Moving forward – travelling with a purpose in Tanzania

Riders came from far and wide to ride the plains in support of the Anti-Poaching Scouts who patrol the Serengeti. ?

Time in nature is transformative in itself, but for many of our guests, leaving a place better than they found it is an important part of travelling. By taking part in safaris with a purpose, the global Singita community has made it possible for us to support our conservation partners around the continent to further important projects in each region.

In Tanzania this takes the form of two life-changing events, held in collaboration with the Grumeti Fund. One in its infancy, and one fully fledged – both created in honour of the people who work to conserve this part of the world, and in support of the communities who make this possible.

Riding in solidarity with the scouts

Our inaugural Wagora MTB Ride, in collaboration with the Grumeti Fund took place in October. Riders came from far and wide to ride the plains in support of the Anti-Poaching Scouts who patrol the Serengeti.

More specifically, the ride was held in honour of its namesake – Kitaboka Wagora – a scout and team member of the Grumeti Fund who was killed in the line of duty. The sacrifice he and his family made in the war on poaching must never be forgotten. It’s for this reason the ride has been created – in remembrance of those who have given so much, but also as a reminder of the ongoing fight that needs continued support, and the bravery of the scouts who serve the wilderness every day.

Strength to strength – seven years of the Serengeti Girls Run

Seven years in and the Serengeti Girls Run (SGR) has become a beloved event within the Singita family. For those who take part, it’s not just an opportunity to experience physical immersion in the landscape in the most literal sense possible, but a way to contribute positively to important empowerment and education projects in the region led by the Grumeti Fund that make a sustainable future possible for the communities living in proximity to our lodges.

This experience has proved so meaningful for some, that runners have returned multiple times to meet women from all over the world and share in an unforgettable experience, coming together for a common goal.

A lasting impact within & beyond

The Wagora MTB Ride and Serengeti Girls Run were not only created to support conservation. They were formed also to give guests a unique way to experience the wilderness and the chance to engage directly with the people these initiatives benefit. They also allow for connecting deeply on a human level with others who, while from different backgrounds, share similar values.

Deborah Llewelyn, a participant from 2024, shared her experience at the finish line this year. "I’ve just done the most incredible run. I cannot believe it. And the young women we met – who just wanted to talk with us – were inspirational, so confident and brilliant. They are why we do it. I cannot believe how emotional I feel, but the women I've been running with have been amazing. We've also had the most magnificent support from the staff from the Grumeti Fund and Singita – they've taken such great care of us and made it super special.”

Join us in 2025

If you’d like to join us for either of these memorable events in Tanzania next year, please speak to our team about securing your spot here.

Jörg Pfützner to Take Singita Premier Wine Direct Into a New Era

?Singita’s Premier Wine Direct begins a new chapter with the appointment of Jörg Pfützner as Buying Specialist.

Singita’s Premier Wine Direct begins a new chapter with the appointment of Jo¨rg Pfu¨tzner as Buying Specialist. Having recently spent nine years in luxury brand management (coming from his previous role as Private Client and Zone Directorship for LOUIS XIII Cognac for Africa, Middle East and India), Jo¨rg has a deep understanding of fine wines and is poised to drive the Premier Wine Division forward, overseeing the wine strategy and managing wine selections at Singita lodges in four African countries.

While he now specializes in fine wine and luxury spirits, he has worked in logistics, strategy and partnerships, launches and events, and even developed an app, giving him a holistic understanding of all aspects of the industry. Jorg qualified as a sommelier in Germany before completing the Graduate School of Business’ postgraduate diploma in Wine Business Management – run in conjunction with the University of Adelaide – and was the recipient of the Academic Excellence Bursary. A founding member of the Sommelier Association of South Africa, Jorg worked his way up from his early days in front-of-house to overseeing luxury strategy and serving as a critic on judging panels. This first-hand knowledge of every aspect of wine production, appreciation and service gives him a rounded perspective and allows him to oversee the experiential elements of Singita’s wine experience.

At Singita he will manage not only the acquisition of wine and relationships with producers, but also the renowned wine programme across the properties, curating the selections on site in collaboration with the teams, while remaining abreast of future growth opportunities. He aims to elevate the Singita guest experience through wine – which, not unlike ecotourism, is a product of passion, nature, and time. “Wine is a poetic expression of nature – a song of soil, climate, and people,” he says.

Creating extraordinary experiences has formed a signature part of his career, something perfectly aligned with Singita’s immersive ethos. “Every bottle of wine carries memories – of the vineyard it comes from, the climate, vintage and region. It also reminds us when and with whom it was enjoyed,” he says. Jorg believes that wine is a medium to connect guests with nature, culminating in memorable moments that complement their experience. “Nothing can compete with the majesty of nature; wine should play a supporting role, allowing guests to appreciate the rare experiences of the African bush whilst creating lifelong memories.”

A big part of creating these impactful moments is ensuring every member of the team brings the same dedication to excellence to their role. His hands-on approach will see him recruiting, training and developing sommeliers and wine stewards, and developing Singita’s Wine Academy. “It’s also important to collaborate with our chefs to allow guests to explore South African wines,” he says.

He will also be driving more sustainable systems. “It is vital to continually prioritize sustainability and encourage our producers to do the same.”