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symbiosis
summer 2025
summer 2025
contents
welcome note
inspiration
origin stories a reflection on reflections when art imitates life
experience
a day at kilima
through the lens
conservation africa’s great hustle and bustle the beauty we don’t see
community
culinary wisdom
nature’s masterclass
summer 2025
welcome
Dear Reader,
Nature isn’t bound by our senses
but by an intangible thread – a shared spirit of reciprocity and respect.
Immersed in nature, we return to a state of being and come to recognise the importance and interconnectedness of all things.
In this issue of the Singita magazine ,
we explore the concept of symbiosis.
Each story reflects the delicate interplay and interaction of different elements of the natural world and our inextricable relationship to it.
We hope you enjoy, The people of Singita
inspiration
inspiration
origin
stories
Industrie Africa, the pioneering platform
redefining pan-African fashion narratives,
brings legacy to life in an extraordinary collaboration with Singita
inspiration
Africa, the heartland of stories: The ritual of storytelling is as old as the human race itself, and while a core tenet of African culture, its power is universal. Traditionally, African heritage is shared orally and in community, and its vibrant spirit endures through the passing down of knowledge and traditions. But the way we tell stories has evolved beyond just words, and our collective appetite for them has grown. Africa, the Mother Continent, is abundant with stories that deserve to be told. This is one of them. The call of the wild, a call to create: We believe there is no greater inspiration than nature experienced intimately. Immersed in it, stories both come to and pour out of us. But not everyone experiences this. By inviting Industrie Africa’s team of passionate storytellers and creators into the peace of our spaces, we hoped they’d find the conditions in which creativity swells, and the pause that
galvanises their creative spark. In the spirit of reciprocity, we sought in return only the inspiration they give so generously to the world through their art. A collaboration a year in the making: Industrie Africa is a portal for the discovery of exceptional designer talent. Driven to redefine narratives around pan-African cultural and fashion landscapes, it has evolved into a thriving online retail destination, elevating some of the best and most exciting voices and creators in contemporary African fashion to a global audience. Last November, after a year of refining ideas and coordinating travel schedules, the Industrie Africa team, along with beautiful pieces from 30 fashion and jewellery designers from nine African countries – Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Eswatini, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burundi – converged on the Serengeti plains at Singita Grumeti.
Previous spread Aart Verrips captured in the midst of the creative process. Above Hues and textures inspired by the land reflect Africa’s diverse beauty. Right Sunny Dolat bringing one of his visionary creations to life.
inspiration
‘our continent
is abundant
with stories
that deserve to be told’
PRIDE MAUNATLALA SINGITA CMO
Singita x Industrie Africa collab: Singita Kilima and Milele served as a backdrop against which Industrie Africa could create, curate, and showcase this incredible collection. The crew also traversed the Serengeti’s vast plains to experience its unique wilderness and explored Singita Sabora Tented Camp. “This partnership between Singita and Industrie Africa represents more than just a collision of visual beauty. I believe it represents a meeting of minds, a meeting of two brands whose values converge as they connect with their respective communities, as they support and nurture their respective ecosystems. Singita and Industrie Africa share continental pride and understand the importance of regional preservation. We also understand the importance of emotional and local connection,” says Nisha Kanabar, Industrie Africa Founder. The photographer, Aart Verrips: Verrips is a Durban-raised South African filmmaker and
photographer whose work follows a particular narrative around authenticity and connecting audiences emotionally with different subjects. He is drawn to non-traditional faces in his photographic work, aiming to showcase a new standard of beauty and breathe life into both static and motion pictures. In a kaleidoscope of jewel tones, Verrips’ images have a crisp clean aesthetic, with a playful romanticism distilled by artful blurs and spontaneous choreography. The creative director, Sunny Dolat: Dolat is a creative director and fashion stylist from Kenya. Preferring to work with local designers and makers, he’s is a powerful advocate for Africa’s fashion industry and was featured in the Business of Fashion Class of 2023 for his contribution to culture, design, and community.
