjacent to the Singita Kwitonda Lodge is Kataza House, a private villa that features four suites for families or groups of friends wanting an exclusive stay. Guests can enjoy access to all the facilities of Kwitonda Lodge or indulge in their private swimming pool, fitness centre and media room. A full bevvy of staff (including a personal chef) are at your service, with the gorilla trekking of Volcanoes National Park just a stone’s throw away.
Rwanda borders Tanzania’s northwestern corner and it’s easy to combine the two destinations into a single East Africa itinerary. Either begin your adventure following in the footsteps of Dian Fossey in the lush jungles of Volcanoes National Park while getting up close to what is one of the largest mountain gorilla colonies in Africa.
Then make the short flight from Kigali to the Sasakwa Airstrip on the edge of the Serengeti to track to the “Big Five”. This iconic national park provides the setting for the Great Wildebeest Migration each year, with the Singita properties in the Grumeti Game Reserve offering a front-row seat as the immense herds travel north into Kenya.
Alternatively, we can craft a private safari in Tanzania in the reverse order, beginning in the Serengeti and ending in the volcanic landscapes of Rwanda
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