A2A Safaris - Sustainable Tourismhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourismenSingita Kwitonda Lodge: The Next Chapter in our Conservation Storyhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/singita-kwitonda-lodge-the-next-chapter-our-conservation-story<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The dense cloud forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which lies along the Virunga Mountains and its chain of ancient volcanoes, is a place of exceptional natural beauty and great ecological significance. This relatively small protected area is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas; one of the most critically endangered animal...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lodges-and-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lodges and Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Thu, 01 Feb 2018 07:00:24 +0000Anonymous1990 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/singita-kwitonda-lodge-the-next-chapter-our-conservation-story#commentsA Day Trip to Gonarezhou National Parkhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-day-trip-to-gonarezhou-national-park<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, which is a protected area in southeastern Zimbabwe covering 130,000 acres of extraordinary wilderness and home to Singita Pamushana Lodge, lies on the border with the Gonarezhou National Park. It is an extremely scenic reserve characterised by beautiful, rugged landscapes and such prominent and enduring natural features as the red sandstone...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/luxury-safari-zimbabwe" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">luxury safari in Zimbabwe</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/malilangwe-wildlife-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-pamushana-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Tue, 09 May 2017 08:01:58 +0000Anonymous1892 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-day-trip-to-gonarezhou-national-park#commentsUsing Technology in the Fight Against Illegal Huntinghttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/using-technology-the-fight-against-illegal-hunting<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Maintaining the integrity of our reserves and the fragile ecosystems that exist within them is the primary concern for Singita’s conservation teams; a dedicated workforce tasked with preserving the vulnerable wildlife and natural habitats under our care. A critical part of their role is managing anti-poaching operations in an effort to stem the tide of...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/anti-poaching" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Anti-Poaching</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singitas-conservation-efforts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita's conservation efforts</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Tue, 02 May 2017 07:35:04 +0000Anonymous1891 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/using-technology-the-fight-against-illegal-hunting#commentsReinventing Singita Sweni Lodgehttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/reinventing-singita-sweni-lodge<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The leafy location of Singita Sweni Lodge, tucked into a verdant riverbank and surrounded by ancient trees, has always been a source of inspiration for the design of this intimate hideaway in the Kruger National Park. The current reinvention of this lodge, set to reopen in late June 2017, takes the rich colour palette of its riverside position...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lodges-and-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lodges and Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kruger-national-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kruger National Park</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Tue, 25 Apr 2017 06:56:49 +0000Anonymous1889 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/reinventing-singita-sweni-lodge#commentsSaving the Rhino: Conservation at Crisis Pointhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/saving-the-rhino-conservation-crisis-point<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita - Safari Lodges & Luxury Accommodation in Africa</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/conservation-singita/saving-the-rhino/">Saving the Rhino: Conservation at Crisis Point</a></p>
<p>The perilous state of African and Asian rhino populations is widely considered to be the most critical conservation issue of our time. Addressing the loss of habitat and rampant poaching of this keystone species is an important part of Singita’s role as a conservation-driven operation, dedicated to protecting, maintaining and enhancing the pristine wilderness under its care. In recognition of <a href="https://www.savetherhino.org/get_involved/world_rhino_day_2016" target="_blank">World Rhino Day 2016</a> and the worldwide efforts of organisations like <a href="http://www.wwf.org.za/what_we_do/rhino_programme/" target="_blank">WWF</a> and <a href="https://www.savetherhino.org/" target="_blank">Save The Rhino</a>, here are the ways in which we contribute to rhino conservation:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16588" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_4-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Rhino Conservation at Singita" width="1024" height="1024" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_4-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_4-150x150.jpg 150w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_4-300x300.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_4-768x768.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_4-360x360.jpg 360w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_4.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe</h3>