*To see more of our current and future collaborations, follow us on Instagram @singita.
Left Industrie Africa is elevating the most exciting contemporary African creatives and designers to the global stage.
inspiration
a reflection
on reflections
Finding the wild amongst the ordinary
In a food hall at lunchtime, I realised how close we are to nature – and how close it is to us. I had spent the morning marching amongst trees and along streams, determined to find either inspiration or insight. I found neither, but I wouldn’t count that time as a waste. Fans swivelled on overdrive, locked in a fierce duel with the heat, while I faced a battle of my own: a particularly potent case of post-meal lethargy. Sinking back in my chair, I closed my eyes and let the jazz trio upstairs’ thumps, thrums, and tinkles wash over me. Slowly, as the music swelled, my mind came alive. In every strike of a piano key, I saw a woodpecker carving itself a new home, and each
thick pluck of the double bass took the form of a spiderweb wobbling under the weight of a dewdrop. The drums’ rise and fall, the crash of their cymbals, were waves breaking on an imaginary shore, and songs became choirs, echoing out from a canopy high above. I’ve been making more of an effort to spend time in nature and to learn about it. The more I do, the more I see it reflected in everyday life. Nature is everything, and it is in everything. When the veil between the natural world and our modern one grows opaque and obstructive, we need only spend time in nature to feel close to it again. In doing so, we learn to recognise the beauty in even the most mundane things.
inspiration
when art imitates life
We draw endless inspiration from the wilderness’ limitless palette and patterns. In our spaces, biomimicry is a guiding principle. You’ll find a continuous homage to the breadth of nature’s beauty – its myriad of textures, intricate forms, and countless impossible hues. Because nature is, after all, the best designer
inspiration
Previous spread A flash of jewel-toned turquoise and sunshine yellow hints at the richness found in the grass and foliage, where brightly coloured beetles, butterflies, and birds seek refuge. This spread Undulating hills and golden grass. The mountains’ perfectly imperfect geometry and uniform plains are echoed in earth-toned textiles.
inspiration
A Burchell’s coucal’s outstretched wing on a wall extends the feeling of expansion found in the wilderness, while rich russet and black anchor the space.
inspiration
Graphic stripes balanced by soothing greyscale. The zebra’s dynamic stripes find expression in a tonal palette of understated monochrome shades in a bedroom.
inspiration
The strength and solidity of the ground itself is honoured in plastered walls reminiscent of the mud-caked hide of an elephant.
inspiration
Softness and warmth. Golden tones and comforting textures create a cocooning sense of home in a reflective window seat looking onto the forest.
inspiration
An impala’s alert ears are mirrored in an elegant chair, its contrasting leather tips a nod to nature’s intricate detailing and the Serengeti’s layered shades of gold.
experience
experience
a day
at kilima
Spend a day at Singita Kilima,
experiencing the rhythms of nature one sensuous moment
at a time
experience
Time at Kilima is best spent in step with nature. This is a home designed around ease – there’s a sense of welcome woven into its very fabric. Its spaces encourage a pace in harmony with the wilderness’ own. In tuning into the rhythm of the day, and our own senses, we feel every moment more keenly. Move with us from sunrise to nightfall on this remote hillside in the Serengeti. Dawn | evocative scents: The day dawns. A sunrise gradually illuminates the Serengeti below. Soft light creeps across the plains. The air is at its freshest now – dew still sits on the grass and leaves, biding time as the sun climbs high and
bright enough to burn it off. The aroma of hot coffee and something cooking emanates from the kitchen – a preview of the invigorating and all- embracing day to come. Morning | inspiring sights: Easing in, golden light moves further overhead, filtering through the trees and dappling across the ground. The emerald green and gold of the plains glow in the distance, and shadows of umbrella-like acacias slowly lengthen with the passing hours. Inside, a curation of vibrant art and patterned fabrics creates eclectic pockets of beauty in every room – a journey through the generations of inherited craft. A feast for the eyes.
