Arriving at Lebombo

There were warm greetings for us as the staff lined up at the entrance (nothing more than a wooden plankway along a gorgeous wall that looked like it was made with dirt, rock and mud embedded in it). If this was the first impression, then I couldn't wait to see the rest.

I have to admit I was a bit jaded though as we're so used to living our manufactured lives that I wasn't sure if I was in Adventureland at Disneyland or the real deal. While it took time, I soon left behind all vestiges of the U.S. and [sort of] became one with Africa and the entire experience.

Walking into the main lodge (which isn't realy true since there really isn't an inside, just a wall here or there and roofs in some places), the vistas were amazing -- the N'Watetsi (the Shining) river below and the Lebombo (literally, the ridge) mountains in the background.

Upon entering the “lobby”, we were greeted with wonderfully citrus/lavender cool towels to wipe our faces with and refresh. And it was 4pm tea. So cocktails and great little desserts awaited.

We quickly went to our rooms, changed and then scope out the room before heading back for tea as it’s the meeting place for the afternoon game drive.

The room deserves describing as it’s more of a cliffside treehouse. You walk by the pool and then a long wooden that runs along the top of the ridge that Singita is situated on. No railings, but not more than a few feet to the ground on either side.

The view atop the landing before descending into our room was beyond compare.

Upon entering our room, we found a one gigantic room suite with 180 views of the river below and the surrounding bush, it truly is a sight to behold. Since the river is below is mainly dry because the country is just coming off the dry season, a couple huge water holes exist at either end of the lodge with its residents “raft” of hippo as a group of hippos is known.



And they let it be known that they are there, especially at night.

We also were told by the staff to ensure all the latches on the doors were engaged before leaving. The latches were eye and hook type and they were put on all the doors to stop the baboons from entering. Apparently, you couldn't leave yours doors open (there were no windows, just giant sliding doors everywhere) as the baboons would come in raid all the food in the mini-bar, then leave you little surprise piles of crap throughout your room.

We quickly changed, headed back to the living room area, had a couple snacks and we were off.

As we were running late, Stefan, who brought us back from the airstrip lead us out into the bush to hook up with our guide and the two other people in our truck.