cosy and intimate with views over the Oloololo Escarpment
‘Ngare’ translates to ‘by the river’ in the Masai language, bringing the serenity of the Serian Original camp to the water’s edge.
Location: Ngare Serian sits in a secluded spot within the private Mara North Conservancy, right on the banks of the Mara River. It’s one of the few camps in this part of Kenya that you reach by footbridge, adding a lovely sense of arrival. The camp is tucked beneath riverine trees, surrounded by wildlife-rich savannah, and offers exclusive access to a private 1,500-acre concession. This is true low-density safari territory - remote, peaceful, and deeply connected to the land. You’ll feel completely off-grid, but still within easy reach of the Maasai Mara’s most iconic wildlife experiences.
Rooms: There are just four tents at Ngare Serian, and they’re anything but ordinary. Raised on hardwood decks and completely open to the bush, each tent is spacious, beautifully furnished, and filled with character - think copper bathtubs, big beds dressed in crisp linen, and thoughtful touches that feel both luxurious and lived-in. The tents look out directly onto the river, so you can sit with a coffee and watch hippos wallowing from your verandah. It’s all about privacy, comfort, and the sense of really living in the wild.
Amenities: Ngare Serian is deliberately small and understated, but everything is done with quiet finesse. The central mess tent is relaxed and inviting, with books, maps, and big sofas to sink into between drives. Meals are communal and generously prepared, often served outdoors in the shade or under the stars. There’s a real family feel to the camp, with a close-knit team who look after you with warmth and attention to detail. It’s unplugged luxury - no Wi-Fi, no noise, just excellent service and the sounds of the bush.
Activities: What sets Ngare Serian apart is its access to a private conservation area, meaning guests have the freedom to explore on foot, go off-road, and enjoy night drives - all activities not permitted in the main Maasai Mara Reserve. Each group has a private vehicle and guide, which means total flexibility. Walking safaris across the private conservancy, led by expert guides and Maasai trackers, are a highlight. There’s also a treehouse-style photographic hide nearby, perfect for slow, immersive wildlife viewing. Whether you want action-packed game drives or quiet moments watching elephants cross the river, this is one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Kenya.
Sustainability: Ngare Serian is part of the Alex Walker Serian group, known for their strong conservation ethos. The camp is built with a minimal footprint, uses solar power, and operates with a strict low-impact policy. All guides are local, and the team works closely with the Mara North Conservancy to support wildlife protection and community-led conservation. By keeping guest numbers low and investing in local partnerships, Ngare Serian offers a genuinely sustainable safari - one that helps protect this extraordinary part of Kenya for future generations.
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Best places to stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Inspiration
When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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