When Singita's founder, Luke Bailes, started out, he might not have known that his own grandfather's family home will eventually be converted into a spectacular lodge. But because this beautiful, lived-in farmhouse now hosts paying guests, a small number of travellers get to experience this private game reserve as a 'member of the family'. The 45 000 acres are explored exclusively by Singita, and private game drives create the feeling of truly living here, and not just visiting. Visits to the community makes this a safari lodge entirely integrated with its surroundings.
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Six individual cottages are scattered around the grounds. Only 12 people can stay here in total at any given time. The cottages allow for privacy whenever guests feel like it. Each cottage overlooks the waterhole. Designers have done away with the traditional decor of safari lodges and created something more cosy - something you would find at a farm stay. Chic French doors open up into a bathroom with his and her sinks and a claw-footed bath.
This is safari on your own terms. Your guide drives when you want, the chef cooks what you fancy, and nobody minds if the kids are shrieking in the pool.
Ask the chef about a baking session in the country-style kitchen — it's the heart of the house and a brilliant way to keep younger ones entertained between drives. Pizza-making is a particular hit..
Being exclusive-use, you'll need to book the whole property. With a nightly rate for the house rather than per person, it works best for groups of eight to twelve.
Owned by Singita, this property is committed to sustainability and conservation in Africa. Endorsed by Bioregional, they embed One Planet Living principles into their operations. Singita partners with communities, supports education, and leads wildlife conservation efforts through initiatives like the Grumeti Fund and Singita Lowveld Trust. Their focus on community empowerment and environmental stewardship shapes their vision for a sustainable future. Note: a conservancy fee applies but is not included in the nightly rate.
Singita Castleton can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Singita Castleton or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Singita Castleton start from around $3.4K, or US$3.4K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A safari that surpasses every expectation awaits in this vast wilderness just west of the Kruger National Park.
