Perched on the banks of the Sweni River, Singita Sweni is composed of a main lodge and just 7 superb cottages facing east out of a small riverine forest. Set on the same concession as Lebombo, Sweni is the latest addition to the Singita stable, and the most intimate. Whereas Lebombo, which is just up the hill, revels in its views, Sweni appreciates the quieter pace of this riverine valley. It works very well.
Overview
In 2001 the National Parks Board opened up a handful of sections of the park to private tender. Based on the Singita successes in the Sabi Sands (Ebony and Boulders), the company acquired a 20-year lease at the eastern boundary of the park, a kilometre short of the Mozambican border. The successfully acquired N’wantetsi Concession (now also known as Singita Lebombo) covers 15,000 hectares of varied acacia bush and scrub bordered to the east by the Lebombo Mountains.
Food & service
The food, service and guides are of the highest level. Meals take full advantage of the abundance of fresh fruit available, whilst guests with an adventurous side, may be tempted by the lodge’s game dishes; ostrich occasionally features.
Rooms
Due to the strict nature of the concession and terms of the lease, the design of both Sweni and Lembombo has had to heavily utilise natural materials. Forward-thinking and design-conscious, the lodges have purposefully gone out of their way to break the traditional thatch and rock lodge style, and the finish at Sweni is world-class. Large glass-fronted cottages maximise the light; silver wrought iron balustrades combine with cutting-edge chrome bathrooms; light is reflected throughout in large mirrors; dark leather deck chairs and armchairs mix well with the light greens and pastels of the leafy riverine forest.
Each room has an indoor and outdoor shower and toilet, a balcony with an optional small outdoor bed, a large open-plan living pod, which can be sectioned off with curtains, and which includes a large double bed, a side table and seating. The walls and roofs are tightly lined eucalyptus poles which lend the rooms a superb dappled light effect.
Activities
Activities at Singita Sweni include tracking, guided walks, archery, massage and spa facilities.
Impact
Please refer to our Singita Boulders accommodation page for a detailed breakdown of its fantastic community and conservation work.