Four Seasons Sets Up Camp in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park; Lodge is First of Three Launching Brand's Sub-Saharan Expansion

Existing property to be renamed Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania; additional new properties planned in Ngorongoro Conservation Area and on the island of Zanzibar

TORONTO, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has signed a long term management agreement with the owners of Bilila Lodge, a resort 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 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120710/DC37233)

"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.

"It's great to be back in Africa, where each day brings a new wonder," says Kostecky, an avid photographer with a keen sense of adventure.  "This Lodge will be an excellent opportunity for first time safari travellers, families and groups to experience the natural beauty, astounding wildlife and fascinating culture of the Serengeti."

Development in Africa and Other Ecologically Sensitive Regions
"This is the first step in a bold development project that will see three diverse Four Seasons experiences in what are considered to be three of the most important and attractive destinations in Tanzania," says Scott Woroch, executive vice president worldwide development at Four Seasons.  "The responsibility of taking over such as irreplaceable asset within the Serengeti National Park is one that we take very seriously.  This is an extremely rare opportunity for Four Seasons in that no other property of this size or scale exists, or is likely to ever be developed again in the Park. With the future development of a luxury tented safari camp in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and an exclusive beach resort on the island of Zanzibar, Four Seasons will offer some of the finest holiday experiences in Tanzania."

As with the company's award-winning Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand, Four Seasons in Tanzania will offer guests opportunities to get close to wildlife in a safe and ecologically responsible environment while still being pampered in a lodge set amid unspoiled wilderness.

About Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tanzania's Serengeti National Park covers 14,763 square kilometres (5,700 square miles). The landscape features the largest concentration of plains animals in Africa, and is acclaimed for the best game drives and abundant year-round wildlife, including the famous migrating herds of wildebeest, zebra, antelope and gazelle as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, rhinoceros, hippopotamuses, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is located in the Central Serengeti, entirely within the Park. The property boasts 60 rooms, 12 suites and 5 villas – all of which have direct views over the Serengeti. Designed with contemporary African architecture sympathetic to the natural landscape, the centrepiece is a two-storey 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 have the opportunity to witness nature at its best, day or night, 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.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. With 87 properties in 35 countries, and more than 50 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://press.fourseasons.com.

SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts