Ebony Lodge - A Gentle Refresh of Singita’s Founding Lodge

2 May 2024 - Singita Ebony Lodge, in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, has reopened following a refresh designed to meet the changing needs of modern guests while remaining true to the origin of the Singita story that began 30 years ago. The main guest area includes a new wine cellar and a Conservation Room, with several spacious lounge and deck areas encouraging a relaxed flow and uninterrupted views.

A New Interpretation

The layout of the main lodge has been rearranged to create a greater sense of space and fluidity. The chunky, rounded shapes of Adobe architecture (inspired by North and West Africa) combined with thatch, timber and canvas elements, and views of the Sand River, give the lodge a laid-back and light-filled feel.

Cécile & Boyd’s Design Director, Geordi De Sousa Costa, says, “The new design is an intentional mix of past and present. This classic safari lodge takes it to the next level by successfully contrasting bold and lightweight, dense and open.”

Textures. Layers. Contrasts

This mix of old and new continues throughout the interiors, where utilitarian furniture sits alongside simple sofas and armchairs. Cotton slipcovers update antique chairs, and contemporary African art is the perfect paradox to chandeliers and vintage traveller chests.
Existing Berber rug murals underline the North African theme, and leather buckles and fold-up-style furniture adds layers. The pared-down look introduces natural fabrics with texture, mood, and feeling, and softer colours inspired by nature – indigo, écru, ochre, and chocolate brown.

Elevating the Guest Experience

The main guest areas at Singita Ebony include a few significant updates to the guest experience. A new Conservation Room has been added – a thought-provoking space placed strategically in the centre of the lodge, where guests can view interactive displays and learn more about the 30-year history of Singita, the biodiversity of the region and the inspiring work of the Singita Lowveld Trust (Singita’s conservation partner in South Africa).

The beloved wine cellar has been moved, leading onto a deck overlooking the Sand River exuding warmth, with brass, steel, and leather details. As with our other lodges, Ebony now has a signature bar-deli fridge, giving guests easy access to snacks and drinks throughout the day. There is a new informal lounge at Ebony, a warm and homely space with a TV, a well-stocked library, board games, cards and puzzles, where guests can relax.

Shaded by ancient trees on the banks of the Sand River, Ebony Lodge has evolved gently while retaining the unwavering commitment to conservation and the 100-year purpose that guides Singita. This fitting refresh marks the next chapter of our founding lodge.
Georgie Pennington, Singita’s Group Head of Creative Direction, says: “Ebony is the keeper of many beautiful stories and memories, and we have updated the lodge to evolve our product, brand, and guest experience, but the essence of Ebony remains the same.”

Ends

About Singita

Singita is a conservation and ecotourism brand that has been helping to preserve Africa’s wildlife and wilderness for the past 30 years, offering guests exceptional safari experiences at 16 luxury, award-winning lodges, and camps across four countries. In partnership with non-profit Funds & Trusts which implement strategic conservation projects in each region, Singita’s 100-year purpose is to preserve and protect large parts of African wilderness for future generations. www.singita.com

For reservations: +27 21 683 3424, enquiries@singita.com
Press release issued by: Singita Public Relations
Email: Lisa Carey lisa.c@singita.com