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Singita Ebony Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa · Singita · Grand Luxury
Singita Ebony Lodge opened in 1993 as Luke Bailes' first property, built on Sabi Sand land his grandfather had originally bought in the 1920s as a hunting concession, and it remains the lodge that started Singita's shift from hunting ground to conservation brand. Its chunky, rounded adobe architecture, borrowed from West and North African building traditions, was recently reopened with lightweight canvas and glass that opens the main lodge toward the Sand River.
- 12 rooms
- Opened 1993
- Neighborhood: Bushbuckridge Ward 34
- Interiors: Cecile & Boyd
About Singita Ebony Lodge
- Ebony was Singita's first lodge, opened in 1993 on the same Sabi Sand land Luke Bailes' grandfather had originally bought as a hunting concession in the 1920s.
- The lodge's adobe-style architecture borrows its chunky, rounded forms from West and North African building traditions rather than typical southern African safari design.
- A recent renovation replaced solid walls with canvas and glass to link the main lodge more directly to the Sand River running past it.
- Ebony operates in partnership with the nonprofit Singita Lowveld Trust, which funds anti-poaching and community programs across the Sabi Sand reserve.
History
Opened in 1993 as the founding property of the Singita brand, Ebony Lodge is situated on a 45,000-acre private concession within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The lodge recently underwent a contemporary refresh that preserves its original 'heirloom' character while introducing expansive glass walls and canvas to better integrate the interiors with the surrounding riverine forest. It remains a benchmark for luxury ecotourism, operating in partnership with the Singita Lowveld Trust to support local conservation and community development.
Restaurants and bars
- Bar/deli area (new) — Café
Experiences
- Mini Rangers Course — Children's programme covering animal tracking, astronomy, bush survival and spotting competitions.
- Twice daily open Land Rover safaris — Open Land Rover game drives, included in the rate.
- Walking safaris — Walking safaris, included in the rate.
- Bush walks — Bush walks at the discretion of guides; minimum age 16.
- Cooking interactions — Cooking activity offered for children.
- Conservation Room — A new central space to share Singita's 100-year conservation purpose with guests.
Amenities
- Private plunge pools in every suite
- Twice-daily open Land Rover safaris and guided bush walks
- Wellness spa and fitness centre with yoga facilities
- Singita Boutique & Gallery and Premier Wine Boutique
- Dedicated "Mini Rangers" program for children
- Stargazing and bird watching experiences
- All-inclusive
Open Singita Ebony Lodge in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
More Singita hotels
- Singita Lebombo Lodge — Kruger National Park, South Africa · Apex Luxury
- Singita Boulders Lodge — Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa · Grand Luxury
- Singita Castleton — Sabi Sand, South Africa · Grand Luxury
- Singita Ebony Villa — Sabi Sand, South Africa · Grand Luxury
- Singita Lebombo Villa — Kruger National Park, South Africa · Grand Luxury
- Singita Sweni Lodge — Kruger National Park, South Africa · Grand Luxury
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- Londolozi Private Game Reserve — Londolozi · Grand Luxury
- Londolozi Private Granite Suites — Londolozi · Grand Luxury
- MalaMala Rattray's Camp — Independent · Grand Luxury
- Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge — Sabi Sabi · Grand Luxury
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