TANZANIA – Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti has completed its groundbreaking solar farm, marking a significant step towards sustainability while preserving the natural beauty of Serengeti National Park.
This ambitious project, the largest solar farm of its kind in the region, represents a full transition to off-grid energy, reaffirming the Lodge’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism.
Located in the heart of the African wilderness, the Lodge has long been a destination for discerning travelers seeking an immersive experience.
Now, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious luxury with 2,256 solar panels generating 990 kWp of clean energy, powered by a 1 MW inverter and 3 MWh battery storage system.
“This solar farm is more than just an energy solution,” said Marisa Fernandes, General Manager of Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
“It embodies our dedication to preserving the pristine environment that surrounds us. As stewards of this ecosystem, we are committed to minimizing our impact and leaving a lighter footprint for future generations.”
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the Lodge. Over the next 25 years, the solar farm is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14,197 tonnes and cut diesel consumption by more than 640,000 litres annually, underscoring its environmental significance.
With this project, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti leads the way in sustainable luxury travel.
“The solar farm demonstrates that responsible practices can coexist with extraordinary experiences, ensuring that the Serengeti’s wild beauty remains untouched—a testament to the power of the sun,” Fernandes added.
In addition to the solar farm, the Lodge actively supports sustainability through its Discovery Centre and Fund.
Proceeds from safaris, boutique sales, and guest donations contribute to community and wildlife projects, including the Rhino Conservation Project, the Serengeti De-Snaring Project by the Frankfurt Zoological Society, and support for a safe house in Mugumu for vulnerable women and girls. The Lodge also continues to aid Robunda School in the local community.
This development mirrors the Mango Tree Beach Hotel Group’s 2022 initiative when it installed solar photovoltaic systems in Zanzibar, an autonomous region off the Indian Ocean.
The largest system, with a capacity of 400 kWp, powers the Breezes Hotel, while another 300 kWp system supplies the Baraza Hotel. Both facilities are located on Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja.
Nearby, the French company CMR has built a 300 kWp solar power plant for the Palms Hotel.
These solar systems supplement the local grid’s energy supply. According to the company based in Marseille, France, CMR Group’s contract for the project included ensuring that the systems adhered to the local grid code, regulations, and international standards.
Currently, this is Zanzibar’s largest solar project. However, the autonomous region’s authorities plan to build an even larger utility-scale solar plant as part of the Zanzibar Energy Sector Transformation and Access Project (ZESTA).
The 18 MWp facility, supported by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), will be constructed in the Makunduchi area in southeast Unguja.
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