<p>Established nearly 20 years ago, the rhino reintroduction programme at <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-pamushana/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana</a> has not only successfully increased population numbers in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, but also benefitted local ecology and biodiversity, and strengthened conservation partnerships with important stakeholders. Working with <a href="http://www.themalilangwetrust.org/">The Malilangwe Trust</a>, a Zimbabwean non-profit organisation that shares our commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism and community partnerships, has enabled Singita to contribute to the Reserve’s conservation goals. Before the programme was initiated, black rhino was extinct in the region, and only nine white rhino roamed the reserve. In 1998, 28 black and 15 white rhinos were purchased and relocated from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and since their release, have been under the constant watchful eye of The Malilangwe Trust’s anti-poaching team. This protection, in conjunction with a favourable habitat, has ensured that populations of both species have grown significantly over the last 18 years. The programme has been so successful that The Malilangwe Trust is now in a position to send some of its black rhino to other reserves in Africa, in order to re-establish populations in areas where the species was previously poached to extinction.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16180" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/rhino.jpg" alt="Rhino Conservation at Singita" width="778" height="508" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/rhino.jpg 778w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/rhino-300x196.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/rhino-768x501.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 778px) 100vw, 778px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Kruger National Park, South Africa</h3>
<p>Kruger is home to the world’s single largest population of rhino. As a result, it is at the epicenter of the current poaching epidemic, and is investing enormous resources to stem the tide and protect this critical stronghold for these species. As <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> is part of the greater reserve, the primary responsibility for the protection and conservation of Singita’s concession lies with the Park’s Ranger Services. Singita’s concession fees make a substantial contribution to covering the cost of this service, not just in our area but across the Park. In addition, we employ a dedicated person to provide assistance to the Section Ranger charged with protecting our concession.</p>
<blockquote><p>“The only way to save a rhinoceros is to save the environment in which it lives, because there’s a mutual dependency between it and millions of other species of both animals and plants.” – David Attenborough</p>
</blockquote>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16591" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_1-686x1024.jpg" alt="Rhino Conservation at Singita" width="686" height="1024" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_1-686x1024.jpg 686w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_1-201x300.jpg 201w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_1-768x1147.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_1.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 686px) 100vw, 686px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa</h3>
<p>As anti-poaching operations look to stem the losses, so poaching methods become increasingly sophisticated, and poachers more daring. Canine units combined with 24-7 of “boots on the ground” has proven to be an extremely effective rhino protection approach, which has led to the creation of Singita’s dedicated, in-house, anti-poaching unit to secure the safety and preservation of the species in the reserve. Highly trained tracker dogs are being included in many national parks’ security operations and the units have become an integral part of Singita’s anti-poaching measures. Foot patrols (with added vehicle support) are conducted around the clock, seven days a week, with units even deploying into the bush for days at a time, complete with bullet-proof vests, night-vision goggles and thermal cameras. Mark Broodryk, Head Guide at <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a> says, “The biggest advantage of a dog unit is that the dogs track using their keen sense of smell and thus are extremely effective – even tracking in pitch darkness.” And the results speak for themselves: In 2014 alone, poachers in South Africa killed more than 1200 rhinoceros. In contrast, in the two years that Singita’s Sabi Sand concession has been watched over by the canine anti-poaching unit, just a single rhino was lost.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/100789658?byline=0" width="780" height="439" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Singita Serengeti, Tanzania</h3>
<p>Part of the commitment of the <a href="http://singita.com/tag/singita-grumeti-fund/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti Fund</a> (a conservation partnership tasked with safeguarding, managing and sustainably developing the 350,000 acre reserve) is the re-establishment of species that, through human pressure, have become locally extinct in the area in the past. Much of the work undertaken by the Fund addresses this issue through environmental management, including conservation of critically-endangered East African black rhino, of which there are only 800 left in the wild. These ongoing land management projects in the region have resulted in the natural function of the western corridor of the Serengeti being restored, bringing the Great Migration back to the area as well as helping to protect and grow the local rhino population.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16590" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_7-1024x682.jpg" alt="Rhino Conservation at Singita" width="1024" height="682" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_7-1024x682.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_7-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_7-768x511.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_7-320x213.jpg 320w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rhino_day_7.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p><em>Singita’s concessions, reserves, and properties represent some of the most beautiful, unspoiled landscapes on the continent and we are dedicated to maintaining these incredible pieces of earth for future generations. <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/" target="_blank">Conservation</a> is at the core of everything Singita does, which is why our 100-year-vision (which you can see a short film about <a href="https://vimeo.com/88993728" target="_blank">here</a>) is a long-term strategy that prioritises maintaining nature’s inherent balance, while intervening where necessary to ensure the protection of the earth’s most vulnerable species and wilderness areas.