Safari Conversations - the Singita podcast

For years, Singita has dreamed of bringing its approach to conservation and hospitality to Botswana. That dream is now a reality. In this episode, we sit down with Rob Morrison, Elela’s Manager, Kemmonye Wright, Operations Manager for Singita Okavango Delta, and guide Nthophang ‘Tops’ Xani to tell the story of Elela, our first property in the Okavango Delta. From a 420,000-acre concession that shi...

Nestled at the entrance to Lebombo, one of Singita’s properties in the Kruger National Park, the Gallery of Treasures is a multi-sensory space designed to reveal the often-unseen elements of this remarkable landscape. Created in collaboration with artists and creatives from across Southern Africa, it brings together art, nature, and storytelling. In this roundtable conversation with Tatenda Chidor...

At Singita, food tells the story of the people and cultures of Africa and the generations who came before them. It’s a portal to the diversity of the continent and the richness of its traditions. A way for guests to deepen their understanding and experience of where they are. A means to bring people together, to soften them, and help them grow closer. In this episode, Mia Neethling, Executive Chef...

Across countries and cultures, art forms an integral part of African identity – shaped by our natural and cultural heritage and expressed in powerful, distinctive ways. Through our 'Africa Is…' series, we’re exploring art, design, craftsmanship, and storytelling from across the continent to showcase the depth and diversity of talent found here. In this episode, Singita’s in-house writer, Michael S...

Big cats always captivate guests on safari, but they’re disappearing from the wild. In this episode, Lucy Stofberg (field guide at Singita Sabi Sand) chats to Dr Nikki Balme of Panthera (coordinator of the Sabi Sand Leopard Project) about leopard conservation. They explore why leopards are thriving in the Sabi Sand while drastically declining elsewhere. Did you know leopards have disappeared from...

Every great story is made up of many smaller ones. Ross Couper (Singita’s Resident Content Creator) chats to Martin Tuyisenge (Singita’s Community Liaison Manager) about the ripple effect of every guest’s stay on local livelihoods and conservation at Singita Kwitonda and Kataza House. Rwanda is truly a bucket list destination, for gorillas, golden monkeys, the food, and culture. But what really ca...

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to have an entire villa - or the Serengeti - to yourself, then this episode is for you. Our Product Manager, Kim Anderson, sits down with Donna Louw (Private Villa Manager & Wholeness) and Betty Mollel (Villa Manager) to spill the (freshly brewed) tea on what really makes Singita’s private villas in Africa so special. Donna and Betty tell touching stor...

Every rhino counts. In this episode, Sarah Clegg (Malilangwe Trust’s Ecologist at Singita Malilangwe), chats to Tash Dzwukutu (Assistant Lodge Manager at Singita Pamushana Lodge) about the extensive rhino conservation projects in Zimbabwe. Sarah has been in this role for almost 30 years. From a post-graduate student to a Master's degree in Ecology, she oversees the study and monitoring of Malilang...

Take a moment to connect with nature - wherever you are. In this episode, mentor and advanced guide trainer, John Roff, speaks to Bernard Stiglingh, a field guide at Singita Kruger. Within moments of stepping into nature, our heart rates slow, and our breathing deepens. Muscles release, and our senses start to recalibrate, drawing our attention to details we may usually miss, like the patterns of...

Spending an hour with gorillas in the wild is life changing. In this episode, Charles Nsabimana, Conservationist at Singita Kwitonda, chats to Prosper Uwingeli, Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park (VNP), about mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda. Prosper’s been in the role for 18 years, in charge of research, monitoring, and planning. Previously, he was a research assistant at Dian Fo...

What happens when a wildly creative Zimbabwean photographer visits one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Zimbabwe to create a short film? He captured more than just images — he found stories of belonging, the magic of nature, and discovered how light itself became his muse at Singita Pamushana. Tashinga Dzwukutu (Assistant Manager at Singita Pamushana) sits down with Tatenda Chidora, a...

In this heartwarming episode, former Head Guide, Solomon Ndlovu, talks to Jonathan Lachowitz, a devoted regular guest who keeps returning to the wild magic of Singita Kruger Park (South Africa) to walk all day without a schedule. On his visits Jonathan walks with Solomon and Tracker, Sunday Ndhlovu. After 70 days walking together, the trio has an easy friendship built on trust, shared memories, an...

Today we dive into an interesting conversation about the changing safari traveller and why the wilderness still calls to a new generation. Mandisa Magwaxaza, a travel professional and journalist who works at Singita, chats with travel journalist & Communications Specialist, Ondela Mlandu. They share insights on solo travel; on younger guests who choose to travel consciously; social media’s influen...