Previous spread Situated on a hillside, Kilima is both sheltered and expansive. Left Natural tones and textures offer a calming sensory experience mirrored by the space. Above The house is shaded by established indigenous trees, which dapple the sunlight during the day.
Connecting to the elements is a natural part of every day spent in this remote retreat.
experience
soft light
creeps
across
the plains
Afternoon | comforting touch: In the lazy hours of the afternoon, Kilima’s rooms offer refuge. Its spaces, both indoors and out, are designed with comfort at their core. Nurturing hands provide healing through a wellness treatment inspired by ancient rituals. Wherever you choose to rest or relax, nature is always close by – in the softness and warmth of polished and patinated wood, an enveloping sofa’s embrace in a patch of sun, the invigorating sensation of warmth and water against skin, or the relief of cool shade offered by the mature trees encircling the house. Dusk | uplifting sound: As the sun slowly sinks and a gentle dusk descends, Kilima’s spaces come alive with a different kind of energy – joy. The laughter of friends harmonises with the
sound of water trickling lyrically in the courtyard. A fire crackles in the centre of the action. The clack of dice hitting a board embodies the friendly spirit of competition and play. Somewhere, leaves rustle in conversation with the wind and chirping birds and insects join the chorus. Evening | exhilarating taste: As you settle into your chair, a sip of excellent wine spreads across your palate. Relish these leisurely moments. Savour the depth of the taste. Ponder the view laid out before you. Later, as the group convenes around a table to share a meal, the night comes fully alive. Fresh, nourishing ingredients in dishes inspired by the cultures of the continent satisfy the soul as well as the hunger.
Right All of Kilima’s spaces – indoors and out – have been designed around comfort.
experience
through
In conversation with
the lens
photographer Tatenda Chidora
experience
Tatenda Chidora is an award-winning Zimbabwean visual artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mainly known for commercial and fine art photography, his mode of visual storytelling both investigates and celebrates multifaceted expressions of blackness, and incorporates elements of performance and play to explore themes of identity, place, and manhood. We invited Tatenda, alongside videographer Julian Robinet, to spend a week at Singita Pamushana Lodge and document his experience – which culminated in the accompanying series of photographs. This interview took place following his stay. Tell me about how you came to be the person and artist you are today. Never in my life did I think I would be a photographer or visual storyteller. I always had a dream to become a chef. I wasn’t the most academically rich student in school. I was always better off with anything that had to do with my hands. I often say that I got tired of crying while cutting onions, so I chose photography. Growing up, I was fascinated by magazines and used to collect them. I believe that I was building a visual library at the back of my brain. I then decided to challenge myself to
create the images I was seeing and bought my first camera. Now that you’re based in South Africa, what does returning to Zimbabwe feel like for you? It mostly feels nostalgic. I tend to pick up and notice the subliminal everyday life elements that contribute to my visual language. Elements such as colour, textures, light, and the temperature of the sun and different plateaus always attract me to want to investigate a location. It’s always great being in a space filled with people who speak your mother tongue. At times, I tend to forget how effortless it can be when one has a conversation. My relations and conversations with people now always aid my practice because I am constantly drawing inspiration and phrases that I meditate on and end up using when I’m creating work. How does your photography reflect your connection to Africa and its diverse narratives? There is something beautiful about being an African residing in Africa. I feel I have the responsibility to narrate African stories from a point of accuracy because I have first-hand experience and, above all, the right to challenge the norms of society. The continent is vast
Previous spread An exploration of time, identity, place, and manhood. Left Visual artist Tatenda Chidora draws inspiration from the nature of his home country, Zimbabwe. Above A portrait of Tatenda.
