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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The main house features a series of places to relax—whether it be by the fire, surrounded by books or enjoying a sophisticated dinner. Other rooms to explore and enjoy are the wine cellar, small gym, and spa treatment room. Outside, guests can relax by the pool, challenge each other to a game of tennis, or wander around the manicured gardens. The kitchen still retains its country style while an African flair is found around the boma.
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.
Guests at Castleton have their own private Land Rover and field tracker to take them on game drives. But it's not only about game drives here. Guests can also visit two communities who live on the border of the reserve - Justicia and Lillydale. Here guests learn about daily life in the bush and the culture of the Tsonga people. A private wine tasting can be arranged on request in the impressive local wine cellar.
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.
A safari that surpasses every expectation awaits in this vast wilderness just west of the Kruger National Park.