</em></p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/conservation-singita/saving-the-rhino/">Saving the Rhino: Conservation at Crisis Point</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/anti-poaching" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Anti-Poaching</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:00:47 +0000Anonymous1739 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/saving-the-rhino-conservation-crisis-point#commentsMaking Sustainability a Way of Life at Singitahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/making-sustainability-a-way-life-singita<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita - Safari Lodges & Luxury Accommodation in Africa</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/environment/making-sustainability-a-way-of-life-at-singita/">Making Sustainability a Way of Life at Singita</a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-ebony-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Ebony Lodge</a>, the first Singita property to open to the public over 20 years ago, was a truly ground-breaking concept and set a new standard in luxury game lodges. In the decades since then, as more game lodges have become known for their exclusivity, Singita has positioned itself as a long-term, sustainable conservation brand, for whom the top priority is being caretaker of Africa’s most vulnerable flora and fauna.</p>
<div id="attachment_16542" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-16542 size-large" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_2-1024x679.jpg" alt="Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa" width="1024" height="679" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_2-1024x679.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_2-300x199.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_2-768x509.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_2-320x213.jpg 320w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Singita Sabi Sand will be the next property to benefit from our partnership with Bioregional’s One Planet Living sustainability framework.</p>
</div>
<p>From these relatively small beginnings in the Sabi Sand, we now have a million acres of land under conservation management, with properties in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Recognising that conservation of these wilderness areas also requires us to run successful and sustainable tourism operations on our properties, Singita has partnered with the UK-based <a href="http://www.bioregional.com/" target="_blank">Bioregional</a>, to implement their <a href="http://www.bioregional.com/oneplanetliving/" target="_blank">One Planet Living</a> principles at all our lodges. Having successfully rolled out at <a href="http://www.bioregional.com/singita-serengeti/" target="_blank">Singita Serengeti</a>, Bioregional’s involvement now extends to <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a>, <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-pamushana/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana</a> as well.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16543" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_3-1024x506.jpg" alt="Sustainability at Singita" width="1024" height="506" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_3-1024x506.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_3-300x148.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_3-768x380.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_3.jpg 1476w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p>The One Planet Living approach is based on <a href="http://www.bioregional.com/oneplanetliving/">ten guiding principles of sustainability</a>, which serve as a framework onto which targets can be identified and monitored. The ultimate goal is to become a carbon neutral operation, which is achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving water, improving waste management and recycling, as well as having a positive impact on the local economy and conserving Africa’s (and the planet’s) precious resources. This includes head office operations and, through heightened awareness, influences the way all our staff strive to live more sustainable lives.</p>
<div id="attachment_16541" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-16541 size-large" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_1-1024x681.jpg" alt="Singita Sabora Tented Camp" width="1024" height="681" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_1-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_1-768x511.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_1-320x213.jpg 320w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Singita Sabora Tented Camp operates off a 130 Kwp solar system complete with 504 panels, reducing its reliance on diesel by 85%</p>
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<p>Singita has recently taken some significant steps to lessen our carbon footprint, including the installation of a 350 KW photovoltaic system at Singita Kruger National Park, which is the largest project of its kind in the South African hospitality industry. Diesel consumption has been dramatically reduced, setting us well on our way to delivering all energy requirements with renewable technologies and becoming completely “zero carbon”.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16544" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_4-1024x504.jpg" alt="oneplanet_4" width="1024" height="504" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_4-1024x504.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_4-300x148.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_4-768x378.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/oneplanet_4.jpg 1476w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p><em>Singita Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania also <a href="http://singita.com/lodges-and-camps/solar-at-sabora-gets-the-green-light/" target="_blank">recently set up a solar park</a>, reducing its reliance on diesel by 85%. <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-mara-river-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Mara River Tented Camp</a>, a purpose-built eco-lodge in the Serengeti, runs entirely off the grid, eliminating the unnecessary use of energy and non-biodegradable materials wherever possible. You can read about all Singita’s solar projects <a href="http://singita.com/tag/solar-power/" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also visit <a href="http://www.bioregional.com/singita-serengeti-impresses-with-one-planet-living-achievements/" target="_blank">the Bioregional website</a> for more details on their work with us at Singita Serengeti.