Serena Serengeti Safari Lodge

SLocation: Serena Serengeti Safari Lodge is perched high on a ridge in the central Serengeti, with sweeping views over the endlessly rolling plains below. This part of the park - known as the Seronera region - is rich in resident wildlife and offers excellent year-round game viewing, particularly for big cats. The central location also makes it a convenient hub for those combining different parts of the Serengeti or arriving from the Ngorongoro Crater. While it's a larger lodge than most tented camp, its position is undeniably spectacular, and the elevated outlook gives you a real sense of the scale and drama of the Serengeti.

Rooms: There are 66 stone-built rooms at the lodge, spread across a series of thatched rondavels designed to blend into the rocky kopje landscape. Each room has a private balcony with lovely views across the plains, plus en-suite bathrooms, mosquito netting, and all the expected comforts including ceiling fans, tea and coffee, and good storage space. The interiors have a warm, traditional style with plenty of local stone and wood, giving them a solid and earthy feel. While this isn't a boutique safari experience, the rooms are reliable, clean, and well-maintained - a good fit for travellers wanting comfort and consistency in the heart of the Serengeti.

Amenities: The lodge has a strong infrastructure, with a spacious central building housing the restaurant, bar, lounge and reception area. There's also a large outdoor swimming pool set among the rocks, which is great for cooling off after a dusty game drive. Wi-Fi is available in the main areas, and there's a small curio shop selling local crafts and essentials. Dining is buffet-style with a wide variety of dishes to suit international tastes, and service is polished and efficient. It's a bigger setup than the smaller tented camps, but that also brings advantages like reliable hot water, 24-hour electricity and more flexibility for families or larger groups.

Activities: Game drives are the main focus here, with excellent wildlife viewing right on the lodge's doorstep. The Seronera Valley is known for its high density of predators - lions, cheetahs and leopards are all regularly seen - along with elephants, giraffes, and large herds of plains game. Drives are typically organised through the lodge using knowledgeable local guides, though many guests also visit as part of a broader itinerary with their own private vehicle and guide. Balloon safaris can be arranged nearby (at an extra cost), offering breathtaking sunrise views across the plains followed by a champagne breakfast - one of the Serengeti's iconic experiences.

Sustainability: Serena Hotels take a structured, group-wide approach to sustainability, and the Serengeti Safari Lodge follows that model. The property has been built using local materials, with stonework and thatching that echo the natural environment. The lodge uses solar energy for water heating, has its own wastewater treatment system, and prioritises eco-friendly practices like energy-efficient lighting and careful waste management. Community engagement is also part of their wider ethos, with investment in local schools, health initiatives, and cultural preservation. While it's a larger and more traditional lodge, there's also a clear and consistent effort to operate responsibly within the national park setting.