About Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a 74-room lodge on a bush-covered hill in the Mara Triangle, the western part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It looks out over the plains and a bend of the Mara River.
What sets it apart is its location inside the reserve, close to the river and only about 5 minutes from an airstrip. It suits families, first-time safari guests and travelers who want a full-service lodge rather than a tent.
At a glance
Highlights
- Hilltop views over the Mara
- Mara Triangle location
- Near the Mara River
- 5 minutes from an airstrip
- Maisha Spa
Amenities
Rooms and suites
- 74 rooms, including 1 suite
- Twin, triple and king-size double rooms
- 8 sets of interconnecting family rooms
- Small balconies with views over the plains
Restaurants and bars
Stays are usually full board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks are extra.
- Main Restaurant: buffet breakfast and lunch, and a five-course buffet dinner
- Main Bar: next to the restaurant
- Hippo Pool Breakfast: breakfast beside the river, on request
- Bush dinner: dinner on the plains with Maasai dancing, on request
- Lookout Hill: sundowners with a view
Beach, pools and spa
There is no beach. The lodge has a heated, rock-enclosed outdoor pool and a children’s pool. The Maisha Spa and Health Club has treatment rooms, a steam room and a sauna. Treatments should be booked in advance.
Activities and entertainment
Guests can join day and night game drives in the Mara Triangle and book hot air balloon safaris, which launch close to the lodge. Other options include Maasai village visits, hikes on the Oloololo Escarpment, sundowners, bush dinners and tree planting.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: families, first-time safari guests and travelers who want lodge rooms, a pool and a spa.
- Consider another resort if: you want a canvas tented camp or a small, private camp.
Getting there from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), travelers usually connect to Wilson Airport in Nairobi for a bush flight of about 1 hour to the Mara Serena airstrip (MRE), about 5 minutes from the lodge. The lodge can arrange an airstrip shuttle for a charge if you contact it 48 hours before arrival.
Book your transfer in advance so a driver meets you at arrivals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and takes you to Wilson Airport for your bush flight, or drives you all the way to the lodge.
Good to know
- A mandatory daily conservancy fee applies, and it is higher from July to December
- Reserve entry tickets are charged separately
- The reserve gates are open from 6 am to 6 pm, so plan to arrive before they close
- Babysitting is available for a charge
Location of Mara Serena Safari Lodge
FAQ about Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Where is Mara Serena Safari Lodge?
On a hill in the Mara Triangle, the western part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
How many rooms does it have?
74 rooms, including 1 suite.
Is it full board?
Yes. Stays are usually full board, and drinks are extra.
Is there a pool?
Yes. There is a heated outdoor pool and a children's pool.
Is there a spa?
Yes. The Maisha Spa and Health Club has treatment rooms, a steam room and a sauna.
Which airstrip is closest?
The Mara Serena airstrip (MRE), about 5 minutes away.
Is there an airstrip shuttle?
Yes, for a charge. Contact the lodge 48 hours before arrival.
Are children welcome?
Yes. There are interconnecting family rooms and babysitting for a charge.
Is it open all year?
Yes. The lodge is open all year.
Are there extra fees?
Yes. A mandatory daily conservancy fee applies, and reserve entry is charged separately.
