Serengeti House
Singita Serengeti House, Tanzania
USD 9,450
per villa per nightGallery
Overview
Offering a refined yet luxuriously comfortable experience, this contemporary African home on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill was designed for exclusive use.
It boasts uninterrupted views over the Serengeti plains and outdoor dining decks provide ideal vantage points from where to observe the daily wildlife activity at the busy waterhole nearby.
Designed for exclusive use, Serengeti House allows families or friends the opportunity and space to enjoy shared experiences in nature. It caters for discerning travellers seeking privacy and flexibility and all itineraries, activities and meals are tailor-made as guests decide on the day-to-day pace of their vacation. The full staff complement ensures that every need is catered for intuitively and includes a Field Guide, chef and host.
Each of the four boldly proportioned suites feature serene views, spacious en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private terraces. Laidback luxury sets the tone in the spacious in- and outdoor living areas and features include a modern eat-in kitchen, media room, fitness centre, fire pit, outdoor sala and 25-metre lap pool.
Set in the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve in the Serengeti in northern Tanzania, this modern safari experience includes private access to an untouched wilderness on the annual wildebeest migration route.
Map & Directions
Singita Serengeti House, Tanzania
Your Journey to Reach Us
By Air
- We can arrange scheduled flights or private charters for your trip. All flights land at the Singita airstrip located 10 minutes from the lodge.
- On scheduled flights, the weight of luggage is restricted to 15kg (33lb) for checked baggage.
- Kilimanjaro – Singita: approximately 2 hrs15minutes
- Arusha – Singita: approximately 2hrs
- Private aircraft pilots land at their own risk and are advised to broadcast their intentions on frequency VHF channel 118.45.
- Planes that can land at Singita’s airstrip: Beechcraft 1900; King Air; Cessna 406, 402, 404; Twin Otter and Grand Caravan.
- Latitude: 02° 04” 36’ S
- Longitude: 34° 30” 56’ E
- Elevation: 4 400ft
- Surface: Compacted Murram
- Length: 1 410m for take-off AMSL
- Direction: 120° 300° (12/30)
By Road
- From Arusha: approximately 7 hours (+/- 300km).
- From Kilimanjaro: approximately 8 hours (+/- 350km).
Additional Details
Up to 8 guests can feel at home at Serengeti House, with 2 suites in the main house and 2 garden suites; and daily onsite staff and management.
Amenities:
- There is a 25m infinity swimming pool in front of the main house
- A private tennis court and pavilion
- A tented wellness suite
- A full new fitness centre adjacent to the extended outdoor sala
- The Singita Boutique and Gallery at nearby Singita Sasakwa Lodge
- Each suite has a television
- Dependent upon area coverage, there is mobile phone signal
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however, due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite
- Children of all ages are welcome. There are babysitting services available and tailor-made activities to suit each family. Children’s participation in game activities is at the discretion of your guide
- Please note that there are no Kosher or Halaal facilities available at Singita Serengeti House.
- Open Year-Round
- Check-in time: 2pm
- Check-out time: 11am
* Please note that guests wishing to check-in before 2pm and/or check out after 11am are required to book an additional night at the Day Use Rate.
Encountering Africa’s magnificent wildlife is a truly life-changing experience, no matter what one’s age, and time spent at Singita Serengeti House makes for an unforgettable family holiday. Filled with discovery and shared connections within nature, it’s an ideal opportunity to open children’s eyes to the wonders of an untouched wilderness.
All activities at the villa are tailored to specifically suit the interests of each family. In the interest of safety, children may participate in game drives and bush walks at the discretion of dedicated Field Guides. The villa also offers childminding services, as well as an array of activities to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
Our exciting Mini Rangers Course is a customised, fun-filled programme that opens up a whole new world to young explorers. It includes learning how to track animals; astronomy; bush survival techniques; game-, tree- and bird-spotting competitions, as well as nature quizzes.
Children of all ages are welcome at Singita Serengeti House.
More children’s activities offered:
- Cooking interactions
- Board games
- Stargazing
- Bushwalks (minimum age 16)
- Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games
- Arts & crafts
- Movies
- Swimming
- Tennis
Seasons & Weather Vary in the Reserve
To ensure your comfort you may want to tailor your clothing choices to the time of year:
October – April:
Casual summer clothes (shorts and cool shirts) and a light sweater/fleece for the cooler morning and evening temperatures.
May – September:
Casual light clothing and a light sweater/fleece for the cooler mornings and nights.
