Singita Lodges - Lebombo or Ebony?
 

I am planning my honeymoon and to be honest, dont know much about safari's or south africa. I just know that Singita is the way to go and its not cheap!!!

What is better to see? Lions or Leopards. After reading some of the posts on this site, it sounds like most people were staying in Sabi Sands as Leopard sightings seemed to be more frequent, which would put me in the Ebony lodge.

Does it really matter? What is the main difference between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands...your also talking to a couple that lives in Manhatten, so it all should look the same to us.

Any suggestions? Also...any other high end resorts that you recommend for a 1 night stay in J-burg.

Thanks - Marc

Just got back from Singita Ebony. It was fantastic. We had great leopard sightings in the Sabi Sands (Ebony) Went to Kruger Singita too. You can almost be assured that you will see lion and leopard at Ebony. You may or may not see them at Kruger. I have been to Kruger twice and have not seen a leopard. The lion sightings there were not all that good. Have been to Sabi Sands resorts three times and have always had good lion and leopard sightings.

Hi Marc

Speaking for myself - I would want to see as much as possible and certainly both lion and leopard! Are you sure you want to go on safari? I have stayed a few times at Singita Boulders, but it began to look a bit tired for the money they were asking so now stay at MalaMala. When you pay the money that you will to go gameviewing, you really do want to love every minute of it! Different people have different priorities, mine is gameviewing, yours may be the accommodation and cuisine? I don't know!

The main difference between Kruger and Sabi Sands would be the off roading. Kruger you must drive on roads, while at some, I don't know about all, you can drive off-road for sightings. A few reserves it is only for the big 5, at others you can go off-road for all sightings. For me, this is a deal breaker as off-road you can go to sightings, on-road the sightings will have to come to you.

If gameviewing is your thing, then I would be heading to Rattray's on MalaMala - great gameviewing and beautiful accommodation.

I no longer have to spend a night in Johannesburg but when I did, i stayed at the Intercontinental Sun across from the airport as it was handy when we arrived late afternoon and left the next morning. Not cheap though.

Kind regards

Kaye

Hi Marc

I have been to both Kruger and the Sabi Sands. There is no doubt that the game viewing in Sabi Sands is superior. Part of the reason for this is the fact that vehicles able to go off road in the Sabi Sands. In kruger, the off roading is very limited at the private lodges. This does make quite a big difference to the game experience.

Within the Sabi Sands there are a number of other lodges which offer an outstanding honeymoon experience. Here is a list of a few that would offer a great experience within a similar price range as Singita

lion Sands Ivory Lodge
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Rattray's on Mala Mala

Slightly cheaper but still excellent options would be:

Simbambili
Leopard Hills
Dulini
Leadwood Lodge

These four lodges all have private plunge pools, outside showers, luxury accommodation, great food and good game viewing.

For a one night stay in JHb you could consider the Saxon Boutique hotel. This is a high end hotel. It is in a very good area of JHB.

I hope this helps a little

All the best with your honeymoon plans

Wow...thanks for all the great advice!!! It really is helpful to understand the difference between the two and from what your telling me, I would most certainly want to go off the beaten path.

I think I will definitely look at the Sabi Sands resorts now.

Thank you all so much!!! - Marc

A little delayed in responding, but I would also highly recommend the Saxon, it's one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in and perfect for a honeymoon. I'd add that if you head to Sabi Sabi, take a look at Earth Lodge. I stayed there in 2007 and it was fabulous! Have a great trip.

Erin Kiskis
Community Manager, Ruba
www.ruba.com