Advertise on podcast: Safari Conversations - the Singita podcast

Deep in the Serengeti, camouflaged amongst tall grass, Explore is one with the plains. Every moment at this pared-back, private camp is guided by the environment. Wind cools you. Heat nudges you toward shade. Curiosity calls you into each unhurried day. You wake to a human voice announcing sunrise, and at night, wildlife calls from the nearby dark. Free to roam, you feel the earth crunch beneath every step, share meals over open flames, and end days trading stories around embers, under star-filled skies. It’s simple, yet holds everything you need: a comfortable bed, a warm bucket shower, and those who matter most. We recently reimagined Explore’s design and guest experience to create something simpler and more elemental, centred on a deeper connection with the wilderness and with one another; on presence in every moment, the freedom to follow your curiosity, and a sense of time falling away. In this episode, Georgina Pennington, Singita’s Chief Creative Officer; Braya Masunga, Explore’s Operations Manager; and Michael Schapiro, Singita’s in-house writer, speak about what happens to our bodies, minds, and relationships when we spend time immersed in wild spaces, the evolved Explore experience, and what we might discover when we step away from the noise and distractions of everyday life. Find out more about Explore · Read ‘Humans, Being’, a reflection on the evolved Explore · Listen to the dawn chorus at Explore · Read about the ecological recovery of the Grumeti Reserves · Read a first-hand account of the Explore experience · Browse the Explore brochure · Explore our Serengeti guest experiences · Browse our Serengeti destination guide · Singita website

Singita's properties in Rwanda lie in the country's mountainous northwest, right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. This region is one of the most biodiverse on Earth, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species, along with rich plant and insect life, and communities who have lived alongside these forests for generations. Framed by sweeping views of three volcanoes, Kwitonda and Kataza House are designed to help you slow down, offering moments of stillness and deep rest alongside meaningful and adventurous experiences. In this episode, Ngoni Mtizwa, Lodge Manager at Kwitonda; Donatha Kabangwa, who supervises the on-site Akarabo Nursery; and Michael Schapiro, Singita's in-house writer, discuss the conservation efforts currently underway in the region, how this landscape shapes the guest experience, and why they believe everyone should stay longer at Singita Volcanoes National Park. Explore Kwitonda · Explore Kataza House · Read about the region's ongoing rewilding · Find out more about the soon-to-launch Ubumwe Women's Trail · Follow the story of Kwitonda's resident potter · Soak up the sounds of the Rwandan rainforest · Learn more about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund · Singita website

For years, Singita has dreamed of bringing its approach to conservation and hospitality to Botswana. That dream is now a reality. In this episode, we sit down with Rob Morrison, Elela’s Manager, Kemmonye Wright, Operations Manager for Singita Okavango Delta, and guide Nthophang ‘Tops’ Xani to tell the story of Elela, our first property in the Okavango Delta. From a 420,000-acre concession that shifts with the seasons to eight entirely private camps designed around freedom and flow, to a hub that invites guests into the heart of the ecosystem — Elela offers a unique and extraordinary experience. In this conversation, we explore the landscape, the experience, how Elela came to be, and what makes it unlike anything else in our collection of properties. We hope you enjoy. Browse Elela's webpage · Explore Singita's Okavango Delta concession · All you need to know about Elela · Useful sales tools and information on Elela · Check availability for Elela · Enquire about Elela · Singita website

Nestled at the entrance to Lebombo, one of Singita’s properties in the Kruger National Park, the Gallery of Treasures is a multi-sensory space designed to reveal the often-unseen elements of this remarkable landscape. Created in collaboration with artists and creatives from across Southern Africa, it brings together art, nature, and storytelling. In this roundtable conversation with Tatenda Chidora, Laurie van Heerden, Christopher Parker, and Jack Fillery, we explore the thinking behind the Gallery of Treasures, the natural world as a source of inspiration, and each artist’s creative process — as well as what they hope guests take away from the experience. At its core, the Gallery is about noticing the beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of all life, from seed pods to wildlife, and everything in between. Discover Lebombo · Discover Singita Kruger National Park · Explore Tatenda Chidora's work · Explore Laurie van Heerden's work · Explore Christopher Parker's work · Explore Jack Fillery's work · Explore Metamorphosis, a collaboration between Singita and Tatenda · Singita website

