Unforgettable Moments: South African Wine and Safari

Encountering the Big Five

An intensive interaction with the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos – is among the main attractions of the 45,000-hectare Singita Sabi Sand, a serene private game reserve bordering the Kruger National Park.

Wine Experiences in the Lodge

Yet, the wine cellar at the Singita Ebony Lodge presents a unique draw.

Singita, one of the largest buyers of South African wines at auctions, operates 16 lodges, tented camps, and villas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Rwanda, boasting an impressive collection of nearly 200,000 bottles, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

About half of these wines are stored close to notable wineries in Stellenbosch, in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

The collections feature exclusive releases, private reserves, and rare auction wines, with 60% of bottles being red.

Many wines are carefully selected and purchased years before serving, emphasizes Kenny Nassen, Singita's Premier Wine Operations Manager.

Also notable are Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs highlighting traditional Burgundy style.

A good portion of the wines originates from dedicated producers committed to conservation and community engagement.

This program also promotes the next generation of sommeliers in Africa through on-the-ground training and experiences.

The most exciting wines come from regions that were previously unrecognized.

(Lana Nieset)