If I could only ever visit Africa once, if I could choose just one place to experience during that magical trip, it would be Singita Ebony Lodge. I’ve had the privilege of visiting many incredible places across Africa, but there is something about Ebony that resonates in a way nothing else ever has. It’s not just the luxury or the grandeur of the lodge, although those elements are undeniable, it’s the feeling you get when you walk in, the deep sense of comfort, the warmth that greets you, and the raw beauty that surrounds you. Singita Ebony feels like home, like you’ve always been meant to be there.
From the first moment I arrived at Singita many years ago as a guide to be, this lodge took my breath away. Ebony is perched along the banks of the Sand River in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. I remember standing there, looking out over the water, knowing that as someone who had so loved the bush since a little girl, this was the kind of place that would etch itself into my heart. The lodge itself has this grandeur to it, with soaring ceilings and an open layout that fills the space with light and air. Every step inside makes you feel like you’re part of something special. But what really strikes you is how warm and inviting the atmosphere is, despite its magnificence, it feels like you’ve walked into someone’s home and it gives you an instant feeling of comfort.
The lodge has undergone several transformations over the years, evolving from its original bold reds and hunting lodge-inspired decor to the current vision that blends sleek, understated luxury with the soul of Africa. The design now leans into Adobe architecture, lightweight canvas, and timber, all infused with colors that mirror the beauty of the land, emerald greens and pops of teal that echo the lush garden surroundings and the river beyond. It’s a thoughtful, deliberate evolution, paying homage to what came before while embracing a more modern, yet timeless, feel. But through all of it, the essence remains the same, there is something undeniably welcoming about Ebony, something that feels so familiar, even from the first visit.
It’s hard to put into words the sense of belonging I’ve always felt at Ebony Lodge. I spent years working as a guide there, and no matter how many times I returned, I always felt like I was coming home. Each morning, the lodge wakes up with you. Coffee in hand, you make your way to the lower deck to find the night porters have already lit the large fireplace and the fire bowl by the river is glowing. It’s a ritual, the perfect way to start the day, sitting there, warmed by the fire, watching the bush come alive around you. The sound of the river flowing, the calls of birds in the distance, the occasional roar of a lion or the alarm calls of the ever watchful vervet monkeys who who would alert us to the presence of a leopard moving silently along the bank. It’s that moment of stillness before the day begins, when everything feels like it’s just for you.
As for the game viewing, oh, the game viewing! From the Ebony deck, I’ve witnessed some of the most incredible sights. Lions hunting waterbuck, elephants feeding peacefully in the reeds, wild dogs fighting with hyenas in the sand, and many, many leopards gliding across the riverbank. I’ve sat and watched giraffes come down for a drink, their long necks bending to the water’s edge, and baboons lounging in the shade of the iconic Ebony trees. There is something so magical about experiencing all of that without leaving the comfort of the lodge. You could spend your entire safari simply sitting on the deck, and it would be enough. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I always tell people that Ebony is the perfect place for a first-time safari. You’re immersed in the wildlife from the moment you arrive and that’s just from the lodge itself. When you head out on a game drive with one of the incredibly knowledgeable guides, the experience only deepens.
Although Singita Ebony Lodge is so much more than a place to see wildlife. It’s a place that connects you to the land and it’s a place that truly caters to everyone. For families traveling together, especially multi-generational ones, there are activities for every age group, making it the ideal spot to bring the whole family. From young children to grandparents, everyone feels included, and the lodge’s staff are always ready to ensure every moment is special. The kids can embark on bush adventures of their own, with activities tailored to ignite their curiosity and sense of wonder. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in the luxurious, yet relaxed, setting of the lodge, knowing their little ones are in good hands, learning about the land and its creatures in ways they’ll never forget.
When I think back to my time at Ebony, I think about those small, quiet moments that made it so special. The mornings, watching the sun break over the Sand River, casting a golden glow on the water as the birds begin to sing. I think of the evenings spent around the fire, listening to the sounds of the bush, the crackle of the flames, and the laughter of new friends and old. There’s something indescribable about the way the lodge feels, how it becomes a part of you, how it lingers long after you leave. It’s a place that feels both timeless and fleeting, like something you could return to forever, but will always hold a bit of mystery, a bit of magic.
Singita Ebony Lodge is the epitome of what a safari experience should be: authentic, warm, and profoundly connected to the land. It’s a place that has something for everyone, whether it’s the incredible game viewing from the lodge itself, the expert guidance of the safari team, or the luxurious yet understated accommodations. But above all, it’s a place that makes you feel at home, no matter where you come from. It’s a place where you can leave the world behind, and for a little while, just be.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a true African safari, if you’ve ever longed to connect with the wilderness in a way that feels real, this is the place. Singita Ebony is more than a lodge, it’s an experience that stays with you, shaping you in ways you never expected and once you’ve been there, once you’ve felt the magic of Ebony, you’ll understand why it’s so easy to fall in love with Africa, and why this lodge is, without question, the quintessential safari experience.
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