</em></p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/environment/making-sustainability-a-way-of-life-at-singita/">Making Sustainability a Way of Life at Singita</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Tue, 20 Sep 2016 07:00:51 +0000Anonymous1735 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/making-sustainability-a-way-life-singita#commentsSolar at Sabora gets the Green Lighthttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/solar-sabora-gets-the-green-light<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>If you close your eyes and listen carefully, you just might hear it; the sound of absolute peace. That is what guests at <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-sabora-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Sabora Tented Camp</a> are experiencing with the recent switch to renewable energy. </p>
<p><img src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_3.jpg" alt="Solar power at Singita Sabora Tented Camp" width="800" height="529" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16082" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_3.jpg 800w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_3-300x198.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_3-768x508.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_3-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
<p>In 2013, Singita’s reserves in Tanzania began a new journey toward sustainable operation together with One Planet, a project that promotes practical sustainable living. One Planet’s approach seeks to meet more of our needs from local, renewable and waste resources, enabling people to live happy, healthy lives within the natural limits of the planet, leaving space for wildlife and wilderness. Singita Sabora Tented Camp is now putting this idea into action by switching from diesel generators to solar power; just one of the many upgrades Singita is making to reduce its carbon footprint.</p>
<p><img src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_1.jpg" alt="Solar power at Singita Sabora Tented Camp" width="800" height="507" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16080" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_1.jpg 800w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_1-300x190.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_1-768x487.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
<p>The camp previously ran two generators that consumed an average of 8 000 litres of diesel per month. Now, with the solar system in place, that consumption is expected to reduce by over 85%. Perhaps most interesting is that this change hasn’t had any impact on the world-class safari experience on offer in this special corner of the Serengeti. Lodge Manager, Hermann Naude, proudly shares how, at Singita Sabora Tented Camp, “guests do not have to sacrifice comfort to be environmentally friendly. The experience is just as incredible as ever”. In fact, if anything, it has been improved, as the roar of the generators has been replaced with the sounds of the African bush – guests and staff can now hear the rumble of migrating wildebeest hooves, the cackling of a hyena and the urgent call of an alarmed zebra even more clearly.</p>
<p><img src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_2.jpg" alt="Solar power at Singita Sabora Tented Camp" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16081" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_2.jpg 800w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_2-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_2-768x513.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sabora_solar_2-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
<p><em>Earlier this year, Singita commissioned a 130 Kwp solar system complete with 504 panels for <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-sabora-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Sabora Tented Camp</a>, where two backup generators provide additional support. Equipped with a 900 kwh, state-of-the-art battery bank and inverters, the system meets 100% of the camp’s needs during the dry season. <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-lebombo-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Lebombo Lodge</a> also has a cutting-edge solar power facility installed – read all about it <a href="http://singita.com/general/shining-a-light-on-solar-power/" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/lodges-and-camps/solar-at-sabora-gets-the-green-light/">Solar at Sabora gets the Green Light</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lodges-and-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lodges and Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Thu, 09 Jun 2016 09:16:26 +0000Anonymous1531 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/solar-sabora-gets-the-green-light#commentsStories from the Land of the Long Grasshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/stories-the-land-the-long-grass<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is set on 130,000 acres of pristine wilderness in southeastern Zimbabwe, bordering <a href="http://www.zimparks.org/index.php/parks-overview/national/gonarezhou" target="_blank">Gonarezhou National Park</a>. It is a diverse and beautiful piece of Africa that is home to a healthy population of endangered black and white rhinos, as well as elephant and buffalo herds. There are also plenty of lions, cheetah, leopard, hyena and wild dogs to keep the herbivore population in check, and more than 400 different bird species. It is a wild and spectacular place that provides endless game spotting opportunities for our field guides and guests.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15975" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_2.jpg" alt="Wildlife report from Singita Pamushana" width="770" height="380" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_2.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_2-300x148.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_2-768x380.