Safari Conversations - the Singita podcast

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Safari Conversations - the Singita podcast

Welcome to ‘Safari Conversations’ – the Singita Podcast. 30 years ago, our Founder, Luke Bailes, had a dream of creating a pioneering ecotourism brand that could help save pristine wilderness areas in Africa for future generations. The first chapter of this story started when we built Singita Ebony Lodge, in the Sabi Sand, in 1993. But truly, it began long before that, on a piece of land his grandfather owned and where they spent holidays as a family at Castleton. So much has happened in the last 30 years, to where we find ourselves now – owning and managing award-winning lodges across four countries in Africa. And, we are looking to expand our conservation footprint even further. As a brand we’ve always been devoted to conservation and working alongside NGO partners and guests who share our vision. But at the heart of it all, you’ll find the many incredible people who work at Singita. Welcome to our Podcast – where you’ll meet some of the very talented people who make our life-changing safaris a reality.

  1. Wheels Through the Wild - The Wagora Bike Ride for The Grumeti Fund's Anti-Poaching Heroes

    1월 16일

    Wheels Through the Wild - The Wagora Bike Ride for The Grumeti Fund's Anti-Poaching Heroes

    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 Glenn 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 Glenn – 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 Glenn 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.

    25분
  2. Saving a Species: Lions - The EWT’s mission to Protect the Pride of Africa

    2024. 12. 10.

    Saving a Species: Lions - The EWT’s mission to Protect the Pride of Africa

    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.

    31분
  3. Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute

    2024. 10. 28.

    Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute

    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)

    33분
  4. Style & Design - Wildly Creative. The Team Designing Game-Changing Safari Experiences

    2024. 09. 30.

    Style & Design - Wildly Creative. The Team Designing Game-Changing Safari Experiences

    Singita has worked with Cecile & Boyd for 30 years and the same people are still in the room today. Today, we unpack this enduring partnership – what makes it successful and fun, what drives the constant inspiration for new lodges as Singita expands. Lindy Rousseau (Singita’s Strategist) chats to Geordi de Sousa Costa and Paul van den Berg (Designers and Partners at Cecile & Boyd). They discuss their partnership, the evolution of their design, and vision for future. This exceptional business relationship is built on trust, collaboration, passion, and a shared vision of conservation. There are so many parallel stories here. Singita and Cecile & Boyd just celebrated their 30th anniversaries; both are family-owned and run; small, purpose-driven businesses with common values; both passionate about aesthetics. And who was the fabulous Cecile? We start when Luke Bailes hired Boyd Ferguson and Geordi in 1993 to design a pioneering lodge – Singita Ebony. Cecile & Boyd's approach at every lodge has evolved with organic, sustainable, and African design. They’re now excited about local art, artisans, and materials. It's about simplicity, authenticity, and minimising the footprint with deep connections to nature. Singita allows them creative freedom - a powerful part of the process, whether it’s a new lodge (such as Singita Kwitonda) or a refresh. We ask where the inspiration comes from. From humble beginnings, Cecile & Boyd has grown to interior design, architectural concepts, creative direction, and two stores. From one lodge in 1993, Singita has grown into an award-winning conservation and ecotourism brand with 19 lodges in four African countries. And soon, Botswana. This lively conversation embodies a quote: Milton Glaser, the famed American graphic designer, said, “You don't have to like the people you work with. But it's funny how when you do, the magic happens.”

    47분
  5. Saving a Species: Vultures - EWT's Mission to Keep Africa's Vultures Soaring

    2024. 09. 06.

    Saving a Species: Vultures - EWT's Mission to Keep Africa's Vultures Soaring

    A species in a downward spiral. Not cute or cuddly, but vultures play a crucial role as nature's clean-up crew. In this episode, Dr. Gareth Tate, the Birds of Prey Program Manager for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), chats with Ben Nichol (Conservation Impact Lead for Singita Lowveld Trust) (SLT) about vulture conservation. They discuss their role in ecosystems, the threats they face, and what's driving the alarming decline. Fast facts: • There are 23 species of vultures worldwide; 11 migrate through Africa. • Vultures can clean up an impala carcass (40kg) in just 10 minutes. • India's vulture population plummeted by 98%. • In SA, white-backed vultures have declined by 95% in 20 years. • A single poisoning event can wipe out 50-100 vultures, along with hyenas, jackals, and lions. • Several species are heading towards extinction and are classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered globally. We spell out the African vulture crisis – the major impact of poisoning (and secondary poisoning); habitat loss; collisions with power lines; and illegal poaching for belief-based medicine. It's not all doom-and-gloom, as Gareth sees real hope for the future. Hear about EWT's amazing conservation efforts - "vulture safe zones"; rapid response to poisoning; tracking technology (over 400 birds across huge ranges); and a new 'Vulture Ambulance' in the Greater Kruger Park, with an almost 100% success rate with rescued birds. Every donation funds field staff, poisoning response, rehabilitation, the Raptor Emergency Fund, and tracking satellites. The SLT supports the EWT Large Raptor and Wildlife Poisoning Rapid Response programs. Singita Guides assist with rapid response to poisoning. SLT aims to offer secure habitats, contributing to the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance. www.ewt.org.za

    32분
  6. Hope for the future, our country, and the world - The Singita Lowveld Trust on Early Childhood Development

    2024. 08. 12.