experience
‘at times we need to be
in a space of freedom,
stillness,
and low frequency to reconnect with ourselves’
TATENDA CHIDORA
How does being in nature influence your work? I love nature. I am frequently gazing into the horizon and I often believe that much can be solved in moments of stillness. Nature allows me to realign, focus, and [enter] a space of balance. I love the idea of vastness and space and watching the light as the sun moves during the day. What are you taking away from the experience? The full reassurance that it’s ok to take a moment away from the busy side of life to connect with nature. To watch time move, allow yourself time to study an environment, and approach things more slowly. Did the trip spark any new ideas for themes or projects you’d like to explore in future? I had already been meditating on doing a plant study and investigating the pods that carry seeds. I am constantly fascinated by shapes, structures, textures, and forms, and I’m hoping that my photography will one day live in the form of a sculpture. The portrait in the water is an example of how I would like to investigate different pod shapes and create masks with them. *Find Tatenda online and explore his work further via Instagram @tatendachidora .
and it is a dream of mine to explore different places, cultures, and people. In my practice, I am constantly challenging social cues around masculinity and conversations around manhood. Why did you want to take on this collaboration? Firstly, just the privilege of experiencing the Singita brand – and in my home country. I never knew that Singita existed in Zimbabwe. This was my first project at home. There is something special about bringing your practice to your home ground. I considered taking time away from the busy city life to slow down time in nature. Could you describe a moment or scene that stood out for you or left a lasting impression when visiting Pamushana? There are just too many. An early-morning drive in the dense acacia forest just after sunrise, panoramic views from the porch, the chilled butternut bowl for brunch in the scorching 40-degree heat, the sound of Christmas beetles, and being woken up to the groan of hippos in the morning. Every day had a beautiful sunrise and sunset. I still can’t get over the fact that we saw the Big Five in no less than 24 hours, including three black rhino moments. The landscape in the reserve is very vast and diverse.
Above Lizzie Mathe plays an mbira, a traditional Shona instrument.
conservation
conservation
africa’s great
hustle
and bustle
Unlocking
Africa’s
entrepreneurial power
conservation
It doesn’t matter which day of the week it is or what time of year, whether dawn is breaking or the night is deep, Africa remains alive. There’s a unique energy in its far-reaching air – a robust blend of urgency and vibrancy that fills its streets, imbuing vendors, cooks, drivers, barbers, artists, whoever, with a generally convivial demeanour and drive to push through and make the most out of any situation. This spirit of ‘hustling’ is baked into the African ethos and provides fertile ground for socio-economic development – if cultivated properly. Across the continent, it manifests through thriving informal economies kept afloat by ‘hustle- preneurs’, or the owner-operators of small and medium enterprises. Many of them are women or youths with limited alternative opportunities. These businesses offer a lifeline for those still underserved by the formal sector and represent
immense untapped potential. In South Africa alone, they contribute to roughly 20% of the national GDP and employ around half the country’s workforce. Despite this, their growth is restricted by limited access to training, resources, and support structures. In Africa, hustling is a form of hope – a path out of uncertainty towards independence. To foster meaningful, sustainable socio-economic growth that ripples through communities and across the continent, we must invest in entrepreneurship. By doing so, we’re investing in the future Africa can have. The Hustle Economy programme, founded by Wild Impact with Singita Lowveld Trust as an anchor donor and partner, empowers emerging micro- entrepreneurs to grow their businesses sustainably and foster economic growth in communities across the Greater Kruger region. Learn more here .
Previous spread Work-hardened hands hold something made from the heart. Left, clockwise from top left Zakhe Ndlovu running his coffee stall. Riendzo Makamu standing proudly in her restaurant. Michael Khoz a hard at work creating leather products. Sherlock Mdluli admiring how far her beauty salon has come.
conservation
the beauty
we don’t see
Reframing our view
of nature’s most
famous scavenger
conservation
When we change how we see things, the things we see change. While we readily appreciate nature’s beauty and grandeur, its harsher, more unfiltered side is often misunderstood and not always considered with the same reverence or respect. The natural world hangs in a delicate balance, persisting through continued interaction between its many facets. Every species and storm has a specific, vital part to play in preserving and sustaining it. Only by observing all of nature can we fully appreciate its magnificence and work meaningfully for its holistic benefit. Vultures are mostly seen as ugly, villainous harbingers of gloom – even symbols of death and decay – whose only function is to scavenge and scare. But like all things in nature, the closer we look, the more we uncover.
