Geza Ulole
Platinum Member
- Oct 31, 2009
- 72,887
- 103,752
Mind u there were three Kempinski properties in Tanzania the Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar n Bilila Lodge! Do u have any of three Hyatt or Four seasons or Melia that took Kempinski operations? Sasa kama they never came back ujenzi wa hizi tatu wanajengea mamako?
His Excellency, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania Officially Opens Bilila Lodge Kempinski |
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on Wednesday 15 July 2009
The Grand Opening of Bilila Lodge Kempinski has taken place in the presence of His Excellency, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President and CEO of Kempinski Hotels Mr Reto Wittwer, and Chairman of ASB Tanzania Limited and Owner of Bilila Lodge Kempinski Mr Ali S. Albwardy, as well as distinguished national and international guests, and local dignitaries. The opening marks the first luxury lodge for Kempinski Hotels in the renowned Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
President Kikwete’s inaugural speech was the focus of the commemorative ceremony, which took place on the pool deck terrace, overlooking Bilila Lodge Kempinski’s infinity pool and watering hole, followed by lunch in the hotel’s main restaurant.
In his opening address, President Kikwete said, “In my life as Minister for over 15 years and now as President of my country, I have had the opportunity of visiting many hotels in the world. And I must admit that the Bilila Lodge Kempinski is one of the best. Seeing and staying here is quite an experience. It is a spectacular hotel depicting finesse and acumen in architecture and construction. It is an architectural marvel of a sort.
“I have deep seated love for the Serengeti and Bilila Lodge Kempinski completes the ultimate Serengeti experience in terms of luxury and comfort amidst the beauty that the Serengeti is. I thank you Mr. Wittwer, I thank you Mr. Ali Albwardy for deciding to build this hotel of the highest quality in the Serengeti and in Tanzania. With this Lodge, you have added another important landmark. Bilila Lodge Kempinski increases Tanzania’s visibility in the map of the world’s ultimate travel destinations. We thank you for making us proud. I thank you for showing faith in Tanzania particularly at these difficult times in the global economy.”
President Kikwete concluded his speech by adding that, “The opening of this Lodge adds another dimension to the Serengeti, already a famous national park in the world. As you know, in 2006 the Serengeti National Park was voted one of the seven new wonders in the world. With this launch today, two great global brands – Kempinski and the Serengeti – are coming together as a force.”
In response, Mr Reto Wittwer said, "Bilila Lodge Kempinski is our third Tanzanian property. We are committed to this region and can think of no better location for our newest lodge than in this incredible location in the beautiful country of Tanzania. Our delivery of Kempinski Hospitality is distinctly European and when it is combined with the warm welcome and hospitality of Tanzania, it is an unbeatable combination."
Mr Ali Albwardy added, "This project represents a pioneering step in the process of laying down the foundations of tourism and developing Tanzania as a prime and distinct international tourist destination."
The Lodge comprises 74 exclusive guestrooms and suites, including a 320-square-metre Presidential Villa, with 2 bedrooms and butler service. All of the guestrooms overlook the plains of the Serengeti and include luxury en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets and a sun deck for relaxation with personal telescope for watching game; the suites also feature their own private plunge pool.
The Lodge is located in the Central North Serengeti, approximately a 45-minute drive from the Seronera airstrip, which in turn is a 50-minute flight from Arusha. Located against a dramatic backdrop of Africa’s wilderness, the hotel provides private game drives, hot air balloon rides, bush walks and Champagne breakfasts in the African savannah.
The lodge facilities include an Anantara Spa with 6 couple treatment rooms and three Thai massage rooms, a 24-metre freshwater infinity pool overlooking a watering hole, a restaurant with show kitchen, a bar, a lounge, a wine cellar, a BOMA, a library, a games room, a fitness centre, an art gallery, two gift shops and conference/meeting facilities.[/td]