At Singita, food tells the story of the people and cultures of Africa and the generations who came before them. It’s a portal to the diversity of the continent and the richness of its traditions. A way for guests to deepen their understanding and experience of where they are. A means to bring people together, to soften them, and help them grow closer. In this episode, Mia Neethling, Executive Chef and Guest Experience Lead at Singita Grumeti, speaks with Mbhali Khoza, Sous Chef at Singita Kruger National Park, and Michael Matera, Head Chef at Sasakwa. Their conversation explores how Singita’s chefs honour Africa’s varied natural and cultural heritage on the plate, the impact of the Singita Community Culinary School, how our food offering differs across regions and properties, and what the future of cooking looks like on the African continent. If you enjoyed this episode, you can read more about the confluence of culture and culinary craft at Singita Grumeti in the latest volume of the Singita Magazine. Read the story · Find out more about the Singita Community Culinary School · Explore Singita Grumeti · Explore Singita Kruger National Park · Browse our website

Across countries and cultures, art forms an integral part of African identity – shaped by our natural and cultural heritage and expressed in powerful, distinctive ways. Through our 'Africa Is…' series, we’re exploring art, design, craftsmanship, and storytelling from across the continent to showcase the depth and diversity of talent found here. In this episode, Singita’s in-house writer, Michael Schapiro, speaks with South African artist Mmangaliso Nzuza ahead of his artist-in-residence programme at Singita Sabi Sand. Their conversation moves through stillness as a creative necessity, the multi-faceted importance of community, Mmangaliso’s process in the context of his debut solo exhibition, and nature as a teacher rather than a subject. Recorded in two parts – before and after Mmangaliso’s two-week stay at Ebony – the episode reflects on how his time in the Sabi Sand unfolded beyond expectation, and how those experiences transformed into a new body of work, marked with oil paint, patience, and stories drawn from the people and landscapes that shaped it. Mmangaliso was joined along the way by videographer Julian Robinet, who captured his experience in a video that will be released as part of our upcoming 'Africa Is… Mmangaliso Nzuza' series. You can stay in the loop by subscribing to our newsletter, Stories from Africa. If you enjoyed this episode, you can read more about Mmangaliso’s experience in his own words in the latest volume of the Singita Magazine, themed around Symbiosis, and follow his journey on Instagram. Read the Singita Magazine · Browse our Africa Is... series · Explore Singita Ebony · Follow Mmangaliso on Instagram · Singita website

Big cats always captivate guests on safari, but they’re disappearing from the wild. In this episode, Lucy Stofberg (field guide at Singita Sabi Sand) chats to Dr Nikki Balme of Panthera (coordinator of the Sabi Sand Leopard Project) about leopard conservation. They explore why leopards are thriving in the Sabi Sand while drastically declining elsewhere. Did you know leopards have disappeared from about two-thirds of their African range and a shocking 85% in Eurasia? Or that there are seven other subspecies spanning from Arabia to Russia and China? Leopards are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Nikki breaks down the major threats: prey depletion, over-harvesting, and poaching for ceremonial garments. She highlights how the Sabi Sand research informs global conservation and the vital role that ecotourism plays in protecting these shy cats. Learn more about Panthera’s incredible work with DNA technology, genetic profiling, and long-term research. The innovative Furs For Life project (synthetic fur skins) has saved 18,500 leopards to date! The Sabi Sand success story is built on Panthera’s research. In 15 years, over 850 leopard life histories have been reconstructed here, along with 90,000 data collections from leopard sightings (it’s the best-studied population worldwide). Singita Lowveld Trust supports Panthera’s leopard research in the Sabi Sand and more. Learn more: https://www.singitalowveldtrust.org/project/panthera-partnership-leopard-research/ Panthera helped change national policy to protect leopards from poor hunting practices - that was a direct result of the Sabi Sand work. Nikki highlights that conservation interventions can work quickly, which gives us all hope! Who is Panthera? · Panthera Sabi Sand Leopard Project · To Skin a Cat · Singita Lowveld Trust · Donate to Singita Lowveld Trust - USD500 - sponsor the · Conservation at Singita · Singita Sabi Sand · Jane Goodall - Reason for Hope · Singita website

