We spent two nights at the Mara Serena in late October. Nestling high above the Mara River and the plains, the location is absolutely stunning, and an ideal base for game drives in the reserve, which is rich with animals. Sight, sound and smell combined to provide a phenomenal experience: the lion roaring its territorial ownership during the picth black of night, the grceful form of cheetahs moving through the grass and the stench of rotting flesh at the Mara Crossing, where so many wildebeest had lost their lives whilst crossing the river - a glut of corpses way beyond the immediate needs of the crocodiles, vultures and Maribou storks.

Staff throughout the hotel were pleasant and helpful and the food was very good; it was especially nice to have early morning coffee and a light snack before setting off on an early morning game drive. It was wonderful never to have to carry a suitcase, either up or down the relatively challenging incline to access the rooms, or 'pods'. These were clean and had excellent mosquito nets over the main bed, although they are made for two, really and with three of us in the room, it was somewhat cramped. The view over the plains was breath-taking, but they would benefit from mesh over the viewing doors and, given the high temperatures when we were there, a ceiling fan would have been a definite improvement. The lighting towards the rooms is subdued, and I did see that some people sensibly used torches; one elderly lady suffered an unfortunate fall, so I would recommend that, if you have any form of mobility problem, you ask for a room as close to main reception as possible. That said, we had a really positive experience, and would happily return.

Fabulous Lodge during our two day safari of the Masai Mara. The food was fabulous including their barbeques at dinner. The pool was refreshing with a nice view. The rooms were unique and charming. Wifi was a bit pricey at $20 per day at this lodge, and was totally free at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge...this was a bit disappointing, especially as the signal wasn't always that great. All and all, I would highly recommend this lodge to anyone!

Great ambiance, perfect holiday destination, great hospitality, great staff and kitchen crew . Had the best holiday with friends at Serena ! Went for the bush diner and the hot air balloon safari it was bliss!! Overall amazing stay!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥

We stayed at the Mara Serena because we were in a family group with small children and several nervous travellers on their first trip to Africa. It absolutely suited our needs on that count (with adjoining childrens' rooms) and the safari drives were wonderful (Nicolas a great driver) but my husband and I, having stayed in other safari lodges and hotels in Kenya, were very disappointed in the staff. At Kishwa Temba a couple of years ago, we were given hospitality second to none and would return there rather than the Mara Serena on our next safari. The dining room staff were sleepy and inattentive and we often felt that we were in their way in a crowded dining room and a simple request to move tables was met with complete refusal. However, the rooms were lovely, with views over the savanna and Mara river and it was magical to sit on the balcony or by the pool and spot elephant, lion, hippos as well as all the usual game animals. The location could not be bettered and it was only really the dining and reception staff who let the lodge down. Disappointing, considering the cost.