Four SeasonsHotels 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 renamedFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania in fall 2012.

"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 Seasonsveteran James Kostecky has been appointed General Manager as the property transitions toFour SeasonsSafari Lodge Serengeti. Most recently General Manager atFour SeasonsResort Chiang Mai andFour SeasonsTented 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."

"This is the first step in a bold development project that will see three diverse Four Seasonsexperiences in what are considered to be three of the most important and attractive destinations in Tanzania," says Scott Woroch, executive vice president worldwide development atFour 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 forFour 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-winningFour SeasonsTented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand,Four Seasonsin 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-story 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 Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 119 hotels and resorts, and 44 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.