There are 23 species of vulture in the world, divided into two groups: New World and Old World vultures. Africa is home to 11 species of the latter, and South Africa to seven. These are divided between tree and cliff-dwelling birds. As scavengers, vultures are responsible for cleaning ecosystems by disposing of carcasses. Their strong stomach enzymes kill dangerous microorganisms, preventing diseases from spreading, and they help recycle nutrients back into the environment. Vultures often feed in large groups. Different species gather, leveraging their unique beak designs and head shapes to strip carcasses of their carrion completely. Some species even eat bones, leaving nothing to waste. Their bald heads aid thermoregulation and prevent bacteria and parasites from sticking to
Left White-backed Vultures have a wingspan of around two metres. Above A White-headed Vulture displays its keen gaze. Following spread Dead trees serve as a safe and sturdy vantage point.
conservation
the natural
world
hangs
in a delicate
balance
their feathers during feeding. However, not all vulture species are bald. Some have impressive, colourful plumage and are remarkably beautiful. Generally much cleaner than we’re led to believe, vultures bathe regularly and, through a process called ‘urohydrosis’, excrete highly acidic waste over their legs. This helps them disinfect their bodies and talons after feeding. African vultures’ strong eyesight helps them spot carcasses from up to several miles away. In some instances, vultures circling a kill (not all species do this – typically, circling indicates a food search) have successfully alerted conservationists to nearby poaching activity, prompting successful intervention. Vultures traverse vast distances. Some species travel up to 200 km per day in search of food, using thermal air currents to reach great heights
and move around without expending much energy. In extreme circumstances, like famine, vultures may collaborate to kill and feed on small animals. They only choose prey that is already injured or sick, and will likely not survive anyway. The wider culture encourages us to dislike or even fear vultures, but nature shows us why we shouldn’t. Vultures represent continuation and cooperation. Like all species in nature, they exist to maintain the health and balance of the Earth. In this thankless role, they continue to excel. *Seven of the 11 vulture species in Africa are currently either critically endangered or endangered due to poisoning and poaching activities. Learn more about how we’re working to protect and preserve this vulnerable species, in partnership with the Singita Lowveld Trust (SLT) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), here .
community
community
culinary
wisdom
Lessons from nature
to take to the kitchen
community
A kitchen is its own universe. Much like nature, it’s a self-contained system composed of processes that keep order and balance and create beautiful things. Over the years, countless passionate individuals have contributed their talents to our culinary team and passed their knowledge and wisdom down to those who followed in their footsteps. As each chef brings their unique touch, they also learn and gain their own insights from their time in the kitchen. Many of the lessons our chefs, past and present, reflect on are not unlike those we can learn from nature – the importance of timing, maintaining balance, and trusting your instincts. Listening to your gut: Our instincts are powerful tools. They help us, and animals and plants, determine what is safe, what tastes good, and even when to act and when to wait. Listening to this inner voice is a skill many of us have lost. But when she was learning to cook from her grandmother, Ndileka Tunzi recalls that many of the dishes didn’t have recipes. “They relied solely on balancing flavours.”
