Singita | Meet the Guides

November 08, 2022

This time we’re heading to the Sabi Sands and Kruger in South Africa for the safari of a lifetime! In the Kruger area, I saw more prides of lion than I ever have anywhere else, and in the Sabi Sands had ultra-close up encounters with leopard.

On this trip, I also visited all of Singita’s South Africa lodges, including Ebony Lodge, Boulders, Lebombo, and Sweni. I reveled in my private plunge pool, was stunned by the decor and gorgeous pops of color, thoroughly enjoyed the strong cocktails, and of course stood inspired by Singita’s amazing guides and team members.

Since I’m in the field for this episode vs. sitting in the studio, you’ll hear some of the sounds of an actual game drive and enjoy conversations with one of our extremely accomplished wildlife guides, the cooking school chef, and Singita’s K9 anti-poaching expert.

We discuss so much in this episode from crazy wildlife stories, to Nelson Mandela, to becoming one of Africa’s first female guides, to giving back to the community. I hope you enjoy this very special episode of Luxury Travel Insider.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Covac Global.

Listen to hear:

02:28 – About a day in the life of the culinary school students
05:09 – How the Master Chef spent his early days in the presence of Nelson Mandela
08:31 – What drew him to give back to the community
12:15 – Why the selection process is a challenge
17:04 – How the culinary school impact its students’ life
21:45 – About a favorite story of a past student
24:01 – What is cooking on the classes
28:16 – Which stories of past guests left special memories with him
30:11 – What you will learn about the world after spending time here
33:15 – The sounds of an actual game drive
44:17 – About Chantal’s view from her favorite spot in the reserve
45:10 – How she became a wildlife guide
50:29 – What makes her so uniquely skilled in various fields
55:02 – How she had a few wildlife experiences of a lifetime
69:01 – Why people should consider coming here for the wildlife experience
71:30 – What makes the area great for lions
72:56 – What you will learn about the world after visiting the Kruger area
74:58 – About the work and the structure of the wildlife K-9 anti-poaching unit
79:36 – Why Rory found his passion here, and the selection process to join the unit
81:41 – About his favorite story from a past dog
83:16 – How the guests can be involved in the work of Singita
84:05 – What you will take as a lesson after visiting the Sabi Sands