Singita Kruger National Park spotlights South African sustainability on The World's 50 Best Hotel list for 2023

Singita Kruger National Park's lodges, Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni have collectively been placed at Number 15 in the new global ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels for 2023. Singita was the sole safari operator and only property in sub-Saharan Africa ranked in the top 50.

We are honoured to be acknowledged by our peers and our guests. Being included on the inaugural list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 inspires us to continue to uphold our commitment to creating truly meaningful and memorable experiences.

Being included on this list is made all the more rewarding for the additional recognition of receiving the Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award 2023 for outstanding efforts towards sustainability. To be recognised in a way that is so aligned with our 100-year purpose is truly an honour.

The Eco Hotel Award is given to the hotel that achieves the highest environmental and social responsibility rating. This was determined by 50 Best’s audit partner, the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). The award is independently audited by the SRA, and rates establishments that self-nominate for the prize across a variety of criteria. The SRA assesses business practice across three core areas: environment, society and procurement. Existing accreditations, such as B-Corp status, are also considered in the assessment process. 

"The SRA is proud to name the winner of the inaugural Flor de Caña Eco Hotel award as Singita Kruger National Park. A drive towards harmony in society and nature is clear to see across Singita’s business model and has firmly placed them as this year’s recipient of the first Flor de Caña Eco Hotel award. To assess a leader amongst its peers, the SRA judges across three categories: environment, society and sourcing. Singita excelled across all three. Singita’s concession in the Kruger National Park was granted in 2001 in part, because of Singita’s outstanding record and steadfast commitment to conservation as well as its minimal environmental footprint. This reflects Singita’s ongoing sustainability efforts across their entire hotel collection and is demonstrated in their ethos and day to day operations."

As a brand driven by a purpose to protect and preserve the African wilderness for generations long into the future, our lodges have always been built on principles of sustainability and having a positive impact on the landscapes, people and species they’re surrounded and supported by.

While our 100-year purpose and goals look at the long-term and the big picture, the reality is that it’s the everyday habits and practices that make these possible. Every detail matters, from the daily running of the lodges and all this encompasses to the ambitious conservation projects we support in partnership with non-profit Funds & Trusts towards important initiatives such as anti poaching and species protection.

On a more micro level, various on-site sustainability interventions, when practiced with discipline, allow us to tread more lightly on the land. Using the work of local designers and artists not only showcases the continent's talent, but supports the local economy. Our 92% recycling rate is the result of rigorous internal education and training. The reduction of diesel use by 70% is thanks to the installation of extensive solar panels and Tesla battery storage, while the inclusion of more plant-based dishes – the kitchens at Singita have reduced meat consumption – and a more conscious produce management and sourcing strategy has contributed to a reduction in waste and a more mindful approach to our menus and sustainable food journey.

Our community partnership programmes too, look at the long-term wellbeing of the people whose lives are intertwined with our lodges (including our own teams), as we recognise that for our environment to thrive, the communities who live alongside the life it contains need to, too. In partnership with our non-profit partner in the region, the Singita Lowveld Trust (SLT), we work with local community at various levels – from entrepreneurial support to early childhood development.

Singita currently assists the SLT to support more than 1 700 children at preschool level with resources, equipment and even nutritional supplementation. Other programmes, such as carbon offsetting implemented in collaboration with Bioregional, reach beyond just our immediate surrounds. Through these, guests directly support two projects: one that reduces cookstove emissions and another that protects vulnerable woodland.

The Singita Community Culinary School builds sustainable employment within the nearby community, training aspiring chefs, 95% of which go on to employment in the hospitality industry. The SRA lauded Singita's use of cutting-edge, energy-saving technology in the kitchen, forward-thinking waste management policy and commitment to the ethical, sustainable and local sourcing of ingredients. It also noted that as part of our goal to support adjacent communities, we sources as much food as we can locally.

Learn more about this remarkable place by connecting with a member of our team.