Top 5 Golf-Friendly Lodges Near the Serengeti

Choosing the Right Base

A golf safari lodge needs three things: proximity to the course, quality game drives, and comfort that justifies the trip. These five lodges span mid-range ($250/night) to ultra-premium ($1,500/night), all within the Serengeti ecosystem with direct tee-time arrangement.

1. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Location: Central Serengeti (Seronera), inside the national park Rate: $350–600pp/night (full board + game drives) Rooms: 66, built into a hillside kopje

Serena sits at the Serengeti's geographic heart with year-round wildlife from the park's densest zone. The concierge books your round, arranges a vehicle for the 45–60 minute transfer (which doubles as a game drive), and reserves rental clubs in advance.

Best for: Central location for both golf and safari at a reasonable price point.

2. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Location: Central Serengeti, overlooking a natural waterhole Rate: $900–1,500pp/night (all-inclusive) Rooms: 77, contemporary luxury

The only internationally branded luxury hotel inside the park. Infinity pool overlooking a waterhole where elephants drink at sunset, full-service spa, three restaurants. A dedicated coordinator manages tee-time bookings, transport, and equipment.

Best for: Mixed groups with non-golfers, partners, or executives expecting five-star service. Everyone stays happy.

3. Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Location: Central Serengeti, elevated ridge Rate: $250–450pp/night (full board + game drives) Rooms: 25 luxury tented suites on raised platforms

The best value-for-quality ratio on this list. Spacious tented suites with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas overlooking the plains. Transfer to the course approximately 50–60 minutes.

Best for: Budget-conscious golfers wanting authentic bush atmosphere — canvas walls, zipped flaps, and hyenas calling at night.

4. Singita Grumeti

Location: Western corridor, private 350,000-acre concession Rate: $1,200–2,500pp/night (all-inclusive + activities) Properties: Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Faru Faru Lodge

Singita operates in a private concession bordering the park — exclusive game drives, off-road driving, night drives, walking safaris. Helicopter or charter transfers to the course turn the journey into an aerial safari.

Best for: Groups where the safari is paramount and golf is an add-on. Unmatched wildlife access and privacy.

5. Melia Serengeti Lodge

Location: Central Serengeti, hillside with panoramic views Rate: $400–700pp/night (full board + game drives) Rooms: 50 with floor-to-ceiling windows

Contemporary architecture — clean lines, glass walls, open-plan spaces — with every room facing the savanna. The infinity pool appears to merge with the plains below. Transfer to the course approximately 40–50 minutes.

Best for: Modern travellers who prefer contemporary design over traditional camp aesthetics.

Comparison Table

Lodge	Rate (pp/night)	Style	Transfer	Best For
Serena	$350–600	Classic safari	45–60 min	Central, good value
Four Seasons	$900–1,500	Luxury hotel	Managed	Mixed groups, five-star
Kubu Kubu	$250–450	Tented camp	50–60 min	Budget, authentic
Singita	$1,200–2,500	Ultra-premium	Helicopter	Safari-first, exclusive
Melia	$400–700	Contemporary	40–50 min	Modern design

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the lodge store my golf clubs?

Yes. All five have secure luggage storage. Clubs are delivered to your room or directly to the transfer vehicle on the morning of play.

Do any lodges have on-site golf?

None have a full course on-site. Serena and Four Seasons have putting practice areas, and Singita's Sasakwa Lodge has a chipping green. Full rounds require a transfer.

Which lodge is best for a group booking?

Kubu Kubu for budget groups (25 rooms, buyout possible). Serena for large groups (66 rooms, conference facilities). Four Seasons for premium corporate groups (77 rooms). Singita for ultra-high-end groups of 12 or fewer.