The word ‘serian’ comes from the Masai language, meaning ‘serene… calm… tranquil’
Location: Serian Camp, the original flagship of Alex Walker’s Serian safari camps in Kenya, is tucked deep within the Mara North Conservancy. This location offers a rare sense of wilderness and tranquillity, with sweeping views of untamed savannah and acacia woodlands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Mara North is less crowded than the main Masai Mara National Reserve, so here you experience authentic, unhurried wildlife encounters in an environment that feels genuinely wild and remote. It’s a perfect base for those seeking big-game sightings alongside a quieter, more exclusive safari atmosphere.
Rooms: The original Serian Camp’s tents are beautifully designed to blend comfort with the spirit of classic safari. Each spacious tent sits on a raised wooden platform, framed by thick canvas walls and topped with a sturdy roof to offer protection and privacy. Inside, you’ll find a king-sized bed dressed in crisp linens, an en-suite bathroom with flushing toilets and hot showers, plus a private veranda overlooking the Mara plains. The decor is simple yet elegant, with natural materials and earthy tones that connect you directly to the landscape outside - comfort that feels grounded, never flashy.
Amenities: Although the camp embraces a minimalist, mobile ethos, it offers all the essentials with a focus on quality and genuine hospitality. The central mess tent serves as the social hub, where fresh, locally inspired meals are shared around a campfire beneath vast African skies. There’s a cosy lounge area to relax between game drives, and the friendly, experienced staff ensure your every need is met discreetly and warmly. It’s a camp that values authenticity and connection over luxury, creating a welcoming, home-from-home atmosphere in the bush.
Activities: Serian’s strength lies in its expert guiding and flexible, personalised safari experience. Game drives here focus on deep wildlife immersion, from stalking big cats and elephants to observing the nuanced behaviours of the Mara’s abundant species. The camp’s mobility allows it to move seasonally, following migration herds or key predator activity, so you’re always positioned for the best sightings. Walking safaris and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities add further layers to the experience, offering a well-rounded and meaningful connection with the Mara’s wild and human heritage.
Sustainability: At its core, Serian Camp is committed to responsible tourism that safeguards the Mara’s future. The mobile camp model minimises environmental impact, allowing the landscape to regenerate naturally between seasons. Solar power, water conservation, and eco-friendly waste management are integral to operations. Beyond conservation, Serian prioritises strong relationships with local Maasai communities, supporting education, employment, and cultural preservation. Staying at Serian means your safari actively contributes to protecting one of Africa’s most precious ecosystems and the communities who call it home.
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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