Volume 2, Issue 6 June 2012

The Insider Singi ta

News from the lodges - SP 1

Guest Feedback 2

Email Etiquette 2

News from our Reps 3

TripAdvisor Reviews 3

Staff Movement 4

Guides Corner - SSS 5

Singita School of Cooking 6

A story of the Singita Hood Scarf

7

An Excellent Partnership 8

In this Issue

Winter’s arrival was sudden and all too soon, transforming the bush by its Midas touch. No sooner had we acclimatized to prepare ourselves for the cold, winter seemingly checked out and left us with sunny days in the mid to late 20’s. The Sabi stars have been out in full bloom in and around the lodge, adding a touch of finesse to the dry and dusty surroundings. Guest occupancies have increased, with a number of groups from South Africa visiting us and the month marks the beginning of our donors’ annual visit. We were delighted to have the team from Gingko with us for a week at the beginning of June, working on the Pamushana chapter. We look forward to seeing their creative inspiration for our little piece of paradise. We attended a First Aid emergency scenario in which our scout team had been involved in a mock car accident and sustained several traumatic injuries. Our reaction times and first aid procedures proved to be efficient and the circumstances were handled well. We are delighted to be building up our team in the Kitchen, with Sara Rickard as our Sous Chef and having taken on the chef services of Tharwat Londt. There has been an increased enthusiasm in this department and it is evident by the charismatic flair of the food coming off the pass. We look forward to introducing our new head chef in August 2012. Our wildlife continues to dazzle and surprise us – from dusty elephant herds squandering water at a pan to fish eagles maneuvering through the air as they defend their nests from other birds of prey. Lion and leopard cubs have poked their little faces out from the diminishing grassland to prove to us that there are hidden little wonders out there still.

- Shelley Mitchley

News from the lodges - SP

From Guided Safaris - Lebombo & the Reservations Team

Guests - Sharyne Wolfe

Just wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we had on our safari. Lebombo had a separate fish/veg choice menu for us each night that was just wonderful. The food and wine were super. Ebony was even better. The service was amazing. They had a different dinner experience set up for us each night we were there. The Lewis suite was perfect. Thank you for all your assistance. We plan to do another safari in the future at Singita. After experiencing Singita, I know nothing else will compare.

Guided Safaris

The Wolfe guests were actually a referral from our past clients Dustin & Kristen Pizzo (who are still good 'Facebook' friends with your guide Marlon) who traveled on our recommendations to Singita on their honeymoon in 2010. The Wolfe's were so impressed with Singita - amazingly, even with staying at the Lewis suite at Ebony, which is such a great value-offering to gain a stellar review comparison to the QM2 (which they have embarked on various occasions and raved about in the past to become greater fans of the Singita experience in the bush!). It's quite an honor for Singita and a star point on our luxury portfolio. I'm glad for this and thankful as always to your team for an amazing ground operation in South Africa - we truly gain the best feedback from all our guests returning from Sabi Sand and find it singularly the highest satisfactory experiences that gain us repeat clientele on future journeys, which is saying a lot. On the other hand, having helpful and willing personnel at your reservations, too, who work equally hard on our requests and availability 'chasers' is really key to our own team's ability to lay out these plans well enough and gain a seamless experience from start to finish - and I really must commend Carmen for all her genuine effort and long hours working on our bookings and special requests. It's not often that we encounter such a support system in the travel industry and Singita sure gets it right

From Cedarberg Travel - Reservations Team

Bronwyn- I know I have been on your case and you really helped me with this booking I want to thank you for your great service! Your patience etc- please send my mail to your managers too as you have been very kind and helpful!- Just wanted to say I had a long chat now with Mr Bowser and he cannot praise both Sabora and Faru Faru enough – really enjoyed the guide Joe and said the food at Sabora was the best he ever had in his life! Thanx again- all the best Mari

Jode Roberto & Naneo, Venezuela - Lebombo

Thank you for give us the best life changing experience. We are amaze of the service you gave us. The animal are incredible and the view amazing, but if you add the joy, friendliness, professionalism and kindness of Lebombo staff just make you want to stay here. Thank you for the best honeymoon ever. You change our life. Africa change our live. Lebombo’s family change our live. Love!

“The problem with email (compared with old fashioned mail) is that it is so quick and easy to send - and to send copies to LOTS of people. Almost all the advantages of email accrue to the sender. The effort, obligation and responsibility all fall to the recipient. In that sense email creates what economists call ‘negative externalities’, rather like industrial pollution or aircraft noise”.

