Episodios

  • A Gentle Return to Ourselves in the Wild

    A Gentle Return to Ourselves in the Wild
    Oct 1 2025
    Take a moment to connect with nature - wherever you are. In this episode, mentor and advanced guide trainer, John Roff, speaks to Bernard Stiglingh, a field guide at Singita Kruger.

    Within moments of stepping into nature, our heart rates slow, and our breathing deepens. Muscles release, and our senses start to recalibrate, drawing our attention to details we may usually miss, like the patterns of branches or the feeling of wind against skin. After a while, blood pressure and cortisol levels drop. Mood and memory improve. Small moments, big shifts.

    John shares how green spaces soothe us, how the sound of water settles us and how birdsong signals safety to our nervous system. Together, he and Bernard reflect on how guiding has evolved, and how nature therapy (which John teaches) touches hearts and souls in quiet, beautiful ways because people are longing for more.

    When we spend time in natural spaces, we notice details, shapes and sounds and remember our connection to something bigger than ourselves. We don’t return to nature; we are nature, and we can move through the world more consciously. “My desire is that an emotional bridge is built through experiences in nature,” says John.

    Even watching nature documentaries or listening to sounds can help us manage stress. Test it here, listen to our Sounds of Sweni (20 Mins)
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IEXTj1pji9tRqliVCjivK?si=QHyLmaWPSIWtxx8nPiLwrQ

    Stay for John’s poem at the end. Share this episode with other nature lovers. John's article in the Singita Magazine · The Renewal in Return · Listen to Sounds of Sweni · Singita Kruger · Guided Walks · Stories in the Stars · Singita website
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    30 m
  • Saving a Species: Gorillas - Inside Rwanda's Plan to Protect Mountain Gorillas from Extinction

    Saving a Species: Gorillas - Inside Rwanda's Plan to Protect Mountain Gorillas from Extinction
    Sep 1 2025
    Spending an hour with gorillas in the wild is life changing.

    In this episode, Charles Nsabimana, Conservationist at Singita Kwitonda, chats to Prosper Uwingeli, Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park (VNP), about mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda. Prosper’s been in the role for 18 years, in charge of research, monitoring, and planning. Previously, he was a research assistant at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund/Karisoke Research Centre. His career in gorilla conservation in VNP spans 25 years, the same as Charles, who started out habituating gorillas when there were just eight families and amusing stories.

    They discuss the role of mountain gorilla in the ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the importance of reforestation and real community engagement. There are two species of gorilla (lowland and mountain). We unpack the threats in Rwanda - ironically, rising gorilla populations have created new challenges: shrinking habitat (no buffer zone), infanticide, human-wildlife conflict and disease transmission.

    Learn about the Rwanda Development Board’s work in Volcanoes National Park - one of the critical strongholds of gorillas in Africa (26 families). Prosper explains how the success of the species is interconnected with conservation, community well-being, and sustainable ecotourism in Volcanoes National Park, as well as collaboration with the governments of Uganda and the DRC.

    For twenty years, 10% of the revenue from permits has been channelled towards local communities, to build schools, health centres, and roads. A compensation fund helps farmers affected by crop damage, while gorilla trekking employs rangers, trackers, porters, and drivers, which builds peaceful co-existence. The growth of gorillas here proves that this model works. All other great apes are in steep decline, making this recovery remarkable - from 600 to 1,063 in thirty years.

    Tune in to hear this story of renewal with two passionate custodians (and hear about the moment they met gorillas for the first time). Visit Rwanda Gorilla Tracking · Singita Volcanoes National Park · Conservation at Singita · Gorilla Trekking with Singita · Conservation Room at Kwitonda Lodge · The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund · Tips for Gorilla Photography · Singita website
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    39 m
  • Pamushana Through the Lens of Tatenda Chidora

    Pamushana Through the Lens of Tatenda Chidora
    Jul 1 2025
    What happens when a wildly creative Zimbabwean photographer visits one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Zimbabwe to create a short film?
    He captured more than just images — he found stories of belonging, the magic of nature, and discovered how light itself became his muse at Singita Pamushana.

    Tashinga Dzwukutu (Assistant Manager at Singita Pamushana) sits down with Tatenda Chidora, award-winning visual artist, to explore his perspective after his recent visit. Mainly known for his commercial and fine art photography, Tatenda’s storytelling celebrates expressions of Africa and incorporates elements of performance and play exploring themes of identity, place, and manhood.

    Tash asks Tatenda just three simple questions. “Share with us your perspective on…”
    Looking up at Pamushana – the elevation, the light, the sunsets, and basking in the sun.
    Looking down at Pamushana - rocks, landscape, red soil, seed pods, details beneath our feet.
    Looking in – the exceptional people he met; warm, knowledgeable, taking care of every small detail.

    What flows is a beautiful conversation about being welcomed home, connecting with the land and special people, and the inspiration he drew from textures, light, and gazing endlessly at the horizon.

    Tatenda and filmmaker Julian Robinet created a short film and a series of photographs that captured the essence of the Malilangwe Reserve. Tatenda takes us behind the scenes.