Best Time to Go on Safari
East Africa is equatorial so the climate is fairly constant and it is a year-round destination. Tanzania has a light rain season from November to March. This period is known as the ‘short rains’, often no more than a quick downpour each day, followed by clear sunshine.
From December to March the weather becomes increasingly warmer with the ‘long rains’ occurring between April and May.
What to Bring
Your safari suitcase, packed properly, will ensure that you have everything you need for the ultimate African bush experience. Cotton clothing in neutral colours is recommended for all game drives and bush walks. It is best to avoid white clothing and dark colours for bush activities, as they tend to attract certain bugs. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges.
We recommend packing the following:
- Comfortable walking shoes/track shoes/hiking boots for walks; and sandals to wear around the lodge.
- Swimming costume/bathing suits, sunblock, sun hat, sunglasses, lip balm, mosquito repellent (Lip balm and mosquito repellent is provided for all our guests, but you are welcome to bring along your favourite brand).
- Camera and video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (also known as drones) is strictly prohibited at Singita.
- Please note that in the event of rain during a game drive, waterproof ponchos will be provided for guests’ comfort.
- All of our lodges are located in remote areas and therefore guests should remember to bring an extra pair of correction glasses (if required), contact lens solution and an extra set of contact lenses(if required) as well as a sufficient supply of any prescription medication.
Temperatures
Time of Year | Average Minimum | Average Maximum |
---|---|---|
Spring: Sept – Nov | 18°C / 64°F | 30°C / 86°F |
Summer: Dec – Feb | 23°C / 73°F | 35°C / 95°F |
Autumn: Mar – May | 12°C / 54°F | 26°C / 79°F |
Winter: Jun – Aug | 9°C / 48°F | 22°C / 72°F |
Tips for Travellers
Health Requirements
The lodge is in a malarial zone so it is essential to consider taking appropriate prophylactics.
Tanzanian authorities require that all visitors must be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and be able to produce a Yellow Fever certificate together with their passport at all points of entry and exit.
We recommend that you adhere to the advice of your doctor regarding prophylactics. Insect repellent (spray or wipes), is provided in your suite and on game drive vehicles.
Passport Requirements
Please remember that you need at least 2 blank visa pages in your passport for travel.
Video
Activities
Anti-poaching Observation Post Visit
The Singita Grumeti Fund anti-poaching team is made up of 120 dedicated scouts. These scouts patrol the 350,000-acre private concession and are based in 12 scout camps and in 12 observation posts (OP) dotted across the reserve. Each OP is manned by two scouts who are constantly surveying the area for any unusual activity. This could be poachers coming through the protected area or vehicles that do not belong to the company or a herd of cattle entering the area or an animal in distress.
The scouts are responsible for quickly identifying any incursions and reporting them to the rest of the anti-poaching team who can then act accordingly. Two scouts are stationed at the OP for one week at a time. They share responsibilities of cooking, cleaning and most importantly making sure that one person is on the look-out at all times.
Guests have the opportunity to visit OP 7, situated atop a hill with an incredible sunset view over the vast grassy plains below.
The experience for Singita guests includes meeting the Singita Grumeti Fund game scouts and seeing how they live and work. At the OP there is an infographic board which your guide can talk you through. It shows the main areas of focus for the Singita Grumeti Fund, as well as specific facts and figures associated with the success of protecting this area. The combination of a morning coffee or late afternoon drinks stop makes it a great location to truly absorb the beauty of the landscape but also take in the scale and importance of the work of the Singita Grumeti Fund anti-poaching unit.
Note: The walk up to OP7 is on a steep dirt path. Good walking shoes are recommended.
Tennis
If you fancy a hit of tennis, there are two tennis courts. We have balls and racquets you can borrow. The courts are floodlit so you can also play at night, but we will organise a security escort just to make sure the animals don’t gate crash your game.
Fitness Centre
Fully equipped gym available for guests’ convenience. Hit the gym and work up an appetite with picturesque views of the bush, allowing you to keep an eye on the action outside while you work out.
Game Drives
Daily game drives with professional guides and trackers provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while evening drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa.
Our game drives are all conducted in state-of-the-art vehicles, each accommodating a maximum of six guests.
During your stay, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife.
Community Visits
Community tours provide guests at Singita with the opportunity to gain insight into community life and the local Shangaan culture. You will be able to witness firsthand the positive impact of the thriving development programmes in place and meet the fascinating people who live in these communities.
