🌍 Overview of Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Mara Serena Safari Lodge is one of the most iconic lodges within Kenya’s world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, specifically located inside the exclusive Mara Triangle. Elevated atop Ol Donyo Oseiya, the lodge offers 360-degree panoramic views over sweeping savannahs, woodlands, and the meandering Mara River—frequented by hippos, crocodiles, and grazing wildlife.
Designed to resemble a traditional Maasai village (manyatta), the lodge masterfully blends cultural architecture with world-class comforts. From wildlife-filled plains visible right from your balcony to immersive game drives led by expert guides, Mara Serena offers one of the most authentic and elevated safari experiences in East Africa.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Geographic Setting:
Mara Serena is set within the Mara Triangle, a pristine and well-managed section of the Masai Mara National Reserve known for low visitor density and abundant wildlife. The lodge’s hilltop perch provides some of the most expansive views in the region.
Getting There:
- By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport land at the nearby Serena Airstrip, just a 5-minute drive from the lodge. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes.
- By Road: Travelers driving from Nairobi can expect a journey of approximately 6 hours, passing through the scenic Rift Valley, Narok town, and through Oloololo Gate into the Mara Triangle.
🛏️ Accommodation
Mara Serena Safari Lodge features 74 guest rooms, including one suite, all designed in rounded, hut-like architecture reflective of Maasai design. Despite the traditional inspiration, interiors are fully modernized and ideal for both comfort and functionality.
Room Categories:
- Standard Rooms: Available in double, twin, or triple configurations. Each room has a private balcony with sweeping views over the Mara plains and river.
- Suite: A luxurious unit with a larger living area, enhanced amenities, and premium positioning for privacy and views.
In-Room Features:
- Ensuite bathrooms with hot showers
- Mosquito netting over beds
- Writing desk and seating area
- Mini fridge, safe, and ceiling fans
- Complimentary toiletries
- Private balcony with safari loungers
💵 2025 Rates (Per Person Per Night, Full Board)
| Season | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Feb 28 | $410 |
| Mar 1 – Apr 17 | $369 |
| Apr 18 – Apr 21 (Easter) | $409 |
| Apr 22 – May 31 | $369 |
| Jun 1 – Oct 31 (Peak Season) | $649 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 22 | $410 |
| Dec 23 – Dec 31 (Festive) | $699 |
Child Policy: Children aged 3–11 sharing with adults are typically charged 50% of the adult rate. Infants under 3 years stay free.
✅ Inclusions
- Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Use of swimming pool and public areas
- Scheduled shared game drives in open-roof safari vehicles
- Return transfers from Serena Airstrip
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas
- Hippo Pool Breakfast once per stay (weather permitting)
❌ Exclusions
- Masai Mara National Reserve park entry fees (approx. $80 per adult/day)
- Premium drinks and imported alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments and massages
- Hot air balloon safaris (booked separately)
- Laundry services
- Gratuities and travel insurance
- Cultural excursions (e.g., Maasai village visits)
🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining at Mara Serena is a highlight in itself, combining local flavors with international cuisine. Meals are served buffet-style or à la carte in the central dining area, which offers uninterrupted views of the plains below.
- Breakfast: Includes cereals, fruit, pastries, and a full hot selection with eggs made to order.
- Lunch & Dinner: Multi-course meals with meat, vegetarian, and dessert options. Kenyan and Swahili dishes are often featured.
- Bar & Lounge: Offers an array of cocktails, wines, spirits, and freshly brewed Kenyan coffee.
- Special Experiences: Private bush breakfasts, hippo pool brunches, and sundowner setups available on request.
🐘 Safari Activities
Being inside the Mara Triangle, guests enjoy uncrowded game drives in one of the richest ecosystems in the world.
Activities Offered:
- Twice-daily shared game drives (included with most stays)
- Private game drives (optional, at extra cost)
- Hot air balloon safaris (optional, pre-booking required)
- Sundowner drinks at scenic viewpoints
- Nature walks (with advance notice and guide escort)
- Hippo Pool breakfast overlooking a favorite wildlife gathering spot
Wildlife to Expect:
- Lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, giraffes
- Large pods of hippos and crocodiles along the river
- Seasonal wildebeest migration (July to October)
- Rich birdlife with over 500 species, including eagles, storks, and kingfishers
💬 Guest Reviews & Testimonials
Pros:
- “The views are some of the best in all of the Mara. You can see elephants right from your room!”
- “Fantastic service and incredible food, especially for a remote safari lodge.”
- “The lodge is quiet and elevated, making it feel safe, peaceful, and immersive.”
Cons:
- “Wi-Fi can be slow, but that’s expected in the bush.”
- “It’s not a tented camp, so if you want that canvas-and-lantern vibe, look elsewhere.”
- “A bit of a climb from reception to rooms due to the hillside layout.”
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendliness
- Triple rooms and family arrangements available
- Babysitting services on request
- Children’s menus available
- Board games and cultural entertainment on some evenings
- Guided, age-appropriate nature talks can be arranged
🕐 Check-in & Check-out
- Check-in: From 12:00 PM
- Check-out: By 10:00 AM Late check-outs available depending on availability
🛍️ Facilities & Amenities
- Rock-enclosed swimming pool with sundeck
- Spa and massage treatments
- Boutique gift shop with locally made crafts
- Conference facilities for up to 60 guests
- Curio shop and information center
- 24-hour reception with concierge desk
- Laundry service (extra cost)
- Firepit lounge and evening storytelling sessions
🌱 Sustainability & Community
Mara Serena supports several community-based conservation programs, including:
- Local Maasai employment and training
- Sourcing of produce and goods from nearby villages
- Sponsorship of school and healthcare programs
- Anti-poaching support within the Mara Triangle
The lodge adheres to eco-conscious building practices, water recycling, solar energy usage, and sustainable waste management.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Warm, dry, ideal for predator sightings |
| Apr – May | Green season, low prices, some rain, lush landscapes |
| Jun – Oct | Peak wildlife, Great Migration, best game viewing |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains, excellent birding, fewer tourists |
| Festive (Late Dec) | Popular for holidays; advanced booking recommended |
🏆 Why Choose Mara Serena Safari Lodge?
✔️ Prime location inside the Mara Triangle
✔️ Spectacular elevated views of wildlife and river landscapes
✔️ Full lodge experience with consistent electricity, Wi-Fi, and swimming pool
✔️ Professional safari guides and luxury service
✔️ Easy air access and short transfer from Serena Airstrip
✔️ Ideal for couples, families, groups, and solo travel