Sasakwa Lodge | Best Tanzania Safari Lodges

The place

Perched along a rocky promontory above the rolling plains of the Serengeti, Sasakwa Lodge is a grand colonial-era homestay that would’ve inspired the likes of Hemingway or Blixen. Overlooking 140,000ha of sweeping grasslands, endless clouds and the abundant wildlife of the Grumeti Reserves, Sasakwa Lodge is part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and ideally positioned for the Great Wildebeest Migration.

The room

From the moment we land, we’re swept into a world of luxury and grandeur. We’re bundled into a state-of-the-art Land Cruiser and driven to the lodge, just 10km away from the private airstrip, while our guide Simon tells us about the history of the area. Our first sight of the establishment is the grand and imposing manor house before us, bringing to mind the opulent lifestyles of 1920s colonialists. After enjoying our welcome drink, our personal butler escorts us to our cottage, one of 10 that immediately compels us with its Edwardian splendour. With high ceilings, grand furniture and a palatial bathroom, the cottage has its own sitting room, a private verandah, garden and heated plunge pool. The bedroom has a sumptuous four-poster bed, dressed in crisp linens and swathed in mosquito nets and complemented by African-inspired decor of wood, leather and reeds. There’s even an easel and art supplies, if you’re confident enough to paint the incredible vistas. I walk out onto the verandah, where I intend to spend many idle hours watching the resident wildlife roam across the ever-changing landscape. I hear the sound of running water; my partner taking a bath in the enormous claw-footed tub. When there’s nothing but silence, I gaze out at the plains, feeling meditative. I rouse myself to take a shower, where the glass-panelled doors let me look out over the trees. Feeling revitalised, we head to the guest area, which has a bar, lounge, games room and garden room. There’s even a spa, library and wine cellar – and a tennis court! We enjoy sundowners by the infinity pool with Simon, and plan tomorrow morning’s game drive. He soon has us laughing at his close wildlife encounters. Dinner is served in a gorgeous dining room with a grand chandelier, massive fireplace, and rich, colonial furnishings of dark woods and splashes of deep reds and golds. Only a glass of Champagne will do to celebrate this incredible place, and we toast Sasakwa Lodge and all the adventures that await us.

From the moment we land, we’re swept into a world of luxury and grandeur. We’re bundled into a state-of-the-art Land Cruiser and driven to the lodge, just 10km away from the private airstrip, while our guide Simon tells us about the history of the area. Our first sight of the establishment is the grand and imposing manor house before us, bringing to mind the opulent lifestyles of 1920s colonialists.

After enjoying our welcome drink, our personal butler escorts us to our cottage, one of 10 that immediately compels us with its Edwardian splendour. With high ceilings, grand furniture and a palatial bathroom, the cottage has its own sitting room, a private verandah, garden and heated plunge pool.

The bedroom has a sumptuous four-poster bed, dressed in crisp linens and swathed in mosquito nets and complemented by African-inspired decor of wood, leather and reeds. There’s even an easel and art supplies, if you’re confident enough to paint the incredible vistas.

I walk out onto the verandah, where I intend to spend many idle hours watching the resident wildlife roam across the ever-changing landscape. I hear the sound of running water; my partner taking a bath in the enormous claw-footed tub. When there’s nothing but silence, I gaze out at the plains, feeling meditative. I rouse myself to take a shower, where the glass-panelled doors let me look out over the trees.

Feeling revitalised, we head to the guest area, which has a bar, lounge, games room and garden room. There’s even a spa, library and wine cellar – and a tennis court! We enjoy sundowners by the infinity pool with Simon, and plan tomorrow morning’s game drive. He soon has us laughing at his close wildlife encounters.

Dinner is served in a gorgeous dining room with a grand chandelier, massive fireplace, and rich, colonial furnishings of dark woods and splashes of deep reds and golds. Only a glass of Champagne will do to celebrate this incredible place, and we toast Sasakwa Lodge and all the adventures that await us.

What sets it apart

Sasakwa Lodge is probably one of the grandest and most luxurious lodges in East Africa, so it’s no surprise to me that it’s been rated one of the top hotels in the world. It’s also ideally positioned on the Great Wildebeest Migration route, with endless views over the Serengeti plains. To add to the feeling of having it all, only Singita vehicles are allowed to do game drives in the conservancy, which allows for an exclusive safari experience. I also appreciate that Singita is committed to sustainable practices, and a visit to the local village allowed me to see that they really are invested in the community.

At a glance

Extremely luxurious safari lodge with infinity pool, spa, gym and 10 guest cottages, each with private plunge pool.
Private concession, only six guests per safari vehicle, private vehicles available (additional cost), butler service, private dining available and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, hot-air ballooning (additional cost), archery, tennis, mountain biking, birding, spa treatments (additional cost) and cultural visits (additional cost).
Children of all ages welcome, with babysitting available and tailored activities to suit each family. Children participate in game drives at guide’s discretion.

Extremely luxurious safari lodge with infinity pool, spa, gym and 10 guest cottages, each with private plunge pool.
Private concession, only six guests per safari vehicle, private vehicles available (additional cost), butler service, private dining available and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, hot-air ballooning (additional cost), archery, tennis, mountain biking, birding, spa treatments (additional cost) and cultural visits (additional cost).
Children of all ages welcome, with babysitting available and tailored activities to suit each family. Children participate in game drives at guide’s discretion.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.