Travellers looking to forgo rustic tents for something more sophisticated should look no further than Sasakwa Lodge. Bringing together two parallel worlds – the colonial and the native – this lodge transports the refined comfort and opulence of an English-style manor to the heart of the Serengeti. With its top-rate food and service, fantastic onsite facilities, and a location in one of East Africa’s finest game viewing areas, Sasakwa has all the ingredients for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.
Awarded: Gold
Location
Situated high on an escarpment, Sasakwa Lodge has incredible views over the Grumeti private conservancy, which it shares with its sister properties, Sabora Tented Camp and Faru Faru. Sasakwa is the most eastern camp of the three, and its location in the heart of the migratory route (active June and July) allows for an exclusive safari experience.
The great variety of vegetation here lends itself to exceptional game-viewing. The resident wildlife roam freely between the conservation area and the adjoining Serengeti National Park, where successful efforts have been made to re-stabilise the wildlife population.
Rooms
Sasakwa Lodge comprises nine cottages and a four-bedroom villa, all spacious and lavishly furnished. Every cottage contains a large lounge area complete with fireplace, a large bedroom with four-poster bed and a dressing room with ample storage space. Each cottage has a bathroom with walk-in shower and a freestanding bathtub with scenic views across the Grumeti.
French windows lead from the lounge to a private veranda, fitted with lounge and dining furniture and overlooking your own heated infinity pool. The self-contained nature of the accommodation will appeal to guests who want a greater degree of privacy, however Sasakwa does not deliver the true “wilderness” experience one would have in a tented camp.
Communal Areas
The stately communal building at Sasakwa contains a large, chandeliered drawing room with a bar, lounge area and grand piano. A billiards room sits adjacent, complete with marble fireplace and a bridge table. Lavish dinners are taken in Sasakwa’s ornate dining room, with the open veranda reserved for afternoon tea – one of the many reasons why Sasakwa resembles more an English manor than a safari lodge! All food here meets exceptionally high standards, as is typical of Singita properties, and accompanying wines are expertly chosen.
As each Singita property brings its own distinctive features we would advise you to look at our reviews of their other properties in Tanzania Sabora to find the property that best suits you.
Activities
The Serengeti ecosystem is hard to beat, and guests to Sasakwa Lodge are largely attracted by the high standards of safari expeditions on offer. Guided bush walks and private game drives in open-sided Land Rovers are popular activities.
The impressive selection of facilities includes a well-equipped gym, spa, main swimming pool (in addition to the private pools), tennis court, children’s playroom, and an elegant boutique stocking arts, crafts and jewellery. The Singita Mini Rangers’ Course teaches children the basics of animal-tracking and bush survival techniques, and guests of all ages can even turn their hand at archery!
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
‘SHOULDER’ DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains. The Great Migration takes place within the southern regions of the Serengeti ecosystem during this period.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
‘SHOULDER’ DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains. The Great Migration takes place within the southern regions of the Serengeti ecosystem during this period.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT' RAINS
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.
The Great Migration will start moving back towards the Southern Plains of the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. Given the distance involved, we tend to see a more fragmented movement of wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT' RAINS
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.
The Great Migration will start moving back towards the Southern Plains of the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. Given the distance involved, we tend to see a more fragmented movement of wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.