Reminiscent of an African farmhouse, Singita Castleton is designed for exclusive use and its light and airy contemporary interiors include six double en-suite cottages that spill onto tree-shaded lawns. This former home of the grandfather of Singita’s Founder, Luke Bailes, is situated in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and features state-of-the-art wellness facilities such as a fitness centre, yoga pavilion and double and single massage treatment rooms.
Many antiques and furnishings of the original homestead have been refashioned, adding authenticity to the living areas that extend outdoors onto deep, covered verandas that overlook a busy waterhole frequented by game, as well as Castleton’s expansive swimming pool.
An outdoor boma with uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape allows for magical fireside dinners under the stars – completing this quintessential safari experience.
With its full staff complement – including a Field Guide, chef and host, expansive wine cellar boasting the finest South African vintages, and country-style kitchen, every preference is catered for and guests have complete freedom to set the pace of their days. As the perfect location for a bush escape with friends or families, Castleton offers numerous opportunities for shared activities – from boules to tennis and cricket.
Children of all ages are welcome at Singita Castleton.
All activities at the villa are tailored to specifically suit the interests of each family. In the interest of safety, children may participate in game drives and bush walks at the discretion of dedicated Field Guides. The villa also offers childminding services, as well as an array of activities to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
Our exciting Mini Rangers Course is a customised, fun-filled programme that opens up a whole new world to young explorers. It includes learning how to track animals; astronomy; bush survival techniques; game-, tree- and bird-spotting competitions as well as nature quizzes.
More children’s activities offered:
- Cooking interactions
- Board games
- Stargazing
- Bush walks (minimum age 16)
- Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games
- Arts & crafts
- Movies
- Swimming
- Tennis
Set within 45,000 acres of private reserve, Singita Castleton consists of a main house, with communal living spaces, and accommodation located in six individual cottages within the grounds, catering for up to 12 people.
Amenities
- There is a swimming pool on the front lawn overlooking the Castleton dam and the open grassland.
- There is a private fitness centre and yoga pavilion.
- Private tennis court with tennis pavilion.
- Trampoline for children (and adults) to have fun.
- An on-site boules court.
- A wellness centre with treatment rooms. In room treatments are also available for guests.
- Television with full satellite/cable with DVD player in the main house.
- Private wine cellar housing a curated selection of some of South Africa’s finest wines.
- Private boma with uninterrupted view of the watering hole.
- Private Land Rover with experienced field guide and tracker.
- Private staff of house manager, chef, housekeeper, guide and tracker.
- Our Singita Boutique & Gallery and Premier Wine Boutique is nearby.
- Dependent upon area coverage, there is mobile phone signal.
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.
- Children of all ages are welcome. There are babysitting services available (to be booked in advance) and tailor-made activities to suit each family.
- For the interest of safety, childrens’ participation in game activities is at the discretion of your guide.
- Kosher and Halaal is available at Singita Castleton at an additional charge – please book in advance.
PRICING
6 Doubles/Twins
Peak Season
2020ZAR 291 320 per lodge per night (1-8 guests)
ZAR 324 445 per lodge per night (9-12 guests)
ZAR 145 660 day-use rate
Shoulder Season
2020ZAR 273 740 per lodge per night (1-8 guests)
ZAR 304 870 per lodge per night (9-12 guests)
ZAR 136 870 day-use rate
Off-Peak Season
2020ZAR 256 160 per lodge per night (1-8 guests)
ZAR 285 290 per lodge per night (9-12 guests)
ZAR 128 080 day-use rate
By Air
- We can arrange scheduled flights or private charters for your trip. All flights land at Singita’s airstrip located 10 minutes from the lodge.
- On scheduled flights, the weight of luggage is restricted to 20kg (44lb) for checked baggage and 5kg (11lb) for hand luggage. Only soft-sided luggage is permitted.
- Johannesburg – Singita Sabi Sand: approximately 1 hour
- Nelspruit – Singita Sabi Sand: approximately 30 minutes
By Road
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- From Johannesburg: approximately 6.5 hours’ drive (+/- 500km).
- From Hazyview: approximately 1.75 hours’ drive (+/- 150km).
Weather and what to pack:
To ensure your comfort you may want to tailor your clothing choices to the time of year:
October – April:
The weather is warm during the day and cooler in the morning and evenings. We recommend casual summer clothes (shorts and cool shirts) and a warm jersey/sweater for the cooler times of day.
May – September:
This is fall and winter and the temperature will be mild during the day, but colder in the mornings and evenings. We recommend casual light clothing and a very warm parka/jacket for the extremely cold mornings and nights.
Best Time to go on Safari
Southern Africa is a year-round destination. Traditionally the dry winter months (April to October) are best for game viewing, due to the shorter grass, lack of foliage and the absence of water which forces the game to concentrate around the remaining sources of drinking water.
Annual rainfall, usually in the form of short afternoon thunder showers that clear up within an hour, occur from December to March. Many species give birth to their young around the start of the rains, so the bush is alive with newborn animals.
What to Bring
Your safari suitcase, packed properly, will ensure that you have everything you need for the ultimate African bush experience. Cotton clothing in neutral colours is recommended for all game drives and bush walks. It is best to avoid white clothing and dark colours for bush activities, as they tend to attract certain bugs. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges.
We recommend packing the following:
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- Comfortable walking shoes/track shoes/hiking boots for walks and sandals to wear around the lodge.
- Swimming costume/bathing suits, sun block, sun hat, sunglasses, lip balm, mosquito repellent (lip balm and mosquito repellent is provided for all our guests, but you are welcome to bring along your favourite brand).
- Camera and video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment.
- Please note that in the event of rain during a game drive, waterproof ponchos will be provided for guests’ comfort.
- All of our lodges are located in remote areas and therefore guests should remember to bring an extra pair of correction glasses, contact lens solution and an extra set of contact lenses (if required) as well as a sufficient supply of any prescription medication.
Temperatures
| Time of Year | Average Minimum | Average Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Spring: Sept – Nov | 18°C / 64°F | 30°C / 86°F |
| Summer: Dec – Feb | 23°C / 73°F | 35°C / 95°F |
| Autumn: Mar – May | 12°C / 54°F | 26°C / 79°F |
| Winter: Jun – Aug | 9°C / 48°F | 22°C / 72°F |
Rental Information
- Check In2:00 PM
- Check Out11:00 AM
- Max Guests12
- Min Stay2 nights