Pamushana Lodge kicks up a storm (Nov 2009)

SInGITA Game Reserves (stand H171) will be among the exhibitors at this year’s International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), highlighting its Singita Grumeti Reserves luxury safari lodges in Tanzania, Pamushana in Zimbabwe and also its properties in South Africa.

Meaning ‘place of miracles’, Singita has been balancing hospitality, conservation and community enrichment with luxury safari experiences in Africa since it first started in 1993. It aims to serve small numbers of discerning guests in large areas of wilderness so that there is little impact on the environment.

In Tanzania the properties are Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Singita Sabora Tented Camp and Singita Faru Faru Lodge, and in South Africa, among its properties are two lodges in the Kruger national Park namely Singita Lebombo Lodge and Singita
Sweni Lodge. Dubai World owns 50 per cent of the management company’s interest in the concession on which the lodges are built. In the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve Singita also manages ebony Lodge, Boulders Lodge and Castleton Camp.

But the Singita property that stands out significantly is Pamushana Lodge in south eastern Zimbabwe. After several years of political instability affecting tourism in the country, things are now changing for the better. Designed to depict Great Zimbabwe, a settlement of stone structures built by the local people in the 11th Century (now ruins and a UneSCO heritage site), this fabulous lodge is found within the protected Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.

Perched on a rocky hill, the lodge blends into its natural surroundings. The central area of leadwood and thatch opens out onto a clear blue infinity swimming pool which seems to cascade into the picturesque Malilangwe Dam lying far below.

Two dining rooms serve pretty sensational fivestar meals, there’s a bar, library, plus free high speed wireless internet access, satellite TV and fax facilities, an open-air lounge, wine cellar and a Jacuzzi with uninterrupted views of the dam and surrounding sandstone hills. every one of the six luxury suites and one villa, catering for from one to five people, has a view to die for. All are air conditioned, have an en suite bathroom and shower, an outdoor shower, private plunge pool surrounded by a game viewing deck complete with Swarovski telescope and again, views of the dam. Just for good measure there’s a double-sided fireplace (it gets a little nippy in winter), mini-bar and fridge, room safe, private lounge and direct dial US telephones. Included in the price of around US$800 per person per day is accommodation, all meals and drinks (excluding premium wines and Champagne), all activities and open Land Cruiser safaris accompanied by experienced guides and trackers.

Singita Pamushana recently introduced bird and game viewing sunset cruises aboard its new luxury range 3G aluminium pontoon boat. Fishing excursions are also offered.

The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is owned by the Malilangwe Conservation Trust, a non-profit organisation which channels revenue generated by tourism into the reserve and the surrounding communities. The trust is currently supplementing a feeding programme for 23,000 children, and has completed many projects for the community including the building of schools, a clinic, microfinancing of small businesses, supporting agricultural initiatives as well as training people in the conservation and hospitality sectors.

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