Following last year’s design transformation of Singita Pamushana Lodge, leading conservation brand Singita has opened its doors to Malilangwe House with a brand new look. Located in the remote Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe’s South East, this elegant, exclusive-use five-bedroom villa presents families and groups of friends with an intimate, tailor-made safari experience.
Offering panoramic views of the Malilangwe Dam below and the pristine surround landscape of Singita’s private reserve, this exclusive-use five-bedroom villa takes its design and architectural cues from nature and local Shangaan culture.
All of the spacious interiors are connected and flow seamlessly onto a raised outside dining platform and stylish interactive kitchen. The villa is surrounded by magnificent boulders and ancient fig trees so guests can immerse themselves in the reserve’s dramatic landscape.
Malilangwe House’s former master bedroom has been transformed to double its previous size and each of the five luxurious suites also features its own private deck. The redesign includes the addition of a large automated panel of frameless glass in the bathroom, which drops away creating an indoor to outdoor shower experience with unsurpassed views.
An expansive rim-flow pool on the main deck flows out onto the edge of the villa’s cliffside setting – drawing out far reaching views and connecting with the Malilangwe Dam below. This tranquil home was designed to provide families or small groups the relaxed freedom to create bespoke safari itineraries with a dedicated chef, butler, private game vehicle with experienced Field Guide catering to their every need.
All elements of the property have been curated by leading South African design team Cécile & Boyd in collaboration with GAPP Architects. The style emulates the essence of the original villa, which drew inspiration from the rich tribal heritage of Ancient Zimbabwe. An emphasis was placed on creating fluid transitions between in and outdoor areas enhancing the entire guest experience. The décor reflects the location with rich textures, geometric patterns, tile inlays, hammered brass and woven leather in tones of deep olive, tan, black and white creating a striking backdrop for contemporary African artefacts, in keeping with the nearby Singita Pamushana Lodge.
The private 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is conserved by Singita’s non-profit partner, The Malilangwe Trust. Bordering Gonarezhou National Park, it boasts an exciting diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the highest concentrations of endangered black rhino in Zimbabwe, as well as healthy populations of elephant, cheetah, wild dog, lion and leopard and abundant birdlife, the reserve is a game-viewing paradise. More than a traditional safari, guests can immerse themselves in wellness experiences such as in-room yoga and massages. Other activities include fishing, sundowner cruises on Malilangwe Dam, stargazing, wine tasting, community visits, bush walks and visits to ancient rock art sites.
This exclusive-use retreat forms part of Singita Private, a villa collection of seven extraordinary lodges designed for privacy and flexibility for families and groups to connect in iconic wildlife locations. Itineraries, activities and meals are tailored as guests set the rhythm of their safari vacation according to their interests.
