Mara Serena Safari Lodge

On of our favourite places we stayed while in Kenya. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, the buffet restaurant was excellent, and the bars have the best wine collection we came across. Rock hyrax and wart hogs roam freely around the grounds (as do monkeys and baboons) but the perimeter is fenced and guarded. The pool area and pool are well maintained and enjoyable. I had two massages there and they were both excellent, possibly the best in a long while. We would return.

Mara Serena was a last minute change by our agent and already had mixed feelings after reading some of the reviews. Let me divide my review into the positive and should/could improve sections 1. This resort is on a cliff overlooking the vast plains of the Mara triangle. It's close to the Mara triangle gate but almost a 2 hr drive from the Sekanani gate which is closer to the Marriot etc. and I think one of the main entrance gates while approaching from Nairobi or other parks. 2. Views from the resorts rooms and common areas including the pool were stunning. We even heard the lions roar one morning and witnessed a huge heard of elephants , Topi, Buffalo's etc from the rooms balcony window. 3. Staff were courteous,  some very nice and some a bit cold or lukewarm, unlike all the other resorts where everyone was smiling and chirpy. 4. The therapy that we had in the spa was great and therapist Ann was just too good. 5. Food was good with good options and a mix of local and international cuisine.  6. Had a Masai market spread at the resort one day and thought it was a great idea to let them come display their wares. 7. Common area decoration and ambiance ,very creative and nice. Now for the SHOULD and could improve list 1. Rooms an absolute mess . We had two rooms and one had some of  the amenities as mentioned which the other did not. Eg..hair dryer, mini fridge etc. Everything was got instantly upon request though. A bit shoddy on that count. 2. The bathroom door would not shut and remained open at all times. We had to wedge a towel btw to close it. Also the lock from the inside was a bit wobbly. 3. A strange stench emanated from the toilet at all times. The door had louvers and gaps were so big , that this adfed to the stench woes. Hot water does not flow until 5.30 am or after. Tiles and toilet in a pathetic state.  Water pressure was bad and taps would not close properly. 4. All furniture are tired and badly in need of renovation.  Pillows were a bit lumpy. 5. Rooms are pretty cramped and very badly ventilated. By this I mean the air flow. The balcony windows were stuck in both rooms and had no insect netting. So we could not open the doors. This resulted in the room  being a bit stuffy as well. Just a critical review so they could set things right and am sure the experience would be great. Would conclude that it's ok for one night but I would surely not recommend for more than a night. Hope the management takes note of the above and rectifies/ renovates the rooms. Until such time it's a definite no no. Also nit sure if only the two rooms given to us had these issues.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a fantastic family-friendly destination in the heart of the Maasai Mara. With comfortable accommodations, breathtaking views, and easy access to wildlife, it provides an immersive safari experience for all ages. The friendly staff and engaging activities make it a memorable adventure for the entire family.

Super freundliches Personal in allen Bereichen. Einzigartige Lage. Zimmer sind sauber. Einrichtung im afrikanischen Stil. Der Blick ist atemberaubend schön. Aus der rechten Reihe der Zimmer sieht man den Sonnenaufgang, aus der linken Reihe den Sonnenuntergang. Regelmäßig finden Unterhaltungsabende statt. Essen und Frühstück waren sehr gut, für jeden etwas dabei und sehr schmackhaft.

Decent place. Not sure if I will visit again. Had been here years ago. After that I have visited many other locations in the Mara this time we decided to try Serena again. The location is good. The staff are very nice and polite. The food can be improved. The rooms are old. After checking in the room. The staff came and put towels, shower curtains and water bottles in the room. Shouldn't this already be in the room? The pool was nice and heated. The staff are well trained to attend to guests.

Introduced as "welcome to paradise" - our guide was pretty accurate. Stunning views across the Masai Mara Comfortable rooms , mosquito nets and plug in's Bathrooms a little tired - but good hot showers Food and drink choice and quality very good. staff 5*