This is so true. I get indirectly delegated to follow up on matters from the most unlikely sources – the very people I am supposed to be delegating to – simply by adding my name to the address list and forwarding it to me it becomes my problem - “I sent the email to Mark”.

In most cases these issues could be handled by the sender or at least worked on by them to the point where all I need to do is agree or not. There are exceptions where you are not authorised to take decisions or make responses but could we all please be more thoughtful about who we send a mail to, who we copy and whether we should actually be handling the matter ourselves before passing on the responsibility?

- Mark Witney

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Guest Feedback

Email Etiquette and Delegation

US Media trends

Continued technology and communication innovation. The two are inextricably linked, so it is essential to communicate and reach people using emerging technologies.

More than half of all leisure travelers and nearly three in four business travelers now own a smartphone. Travelers are increasingly turning to the mobile Internet to support their travel needs – before, during and after their trips with luxury websites showing the highest mobile penetration. According to a report conducted by Thinkinsights, the use of mobile phones for travel info has grown 51% among business travelers and 27% among leisure travelers, while 54% of business travelers said they have downloaded a travel-related app for their mobile phone and over 30% of leisure travelers have watched a travel-related video on their mobile device in the past year.

Some of the findings from TripAdvisor's Travel Trends Forecast are as follows:

- 47% expect to use their mobile device for their travel needs at their destination.

- 37% will use a mobile device for restaurants research, 27% will use one for attractions research, and 26% will use one for accommodations research.

- 31% plan to use travel apps on their mobile device or smartphone in 2012.

- 16% plan to use travel apps on their tablet devices.

The industry is entering the era of the mobile-centric passenger, who is not only able to manage his or her journey independently but also expects personal and timely communication from airlines, airports and other providers of travel-related services.

TripAdvisor is the most commonly accessed travel review website today with up to 50 million users every

month. Among 3,641 users surveyed by PhoCusWright, 69% found TripAdvisor reviews to be “highly or

extremely accurate;” 92% agreed with the statement that TripAdvisor hotel reviews “help me pick the

right hotel for my travel needs;” and 83% usually or always take a look at TripAdvisor reviews before

selecting a hotel.

A friendly reminder to keep encouraging our guests to review us on TripAdvisor if they enjoyed their

experience at Singita. Let’s try and pick up our numbers over June, July and August.

Thanks for your support!

- Janalyn Froese

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From our Reps - Imagine Communications

Online Marketing - TripAdvisor Reviews February 2012 March 2012 April 2012 May 2012

7 22 11 7

One of the best things about Singita now, as compared to a number of years back, is that staff can transfer internally. This is wonderful for Singita, as we retain some awesome people who have irreplaceable knowledge and skills about how we operate, and can help Singita embed its brand securely, across the group. It’s also great for staff who get to tackle new challenges, without having to learn the basics about their new place of work, and can therefore take themselves and their skills to new heights in a short space of time. With that intro, I am particularly pleased to tell you of a significant change that will be taking place at Singita Grumeti, from the last week in July:

• Mandy and Chris will be moving from Saskawa to Faru Faru and

• Brad and Kate will be moving from Faru Faru to Sasakwa

They will each maintain their existing roles, just within a different context (…. on the plain and up on the hill!)

We wish them well and trust that all 4 are enabled and inspired to take their new roles to exceptional heights. We also want to take this opportunity to thank them for their loyalty and for all they have done, and continue to do, for Singita.

- Pam Richardson

ARRIVALS/NEW APPOINTMENTS

SSS Elliot Mhlongo - Maintenance Fundi Rems Sibuyi - Maintenance Fundi Apselant Ndlovu - Maintenance Assistant Benefit Mkhabela - Gardner Delight Tibane - Gardner Christopher Mathebula - Tracker Phindile Khoza - Housekeeper Patricia Nkuna - Housekeeper Vonani Ndubane - Housekeeper

SKNP Nigel Pace - General Manager

Cape Town Neela Naidoo – Fulfilment Specialist

Transfers from SKNP - SSS Marlon du Toit - Guide Sipho Sibuyi - Guide

Departures Moira Mdakana Kelly Parkhurst Lauren Atkinson Marianda Venter

PAGE 4 THE INSIDER VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Staff Movement

Well this time around, news from the SSS guiding department is going to be a little different. Don’t get me wrong, it is still going to be about animals, just those of a slightly different kind, the ones we are not that used to seeing out here in the bush. It is with bitter sweet irony that I write this. It has come out of necessity rather than “pleasure” but due to the current situation of rhino poaching across our entire country, we have been compelled to play our part in trying to do our utmost in every possible way to protect the species from total demolition. Through a joint venture between Singita and Othawa, we have acquired the services of the “the A-team” or should I rather say “the K9 team!” Yes, if you are thinking dogs, then you’d be correct in thinking we’ve gone totally doggy and we now have dogs on the Singita payroll.

