Major news from Tanzania today: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has signed a long term management agreement with the owners of Bilila Lodge, once the Bilila Lodge Kempinski in the Serengeti National Park, and is now operating the property, which will be upgraded and renamed Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania in fall.
“We have long wanted to expand into Sub-Saharan Africa and offer new outdoor adventure experiences to our guests,” says Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Now, we’re thrilled to have an outstanding location and partners who share our vision to create a world class lodge like no other in the heart of Africa’s finest safari region.”
Four Seasons veteran James Kostecky has been appointed general manager as the property transitions to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Most recently General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand, he has previous experience in Kenya with a hotel group based in Nairobi.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is located in the Central Serengeti, entirely within the Park. The property has 60 rooms, 12 suites and five villas—all of which have direct views over the Serengeti. The centerpiece of the property is a two-story great house, including several dining options with indoor and outdoor seating, a Spa and an infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking an active watering hole. Guests can watch nature from their rooms, including a herd of nearly 30 elephants that are frequent visitors. Elevated wooden walkways connect the great house to guest rooms, free-standing villas and the Spa complex.