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>Perched above Lake Malilangwe, which is home to hippos, crocodiles, terrapins and monitor lizards as well as a variety of fish and water birds, is <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-pamushana-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a>, the ecotourism arm of the reserve. Head Field Guide, Jenny Hishin, is responsible for putting together the monthly <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife-reports/" target="_blank">Wildlife Reports</a> for the region; a task for which she is often spoiled for choice! <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-pamushana-61/" target="_blank">Her latest dispatch</a> is no exception – here are just some of the highlights:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15980" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_7.jpg" alt="Wildlife report from Singita Pamushana" width="770" height="554" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_7.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_7-300x216.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_7-768x553.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>The grass is shoulder height at the moment, thanks to the rains in late March, and game viewing is at its most challenging. That said, there are still many spectacular sightings to see. There have been excellent cheetah sightings, including a coalition of two males, due to the shortage of open spaces with short grass (the cheetah’s preferred habitat). The tall grass also has its advantages for leopard viewing as these cats also prefer to move about on the roads at dusk and dawn, leading to one of our best ever months for logging leopard activity.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15979" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_6.jpg" alt="Wildlife report from Singita Pamushana" width="770" height="328" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_6.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_6-300x128.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_6-768x328.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>It’s hard work for lions to hunt at this time. The plains game are at their fittest and there’s plenty of surface water which means they can drink whenever and wherever they are – they are not forced to the permanent water sources where lions can lie in wait for their ‘meals’ to come to them. Before this kill, this particular pride were looking rather the worse for wear – very thin, angular and hungry. The heavy wake of vultures weighing down the surrounding tree branches led us to this scene where we found the pride feeding on a giraffe carcass. A giraffe is an enormous kill to make and a rare prey species, but with the long grass about it makes perfect sense to hunt them. Exactly how the lions caught this giraffe will remain a mystery, but they were making no bones about feasting on it! It looked like they couldn’t take another bite, and yet they kept at it, resting between feeding bouts and chasing off the presumptuous vultures.</p>
<p><img src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_8.jpg" alt="Wildlife report from Singita Pamushana" width="770" height="524" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15983" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_8.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_8-300x204.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_8-768x523.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>While the lions were enjoying their well-earned meal, the elephants have also been working their way through the abundant flora. Imagine having to eat 150 kg of grass a day, and then producing about 100 kg of dung! Elephants eat any plant material: grass, forbs, leaves, branches, bark, roots, fruit, seeds, pods, wood, reeds, sedges – you name it, they eat it, even commercial crops! At the moment their diet is about 98% grass and they are reaping huge trunk-fulls of it while chewing the previous mouthful as you can see in these photos.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15974" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_1.jpg" alt="Wildlife report from Singita Pamushana" width="770" height="249" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_1.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_1-300x97.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_1-768x249.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15976" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_3.jpg" alt="Wildlife report from Singita Pamushana" width="770" height="390" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_3.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_3-300x152.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pamushana_3-768x390.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p><em><a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-pamushana-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a> is managed by Singita on behalf of <a href="http://www.themalilangwetrust.org/" target="_blank">The Malilangwe Trust</a>, a non-profit sustainable tourism initiative, and all proceeds from the lodge benefit the Trust’s numerous conservation and community programmes in the area. To find out more about our Conservation work in this incredible part of Zimbabwe, please <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/singita-pamushana-biodiversity-protection-development/" target="_blank">visit our website</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/stories-from-the-land-of-the-long-grass/">Stories from the Land of the Long Grass</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/luxury-safari-zimbabwe" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">luxury safari in Zimbabwe</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/malilangwe-wildlife-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-pamushana-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Fri, 20 May 2016 08:00:00 +0000Anonymous1521 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/stories-the-land-the-long-grass#commentsOnwards & Upwards: The Singita School of Cooking Class of 2016https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/onwards-upwards-the-singita-school-cooking-class-2016<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>In the years since the <a href="http://singita.com/community/singita-kruger-national-park-school-of-cooking/" target="_blank">Singita School of Cooking</a> (SSC) opened in 2007, the programme has successfully placed nearly 50 chefs into positions at Singita, as well as the other lodges in the Kruger Park region. The students’ level of expertise upon completion of the course is widely recognised, and a fresh new group of graduates has recently earned their NQF Level 4 Certificate in Professional Cookery.