Looking at going with a family of 5 adults + 2 kids (8 years old and 5 years old) to Singita next July. 4 nights in Sweni where we will take the entire lodge and then 4 nights in either Ebony or Boulders.

Anyone got some thoughts on whether this is a good arrangement? Important that they take care of the kids in case they don't want to go out on the drives and this is what they recommended us.

Should I choose Ebony or Boulders?

I have stayed at all the lodges, Boulders several times the last being this past July. I have never stayed with young children but I would imagine if you make them aware in advance they will take care of them. The service is outstanding and they will go out of their way to accomodate but best to ask in advance so they can be prepared. i much prefer Boulders to Ebony but I prefer the modern African architecture and all glass windows with incredible views of river life. Last time on our arrival we saw herds of elephants across the river from our room. Although we prefer Lebombo to Sweeney I think the fact you can rent the entire lodge at Sweeney makes it an attractive option.
Any of the lodges will be great, but I like Boulders the best!

wow... sounds like an impressive trip. I know both lodges have a two bedroom family suite option to keep the little ones close. My safari friend does rave about the 5 (or 6 i can't remember) bedroom safari house at royal malewane if you really want to duplicate a more private experience.

i dont recall any of the discussion on the two lodges including discussion of children

btw if doing capetown >
birkenhead villa (outside capetown)
ellerman villa (in capetown)

singita has removed castleton from website?

(malewane 6BR africa house rack is 50% more)

I too much prefer Boulders over Ebony for its architecture and overall feeling. Make sure you get accommodations right on the river.

I have stayed at both Sweni and Lebombo. They are so close you can use the facilities at either. If you take over Sweni it will be great. My one problem with both these lodges is that they are form over function and look great but are not nearly as comfortable as Boulders. The terrain though is completely different for animal viewing.

Royal Malewane is also VERY nice, and they do have large villa for a family with multiple bedrooms. . Boulders also has two family villas which each have 2 bedrooms. They are facing the river.

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like it should be Boulders.

Now should we do Sweni with the whole lodge to ourselves first or Boulders first? Sounds like Boulders is nicer so we should do it last?

I'd do Sweni first, Understand that these are completely different properties. Sweni (and Lebombo) are highly contemporary in design, nothing at all African about the accommodations. Boulders reflects its surroundings and the accommodations are much larger. It will be nice to experience the difference.