08 May 2019

Guests Get Hands-On in the Kitchen at the Singita Community Culinary School

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At Singita Kruger National Park, guests have the opportunity to interact with the people of Singita in a unique way – by rolling up their sleeves and taking part in a lesson with the students at the Singita Community Culinary School.

This incredible community partnership project began in 2007 and was created to fulfil a need in the local community for skills development and improved employment potential, as well as to benefit the wider hospitality industry by producing proficient chefs that are ready to tackle any role in a professional kitchen.

The state-of-the-art kitchen and demonstration studio opened last year and serves as a fully-functioning practical and theory classroom for the 10 students of the rigorous, Singita-crafted professional culinary course. Only 7% of applicants – all from the local community – can be accepted into this competitive and challenging programme which ensures that the course produces hard working and highly trained commis chefs. Students also benefit from time spent working in the kitchens at each of Singita’s five South African lodges – all of which have their own signature style – giving them essential practical experience and a well-rounded skillset.

For guests at Singita Lebombo and neighbouring Singita Sweni Lodgea morning spent in the classroom with the students not only helps to support the programme but is also a highly enriching experience. It offers a tangible connection between the pillars of Singita’s conservation approach and the gourmet experience at the lodges.