Mara Serena Safari Lodge

1. Introduction

Nestled atop a bush-cloaked hill in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers guests unparalleled panoramic views of the savannah and the winding Mara River. Designed to mirror a traditional Maasai Manyatta (village), the lodge seamlessly blends cultural aesthetics with modern comfort, providing a unique and immersive safari experience.

2. Location & Accessibility

Location: Mara Serena Safari Lodge is situated within the Mara Triangle, a less-traveled part of the Maasai Mara, ensuring exclusive wildlife encounters.

Accessibility:

By Air: The lodge is conveniently accessible via the Mara Serena Airstrip, located approximately 1.25 miles west of the property. Daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the airstrip take about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, guests are transferred to the lodge, a short five-minute drive away.
By Road: For those preferring a scenic drive, the lodge is approximately 314 kilometers (about 195 miles) from Nairobi, translating to a 6-hour journey by road. The route offers picturesque views of Kenya’s landscapes, though the road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.

3. Accommodation & Amenities

Mara Serena Safari Lodge boasts 74 guest rooms, each thoughtfully designed to reflect Maasai cultural motifs while offering modern amenities.

Room Features:

Private balconies with sweeping views of the Mara River or savannah.
En-suite bathrooms equipped with premium toiletries.
Air conditioning to ensure comfort in the African heat.
In-room safes, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dining:

Main Restaurant: Serves a diverse array of local and international cuisines, with buffet-style meals that cater to various dietary preferences. Guests can enjoy their meals while overlooking the vast plains, often spotting wildlife from their tables.
Bar & Lounge: Offers a selection of beverages, from fine wines to classic cocktails, in a relaxed setting. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

Additional Amenities:

Swimming Pool: A rock-enclosed pool provides a refreshing retreat with panoramic views of the landscape.
Maisha Spa & Gym: Features a range of treatments, including the signature Oringa Massage, steam showers, and a well-equipped fitness center.
Gift Shop: Offers locally crafted souvenirs, clothing, and essential travel items.

4. Safari Activities & Experiences

Guests at Mara Serena Safari Lodge can immerse themselves in a variety of activities designed to showcase the rich biodiversity and culture of the Maasai Mara.

Game Drives:

Morning and Evening Drives: Led by experienced guides, these drives offer opportunities to witness the “Big Five” and other wildlife during their most active periods.
Full-Day Safaris: For an in-depth exploration, guests can embark on extended drives with picnic lunches, venturing deeper into the reserve.

Guided Nature Walks:

Accompanied by Maasai naturalists, these walks provide insights into the smaller flora and fauna, as well as traditional uses of indigenous plants.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris:

Experience the Mara from a unique vantage point with early morning balloon rides, culminating in a champagne breakfast upon landing.

Cultural Visits:

Engage with the local Maasai community through organized visits to nearby villages, gaining an understanding of their traditions, dances, and crafts.

Bush Dining:

The lodge offers special dining experiences, such as bush breakfasts by the hippo pool or sundowner cocktails in scenic spots, enhancing the safari adventure.

Below is a table outlining the activities available at Mara Serena Safari Lodge along with their approximate costs:

Activity	Description	Approximate Cost (Per Person)
Game Drives	Experience wildlife up close with guided game drives, offering opportunities to spot the “Big Five” and other species.	$70. Night game drives are $85
Hot Air Balloon Safari	Float above the Mara plains at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing.	$450 – $500
Ololoolo Escarpment Hike	Guided hike up the Ololoolo Escarpment, providing panoramic views of the Mara Triangle and its diverse ecosystems.	$70
Hippo Pool Breakfast	Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast by the Mara River, observing hippos and other wildlife in their natural habitat.	$50
Bush Dinners	Savor a lantern-lit dinner in the wild, featuring a BBQ and traditional Maasai dance performances.	$40
Mara Sundowner	Relish evening cocktails and canapés at a scenic viewpoint, watching the African sunset over the savannah.	$45
Maasai Village Visit	Engage with the Maasai community, learning about their traditions, dances, and crafts through an authentic village visit.	$75
Star-Lit Romantic Dinner	Private dining experience under the African sky, ideal for special occasions like honeymoons or anniversaries.	$75
Maisha Spa Treatments	Indulge in a range of spa services, including massages and beauty treatments, designed to rejuvenate and relax.	Prices vary based on treatment
Cultural Talks and Dance Performances	Evening programs featuring traditional Maasai dances and informative talks about local culture and wildlife.	Complimentary for guests

5. Wildlife & Best Sightings

The Maasai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems.

Key Highlights:

The Big Five: Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes are commonly sighted during game drives.
The Great Migration: Between July and October, millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Mara River, offering dramatic scenes of survival.
Predator Interactions: The reserve boasts a high concentration of predators, including cheetahs and hyenas, providing thrilling wildlife encounters.
Birdlife: With over 470 bird species recorded, bird enthusiasts can spot species ranging from ostriches to vibrant kingfishers.

6. Mara Serena Safari Packages & Pricing

Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers a variety of packages tailored to different preferences and budgets.

Package Options:

Standard Safari Package: Includes accommodation, daily game drives, and full-board meals.
Luxury & Honeymoon Packages: Features upgraded rooms, private dining experiences, and additional amenities.
Family & Group Packages: Designed for larger parties, offering group rates and child-friendly activities.
All-Inclusive Packages: Covers accommodation, meals, selected beverages, game drives, and select activities.

Pricing:

Rates vary based on the season, room type, and package inclusions. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it’s recommended to contact the lodge directly or consult reputable booking platforms.

7. Best Time to Visit Mara Serena Safari Lodge

The Maasai Mara offers unique experiences throughout the year.

Peak Season (July – October):

Great Migration: Witness the awe-inspiring river crossings and vast herds on the move.
Weather: Generally dry, making wildlife spotting more predictable.