Every great story is made up of many smaller ones. Ross Couper (Singita’s Resident Content Creator) chats to Martin Tuyisenge (Singita’s Community Liaison Manager) about the ripple effect of every guest’s stay on local livelihoods and conservation at Singita Kwitonda and Kataza House. Rwanda is truly a bucket list destination, for gorillas, golden monkeys, the food, and culture. But what really captures your heart is the spirit of its people. This is where Martin’s work comes in - as the Community Liaison Manager, he leads projects across six nearby villages, benefiting nearly 5,500 people. 18 years on - from schoolteacher to park ranger – he’s found his passion. Ross and Martin discuss some of the long-lasting community projects, made possible by Singita guests. Some highlights: - Rainwater tanks for 84 households and three schools - Upgrading volleyball and basketball pitches for young people - Supporting a chicken farming cooperative – contributing 800 chicks, a coup and training - Training a dance troupe (35 people) to celebrate traditional song and dance, while creating new income - Singita Community Culinary School – empowering students through culinary training. 23 students employed at Singita - Annual donation of a fully furnished house and two cows to a local family - Reforestation efforts – transforming ex-farmland to a thriving buffer zone, seeing wildlife returning - Providing access to health insurance for 2,571 people - Since 2005, every gorilla trek in Rwanda contributes 10% to communities, as well as a new tourism levy introduced in 2025. This is a ripple that continues outwards long after a Singita guest leaves Rwanda. Tune in to explore how ecotourism has the power to change lives — far beyond one gorilla trek. Singita website

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to have an entire villa - or the Serengeti - to yourself, then this episode is for you. Our Product Manager, Kim Anderson, sits down with Donna Louw (Private Villa Manager & Wholeness) and Betty Mollel (Villa Manager) to spill the (freshly brewed) tea on what really makes Singita’s private villas in Africa so special. Donna and Betty tell touching stories from their many years living and working at Singita Grumeti (Tanzania). They share tips only insiders know - like which season baby animals arrive, how guests end up playing football (barefoot) with our team, and why many are choosing to slow down and skip a few game drives. Which seasons are best? Where to do yoga? Or where to catch the best sunrise? These three ladies will help you plan. They also reveal special design details like the magic of the Milele pool during the migration, how Kataza House was inspired by volcanic rock and gorillas, and the incredible African art found in the villas. In each, there’s always a sense of easy, homely comfort while showcasing African design, with a seamless flow to the wilderness outside. Quiet is a given; the sun rising and waning over the bush is the only indication of time… Step inside our villas – from South Africa to Rwanda. Nine nature-inspired private retreats, in wilderness hotspots, designed with comfort in mind for conscious travellers. Singita Villa collection · Milele Blog · Serengeti House Blog · Sidai art at Serengeti House · Kilima · Kataza House · Small wonders of nature · High Risk, High Reward podcast from the Grumeti Fund · Singita Conservation

Every rhino counts. In this episode, Sarah Clegg (Malilangwe Trust’s Ecologist at Singita Malilangwe), chats to Tash Dzwukutu (Assistant Lodge Manager at Singita Pamushana Lodge) about the extensive rhino conservation projects in Zimbabwe. Sarah has been in this role for almost 30 years. From a post-graduate student to a Master's degree in Ecology, she oversees the study and monitoring of Malilangwe’s rhino population, with a focus on black rhino social ecology. They discuss the role of black and white rhino in the ecosystem, the Malilangwe Trust’s (MT’s) conservation efforts, and the threats facing rhino - namely habitat loss and illegal poaching for their horn. Ironically, on the Malilangwe Reserve, growing rhino populations have created a new challenge, prompting two historic translocations — of black and white rhinos — to establish breeding herds in the nearby Gonarezhou National Park. Learn about the long-term rhino projects to save the species in Zimbabwe and hear how Sarah carefully selects which bonded rhino groups to relocate without disrupting population dynamics. Tune in for Sarah’s heartwarming tales about the rhinos that were relocated to the national park next door and another story of renewal. These new populations represent our hope for the future! Singita Pamushana Lodge · Malilangwe Region · Conservation at Malilangwe · Conservation Room at Pamushana · Support the Malilangwe Trust · Anti-poaching unit at Malilangwe · Blog: Deeper than the Soil · Rewriting the Future · Singita website

