Immersed in the plains of the Serengeti, one is surrounded by an endless savanna; enfolded in abundant grasslands that stretch all the way to the horizon. It is only on higher ground that its vast expanse and undulating landscape can be fully appreciated, and it is on one such vantage point that you will find the new Hillside Suite at Singita Sasakwa Lodge. This romantic retreat, designed as a private villa for two, takes full advantage of its secluded location, offering guests privacy and solitude in an atmosphere of barefoot luxury.

This breathtaking setting overlooking the plains below informed much of the design, which features dramatic, frameless glass doors and windows, spacious, double-volume interiors, two wooden outdoor decks, a private rim-flow pool and Singita's signature ‘bar-deli’ filled with delicacies. The elegant yet casual interiors celebrate comfort and beauty, while expertly juxtaposing old-world elements with modern style sensibilities. Paying homage to Sasakwa Lodge’s incredible location and the rich cultural heritage of the region, interior decorators Cécile & Boyd highlighted tribal textures and large-scale African artefacts, offsetting it with a clever mix of clean modern lines and classic sophistication. GAPP Architects, also longtime collabrators of Singita, took care to minimise the building’s footprint while introducing more contemporary timber-clad steel and frameless glass to complement the northern elevation's masonry aesthetic.

Adding to the laidback atmosphere that invites a complete sense of relaxation, informal African elements include the use of rough-hewn stone for the floors, warmed by natural wool rugs. Raw textured grass dresses the walls and is punctuated by plastered sections in textured off-whites. Tactile linens and cottons soften the overall look, which is held together by soothing, neutral tones with striking notes of vibrant cobalt green.

The colour palette is echoed outside in the landscape, which transforms throughout the year from pale gold to vivid green and back again, as seasonal rains wash across these iconic plains. The 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti private reserve forms part of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem, ensuring Hillside Suite’s proximity to some of the best year-round game-viewing on the continent. From migrating wildebeest, zebra and giraffe to tree-climbing lions, agile cheetah on the hunt and large herds of elephant gathering at the waterhole, the wildlife experience at Singita Grumeti is second to none. The high concentration of animals is thanks to the tireless efforts of the Grumeti Fund, Singita's non-profit conservation partner in Tanzania, who turned a dusty, cattle-grazed corner of the Serengeti into a thriving habitat traversed by thousands of indigenous species.

Hillside Suite has all the trimmings of an exclusive hideaway - a private access road winds its way to this oversized suite where couples enjoy everything from in-room dining and spa treatments to a private game vehicle, Field Guide and host. The pace of each day is set according to the guests' interests and frame of mind, allowing total flexibility over mealtimes and activities. Given its sweeping views of the magnificent scenery and plentiful wildlife of the Serengeti, guests can immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness and be enthralled by incredible sunrises, stargazing and the luxury of absolute tranquility. With every whim catered for intuitively, Hillside Suite embodies a contemporary safari experience unlike any other. It is the ideal place in which to find a profound connection with nature as well as each other.

INDULGE IN THE ULTIMATE ROMANTIC SAFARI Rates for Hillside Suite start from US$4,500 per night in Green Season and US$5,950 per night in High Season, accommodating two adults. Includes all meals and beverages (excluding French Champagne), a private safari vehicle and Field Guide, a dedicated host, return road transfers between Sasakwa Airstrip and the lodge.

Launch Promotion All stays between 1 June-19 December 2019 also include a soothing 90-minute full-body couple’s massage in the comfort of this spectacular suite! Enquire now »