Buffalo and birds – a unique partnership seen here in action near Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe. The lodge and two other properties owned and operated by African conservation and ecotourism company, Singita, have been recognised by Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers' Choice Awards.

Pictured above, left to right, the vast plains of the Serengeti seen from Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania; dining table overlooking Malilangwe Dam at Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe; main lounge at Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sand, South Africa. Photos courtesy Singita.

Singita lodges won awards in three categories:

• #1 in Africa Resorts: Singita Sasakwa Lodge (Singita Grumeti, Tanzania)

• #5 in Africa Resorts: Singita Pamushana Lodge (Malilangwe Reserve, Zimbabwe)

• #2 in South Africa Resorts: Singita Boulders Lodge (Sabi Sand, South Africa)

Singita founder and executive chairman, Luke Bailes, said the company was immensely proud of its lodge teams in South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe who consistently delivered an exceptional guest experience. "In an impossibly tough year for tourism, it fills us with pride to receive such prestigious awards, voted for by our guests," he said. "We are even more determined to pursue our 100-year purpose to protect these wildlife areas so that more visitors can experience the healing power of nature and return to reset on an African safari."

Tanzania lodge

Built in the style of a stately Edwardian manor house, Singita Sasakwa Lodge features nine private cottages and a villa, each with its own infinity pool. Offering an unmatched vantage point of the endless grasslands, the lodge balances refined splendour and old-world sophistication with casual luxury. This quintessential East African safari experience is enhanced by magical al fresco dinners in the courtyard under Africa's starlit night sky, with the vast Serengeti plains beckoning below. Guests have a front-row seat to the prolific wildlife in the 142,000-hectare private Singita Grumeti Reserve.

Zimbabwe accommodation

Perched high on a sandstone ridge, Singita Pamushana Lodge's eight elegant suites – all with private plunge pools – is set within the 53,000-hectare Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe's remote southeast. The buildings feature detailed thatch and stonework, carefully curated interiors, and picturesque views of the landscape and Malilangwe Dam below, while the lodge's expansive decks deepen connections with nature. A cliff-top firepit and signature Singita 'bar-deli' invite al fresco dining and storytelling under the stars.

The spacious suites include four 1-bedroom suites, one 2-bedroom family suite (perfect for two adults and two children), one 3-bedroom family suite (perfect for two adults and four children) and two 2-bedroom suites (ideal for four adults travelling together). The Malilangwe Reserve boasts one of the highest concentrations of the endangered black rhino and its abundant wildlife makes for unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. With private access to this untouched wilderness, guests can immerse themselves in nature on twice-daily game drives, bush walks, sundowner boat cruises and excursions to rock art sites.

South Africa

Sabi Sand is leopard country and you will see these exquisite creatures in abundance when you stay at Singita Boulders Lodge. The lodge was inspired by the ancient boulders on which it rests and its temperature-controlled wine cellar – featuring an award-winning collection and personalised tastings – was built around some of the organic-shaped rocks found on the site during construction. These shapes are echoed throughout the design of this contemporary sanctuary in the bush.

Expansive decks and walkways invite continuous engagement with the surrounding wilderness, while each of the 12 glass-fronted suites features spacious interiors, a fireplace, private deck, outdoor shower and heated pool. Handmade furnishings and luxurious, textured fabrics echo the raw African beauty outside. Offering a front-row seat to 18,000 hectares of untouched wilderness, guests at Boulders Lodge enjoy frequent leopard sightings as well as encounters with a magnificent range of animals like rhino, lion, buffalo, hippos and wild dogs.

A tough year for travel

"The results of this year's survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament to the lasting power of a meaningful travel experience," said Jesse Ashlock, US Editor of Condé Nast Traveler. "The winners represent the best of the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we can't wait to have next."

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are generally considered to be the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. The full list of winners is published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler's US and UK print editions.

Meanwhile, the red-billed oxpeckers continue to clear their mammal hosts' bodies of irritating ticks while satisfying their own dietary needs.

Useful links

​singita.com