This July, Singita will unveil a complete re-design of its original lodge, Singita Ebony, in South Africa.

Singita Ebony is where the Singita story began twenty-two years ago on land owned by Singita founder, Luke Bailes.

The re-launch will complete Singita’s reinvention of its private 45,000 acre game reserve that is set within the Sabi Sand.

The result will be the most innovative collection of safari lodges in Southern Africa.

Situated over the Sabi Sand River, Singita Ebony Lodge is already considered one of Africa’s most iconic lodges and was revolutionary in its pioneering approach to the modern luxury safari experience.

The new Ebony will, however, take safari design and style to a new level altogether as it is transformed by Cecil & Boyd – the leading South African designers behind Singita’s lodges in South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Their unique vision will create a fresh and contemporary interpretation of the classic safari lodge combining tented camp and bush lodge style.

Guests will literally be immersed into nature with huge open spaces and interiors inspired by a combination of local tribal culture and the animal kingdom.

The new Singita Ebony Lodge will comprise of 12 suites, each with its own private plunge pool.

Dramatic changes include internal and external walls being almost completely removed from the existing lodge and replaced by canvas and glass to create new safari tent-style suites to maximise views and space. 

The entire front wall of each suite between the bedroom and the veranda will be removed, allowing light to flood in.

Outdoor pavilion decks ideal for dining and relaxing will be suspended off the river banks as if hanging in the trees.

The name ‘Ebony’ refers to the beautiful, mature ebony trees that surround the site.

The lodge will incorporate big and bold sculptural elements with a strong new colour palette of black and white.

The black will be found in the rich, polished ebony wood, while the white will be represented by the linens, cottons and natural fibres.

Ebony’s central sociable hub will be the very heart of the lodge – a place to meet, relax, socialise and take in the view.

The sitting room has been moved to the very front of the lodge, closer to nature, to create a contemplative space. The style is reflective of what Singita calls the ‘New Nomad’, the traveller that wants to get back to nature but stay connected.

A beautiful marble and cast iron table is the furniture centrepiece for this concept - it is a traveller’s desk with smart tools, a private dining room table for entertaining or a bar to enjoy an evening gin and tonic in one.