Take a moment to connect with nature - wherever you are. In this episode, mentor and advanced guide trainer, John Roff, speaks to Bernard Stiglingh, a field guide at Singita Kruger. Within moments of stepping into nature, our heart rates slow, and our breathing deepens. Muscles release, and our senses start to recalibrate, drawing our attention to details we may usually miss, like the patterns of branches or the feeling of wind against skin. After a while, blood pressure and cortisol levels drop. Mood and memory improve. Small moments, big shifts. John shares how green spaces soothe us, how the sound of water settles us and how birdsong signals safety to our nervous system. Together, he and Bernard reflect on how guiding has evolved, and how nature therapy (which John teaches) touches hearts and souls in quiet, beautiful ways because people are longing for more. When we spend time in natural spaces, we notice details, shapes and sounds and remember our connection to something bigger than ourselves. We don’t return to nature; we are nature, and we can move through the world more consciously. “My desire is that an emotional bridge is built through experiences in nature,” says John. Even watching nature documentaries or listening to sounds can help us manage stress. Test it here, listen to our Sounds of Sweni (20 Mins) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IEXTj1pji9tRqliVCjivK?si=QHyLmaWPSIWtxx8nPiLwrQ Stay for John’s poem at the end. Share this episode with other nature lovers. John's article in the Singita Magazine · The Renewal in Return · Listen to Sounds of Sweni · Singita Kruger · Guided Walks · Stories in the Stars · Singita website

Spending an hour with gorillas in the wild is life changing. In this episode, Charles Nsabimana, Conservationist at Singita Kwitonda, chats to Prosper Uwingeli, Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park (VNP), about mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda. Prosper’s been in the role for 18 years, in charge of research, monitoring, and planning. Previously, he was a research assistant at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund/Karisoke Research Centre. His career in gorilla conservation in VNP spans 25 years, the same as Charles, who started out habituating gorillas when there were just eight families and amusing stories. They discuss the role of mountain gorilla in the ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the importance of reforestation and real community engagement. There are two species of gorilla (lowland and mountain). We unpack the threats in Rwanda - ironically, rising gorilla populations have created new challenges: shrinking habitat (no buffer zone), infanticide, human-wildlife conflict and disease transmission. Learn about the Rwanda Development Board’s work in Volcanoes National Park - one of the critical strongholds of gorillas in Africa (26 families). Prosper explains how the success of the species is interconnected with conservation, community well-being, and sustainable ecotourism in Volcanoes National Park, as well as collaboration with the governments of Uganda and the DRC. For twenty years, 10% of the revenue from permits has been channelled towards local communities, to build schools, health centres, and roads. A compensation fund helps farmers affected by crop damage, while gorilla trekking employs rangers, trackers, porters, and drivers, which builds peaceful co-existence. The growth of gorillas here proves that this model works. All other great apes are in steep decline, making this recovery remarkable - from 600 to 1,063 in thirty years. Tune in to hear this story of renewal with two passionate custodians (and hear about the moment they met gorillas for the first time). Visit Rwanda Gorilla Tracking · Singita Volcanoes National Park · Conservation at Singita · Gorilla Trekking with Singita · Conservation Room at Kwitonda Lodge · The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund · Tips for Gorilla Photography · Singita website

