Lebombo’s Evolution - Going Deeper into Nature

Led by nature in all that we do, we believe in evolving alongside it. As landscapes shift with the seasons – colours changing, foliage falling and then re-emerging – so too must our spaces within them. Lebombo in Singita Kruger National Park has always been inextricably connected to its surroundings, and its latest refurbishment enhances this relationship, offering guests a closer and more intimate experience of the wild.

Lebombo has existed lightly on the land since its launch in 2001, living in harmony with the landscape and integrating gently into its surroundings. The recent updates simply bring nature deeper into each of its spaces – in both physicality and feeling.

Like nature itself, the refurbishment had multiple layers – that spanned the design, architectural and experiential aspects of the property. The addition of new spaces, update to existing spaces and a deliberate centering of nature in the experience come together to underscore Lebombo’s symbiotic spirit. At the core of this update is the intention to further elevate the wilderness surrounding the lodge to its rightful stature as a precious resource – a source of wisdom, sustenance, shelter, and inspiration.

A new addition to the main lodge, as you enter Lebombo along the curved wooden walkway, is the Conservation Lounge and Gallery of Treasures – two spaces in one, both with an appreciation for nature: one artistic, and one informative. Designed to draw guests in, this is the physical and conceptual heart of the lodge, and a bridge between guests and the landscape. Elevating nature to art, and displaying art inspired by nature, it creates a conversation between conservation and design – serving to celebrate the lodge’s context and purpose.

This spirit of exchange and collaboration runs richly through these spaces – not only does the Gallery of Treasures hold pieces created in collaboration with artists from across Southern Africa, but it also houses artefacts and objects found on the concession. Here you’ll find seed and foliage collages by Christopher Parker, a ceramic snake skeleton by Jack Fillery, a woven over-scaled weaver-nest pendant by Arkivio, a seedpod mask and multi-media installation by Tatenda Chidora, and a meticulously carved cork crocodile and skulls by Wiid Design. The only brief to the artists was ‘to let nature inspire’.

Alongside these diverse and inspiring contemporary pieces sits a cabinet of natural wonders. Guides, trackers, team members, and guests can all be a part of this growing collection – contributing to its diversity and adding to the celebration of the richness of life found on the property. Its nature is that it’s ever evolving – a living, breathing embodiment of the wonder surrounding you. The creativity and power of the collective spills over into the Boutique & Gallery down the road, where an exhibition of Tatenda Chidora’s Metamorphosis project will soon take place, an extension of and expansion on his piece in the Gallery.

The boundary-less nature of this concept mirrors the lodge’s blurred borders with the bush. And to reinforce this feeling, the interiors have stepped into a new season. Now, grounding browns and creams – in fabrics, the putty-coloured marble of the Long Bar, and textured rugs, cushions, curtains, and mosquito nets – remove barriers between the outdoors, and move the lodge’s spaces from the cooler minerality of grey into the warmer tones of earth, bark, and bush. These tones echo the granophyre ridges that line the concession, the hide of the nyala that browse close to the lodge, the combretum pods that proliferate out on a drive, and the warmth of the earthen roads you travel as you explore, creating an inextricable link between the guest and what lies beyond.

Architectural adjustments have been made in this same vein – to connect guests with nature, while embracing them. All the suites have been double glazed to make cooling more efficient, with the addition of opening windows to allow for cross ventilation and access to fresh air. These changes, while largely unseen, enhance the physical and sensory experience of being in Lebombo’s spaces, inviting the elements in, while offering relief, comfort, and connection.

A tranquil new Wine Pavilion offers a space to appreciate a careful curation of bottles – the product of land, time and care – housed in floor-to-ceiling shelving, with a large centre island around which these can be tasted and shared. The cellar now faces to the Winter Lounge, making the two spaces feel integrated.

This mindfulness of context and purpose extends beyond the spaces themselves, with every element filtered through the lenses of conservation, creativity, and the culinary culture of the region. Where every dish you eat is infused with local ingredients and contemporary interpretations of traditional regional dishes. Where on a game drive or a bush walk, your guides will encourage you to use all your senses. Breathe in the herbs as the vehicle drives over, releasing their scent, examine a leopard track, and feel the warmth of the sun. Always being fully where you are.

For any media queries, information or interview requests, please contact Zintle Mtsi. Email: Zintle.Mt@singita.com

A full selection of high resolution images is available on our Resource Library.

Guided by a 100-year purpose to preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations, Singita curates meaningful experiences and journeys that bring guests closer to the natural world. Our offering includes 19 villas, lodges, and camps across South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe – each rooted in local heritage and designed to reflect the depth and diversity of its surroundings in every detail. Continuing our expansion, we will open our first property in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in December 2026. www.singita.com For reservations: +27 21 683 3424, enquiries@singita.com Press release issued by: Singita Public Relations Email: pr@singita.com