Why stay at Singita Sasakwa Lodge in Serengeti
Are you planning a luxury or high-end safari to Tanzania and wondering where to stay? Let us introduce you to Singita Sasakwa Lodge, a luxury destination that sits atop Sasakwa Hill in the heart of the Serengeti’s private reserve. This isn’t just another safari lodge, it’s a place where authentic wilderness meets world-class comfort. Perched on 350,000 acres of privately owned land within the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the lodge offers views that stretch endlessly across the plains. Built in the style of a grand Edwardian manor, Sasakwa combines traditional elegance with the raw beauty of African nature. The lodge sits far enough from crowds to give you real peace, yet close enough to wildlife that you’ll spot the Big Five without battling other tourists. Whether you’re interested in watching the Great Migration, enjoying spa treatments between game drives, or simply soaking in panoramic views from your private pool, this lodge delivers experiences that stay with you long after you leave. With nine cottages ranging from one to four bedrooms, plus an exclusive hillside suite, there’s accommodation designed for everyone—solo travelers, couples, and large family groups alike.
What Makes Sasakwa Lodge Stand Out?
The location itself tells most of the story. Perched on Sasakwa Hill, the lodge commands sweeping views over the Sabora Plains that seem to go on forever. Step out of your room, and you’re standing at the edge of a vast wilderness. The lodge builders clearly understood this advantage and made the views the centerpiece of everything. Your private veranda or plunge pool becomes your personal viewing platform for watching wildlife move across the landscape below.
The design of the main lodge feels intentional rather than trying too hard. Venetian mirrors, cut-glass crystal, and silver candelabras sit alongside animal hides, local artifacts, and tribal cushions. This isn’t sterile luxury—it’s luxury that respects where it sits. The Edwardian architecture gives the main building a stately presence, while the wide wraparound verandas and rolling lawns create spaces where you actually want to spend time between game drives.
Service here goes beyond what you’d expect. The staff anticipates needs without hovering. Afternoon tea gets served on the veranda with attention to detail that makes you feel valued. Dinners happen on the lawn under African skies, paired with wine selections that elevate the meal without becoming pretentious. A spa offers various treatments, while a gym and tennis courts give you alternatives to game drives if you need them.
The wildlife viewing runs year-round, but timing matters. Between June and August, the Great Migration passes through, bringing hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras. You see this epic movement without the chaos that surrounds lodges in busier areas. The private concession protects your experience from overcrowding.
Which Accommodation Option Works Best for You?
The lodge offers different cottage styles because different travelers want different things. Understanding your needs helps you pick the right fit:
- One-bedroom cottages work perfectly if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. Six of these exist throughout the property, each with its own private plunge pool. You get privacy without feeling isolated.
- Two-bedroom cottages come with a master bedroom and a smaller second room. Two of these are available, making them ideal for families with one child or for friends who want to share costs while maintaining separate sleeping areas.
- The three-bedroom cottage has a master bedroom and two smaller bedrooms, perfect for families with multiple children or small groups of friends traveling together.
- The four-bedroom cottage serves larger groups and families. With a master bedroom and three smaller rooms, it can sleep up to eight people comfortably while still feeling like a home rather than a dormitory.
- The Hillside Suite occupies its own category. Set on a secluded hillside away from the main lodge, this one-bedroom escape is all about privacy and romance. Two wooden outdoor decks, a private rimflow pool, and a unique “bar-deli” filled with delicacies make this the most exclusive option. You get a dedicated Field Guide and host/butler, plus private game drives in your own vehicle. Yoga sessions and couples’ massages happen on your expansive decks, surrounded by wilderness.
All cottages share certain features: generous proportions, quality furnishings, and those all-important private pools. They’re not cramped hotel rooms—they’re actual living spaces where you can spread out.
What Activities Fill Your Safari Days?
- Game drives form the backbone of any Serengeti experience. Early morning drives catch animals when they’re most active. The cooler hours make wildlife more visible as creatures move to grazing areas and water sources. Your chances of seeing lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and hyenas increase dramatically during these early hours.Late afternoon drives offer different advantages. Animals feed before sunset, and the slanting light creates stunning photography conditions. Golden hour transforms the landscape into something almost unreal. Both morning and afternoon drives take place in open vehicles that maximize viewing and photography angles.
- The Great Wildebeest Migration deserves its own mention. Depending on when you visit, you might witness over a million wildebeest and zebras moving across the landscape. The river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, typically happening July through October, create dramatic moments. These crossings show the survival pressures these animals face, revealing nature in its most raw form.
- Hot air balloon safaris take you above the action. Floating at dawn over the sweeping savannah changes your perspective completely. The flight ends with a classic champagne bush breakfast, celebrating the experience with style.
- Retima Hippo Pool, located in the Seronera area, offers a different kind of viewing. Here you watch over 200 hippos and crocodiles playing and wallowing in water. It’s a remarkable concentration of wildlife in one place.
- Guided nature walks let you explore flora, insects, and smaller wildlife on foot. Armed rangers accompany you, allowing exploration at a slower pace that reveals details you’d miss from a vehicle. This ground-level perspective complements the big-picture views you get from game drives.
- Olduvai Gorge sits nearby. Known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” it offers context for understanding human origins. You see where the oldest human skulls were discovered, adding intellectual depth to your wildlife experience.
How Do You Get to the Serengeti from Arusha?
Travel days matter when planning a safari. You need to know what to expect and how different options affect your schedule.
- By Air wins on speed and convenience. Arusha Airport serves as the main departure hub, though some international flights land at Kilimanjaro International Airport instead. You’ll land at one of several airstrips inside the Serengeti—Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti—depending on lodge location. Reliable operators like Auric Air and Coastal Aviation handle these routes regularly. Flight time takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This approach makes sense if your time is limited or if you want to minimize exhaustion.
- By Road takes 5 to 8 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and wildlife stops. The journey covers about 350 km to the Seronera area, with northern and western sections adding 1 to 3 hours more. The route passes through Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering the Serengeti. You need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle for this journey. Driving allows you to see wildlife en route and experience the landscape more intimately. Many travelers find the longer journey worth it for these reasons.
- The Combined Approach offers real advantages. Fly one way and drive the other. This breaks up the journey, lets you spend a day in the Ngorongoro Crater for extra game viewing, and avoids the exhaustion of a full return drive. You get the time-saving benefits of flying with the scenic and immersive qualities of driving.