These dogs however are not your “average” Canis africanus but are instead well trained, dedicated working dogs. Bred specifically for the task of tracking down and apprehending those on the dark side of the law using their super sensitive sense of smell as well as their other

cunning K9 credentials.

Having time and again proven their competence in the challenges faced in conservation work, we are confident that our new law enforcers will stop at nothing to save the rhino’s. There are two types of dogs being used in our fight against poaching: The Belgian Malinois are used exclusively for tracking human suspects,; to detect firearms, explosives and spent bullet casings and to perform a restraining function when detaining suspects (On command only of course! )

They are trained to ignore all animal scents and track humans only. The Weimarana’s on the other hand are used mostly to track animals, detect animal residue as well as traces of snares, locating wounded animals and assisting with veterinary and research functions. This breed is also be used for anti-poaching patrols and suspect restraint. Whilst both breeds are classed as 'patrol dogs', their functions differ somewhat and often their individual skills and abilities compliment and assist each other in the field. For this reason, and depending upon the situation, two field rangers, each with a different dog breed, are deployed together. Similar to a guide and tracker team. One of the biggest advantages, of course, is that suspects can be successfully tracked at night.

Guides Corner - SSS PAGE 5 THE INSIDER VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

When two units work in tandem, the dog chosen to work the forward tracking position is determined by the given situation. The back-up unit is there to assist the front unit, should a dangerous situation arise or the scenario change. Either way, it is incredible to see these animals at work and even better knowing our property is in safe hands!

- Mark Broodryk

Being a chef I never took to well to the classroom, always wanting to talk rather than write but the opening of the Singita School of Cooking was a welcome change. It was officially opened on 27 June 2012 and it was it was the best day I'd ever spent in class! We drew a fantastic crowd: 2 GM’s ,Caroline and Nigel, our visiting chefs, Lucien Green and Rafiq, the big boss, Mark, and of course, the guests of honor, past and present SSC students. A few speeches were made and then the good stuff, all the presents! As her parting gift to the students, Caroline Burke, donated a big screen LED TV, a DVD player and a camera to the school. The students are now able to watch cooking shows of chefs from around the world and take photo's for their coursework and their journey ahead. A big thank you to Caroline for the donations, they will make a big difference to the education of the students.

It was then back to the kitchen where Lucien did a day of teaching, and the students were informed of the competition ahead of them. They were split into four teams and were told about the prize they would be competing for - a knife and a chef’s jacket and apron from Fifteen. Lucien did his Carpaccio demo and then it was the students turn to give it a go. Amos Bhayi, the acting Chef Skills Developer, gave them 25 minutes to complete the task. All of the teams finished in time, the first challenge was met. Now down to taste and presentation. All of the teams produced some amazing dishes and the winner was determined by a narrow two and half points. In 4th place were Katlego, Jimmy and Hitler, with 39 points. In joint 2nd and 3rd place was Prince, Civilized and Joyful & Leonard, Origin and Othilia with 40.5 points and the winning team of Leroy, Harmony and Thandiwe with 43 points. On Lucien’s last day in the kitchen he managed to squeeze in one more demo before his departure. The dish was confit Duck Gizzards, Duck Hearts, Orange segments and Dijon Mustard dressing. The other guests were worried they weren't going to get to sample the dish as there was a sea of students tucking into the delicious salad by the fork full. As a thank you to Lucien for his visit and contribution to the school, he was given a personalized SSC chefs jacket, a Singita book and an invitation for him and his wife to return to Singita Kruger Park. He remarked, “Only if I can come back to the school, but not in summer, because I hear there are a lot of snakes around here then!”. The students have gained some great knowledge over the past week and have made a new friend in Lucien Green. They are already looking forward to his return.

