Overview
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is a haven of greenery amid the semi-arid landscapes of Amboseli National Park, with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro providing one of the most iconic backdrops in all of Africa. The lodge is built in the style of a traditional Maasai manyatta and surrounded by landscaped gardens, mature acacia trees, and a natural spring that attracts a constant procession of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, and waterbuck right to the grounds. The 92 rooms are arranged in a gentle curve around the gardens, each featuring Maasai-themed decor, comfortable beds, and private terraces facing Kilimanjaro. The morning views of Africa's highest peak reflected in the park's seasonal marshes are simply unforgettable, and the lodge positions itself as the premier base for photographing elephants with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop — arguably the most iconic image in East African safari photography. Amboseli is renowned for its large, relaxed elephant herds that have been studied by researchers for over 50 years, and sightings of matriarchs with tiny calves are an almost daily occurrence. The park's open terrain makes it one of the best in Kenya for unobstructed game viewing. The lodge offers guided game drives, nature walks, Maasai cultural visits, and sundowner excursions to Observation Hill, which offers a sweeping panorama of the park and its wetlands.
Highlights
Quick Facts
Room Types
Food & Drink
The main restaurant offers buffet-style meals with a selection of international and Kenyan cuisine. Dinner menus feature grilled meats, fresh salads, and traditional dishes. Bush breakfasts overlooking the wetlands and sundowner cocktails on Observation Hill can be arranged. A poolside bar serves light lunches and refreshments throughout the day.
Things to Do
Guided game drives at dawn and dusk in open-sided 4x4 vehicles, guided nature walks with Maasai rangers, Maasai village cultural visits, Observation Hill sundowner excursions, birdwatching around the marshes, and optional scenic flights over Kilimanjaro. Night game drives are available in the adjacent conservancy.
What You'll See
Amboseli is synonymous with elephants — the park supports over 1,500 elephants whose family histories have been documented since 1972. Large prides of lion, spotted hyena, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and hippo are regularly seen. The marshes and seasonal lake attract flamingos, pelicans, and over 400 recorded bird species including the grey crowned crane, Kori bustard, and African fish eagle.
Best Time to Visit
June to October offers dry weather, clear Kilimanjaro views, and concentrated wildlife around the marshes. January to February is also excellent with fewer visitors and lush greenery following the short rains. The wet months of March to May bring dramatic skies and migratory birds but can make some roads challenging.