In nature, timing is also something to approach intuitively. Everything happens when it’s good and ready. This is something chefs must learn through their craft. Sometimes it applies to a dish, sometimes to a process. It may even apply to the ingredients themselves – the best results come from working with the seasons, in tune with nature. Head Chef at Boulders, Mohun Bowes-Taylor, always looks to her surroundings and asks herself ‘Does it make sense for where we are?’ Ndileka also notes the importance of looking at the big picture. “I try to be patient – also with myself. Small steps lead to a long journey. I am a believer in teamwork and that if we all work hard for each other, our goal will be achieved more easily.” In pursuit of balance: As is true in life, a successful dish and team require balance. And while they operate as a unit, each brings their own artistry, flair, and skills to the table to create memorable, meaningful food experiences. Being able to create balance is partly learnt and partly intuitive. It’s about knowing how to bring different elements together harmoniously
community
community
– flavours, textures, temperatures, and more. “At Singita, we use flavours and elements from South Africa and other parts of Africa to showcase our diverse cultures, while still keeping up to date with modern techniques,” says Ndileka. Balance applies to how you create as well as what you create in the kitchen. Mohun acknowledges that in order to support her kitchen team, she needs to remember to ask for support in return and communicate when things feel out of control. Championing collaboration: Teamwork creates harmony in a busy restaurant as it keeps the cogs of nature turning. Knowing you can’t do it all yourself and have to rely on others is one of the greatest lessons that both kitchens and the wilderness can teach. The best results come from the chemistry of collaboration and the recognition that we are all part of something greater. Long-time hospitality veteran and former head chef at Ebony, Lerato Molaudi, said it well when she said, “Humility is important – one person can’t do everything in a kitchen.” Mohun feels that the ‘spark’ of passion is kept
alive by creating new sparks with your team. As Head Chef, she loves to see growth but also recognises that everyone has a part to play. “I lean on the team that I work with as much as they lean on me. Watching them work together and uplift each other and constantly want to push the bar higher is extremely rewarding.” Celebrating simplicity: A thing doesn’t always have to be convoluted or complicated to be good. In nature, sometimes the simplest things are the most remarkable. And in the kitchen, when you’re working with beautiful, fresh, seasonal ingredients, the less you do to them, the better. Lerato once noted that, “Food is not meant to be complicated, you just have to live in flavour town.” Ndileka similarly comments that one of her favourite dishes to prepare will always be fish, due to the delicacy of its flavour. “The lightness allows for a lot of room to play with other flavours to help enhance its simplicity.” In nature, we notice that beautiful things don’t ask or draw attention to themselves. They simply exist for us to observe and appreciate. The finest dishes and creations are no different.
Above Fresh produce from farmer David Shilabi – and others – allow us to work in step with the seasons.
community
nature’s
masterclass
Lessons in balance, teamwork, and symbiosis
Partnership and collaboration are not exclusive to human beings. In fact, nature has proven that it is far more adept than we are at teamwork. Practising the art of coexistence every day, nature’s countless species work in harmony to create and maintain a healthy ecosystem. And while it doesn’t always appear on the surface to be harmonious, there’s an enduring and intuitive wisdom inherent in the natural order. Butterflies need certain trees and plants to survive, and plants depend on insects, rodents, and small mammals to disperse their pollen and seeds. Every life form plays an important role. But nature isn’t just passively balanced – it’s a system of active cooperation in which many species work together, often to both of their benefit. This cooperation keeps the wheels of nature turning – in the form of animal and avian families, teamwork between plants, and inter- species alliances. The more you look, the more
you see – from sociable weavers operating as a unit and living and building together in the pursuit of protection and community to plants that thrive from growing in close proximity to one another. In technical terms, there are different types of symbiosis. Mutualism (where both species benefit) includes processes like the pollination of plants by insects, or the ubiquitous bush pair of oxpecker and plains game. Commensalism is where one species benefits and the other is unaffected – like an orchid growing on the branch of a tree or a bird nesting in its hollow. One of the biggest lessons we can learn from these partnerships is how important it is to look at the whole picture – and the links, connections, and dependence between different forms of life. Effective conservation, put another way, should aim to preserve nature’s balance as well as the well-being of individual lifeforms. Because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
With thanks to our collaborators Aart Verrips, Adriaan Louw, Bernard Brand, Bibiana Cristina, Crookes and Jackson, Emma Jude Jackson, Felix Studios, Georgie Pennington, Julia Freemantle, Karin Schermbrucker, Lisa Carey, Michael Schapiro, Micky Hoyle, Nisha Kanabar, Pride Maunatlala, Ross Couper, Sunny Dolat, Tatenda Chidora, and LOOKBOOK Studio.
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