Singita Sweni Lodge

Sweni Lodge exudes a sense of intimacy and seclusion in the dappled shade on the banks of the Sweni River. Sweni is soft and intimate, the small and cozy yet modern lodge is cocooned in tranquility and nestled on the banks of the Sweni River. Seven suites are hidden among a canopy of trees, each featuring open-plan interiors.

Guests have private access to 33,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, ensuring unforgettable game-viewing experiences. With the lodge’s proximity to the river, guests are also treated to up-close sightings of numerous animals and birds frequenting the area to drink or wallow in the water.

1 bedroom Suites

River facing, open plan with walk-in bathroom, indoor & outside shower, inside bath & private deck with day bed, air-conditioning, overhead fans, minibar & fridge, tea/coffee station, digital safe, hairdryer, I-Pod docking station, bathroom amenities, direct dial telephone, deck, WiFi. Can be made up as a double or a twin.

Pool Suite

Perfect for families or honeymoon couples, the Sweni Pool Suite has the unique inclusion of a private swimming pool and shaded riverfront deck. Guests also have access to a private lifestyle area where guests are be able to dine and lounge. There is a little sala over the deck by the private pool, ideal for lunchtime dining – including a separate toilet and outdoor shower in the back of the pool sala area.

Game Drives

Journeying into the heart of Africa’s most untouched and remote wilderness areas, Singita’s twice-daily game drives present the opportunity for intimate connections with nature and discovering the raw beauty of the continent’s most magnificent creatures up close.

Each tailor made exploration with your personal Field Guide celebrates the freedom to spend unfiltered time in wide-open spaces and while no two Singita game drives are ever the same, you are bound to be enchanted by vivid encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife – which flourish and thrive through the tireless efforts of Singita’s non-profit conservation Funds & Trusts.

From rolling grasslands where giraffe and elephant meander in peace to riverine woodlands where shy creatures suddenly appear from lush foliage; and from rocky outcrops favoured by big cats to hidden valleys where large herds of antelope roam and graze, each game drive traverses landscapes that are as rich in scenery as they are in wildlife.

As the warmth of the African sun slowly starts to light up the treetops and grasslands, our early morning game drives are filled with an energy that’s simultaneously exciting and soothing. Never knowing what’s around the next corner, the sense of adventure for what lies ahead for the rest of the day welcomes a continuous unfolding of magic as the bush wakes up to reveal its secrets.

And when the sun dips on the horizon, bringing the day to a close with a brightly painted sky, idyllic sundowner stops in exclusive settings encapsulate the romance of safaris deep into the bush. Accompanied by a cool evening breeze and the beauty of the clear night sky above, the tranquil journey back to the lodge often reveals the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa, making for a fitting finale.

Warmth & wisdom

Imparting a wealth of knowledge and intuitively responding to each guest and group’s interests, Singita’s expert Field Guides and Trackers exude an unlimited passion for Africa’s wildlife and wilderness. Their in-depth knowledge of the area – and the inherent role of every plant, insect, bird, mammal, predator and season in its unique ecology – makes every encounter and sighting all the more meaningful, and elevates each connection with nature.

Key Species You Are Likely to See

During your stay at Singita Sweni Lodge, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife including elephant, leopard, famously large prides of lion, white rhino, black rhino, buffalo, hippopotamus, cheetah and sable.

Guided Safari Walks

Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you. We suggest a minimum age of 15 years for this activity, but participation is at the discretion of your Field Guide.

Stargazing

There is perhaps no more transcendent experience than looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars. Man has had a love affair with the nighttime sky for centuries and with very little pollution and no city lights to detract from the stars, your view of the heavens here will be crystal clear – nothing between you and the vast African sky above.

Swimming

The main lodge areas at both Singita Sweni and Lebombo Lodges are home to spacious swimming pools, each providing a delightful respite in the picturesque wilderness.

Fitness Centre

Fully equipped gyms are available for guests’ convenience. Each facility provides picturesque views of the bush, allowing you to keep an eye on the action outside while you work out.

Wellness

The Singita wellness philosophy creates an environment for our urban-weary guests to reconnect to nature, revive their senses, restore their body and mind, and explore our African culture. The guests' wellness journey can be performed in the tranquility of the Spa, out on a private deck, or in the comfort of guest suites.

The products used are carefully selected for the positive impact that they have on our guests and the environment. The Dermalogica facial products use only the finest ingredients available from eco- safe sources and do not test on animals. The Terres d’Afrique products, which are used for all body treatments, are a sustainably developed, organic, skincare range that harnesses the potency of Africa’s legendary botanical heritage. Both products are suitable for men and women.

Our recommendation:

Sun- Kissed Journey

The treatment is designed to fight the negative effects of excessive sun exposure and to repair sun damage. Allow your skin to be soothed by a body mask while you enjoy a relaxing head massage to ease away the rigors of the day. Afterwards, a calming, cooling gel will be applied, and finally a gentle, restorative massage will complete the treatment.

Singita Boutique and Gallery

Not your regular curio shop, you will find original treasures that have been gathered from all corners of the African continent. A range of collectable sculptures, home-ware and furnishings will allow you to recreate ‘the safari dream’ within your own home.

Artefacts, as well as authentic carvings and jewellery created by local craftsmen are just a few of the treasures you may find to take home as gifts.

Amongst beautiful museum quality, fine-art prints and works by some of the most respected artists on the continent, there are many pieces especially designed for Singita. Here too you can find a range of quality branded Singita safari wear. We offer a worldwide shipping service so you may make your purchases at the lodges with the option to send them straight home.

Gallery Space

The first space opened at Singita Sabi Sand in December 2021, followed by a gallery at Singita Kruger National Park in June 2022. Both feature works and collectibles by internationally renowned African artists. Encompassing various mediums, the pieces are thoughtfully curated to invite meaningful engagements, and contribute to a world-class art-viewing experience.

Premier Wine Boutique

As one of South Africa’s most influential buyers of wine, Singita’s cellars are home to some of the most sought-after private reserves and vintage wines the country has to offer. Whether you are a connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional glass of wine, our experienced sommeliers delight in introducing guests to a vast selection of varietals from all over the world. Through Singita Premier Wine Direct guests may purchase wines from our cellars: either to be taken home at the end of their trip or conveniently delivered to their door.

As an addition to cellar purchases, we have secured allocations of highly limited, sought-after wines, including ‘Icons’, ‘Single Vineyard’ and ‘Limited Release’ wines, directly from leading wineries in South Africa. Stored in temperature-controlled cellars, these wines are unlikely to be available anywhere else.

Singita Community Culinary School

The Singita Community Culinary School is a unique program that serves to fulfill a real need in the community, as well as for the South African hospitality industry as a whole. Graduates of this school emerge with highly sought-after skills and strong employment prospects, while kitchens at Singita lodges and those further afield benefit from a pool of expertly-trained young chefs. The School is a significant step towards achieving Singita’s long-term, broad community development goal, which is to assist the people that live in and around the reserves to thrive, both economically and socially.

The school’s demonstration studio offers a unique experience for guests to participate in a cooking class led by an expertly trained chef, whilst supporting this important community development project at the same time. Whether it is mastering a particular dish enjoyed from the day’s menu, learning a traditional South African recipe or helping to prepare an element of the lodge’s signature tapas-style lunch, time spent in the demonstration kitchen is a wonderfully enriching experience.

The details: The school now has a brand new, state-of-the-art demonstration studio located at Singita Lebombo Lodge (and nearby to Singita Sweni Lodge) where guests can take part in a pre-arranged cooking class.

For more info on Sweni, click HERE