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15838" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_3.jpg" alt="Singita School of Cooking, Kruger National Park" width="770" height="249" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_3.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_3-300x97.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_3-768x249.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>The rigorous 12-month course is offered to a small number of students from local communities, and combines theory components, completed in the classroom and online, with intensive practical training in the SSC and lodge kitchens. Their class work also focuses on developing skills such as professionalism, customer service and effective communication. If the course is testing, making it through the selection process is even tougher; in 2015 the school had 150 applicants for just nine positions.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15841" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_6.jpg" alt="Singita School of Cooking, Kruger National Park" width="770" height="513" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_6.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_6-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_6-768x512.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_6-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>The school is located in the staff village in the far Eastern part of the Kruger National Park, which serves both <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-lebombo-lodge-2/" target="_blank">Singita Lebombo</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/sweni-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sweni</a> Lodges. The students spend most of their time in the staff kitchen where each day they prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for the approximately 120 individuals working for Singita. At the end of their training, these chefs are able to enter a professional kitchen and work at the level of a junior chef, having a good foundation of the basic skills necessary to function in this role.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15837" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_2.jpg" alt="Singita School of Cooking, Kruger National Park" width="770" height="770" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_2.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_2-150x150.jpg 150w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_2-300x300.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_2-768x768.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_2-360x360.jpg 360w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>The seventh and most recent class graduated a few weeks ago, and of the nine students, eight have already secured employment. The two top students, Unity Mokhomolo and Dzunisane Mnisi, have both been offered positions at <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a>, and the school itself received recognition this year in the form of the <a href="http://trialogue.co.za/" target="_blank">Trialogue Award</a>. This accolade shines a light on projects in South Africa that exemplify best practice in strategic corporate social investment; something Singita is very proud to contribute towards.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15843" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_8.jpg" alt="Singita School of Cooking, Kruger National Park" width="770" height="513" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_8.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_8-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_8-768x512.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_8-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>Supporting local communities through development initiatives that help to feed and educate the families that live in and around Singita’s properties in turn allows us to preserve the integrity of these wilderness areas and their wildlife. As Louis Vandewalle, Chief Skills Developer at the SSC says: “Communities and conservation can’t function independently; they have to co-exist. The idea behind this school was two-fold: to increase the skills levels in our lodge kitchens, but also to provide opportunities for the surrounding communities.”</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15836" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_1.jpg" alt="Singita School of Cooking, Kruger National Park" width="770" height="379" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_1.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_1-300x148.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ssc_1-768x379.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>The SSC makes a real difference to the lives of each student and their families, by teaching these young people a lifelong skill that will provide an income to help support their immediate relatives as well as the wider community. The effect is social upliftment through inspiration and leadership, a thriving community and a new generation of skilled young people.</p>
<div id="attachment_15935" style="width: 730px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-15935" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ssc_calssof2016.jpg" alt="Singita School of Cooking, Kruger National Park" width="720" height="480" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ssc_calssof2016.jpg 720w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ssc_calssof2016-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ssc_calssof2016-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Singita School of Cooking Class of 2016</p>
