Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Based around a stone manor house atop Sasakwa Hill (which has the dual benefits of spectacular vistas and minimizing the presence of flies and mosquitoes), Singita Sasakwa feels timeless. Patinated antiques shine while glittering chandeliers send a kaleidoscopic scattering of light across the spacious rooms. Plush sofas and divans invite you to sink into them and gaze out across the plains. The wide terrace leads off to the main swimming pool, which is adjacent to the Bush Spa, itself the serene setting for signature therapies like the Serengeti Stress Relief Ceremony and the Njozi za Africa (‘Dreams of Africa’) Body Ritual using Dermalogica products. Those wanting to work up a sweat and an appetite can take to the tennis and archery courts or gym. For a magnificent view of the Serengeti plains, take to the cool dawn mists in a hot-air balloon or reserve a private 4x4 game viewing vehicle for your party’s exclusive use.

Children are especially welcome at Singita Sasakwa, where staff enjoy delighting the littlest safari-goers. In addition to a professional babysitting service, the lodge offers a well-rounded children’s programme that allows them to have fun baking with the chefs, stretching their creativity at Arts & Crafts, learning from wildlife DVDs, visiting the Environmental Education Centre or getting messy with face painting in the Bush Spa. The mini rangers’ course is particularly engaging with tracking, frogging, butterfly capture-and-release, beginner’s astronomy and flower pressing among the many education activities included. Singita Sasakwa Lodge also has a boutique and library as well as butler, laundry, Internet and international telephone services.

Every meal at Singita Sasakwa is an event: from the early breakfast table groaning with fresh pastries, breads and fluffy crepes, piled with luscious fruits and other temptations, to the refined elegance of candlelit dinners either in dining room warmed by a log fire or out under the stars. Served on starched white linens with crystal glasses glinting in the firelight, this must be one of the most romantic places on earth to indulge in world-class cuisine and the finest wines, listening to the sounds of the Serengeti echoing up the hill toward you.

Singita maintains a carefully collated cellar of 222 different fine wines and prides itself on pairing each vintage with guests’ preferences and meals. Afternoon tea is a decadent repast of airy macaroons and perfect petit fours.