Serena Mara

Location: Mara Serena has one of the most commanding settings in the Masai Mara. Perched high on a hill in the Mara Triangle, it offers sweeping views across the plains and down to the Mara River - a natural stage for some of the region’s most dramatic wildlife action. This is a prime position for game viewing year-round, and during the Great Migration, you’re in exactly the right spot for river crossings when they arrive into Kenya. Despite the lodge’s size, the location feels remote and peaceful, with panoramic sunrises, roaming wildlife, and a real sense of being tucked into nature without compromising on access or comfort.

Rooms: The rooms here are housed in rounded, mud-walled structures that echo traditional Maasai architecture, with curved lines and earth-toned exteriors blending well into the landscape. Inside, they’re more conventional: simple but well-equipped, with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and large windows framing that vast Mara view. Each room has its own private balcony, which is a lovely spot for morning tea or a quiet pause between game drives. While you won’t find cutting-edge luxury, everything’s clean, practical, and thoughtfully laid out - and it’s hard to beat the experience of drifting off to the sounds of the bush.

Amenities: For a lodge this remote, Serena Mara does an impressive job of covering all the essentials and then some. There’s a large, airy dining room and a comfortable bar lounge, both designed to take full advantage of the views. Meals are served buffet-style, with a good mix of local and international options, and the staff are always happy to accommodate dietary needs. The swimming pool sits on the edge of the escarpment, so you can cool off while watching elephants roam the plains below. There’s also a small spa offering massages and wellness treatments, plus a gift shop and business centre if needed.

Activities: This is a brilliant base for exploring the Mara Triangle, one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the Masai Mara ecosystem. Daily game drives offer the chance to spot big cats, elephants, hippos, and - depending on the time of year - the famous wildebeest herds thundering across the river. Guided bush breakfasts and sundowners can be arranged in scenic spots, and for those wanting something extra special, hot air balloon safaris launch nearby. You’re also within reach of local Maasai communities, and cultural visits can be organised to learn more about traditions, crafts, and daily life in the region.

Sustainability: Serena Mara takes its environmental and social responsibilities seriously. The lodge is built with a low visual impact and designed to blend into the surrounding hills, using natural materials and careful landscaping. Solar energy helps to power the property, waste is managed responsibly, and water usage is closely monitored to minimise strain on the local ecosystem. Serena’s wider sustainability efforts include strong partnerships with local communities, training programmes for staff, and active support for conservation initiatives across the Masai Mara. It’s a well-established lodge that understands the importance of giving back to the place it calls home.