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<p><em>Singita’s Community Development projects in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, have 4 main objectives: well educated children; the development of small enterprises; assisting government in its effort to provide clean drinking water; and an enhanced awareness of conservation and sustainable daily living practices among local community members. You can find out more on <a href="http://singita.com/community/" target="_blank">our website</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/community-development/onwards-upwards-singita-school-of-cooking-class-of-2016/">Onwards & Upwards: The Singita School of Cooking Class of 2016</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-school-cooking" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita School of Cooking</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Tue, 17 May 2016 07:00:56 +0000Anonymous1518 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/onwards-upwards-the-singita-school-cooking-class-2016#commentsSingita Mara River Tented Camp: In Tune with the Earthhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/singita-mara-river-tented-camp-tune-the-earth<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The Mara River flows from the Mau Forest in the Rift Valley, across 13,500 km<sup>2</sup> through Kenya and into Tanzania, before draining into Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. The river is a vital source for grazing animals nearby and, as such, forms an important part of the annual migration route that cuts a swathe through the Serengeti.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15331 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_1.jpg" alt="Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania" width="1000" height="667" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_1-300x200.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_1-768x512.jpg 768w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_1-320x213.jpg 320w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>On its banks stands <strong><a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-mara-river-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Mara River Tented Camp</a></strong>, a new generation eco-lodge that operates entirely off the grid and is built from mainly natural and recycled materials. The lodge consciously seeks to eliminate the unnecessary use of energy and non-biodegradable materials while helping guests to make an authentic and meaningful connection with nature that leaves behind a lighter footprint.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15334 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_4.jpg" alt="Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania" width="987" height="485" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_4-300x147.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_4-768x377.jpg 768w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_4.jpg 987w" sizes="(max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px" /></p>
<p>The concept and design of the camp encourages constant engagement with the wild, from the way that tents are positioned on the edge of ‘hovering’ decks, so that one is slightly elevated, to the fly sheets that allow guests to sleep with the main tent flaps open, while being protected from inquisitive insects. The decor is a celebration of contemporary African design that offers a sense of laid-back luxury; a pared-down approach to the quintessential Singita safari that doesn’t compromise on any creature comforts.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15332 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_2.jpg" alt="Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania" width="1000" height="667" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_2-300x200.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_2-768x512.jpg 768w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_2-320x213.jpg 320w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_2.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Situated in the Lamai triangle, the northernmost tip of the <strong><a href="http://www.serengeti.org/" target="_blank">Serengeti National Park</a></strong> in Tanzania, Singita’s 98,000 acre concession offers guests abundant year-round game viewing, with high concentrations of resident plains game, big cats and elephant in addition to the Mara River’s large populations of crocodile and hippo. Remote and unspoilt, <strong><a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-mara-river-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Mara River Tented Camp</a></strong> is the epitome of sustainable tourism and a shining example of <strong><a href="http://singita.com/about/" target="_blank">Singita’s vision</a></strong> to preserve and protect Africa’s wilderness areas for the benefit of future generations.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15333 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_3.jpg" alt="Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania" width="1000" height="667" srcset="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_3-300x200.jpg 300w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_3-768x512.jpg 768w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_3-320x213.jpg 320w, http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mara_3.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Watch the camp come to life in this video snapshot that will take you flying high over the Serengeti and up close to this fine example of sustainable tourism:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/92924384" width="770" height="433" frameborder="0" title="Singita Mara River Tented Camp - A snapshot" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><em>Take a look at the design details of the lodge in <a href="http://singita.com/design-details-singita-mara-river-tented-camp/" target="_blank">this blog post</a> or <a href="https://vimeo.com/album/3489442/video/92125722" target="_blank">watch interior designer Boyd Ferguson</a> of Cécile & Boyd explain the creative inspiration for this slice of “East African bohemian chic”.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/singita-mara-river-tented-camp-in-tune-with-the-earth/">Singita Mara River Tented Camp: In Tune with the Earth</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lodges-and-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lodges and Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lamai" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lamai</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/luxury-safari-tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">luxury safari in Tanzania</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-mara-river-tented-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Mara River Tented Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Fri, 29 Jan 2016 06:00:19 +0000Anonymous1457 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/singita-mara-river-tented-camp-tune-the-earth#comments