Safari Conversations - the Singita podcast

By: Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • 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.
    Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks
    Show more Show less
Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Wheels Through the Wild - The Wagora Bike Ride for The Grumeti Fund's Anti-Poaching Heroes

    Wheels Through the Wild - The Wagora Bike Ride for The Grumeti Fund's Anti-Poaching Heroes
    Jan 16 2025
    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. Wagora Bike Ride 2025 · Travelling with a Purpose · Grumeti Fund · Donate to the Grumeti Fund · Conservation Serengeti · Singita Conservation · Singita website
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • Saving a Species: Lions - The EWT’s mission to Protect the Pride of Africa

    Saving a Species: Lions - The EWT’s mission to Protect the Pride of Africa
    Dec 10 2024
    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. Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) What We Do · It's a Matter of Pride - Marnus Roodbol · Donate · USD 1,700 - Lion or Wild Dog collar · Saving a Species of Concern · Conservation at Singita · Wildlife reports from Singita Kruger · Singita website
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute

    Cooking Up Dreams - Inside Singita's Community Culinary School with Prue Leith Culinary Institute
    Oct 28 2024
    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) Singita Community Culinary School · The Prue Leith Culinary Institute · Cooking Class · Donate · One student per year costs $12,000 · South Africa · Rwanda · Follow Prue Leith Instagram · Singita Lebombo SCCS · Singita website
    Show more Show less
    33 mins

What listeners say about Safari Conversations - the Singita podcast

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available