There are few places I’ve wanted to stay more than Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
I remember the first time I discovered it – landing on an image of a woman gazing out over a watering hole from a clear blue infinity pool, elephants approaching in the distance, and nothing but the African savannah stretching for miles. It looked like heaven.
So naturally, when I got engaged, my mind went straight to honeymoon. Could I make it happen? Yes – yes I could. And it wasn’t exactly difficult to convince my soon-to-be husband either.
There’s no getting around the fact that the Four Seasons is an expensive hotel chain, and the exclusivity and remoteness of their Serengeti safari lodge adds another layer on top. But I can say without hesitation that this is the best place I’ve ever stayed – and quite possibly ever will. Here’s exactly why, and what to expect if you’re considering it.
Food and drink: genuinely outstanding
From your welcome fresh ginger juice to your evening three-course dinner, every bite and sip at the Four Seasons Serengeti is exceptional. The quality, choice and consistency are remarkable, especially given how remote the lodge is.
All meals are included during your stay, and the menus are extensive. Breakfast begins with an enormous buffet of fresh fruit, pastries, yoghurts and cereals, alongside a juice bar, pancake and waffle station, kombucha options, and a full à la carte menu. Everything from huevos rancheros to sweet French toast is included, and it’s dangerously easy to over-order.
Lunch is typically served alfresco at Maji Bar and Terrace, unless you choose to eat poolside. Either way, you’re dining with uninterrupted views over the Serengeti. The menu remains consistent, but there’s more than enough variety – from pizzas and burgers to seafood tacos, tuna tostada and Caesar salad. Cocktails are a must, especially the Black Mamba, a house favourite made with East African moonshine, lemon, honey and cinnamon.
The only thing you will have to tackle are the cheeky little hyrax that sneak around the outdoor restaurant. They’re harmless and adorable – but might try to steal your food if they’re feeling confident!
Dinner opens more options with Maji Bar, Nuru, and the Boma Grill. Boma Grill was one of our favourite evenings, combining exceptional dishes like seared octopus and Nile perch with a traditional Masai performance around the firepit. Guests are invited to join in the singing and dancing, making it a genuinely memorable experience I’m so glad we had.
Nuru offers refined international and African-inspired dishes, plus optional off-menu premium plates if you want to splurge. This is where you’ll find the best grilled meats, so it’s well worth paying out at least one night. The wine list across all restaurants is excellent, and the service is faultless.
Tip: breakfast in your room carries a USD 25 service fee – which it’s more than worth it when you’re eating in your robes, watching wildlife from your bed.
Rooms: book the waterhole view
We stayed in a Savannah Room with a waterhole view, and I’d strongly recommend booking this category if your budget allows. The view from the balcony alone transforms the experience.
The difference between Savannah and Horizon rooms is subtle – Savannah rooms are slightly higher and feel marginally closer to the action, but the key decision is really whether you have a waterhole view or not. If you do, it’s worth every extra penny.
Inside, the rooms are spacious, beautifully designed and incredibly comfortable. Expect the comfiest bed linen, large walk-in wardrobes, a proper get-ready mirror (a small but important detail), a generous bathroom with a separate shower, bath and toilet, and a TV that can show a live feed of the watering hole.
The attention to detail is exceptional – even your charging cables are neatly wrapped in branded holders each evening.
Tip: be flexible with your dates and compare rates carefully. We managed to secure our waterhole room for less than the price of a no-view Horizon room on other dates.
The pool and the watering hole
The infinity pool is exactly as iconic as the photos suggest. There are plenty of sunbeds, but I’d recommend arriving early to secure the front row or the left side of the pool for the best views. It’s also worth staying to watch the sunset as the skies turn a magnificent blue and birds dance above you.
The pool service is outstanding – staff remembered our favourite drink (a passionfruit mojito), adjusted umbrellas throughout the day to protect us from the strong African sun, and checked in without ever being intrusive.
One thing to know: the pool isn’t heated. Heated pools are extremely rare in Africa for environmental reasons, which we fully support, but it does mean you’ll need to brace yourself before getting in. Once you’re swimming, though, floating along the infinity edge while spotting giraffes and zebra in the distance is unbeatable.
