Singita Faru Faru Lodge

I recently got back from Tanzania where I spent four nights with Singita spread across Faru Faru and Sasakwa lodges. Singita calls Faru Faru lodge a "relaxed approach to luxury" and I think that's a good way to describe it.

Faru Faru is located in the Grumeti Reserve; a private game reserve northwest-ish from the Serengeti National Park. Singita has their own airstrip for the Grumeti lodges that's located about a 45 minute drive from Faru Faru.

I'm running into issues adding photos right now, and I'll update the review when I am able to get it resolved.

Immediately upon arrival at Singita's airstrip, I was greated by a guide who would be taking me to Faru Faru. He was not my guide who I would be spending my safari drives with, but seems just sent to collect me and bring me to the lodge.

The airstrip has a nice lounge and I was offered a beverage and the ability to use the facilities before the drive to Faru Faru. 

Upon arrival at Faru Faru, there was a welcome committee waiting at the entrance consisting of two managers and my personal "server" for my time at the lodge. I'm not really sure how to describe them, but each party is assigned a single point of contact for your time in the public areas of the lodge.

Check in was quite simple, just needed to sign a piece of paper and then it was up to me to decide if I wanted to head to the room, grab a drink, eat, etc.

One of the managers escorted me to my room and gave me a tour of everything. My bags were already in the room since I decided to grab lunch prior to settling in.

I would probably classify the room as a "junior suite". The room features a nice entryway with coat hooks and a bench to get ready for safari, along with a minibar that has a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and some snacks (they offered to swap in anything to the minibar if I wanted). Moving from the entryway is the main living area that has a chaise lounger, sitting chair, and desk, along with the bed. Then lastly, the bathroom area is partially split off from the living area by a wall of mirrors.

The bathroom area has a oversized bath tub, WC, twin vanities, and a door to the outdoor shower.

Each meal was generally taken in different areas of the main lodge. My pre-safari breakfast was usually taken at the bar where I was offered drinks of choice and then there were continental items setup nearby that were grab-and-go. These normally consisted of granola, yogurt, fruit, etc.

Depending on when you got back from your morning game drive, you'd then be offered breakfast or brunch. Additionally, one morning we had a bush bbq brunch, where they setup tables and some grills out near the river.

With brunch and dinner, there were a few choices for appetizer/salad and main course. They were also more than happy to take requests if you were not able to find something you like on the menu. I'm not too picky so went with on-menu items each meal, and they were good. 

Singita also has an impressive wine program. One of Singita's "traveling somelliers" was in residence during my stay and did an impressive job showing off South African wine and curating different bottles to try based on people's preferences. With lunch and dinner there would be several wine options on the menu, but he would always tell me that he's selected a few different bottles for me to try that were not listed. It was extremely impressive since I'd basically have an impromtu wine tasting each night and would select a red and white from those to have with dinner.

Service was incredible. Everyone knew my name and I never once saw housekeeping. Preferences were remembered and followed throughout. It also felt incredibly personal, like they really wanted to get to know you. It was nice to have a single waitor throughout my stay since we got to know each other it almost makes things more comfortable. Additionally, the somellier was great. It was clear he was super passionate about wine (as am I) and it was fun to come back from the evening drive to a curated wine tasting!

Also, everything about the stay was customizable - it was completely up to me when I wanted to go out on the drives, what I wanted to see, etc. There was a menu with each meal, but as I mentioned, they were happy to take requests. And it was truly all inclusive too, I had no charges to settle even after having a Cuban cigar, plenty of off-menu wine, a walking safari, etc.

The game viewing was incredible. Being a private reserve, you went offroad for pretty much the whole time. Also, walking safaris were available (I would highly recommend) and I think night safaris were available too (we'd come back after dark anyway on the evening drive). I had four drives while at Faru Faru and saw four of the big five, including three leopard. We followed one female leopard as she was hunting and it was incredible (she was successful too). All of the guides were talking about how special the viewing was those few days; after I left Faru Faru, there was maybe one leopard sightings the rest of the week across the reserve.

All the guides were super nice too. I had the same guide across my whole time at Singita and we got to know each other well. All the guides do a very good job of sharing information and sightings. They also make sure to keep the number of vehicles at a sighting to a minimum. I think four was the most at any sighting, but they made sure that each car had clear viewing angles.

Truly incredible experience. This was my first safari and I don't think I'll be able to go with anyone else. The game viewing, service, food, wine, etc. were all fantastic. Singita costs a lot, but it's clear to me that it's worth it.