Lisa1224

Are there suites in better locations than others? Does anyone have a suggestion of a particular suite that I can request? Do all the suites have views of the river? Thanks for all your help so far.

sandi

The best I could tell, all houses (not suites, guests have individual buildings to themselves) face the river. And from the deck that runs around the house, facing river, you cannot see other houses with the exception, maybe, of a roof top. You're actually secluded in your own hideaway.

We were in #3, which was the second from the main public areas. And the best I could tell, they were all decorated the same. The only difference I could tell was that some of the house/suite were designed to the right of the entry door, others to the left.

As far as sound, it's easier to hear lions roaring than guests in the house next to yours (though next doesn't mean they're touching - probably a good 10'+ apart.

While guests can walk unescorted during daylight even though there are no electronic fences, when going to/from dinner you are escorted by a guide. When you return from the evening game drive, the ranger advises when you will be picked-up - they give you about 1/2-hr to shower/change.

And apparently they start from the houses at the far end and move forward. Of course, if you're not ready, the guide will return for you.

Maybe someone has other information as to set-up, but that's best I remember.

Clematis

Lisa, the only thing I noted was that I personally would not want to be in a room right by the main building (dining area, etc.). However someone who has difficulty walking may prefer that. And if you are curious, you might request to have lunch one day at Boulders. They will drive you, it takes about 5 min. If there is an empty room, you can ask to see it for future reference (or perhaps you'll meet someone at lunch who will show you theirs). Think about visiting the gift shop early if you want to have a T-shirt or cap with the logo.

Lisa1224

We really wanted to stay at Boulders but it was full for the dates we needed. They put us on a wait list just in case something opens up.

sandi

Lisa -

We were also waitlisted for Boulders, but nothing did open. We were, however, extremely pleased with Ebony.

I agree with Clematis re being too close to the dining room, but even the closest house (I think I prefer the word cottage better) was still far enough away that you didn't hear pots/pans clanging or kitchen conversation (kitchen is actually behind the dining room and adjacent bar. As I mentioned above, you couldn't really hear noises of people unless you were outside on your deck (and had to strain to do so) or actually left your cottage, and even then it was quiet all around.

The t-shirts at the Singita trading post are great and come in all colors, but I stayed with the pale green; the size small surprisingly was more than ample and is quite long - made of a good quality cotton, double stitching around collar and sleeves with the Singita logo embroidered on one of the sleeves - cost was $14.

Generally, prices at camp souvenir shops is more expensive, and they were here, but they also had some items made specifically for them - like the mudcloth that they use on their beds.

Hopefully, the waitlist will open, but if it doesn't - you'll be more than pleased with Ebony.

Surfrider

Anyone going to Singita, would you bring me a nice t-shirt - XL. Something on the olive or light green side would be nice. I'll send you a check if you list your email address. Or even better, one of their long sleeve light tan shirts, all cotton. XL. Many thanks.

katycee

If you are looking for the best rooms at Singita Ebony then I'd request one fo the newer rooms. There were 6 original rooms ( 1 - 6 I think ) and then new rooms ( 7,8,9 I think ) they were built at about the same time at Ebony Lodge and they are much more spacious and the plunge pools are a bit bigger.

rf299

I've never understood people buying or wanting T-shirts from places they have never been to. In the case of Singita which is so expensive, is it snob appeal? For that reason alone, although I own a Mercedes, I would never consider wearing any item of clothing with a Mercedes logo on it!

Different scenario if you've been somewhere and have wonderful memories of it, expensive or not, fine, but otherwise, what is the point? You are telling everyone (who understands to begin with and that is a very limited number) you've been somewhere you haven't. Joe Cool does not stoop so low!

Surfrider

LOL, normally I'm a bit oblique, but rf299 (are you the latest model?), you're an .... oh, I cannot say. Nothing personal, but you are.

OK, you own a mercedes. I'm impressed. Leased? And Joe Cool, my goodness, so many years, just so many.

I'd just love to have a Singita jacket to wear with my white jeans and clogs, you spoil sport.

I did enjoy your rationale and thought processes. So original and refreshing. Prefect addition!

Do hang in there. Rick Steeves will probably be guiding his own safaris one day.

LizFrazier

Surfrider-
White jeans and clogs? Where have I heard that before? Hmmmmm!

rf299

As long as we are being boorish, no not leased, but owned and paid for. My apologies, but your attempted disparagement was an open invitation.

Surfrider

... Liz, I tried to picture something Singita with black tie, but it just wouldn't work. Anyway, rf299, didn't you ever ask somebody to bring you a present from someplace where they travelled? I've got a closet full of t-shirts from Kansas, Oklahoma, even Texas ... and you know the best part - I didn't have to go there!!! Now I was close to Singita, just a pace up the road by Kruger, you might say, so I figured I might qualify. I'm kind of into Botswana these days, and if Lisa brings me Singita, I'll reciprocate with Mombo!! Or maybe Duba Plains if Lisa is very selective! Almost time to pack, Liz. I'm thinking about 'ya. Ta.

Surfrider

... and rf, I was just teasing you. I adore Mercedes, especially at 160 km/hours zooming through Swaziland, back into SA, trying to hit Phinda off N2 before dark. True, but that's another story. I'd celled ahead to request the animals not scratch that car, Avis would have a fit. Phinda just wondered who was coming. Simple, of course - we were behind schedule because of that lovely red for lunch. We made it, and even got a fab tan shirt to wear out. That Singita could keep it company - but I'm still waiting for Lisa.

Kavey

Surfrider... I feel so unloved... did you get a Tshirt from Mombo? Shall I get you one from Backpackers Anonymous in South Africa??

Hee Hee

rf299 Why come to the Africa board for the first time (posting, anyways) only to make a condescending and rude post to another participant? Only leaves you looking foolish...

Surfrider

Yep, Kavey, #9 at Mombo was only a short walk from the store, so I did get a light green tee. Next time, I want their tan long sleeve. Have to be careful about that 12.2 kg. limit. Or else I'm going to wearing a lot of shirts. Take care!!!! You'll be there in June, lucky you.

Surfrider

...rf299, maybe you can turn a negative into a postive ... any interest in Botswana? Research Kavey's posts and you'll hit a goldmine!!! Definitive would not be too strong. And check out Liz's information as well. Between those two experts, you'd have what a wonderful departed named Janese would have called the bees knees. Take care.