Wildlife arena of rolling grasslands, meandering rivers and towering escarpments.
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.
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Best places to stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Inspiration
When to visit 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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