What happens when a wildly creative Zimbabwean photographer visits one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Zimbabwe to create a short film? He captured more than just images — he found stories of belonging, the magic of nature, and discovered how light itself became his muse at Singita Pamushana. Tashinga Dzwukutu (Assistant Manager at Singita Pamushana) sits down with Tatenda Chidora, award-winning visual artist, to explore his perspective after his recent visit. Mainly known for his commercial and fine art photography, Tatenda’s storytelling celebrates expressions of Africa and incorporates elements of performance and play exploring themes of identity, place, and manhood. Tash asks Tatenda just three simple questions. “Share with us your perspective on…” Looking up at Pamushana – the elevation, the light, the sunsets, and basking in the sun. Looking down at Pamushana - rocks, landscape, red soil, seed pods, details beneath our feet. Looking in – the exceptional people he met; warm, knowledgeable, taking care of every small detail. What flows is a beautiful conversation about being welcomed home, connecting with the land and special people, and the inspiration he drew from textures, light, and gazing endlessly at the horizon. Tatenda and filmmaker Julian Robinet created a short film and a series of photographs that captured the essence of the Malilangwe Reserve. Tatenda takes us behind the scenes. From fallen Baobab flowers, Tatenda also made a mask* and a crown, inspiring an entire series, as well as a seed pod project in the future. This conversation reminds us to slow down, look closer, and draw creativity from nature. Because sometimes changing your perspective opens up a wonderful world, when you learn how to see. * The podcast cover image was taken by Tatenda Chidora at Pamushana. Follow Tatenda on Instagram · Connect with Tatenda's work · Singita Pamushana Lodge · Malilangwe Reserve · Read Tatenda's interview in the Singita Magazine, Volume 1 · Watch the Malilangwe short film here · Singita website

In this heartwarming episode, former Head Guide, Solomon Ndlovu, talks to Jonathan Lachowitz, a devoted regular guest who keeps returning to the wild magic of Singita Kruger Park (South Africa) to walk all day without a schedule. On his visits Jonathan walks with Solomon and Tracker, Sunday Ndhlovu. After 70 days walking together, the trio has an easy friendship built on trust, shared memories, and inside jokes. Jonathan shares what pulls him back time after time – from the therapeutic power of switching off from his busy life, to the perspective only walking safaris provide. It highlights the special bond that's formed while they explore the region, complete with portable espresso machine and a three-legged stool. There's no boredom, as the bush changes with every season, every day and hour. It takes an immense amount of trust between Jonathan, Sunday, and Solomon – the guide and tracker who navigate the bush with vast tracking experience, using their senses (hearing the wind, noticing when a giraffe stops chewing, and more!) The adventures have taught each man valuable life lessons. Walking in the Lebombo concession has become something of a soul journey that has helped Jonathan understand his place in the grand scheme of things. Join us as two friends chat about the magic of observing nature on foot, conservation, and finding precious moments of stillness in the African wilderness. The perfect reminder of how small we are, nature's wisdom, and why places like Singita matter for generations to come. Nature talks to you. Just listen. Blog · Singita Lebombo · Singita Sweni · Singita Lowveld Trust · Jonathan Lachowitz · Singita Kruger · Wildlife Reports Singita Kruger · Singita website

Today we dive into an interesting conversation about the changing safari traveller and why the wilderness still calls to a new generation. Mandisa Magwaxaza, a travel professional and journalist who works at Singita, chats with travel journalist & Communications Specialist, Ondela Mlandu. They share insights on solo travel; on younger guests who choose to travel consciously; social media’s influence; and how to travel more sustainably. They discuss the rise of multi-generational travel. Solo travel has emerged as a trend, travellers ditching stereotypes and seeking life-affirming adventures. Rwanda appeals to solo female travellers because they can (safely) travel alone without feeling alone. Exploring and learning are key to any Singita experience. Hear more about a few of the community programmes Singita supports via its conservation NGOs - The Singita Lowveld Trust and The Grumeti Fund. Mandisa’s favourite programmes are the three Singita Community Culinary Schools training new generations of chefs, and the Early Childhood Development schools improving education for community children aged 0 to 5 years old. Nature is incredibly special. The discussion beautifully explores how nature provides mental wellbeing, healing, and rest, suggesting this is why safari experiences continue to be transformative after all this time. There's an innate wisdom in nature that guides us, and each moment at Singita allows guests to reconnect with the simplicity of nature, as well as the people. Mindfulness draws us to nature as we escape daily pressures to find peace. For travellers young and old, solo or in a family group, this could be why safari still attracts the wild at heart and connects people to conservation. Join us for a conversation about the safari industry and why we believe it still transforms lives. Singita in Rwanda · Setting off Solo · Life Lessons from Nature · Singita Community Culinary School, Tanzania · Singita Community Culinary School, South Africa · Singita Community Culinary School, Rwanda · Cooking Class · Mandisa Magwaxaza · Ondela Mlandu · Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute · Hope for the future, our country, and the world - The Singita Lowveld Trust on Early Childhood Development · Singita website