Overview
Mara Serena Safari Lodge occupies one of the most enviable positions in the entire Masai Mara ecosystem, crowning a bush-covered hill with sweeping 360-degree views across the vast savanna below. Designed to echo a traditional Maasai manyatta village, the lodge's rounded architecture blends organically into the landscape while providing every modern comfort. Each of the 74 rooms features hand-painted murals inspired by Maasai culture, private balconies overlooking the plains, and en-suite bathrooms with hot water around the clock. The lodge sits in the remote western sector of the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Mara River where the legendary Great Migration crossings take place between July and October. During these months, over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra plunge into the crocodile-infested waters in one of nature's most dramatic spectacles. Game drives depart twice daily, led by experienced Maasai naturalist guides who have an intimate knowledge of the reserve's wildlife corridors and predator territories. Beyond the migration, the Masai Mara is home to one of the densest lion populations in Africa, along with leopard, cheetah, elephant, and buffalo. The lodge's hilltop swimming pool and terrace bar are perfect for sundowner cocktails as the African sky turns orange, while the restaurant serves a mix of international cuisine and Kenyan specialities prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Cultural experiences include guided visits to a nearby Maasai village and traditional dance performances in the lodge's amphitheatre.
Highlights
Quick Facts
Room Types
Food & Drink
The lodge restaurant serves a buffet-style breakfast and lunch with both international and Kenyan dishes. Dinner is a four-course affair featuring grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and traditional Kenyan accompaniments. Bush breakfasts can be arranged during game drives, and sundowner cocktails are served on the terrace overlooking the Mara plains. Special dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice.
Things to Do
Twice-daily game drives in custom-built 4x4 vehicles, hot air balloon safaris over the Mara at dawn, guided nature walks along the riverbanks, Maasai village cultural visits, birdwatching excursions, and bush breakfast or sundowner experiences. During migration season, dedicated river crossing watches are arranged.
What You'll See
The Masai Mara supports one of the highest densities of large predators in Africa. Resident prides of lion, elusive leopard in the riverine forest, cheetah on the open plains, large herds of elephant, buffalo, and giraffe are all regularly sighted. The Mara River sustains hippo pods and large Nile crocodiles. Over 450 bird species have been recorded, including martial eagle, secretary bird, and lilac-breasted roller.
Best Time to Visit
July to October for the Great Migration river crossings, though year-round game viewing is excellent. January to February offers calving season in the southern Serengeti, and the Mara's resident predators provide thrilling encounters throughout the year. The short rains in November bring lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.