The watering hole itself is the lodge’s defining feature. It’s important to manage expectations here – nature is unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee of dramatic sightings every day. We regularly saw zebra, giraffes and antelope in the distance which would have been more than enough. As well as smaller creatures round the water including lizards, terrapins and birds.
Then, on our final full day, it happened. A herd of elephants arrived in force, charging towards the water, splashing, drinking and playing right in front of us. We stood on our balcony, hugged each other, cried, and watched in complete silence. It was pure magic.
The spa and wellness facilities
The spa is tucked away at the back of the property, designed to feel calm and secluded. Treatment rooms are individual huts, each with a view out over the landscape.
I had the Kifa signature massage – a 90-minute treatment using a heated Rungu (a traditional Maasai wooden baton) and baobab oil. It cost USD 275 and was worth every cent. I almost fell asleep during the massage, and when I stood up afterwards, I was greeted by the sight of a family of elephants outside the window. The staff even invited me to return with my husband to take photos once I’d finished.
There’s also a fitness centre, yoga sessions, and meditation classes.
Safari activities and game drives
The lodge offers an impressive range of activities, all easily arranged through the concierge – from full-day safaris and walks to bush dinners under the stars.
We opted for two half-day game drives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, which I’d highly recommend. Full-day drives can feel long, whereas splitting them gives you time to rest, enjoy the pool and properly savour the lodge.
Drinks and snacks are included on all drives, and you can stock the vehicle with anything from fresh juices to rosé (which we drank watching the sunset with not a soul to be seen). Our guide was exceptional – knowledgeable, respectful of the animals, patient with our photo taking, and genuinely passionate about the Serengeti. Over the course of our stay we saw zebra, wildebeest, antelope, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas with a kill, lions stalking warthogs, ostriches mating, and finally, a leopard.
The lodge also offers complimentary activities like yoga and guided nature walks, plus a Discovery Centre where you can learn more about the local wildlife and ecosystem.
Service: effortless and deeply personal
The service at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is truly on another level. Every member of staff seemed to know our names, our preferences, and exactly when to appear or disappear.
We were welcomed by the manager on arrival with fresh juice and a full orientation of the lodge. Our safari guide collected us directly from the airstrip and stayed with us throughout our time here. Nothing felt transactional – from champagne delivered to our room to thoughtful conversations about our trip.
Arrival itself is an experience: coffee, snacks, and those unforgettable pistachio waffle pops while you take in your surroundings for the first time.
Other amenities worth knowing about
USD 50 laundry credit per night
Discovery Centre focused on wildlife and conservation
Camera and equipment hire available (Nikon users may have better luck with lenses)
Boutique shops, jewellery, and local artwork
A well-equipped fitness centre
Getting there
The lodge is extremely remote, which is part of the appeal. Most travellers will fly into Kilimanjaro or Arusha International Airport, then take a small plane to Seronera Airstrip. Transfers aren’t included in the room rate, but they’re essential.
The drive from the airstrip to the lodge takes around 45 minutes, and it’s effectively your first safari – we saw mother and baby cheetahs on arrival, and a family of lions on our departure.
We flew from London to Kilimanjaro via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines for £700 but they start at as little as £415. Take a look here.
When to go
June to September is peak season, but we visited in October during shoulder season and found it ideal. Prices were slightly lower, the weather was consistently warm with occasional cloud cover, and we combined it with tracking the Great Migration further north.
Mornings can be cool, so pack a light fleece, but daytime temperatures regularly reached 30°C. The Serengeti is a year-round destination, and the wildlife sightings make any season worthwhile.
Average cost and booking tips
Nightly rates vary significantly depending on season and room type, but expect prices to start from around USD 1,200–1,500 per night, rising higher for peak season and premium views. Flexibility with dates can make a substantial difference, so it’s worth comparing options carefully.
You can book directly via the Four Seasons website which often have deals (we booked a 4 nights for 3) or through a trusted safari specialist who can bundle flights, transfers and additional lodges.
You can also compare prices and book on Expedia or Hotels.com.
Final thoughts
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is indulgent, emotional, and unforgettable. It’s not just a place to stay – it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. For a honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or simply the ultimate safari splurge, I can’t imagine a better choice.
If you go, go all in. And if you’re lucky enough to watch elephants gather at the watering hole from your balcony, you’ll understand exactly why this place is so special.