    Hope for the future, our country, and the world - The Singita Lowveld Trust on Early Childhood Development

    Linky Nkuna was born and raised in Justicia, near Singita Sabi Sand, and started her career in education. She is now the Programme Manager for Singita Lowveld Trust’s (SLT) community programmes. Today we are zooming in on one of the SLT’s programmes, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and the 17 centres it supports in communities surrounding Singita’s lodges in South Africa. Linky chats to Elsa Pallett (Marketing Manager for SLT) about the superstar, Frank Makwakwa, and the Practitioners who are driven by their love for children, and all the ways that the SLT adds value for 1,700 children and 70+ Practitioners. Linky believes the foundations of a child’s education is between the ages 0-5 years old. As if it’s a house, the ECD centres are starting at the foundation. She wants to give back in a more meaningful manner and play her part in getting young kids ready for school and for long-term outcomes in life. The first thousand days of a child's development are crucial. Did you know that children absorb 85% of their information in these first 1,000 days? To sum it up, SLT has focussed on resourcing classrooms of the 17 centres (from 0-5 years old) for years. This is complete with tables, chairs, book corners, books in Shangan, board games, puzzles, and musical instruments. They have started a 'Train the Trainer' program where Frank, a former teacher, visits each ECD centre daily to train the Practitioners, driven by his passion for the program. What’s next? SLT is about to start a Parental Caregiver program. We can’t do this alone, collaboration is crucial. SLT works with different funds & trusts in these rural communities such as the Department of Education and the Institute of Early Childhood Development, & Africa Foundation, & the Community Works Program under the Bushbuck Ridge municipality. SLT worked with ECD specialists who advised on the best resources. The stories are truly inspiring, like the blind girl’s graduation at the ECD. It's incredible to witness the transformation. Today’s parents are young girls who carry their babies along with their school bag, walking to school. Hence the need for the UNICEF Parental Caregiver program. If this conversation interests you and you're visiting Singita’s lodges in South Africa, we’d love to host you on a community visit where you can see these ECD centres and the impact on young minds.

    31분
  7. Saving a Species: Pangolin - Teaming Up with Pangolin Africa

    2024. 07. 22.

    Saving a Species: Pangolin - Teaming Up with Pangolin Africa

    A pangolin is poached from the wild every five minutes. It's reached a tipping point and if we don’t act now, they could disappear in our lifetime. So little is known about this enchanting, solitary mammal covered in scales, yet they’ve quickly become the world’s most trafficked mammal. The IUCN lists the four Asian species as critically endangered, while the four African species, endangered. All face extinction because of the illegal trade – poached for their scales for Asian medicine; or bush meat in Africa; or a delicacy in Asia. Electrocution (fences) and habitat loss also contribute to the decline. Not many people have seen a pangolin in the wild (let alone spent 365 days with one, like our guest has). Singita Sabi Sand Field Guide, Lucy Stofberg, chats to Donald Davis (Programme Coordinator at Pangolin.Africa) about a species in crisis. What makes pangolins special, why they're facing extinction, and how we can help? Donald's work is crucial. From rehabilitating pangolins in their natural habitat, to a swift return to the wild. He also deals with pangolins rescued from poachers. The NGO is working to create a pangolin-safe fence, and runs a telephone alert system (Pangolert). Singita, and other ecotourism operators, have teamed up with Pangolin.Africa to make the 15-minute Pangolin Guardian course available to any staff. Whether you’re a blogger, lodge owner, ranger, teacher, or CEO there are many ways you can get involved. Educating young children is key to saving pangolins. When you donate you help rescue and rehab efforts, ensuring that pangolins are treated, and released. That’s what “teaming up to save a species’’ means. https://www.pangolin.africa/donate Lucy and Donald share stories of their memorable sightings from South Africa to the Congo Basin. Tune in to this fascinating discussion about pangolin conservation.

    30분
  8. Women Running Wild for Women - The Grumeti Fund's Women's Empowerment Project Changing Lives in Tanzania

    2024. 06. 11.

    Women Running Wild for Women - The Grumeti Fund's Women's Empowerment Project Changing Lives in Tanzania

    Get ready to be inspired! In this episode, we're joined by two amazing women from the Grumeti Fund (GF), Singita's conservation partner in Tanzania, Skyler Nuelle (Head - Partnerships & Impact Analysis) and Frida Mollel (Head of Community Outreach Programme). Frida shares her inspirational story of overcoming cultural barriers to get an education in her Maasai community. Now she's paying it forward, leading programs to transform girls' lives through education in communities surrounding Singita Grumeti, in the western Serengeti. We're diving into the tough challenges girls here face - from poverty and gender biases favouring boys', to early pregnancy and a lack of mentors. Frida chats about the Grumeti Fund's scholarship program (a game-changer) keeping many more girls in classrooms. They lead empowerment sessions for girls and boys – programs that are completely transforming gender equality in the next generation. The Grumeti Fund also invests in teacher training to improve education. You'll hear about the epic annual Serengeti Girls Run, where women run through the wilderness to show solidarity and raise funds for women's empowerment. Join us for an inspiring look at creating change. From Frida's calm grace, to the innovative programs creating opportunities for countless girls in rural Tanzania. This is the power of ecotourism.

    33분
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Welcome to ‘Safari Conversations’ – the Singita Podcast. 30 years ago, our Founder, Luke Bailes, had a dream of creating a pioneering ecotourism brand that could help save pristine wilderness areas in Africa for future generations. The first chapter of this story started when we built Singita Ebony Lodge, in the Sabi Sand, in 1993. But truly, it began long before that, on a piece of land his grandfather owned and where they spent holidays as a family at Castleton. So much has happened in the last 30 years, to where we find ourselves now – owning and managing award-winning lodges across four countries in Africa. And, we are looking to expand our conservation footprint even further. As a brand we’ve always been devoted to conservation and working alongside NGO partners and guests who share our vision. But at the heart of it all, you’ll find the many incredible people who work at Singita. Welcome to our Podcast – where you’ll meet some of the very talented people who make our life-changing safaris a reality.

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