Wine Experience
Singita is recognised as one of Africa’s most influential collectors of wine, with an extensive cellar showcasing a premium selection of wines, including some of the continent’s most sought-after private reserves, including exclusive release, limited single vineyard and rare auction wines. It’s safe to say that wine is a key ingredient of the unique Singita experience.
The Singita wine list has received numerous awards of excellence, the top Diners’ Club Wine List accolade as well as recognition from countless other local and international organisations.
François Rautenbach is responsible for this excellence as the director of Singita Premier Wine, he manages the selection, purchase, storage, and service of all the wines at Singita’s lodges. François also manages Singita Premier Wine Direct which allows guests to order their favourite wines from their safari to enjoy at home. With the Singita Premier Wine Direct service, wines can either be specially packed for guests as checked luggage or shipped directly to a guest’s home.
Personalised wine tastings within the unique ambience of each lodge’s own temperature-controlled cellar are a true guest favourite, for connoisseurs and casual tasters alike. Singita’s experienced sommeliers are able to guide guests through a variety of wine styles, years and cultivars to find the wines most suited to their individual tastes.
As with all that Singita does, community upliftment is central to the Singita wine programme as well. François Rautenbach has created a special training programme for enthusiastic young wine lovers, developing the next generation of sommeliers for Africa. The training provides educational assistance, personal mentoring, formal wine training and access to Africa’s finest wine programme.
Guided Safari Walks
Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal.
Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you.
We suggest a minimum age of 15 years for this activity, but participation is at the discretion of your Field Guide.
Wellness
Offering the luxury of unfiltered time and space, the African wilderness is the ultimate setting for complete unwinding, while the continent’s healing energies are encapsulated in rituals that nourish and nurture.
Our enduring purpose to restore the land and its wildlife extends to offering healing experiences to our guests at every touchpoint. The dedicated treatments in our massage spaces tap into the profound benefits of indigenous wisdoms and essential oils that relax, replenish and revive. Each tailor-made therapy can be customised and timed to preference, ensuring a completely personalised experience.
The massage menu has been designed to immerse guests into their beautiful surroundings, and all treatments incorporate that peace and vibrant energy to revitalize and nourish the soul.
Swimming Pool
Relax or cool down at thw pool. If relaxing is more your thing, we’ll make you a cocktail so you can soak up the sunshine.
For Families
Encountering Africa’s magnificent wildlife is a truly life-changing experience, no matter what one’s age, and time spent at our Lodge makes for an unforgettable family holiday. Filled with discovery and shared connections within nature, it’s an ideal opportunity to open children’s eyes to the wonders of an untouched wilderness.
All activities at the lodge are tailored to specifically suit the interests of each family. In the interest of safety, children may participate in game drives and bush walks at the discretion of dedicated Field Guides. The lodge also offers childminding services, as well as an array of activities to keep little ones engaged and entertained.
Our exciting Mini Rangers Course is a customised, fun-filled programme that opens up a whole new world to young explorers. It includes learning how to track animals; astronomy; bush survival techniques; game-, tree- and bird-spotting competitions as well as nature quizzes.
Children aged 10 years and older are welcome at our Lodge.
More children’s activities offered:
- Cooking interactions
- Board games
- Stargazing
- Bush walks (minimum age 16)
- Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games
- Arts & crafts
- Movies
- Swimming
Boutique & Gallery
Not your regular curio shop, you will find original treasures that have been gathered from all corners of the African continent. A range of collectable sculptures, home-ware and furnishings will allow you to recreate ‘the safari dream’ within your own home.
Artefacts, as well as authentic carvings and jewellery created by local craftsmen are just a few of the treasures you may find to take home as gifts.
Amongst beautiful museum quality, fine-art prints and works by some of the most respected artists on the continent, there are many pieces especially designed for Singita. Here too you can find a range of quality branded Singita safari wear.
We offer a worldwide shipping service so you may make your purchases at the lodges with the option to send them straight home.
Premier Wine Boutique
As one of South Africa’s most influential buyers of wine, Singita’s cellars are home to some of the most sought-after private reserves and vintage wines the country has to offer. Whether you are a connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional glass of wine, our experienced sommeliers delight in introducing guests to a vast selection of varietals from all over the world.
Through Singita Premier Wine Direct guests may purchase wines from our cellars: either to be taken home at the end of their trip or conveniently delivered to their door.
As an addition to cellar purchases, we have secured allocations of highly limited, sought-after wines, including ‘Icons’, ‘Single Vineyard’ and ‘Limited Release’ wines, directly from leading wineries in South Africa. Stored in temperature-controlled cellars, these wines are unlikely to be available anywhere else.