- Archie Maclean

SKNP- Singita School of Cooking

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...and it was it was the best day I'd ever spent

in class

A few of our more perceptive staff members may have noticed a carefully wrapped “ bundle” in amongst the beautiful items that are on offer in our Singita Boutique and Gallery. Some of them may even know that the proceeds of these mysterious “hood scarves” go towards helping out the local communities that the Singita Community Development Trust supports. What only a very few people know is that these hood-scarves were the brainchild of one of ‘our’ very own – Jo Bailes. Kim Peter, from the Singita Gallery and Boutique, had offered to sell an item in the shops, to generate funds for the Trust. All the proceeds from its sale, would be paid over to the Trust. Together with the trustees, she had examined a number of options but no decision had been reached about what this should be. Last year, whilst Jo was doing his post-graduate Enterprise Development diploma at UCT, his team was assigned the task of coming up with a product that needed to be designed, produced, and sold. And so the South African version of the “snód” was born. He called it the “hood scarf”. A rather simple looking piece of fabric that with a twist and a pull, turns into a versatile, snuggly warm barrier to the icy nip of winter – perfect to stave off the cold on a early morning game drive or during sundowners overlooking one of our mag-nificent properties. Also ideal for summer – the lighter version, of course! – for ladies to use in preventing their hair from blowing into their faces whilst enjoying the sun and fresh air on the back of the game drive vehicle. After seeing the item, Kim decided that this was to be the item of choice! HKLM assisted with designing the packaging. Jo arranged for the Hood-Scarf to be made in varying thickness of fabric, and with a “wildlife” theme, suited to our lodges and guests. And his brother, James, agreed to model it for him – for marketing purposes! For each hood scarf that is sold, R100 goes straight into the Trust’s bank account and is used towards one of the many projects Singita supports. So far this year R13,920 has already been raised by the sale of hood scarves! This, for example, nearly covers the cost of sponsoring one pre-school’s involvement in the “Growing to READ” programme – to the benefit of 100 children, who receive a better education as a

result. Thanks to all of you who have made this happen! In time Singita, with Jo’s support, is hoping to collaborate with the communities in and around our various properties to manufacture the hood-scarves themselves, which will make it an even more socially responsible product. We’re hoping that everyone at Singita uses every opportunity they’re given to speak to our guests about the hood scarf & how purchasing one enables them to contribute to the community. It just so happens that it’s the ultimate winter and summer game drive accessory as well!

- Pam Richardson

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A story of the Singita Hood Scarf

So far this year R13,920 has already been raised by the

sale of hood scarves!

Singita is in close partnership with this special Foundation which has, in effect, become the “USA-based” arm of the Singita properties’ Trusts and Funds ie the Singita Community Development Trust, in South Africa; the Malilangwe Trust, in Zimbabwe; and the Grumeti Fund, in Tanzania.

Singita’s CEO, Luke Bailes, is on the Leadership Council of The Bodhi Tree Foundation.

This Foundation enables and encourages Singita’s guests, who live in the USA, to make tax effective contributions to any of our conservation or community programmes.

By way of explanation: our existing Trusts enable local people to donate money to them and get tax relief. For example: a Zimbabwean citizen who donates money to the Malilangwe Trust will get tax relief for their donation. This would not, however, normally apply to a person from outside of that country … unless they make their donation via the The Bodhi Tree Foundation!

Have a look at the Foundation’s website, where they describe Singita’s programmes and enable guests to give money, on line, to the programme of their choice. At a click of a button guests can now make a safe contribution, via paypal, on this website: http://www.thebodhitreefoundation.com/singita. The PDF versions of the Singita Community Dev brochures, and the video clips of selected community projects, are also to able to be accessed on this website.

The Bodhi Tree Foundation charges a small fee for managing this money on behalf of the guest, but Singita undertakes to pay this fee - provided the contribution goes to one of the listed and on-going Singita-supported pro-grammes. A such 100% of the guest’s money reaches the project of their choice.

On many occasions our guests wish to become a funding partner with Singita – to work with us in supporting conser-vation or community. Such support whether big or small can make a big difference. If this is the case, and you have a guest who is keen to assist - do provide them with this information. You will be helping local children and / or helping to protect our wildlife – AND enabling your guests to get some of their money back from the tax man.

It’s a win-win all round!

- Pam Richardson

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An Excellent Partnership

The Bodhi Tree Foundation is a US-based tax-exempt, 501c(3) non-profit organisation with offices in New York, USA. It aims to mobilise travellers and the tourism industry to help people in need, protect cultural heritage and conserve the

Bodhi Tree Foundation details – also to be found on the back of each of the Singita Community Development leaflets: Address: 350 7th Avenue, Suite 1104, New York 10001 Phone: +1 914 244 0697 Enquires: info@thebodhitreefoundation.org Website: http://www.thebodhitreefoundation.com Foundation President & board member: Jena Gardner (in a voluntary capacity) Secretary and Treasurer, and our main point of contact: James Saleh – james@jgblackbook.com