Saddle up and get ready to be inspired! In this episode, we're joined by two amazing colleagues from The Grumeti Fund (GF), Singita's conservation partner in Tanzania. Skyler Nuelle (Head of Partnerships & Impact Analysis, GF) chats to Matt Perry (GM: Grumeti Fund) and Glen Steyn (Head of Anti-poaching, GF) about the Wagora Bike Ride. They talk about how the event got its name, the route, and the...

Big cats captivate guests on game drives, but they are also in great danger. In this episode, Marnus Roodbol (Lowveld Project Manager of the Carnivore Conservation Program for the Endangered Wildlife Trust) (EWT), chats to Bernard Stiglingh (field guide at Singita Kruger) about lion conservation in Africa. They discuss the critical role lions play in ecosystems, conservation efforts, and what's dr...

A tasty tale today. Meet three phenomenal chefs with different roles but they agree that the Singita Community Culinary Schools (SCCS) gives them goosebumps. Chef Adele Stiehler-van der Westhuizen, managing director of Prue Leith Culinary Institute, hosts a chat with Chef Nande Magojo (Chef Skills Developer at Singita Kruger) and Chef Andrew Nicholson (Singita’s Group Executive Chef). SCCS, partne...

Singita has worked with Cecile & Boyd for 30 years and the same people are still in the room today. Today, we unpack this enduring partnership – what makes it successful and fun, what drives the constant inspiration for new lodges as Singita expands. Lindy Rousseau (Singita’s Strategist) chats to Geordi de Sousa Costa and Paul van den Berg (Designers and Partners at Cecile & Boyd). They discuss th...

A species in a downward spiral. Not cute or cuddly, but vultures play a crucial role as nature's clean-up crew. In this episode, Dr. Gareth Tate, the Birds of Prey Program Manager for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), chats with Ben Nichol (Conservation Impact Lead for Singita Lowveld Trust) (SLT) about vulture conservation. They discuss their role in ecosystems, the threats they face, and what...

Linky Nkuna was born and raised in Justicia, near Singita Sabi Sand, and started her career in education. She is now the Programme Manager for Singita Lowveld Trust’s (SLT) community programmes. Today we are zooming in on one of the SLT’s programmes, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and the 17 centres it supports in communities surrounding Singita’s lodges in South Africa. Linky chats to Elsa Pa...

A pangolin is poached from the wild every five minutes. It's reached a tipping point and if we don’t act now, they could disappear in our lifetime. So little is known about this enchanting, solitary mammal covered in scales, yet they’ve quickly become the world’s most trafficked mammal. The IUCN lists the four Asian species as critically endangered, while the four African species, endangered. All...

Get ready to be inspired! In this episode, we're joined by two amazing women from the Grumeti Fund (GF), Singita's conservation partner in Tanzania, Skyler Nuelle (Head - Partnerships & Impact Analysis) and Frida Mollel (Head of Community Outreach Programme). Frida shares her inspirational story of overcoming cultural barriers to get an education in her Maasai community. Now she's paying it forwar...

We meet two dynamic women in senior management at Singita Grumeti, Tanzania. Bronwyn Laing (GM at Singita Serengeti) chats to Joyce Moikangoe (Lodge Manager at Singita Sasakwa Lodge) about female leadership and how they lift others as they climb. Joyce was born in Tanzania, studied in South Africa, then returned home to give back and be a part of something bigger. She joined Singita ten years ago...

Ever wonder how Singita transforms Tanzanian nature lovers into the polished, knowledgeable guides leading their exceptional game drives? Ross Couper (Singita's resident photographer and former guide), sits down with Grant Telfer, the (Head of Singita's Guide Training in Tanzania), to get the recipe. From a Singita field guide in South Africa, Grant’s compass pointed him north to become a lodge ma...

In the Western corridor of the Serengeti lies a 350,000-acre game reserve that’s been protected by NGO, the Grumeti Fund, for the last 20 years in partnership with the Tanzanian government, creating opportunities for communities too. (It’s also Singita’s amazing conservation partner in Tanzania.) The landscape was devoid of wildlife when they started to restore it in 2003, with a small team of ex-...

Today, we're taking a trip back to where it all began – Singita Ebony, nestled in the shade of giant trees along the Sand River, in Sabi Sand. It's not just a lodge; it's the beginning of our 30-year journey and a beacon of our 100-year purpose, filled with memories for many people. Under ancient Ebony trees, the Bailes family brought their dream of preserving wilderness areas to life and establis...