    From fallen Baobab flowers, Tatenda also made a mask* and a crown, inspiring an entire series, as well as a seed pod project in the future.

    This conversation reminds us to slow down, look closer, and draw creativity from nature. Because sometimes changing your perspective opens up a wonderful world, when you learn how to see.

    * The podcast cover image was taken by Tatenda Chidora at Pamushana. Follow Tatenda on Instagram · Connect with Tatenda's work · Singita Pamushana Lodge · Malilangwe Reserve · Read Tatenda's interview in the Singita Magazine, Volume 1 · Watch the Malilangwe short film here · Singita website
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    28 m
  • The Grounded Safari: When Walking through Singita Kruger Changes Everything

    The Grounded Safari: When Walking through Singita Kruger Changes Everything
    May 8 2025
    In this heartwarming episode, former Head Guide, Solomon Ndlovu, talks to Jonathan Lachowitz, a devoted regular guest who keeps returning to the wild magic of Singita Kruger Park (South Africa) to walk all day without a schedule. On his visits Jonathan walks with Solomon and Tracker, Sunday Ndhlovu. After 70 days walking together, the trio has an easy friendship built on trust, shared memories, and inside jokes.

    Jonathan shares what pulls him back time after time – from the therapeutic power of switching off from his busy life, to the perspective only walking safaris provide. It highlights the special bond that's formed while they explore the region, complete with portable espresso machine and a three-legged stool. There's no boredom, as the bush changes with every season, every day and hour.

    It takes an immense amount of trust between Jonathan, Sunday, and Solomon – the guide and tracker who navigate the bush with vast tracking experience, using their senses (hearing the wind, noticing when a giraffe stops chewing, and more!) The adventures have taught each man valuable life lessons. Walking in the Lebombo concession has become something of a soul journey that has helped Jonathan understand his place in the grand scheme of things.

    Join us as two friends chat about the magic of observing nature on foot, conservation, and finding precious moments of stillness in the African wilderness. The perfect reminder of how small we are, nature's wisdom, and why places like Singita matter for generations to come. Nature talks to you. Just listen. Blog · Singita Lebombo · Singita Sweni · Singita Lowveld Trust · Jonathan Lachowitz · Singita Kruger · Wildlife Reports Singita Kruger · Singita website
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    38 m
  • Wild and Free: The Evolving Safari Traveller and Going Solo

    Wild and Free: The Evolving Safari Traveller and Going Solo
    Mar 17 2025
    Today we dive into an interesting conversation about the changing safari traveller and why the wilderness still calls to a new generation.
    Mandisa Magwaxaza, a travel professional and journalist who works at Singita, chats with travel journalist & Communications Specialist, Ondela Mlandu. They share insights on solo travel; on younger guests who choose to travel consciously; social media’s influence; and how to travel more sustainably. They discuss the rise of multi-generational travel. Solo travel has emerged as a trend, travellers ditching stereotypes and seeking life-affirming adventures. Rwanda appeals to solo female travellers because they can (safely) travel alone without feeling alone. Exploring and learning are key to any Singita experience.

    Hear more about a few of the community programmes Singita supports via its conservation NGOs - The Singita Lowveld Trust and The Grumeti Fund. Mandisa’s favourite programmes are the three Singita Community Culinary Schools training new generations of chefs, and the Early Childhood Development schools improving education for community children aged 0 to 5 years old.

    Nature is incredibly special. The discussion beautifully explores how nature provides mental wellbeing, healing, and rest, suggesting this is why safari experiences continue to be transformative after all this time. There's an innate wisdom in nature that guides us, and each moment at Singita allows guests to reconnect with the simplicity of nature, as well as the people.

    Mindfulness draws us to nature as we escape daily pressures to find peace. For travellers young and old, solo or in a family group, this could be why safari still attracts the wild at heart and connects people to conservation.

    Join us for a conversation about the safari industry and why we believe it still transforms lives. Singita in Rwanda · Setting off Solo · Life Lessons from Nature · Singita Community Culinary School, Tanzania · Singita Community Culinary School, South Africa · Singita Community Culinary School, Rwanda · Cooking Class · Mandisa Magwaxaza · Ondela Mlandu · Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute · Hope for the future, our country, and the world - The Singita Lowveld Trust on Early Childhood Development · Singita website
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    34 m
  • Wheels Through the Wild - The Wagora Bike Ride for The Grumeti Fund's Anti-Poaching Heroes

    Wheels Through the Wild - The Wagora Bike Ride for The Grumeti Fund's Anti-Poaching Heroes
    Jan 16 2025
    Saddle up and get ready to be inspired!

    In this episode, we're joined by two amazing colleagues from The Grumeti Fund (GF), Singita's conservation partner in Tanzania. Skyler Nuelle (Head of Partnerships & Impact Analysis, GF) chats to Matt Perry (GM: Grumeti Fund) and Glen Steyn (Head of Anti-poaching, GF) about the Wagora Bike Ride.

    They talk about how the event got its name, the route, and the epic adventures you could have along the way with the anti-poaching scouts.

    Matt shares the emotional story of Kitaboka Wagora, an incredible scout who sadly lost his life while on duty, and how this five-day event honours his legacy and raises awareness of the vital work of The Grumeti Fund. The event also raises crucial funds to support the Anti-Poaching scouts and dogs. These people sacrifice so much to protect this landscape for ecotourism.

    We dive into the details with Glen – the dangerous work of the scouts; their daily routine of long hours and far distances day and night, 365 days a year; facing wildlife on foot and the role of the dogs in anti-poaching. Hear how Glen planned the scenic routes for the ride (three-day bike ride, 50km per day); what to expect; what to pack; as well as the security briefings and medical support on-site.

    It’s not a race, nor do you need to be experienced. It’s for anyone who wants to join the scouts on an epic ride through the Serengeti - pedalling for a purpose!

    The annual Wagora Bike Ride is from 27 October - 1 November 2025 (five-day event, staying at Singita Sabora Tented Camp).

    Conservation is essential for our very well-being, according to Matt. Join us for an inspiring look at the power of ecotourism with Singita and The Grumeti Fund.

    Email enquiries@singita.com if you are interested in riding. Wagora Bike Ride 2025 · Travelling with a Purpose · Grumeti Fund · Donate to the Grumeti Fund · Conservation Serengeti · Singita Conservation · Singita website
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    25 m
  • Saving a Species: Lions - The EWT’s mission to Protect the Pride of Africa

    Saving a Species: Lions - The EWT’s mission to Protect the Pride of Africa
    Dec 10 2024
    Big cats captivate guests on game drives, but they are also in great danger. In this episode, Marnus Roodbol (Lowveld Project Manager of the Carnivore Conservation Program for the Endangered Wildlife Trust) (EWT), chats to Bernard Stiglingh (field guide at Singita Kruger) about lion conservation in Africa. They discuss the critical role lions play in ecosystems, conservation efforts, and what's driving their alarming decline.

    Marnus highlights that wild lions are now only found in 10 strongholds across Africa, with populations declining by 48% in the last 20 years.

    We uncover the African lion crisis – the major impacts of poisoning, snares, habitat loss, and illegal poaching for body parts. Bernard provides insights into the cultural use of lion parts in traditional medicine while Marnus mentions the demand for lion bones in Asian markets.

    Learn about the EWT’s research work in the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) – one of the vital strongholds of lion prides in Africa, important to the future of the species. Marnus believes that ecotourism (especially job creation) and involving local communities signals hope for the future.

    Supporting SANParks, the EWT’s work includes lion counts and veterinary sampling to determine the presence of tuberculosis or feline aids. Every donation funds field staff, salaries, fuel, maintenance, or tracking collars. The Singita Lowveld Trust supports the EWT's carnivore conservation work across the Greater Kruger with crucial, unrestricted funding each year.

    We need to protect lions (and other endangered species) because it's our heritage. It’s also part of our duty to share this planet with animals. Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) What We Do · It's a Matter of Pride - Marnus Roodbol · Donate · USD 1,700 - Lion or Wild Dog collar · Saving a Species of Concern · Conservation at Singita · Wildlife reports from Singita Kruger · Singita website
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    31 m
  • Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute

    Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute
    Oct 28 2024
    A tasty tale today. Meet three phenomenal chefs with different roles but they agree that the Singita Community Culinary Schools (SCCS) gives them goosebumps.
    Chef Adele Stiehler-van der Westhuizen, managing director of Prue Leith Culinary Institute, hosts a chat with Chef Nande Magojo (Chef Skills Developer at Singita Kruger) and Chef Andrew Nicholson (Singita’s Group Executive Chef).

    SCCS, partnering with Prue Leith Culinary Institute, trains youth from communities near Singita's lodges in South Africa, Tanzania, and Rwanda. With over 100 graduates since 2007 and a 92% employment rate – it’s really cooking! In Tanzania, 100% of the graduates are still thriving in our six lodges. Andrew highlights how successful female graduates are, taking on leadership roles.

    From simmer to sizzle. Adele and Andrew discuss the growth from Singita Kruger to Tanzania and Rwanda, with plans for Zimbabwe, and Botswana! Adele and Nande (who runs the classes) chat about the life of students and how they progress through theory, exams, and learning from seasoned chefs; graduating with talent in a year. Some even met Dame Prue Leith!

    The Prue Leith Institute shares these aims with Singita: To create culinary excellence in Africa; to be conscious of our impact (zero waste); to create chefs in touch with nature and respect ingredients; and to be connected to their cultures. We want them to share the continent's abundance on their plates. They all believe that chefs should be culinary conservationists.

    Guests can book a cooking class with the students at the lodge, which helps support their studies. Let them teach you to make chakalaka - a favourite!

    Relax, pour a glass of wine, and let us serve you a story that's equal parts inspiration and education, with a sprinkle of humour.

    "Ukudle kamnandi" (eat well) Singita Community Culinary School · The Prue Leith Culinary Institute · Cooking Class · Donate · One student per year costs $12,000 · South Africa · Rwanda · Follow Prue Leith Instagram · Singita Lebombo SCCS · Singita website
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    33 m