Outdoor pool
Check availability

Reviews of Mara Serena Safari Lodge

5 out of 5
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Maasai Mara Game Reserve, P.O. Box 48690 N, Maasai Mara

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Heard of elephants, hippos can be seen from the pool area. Amazing views.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Kathuirma Mburugu on 31 Jan 2024
Dear JamesThank you for taking time to review and share your experience during your last stay with us.I am glad to note that you enjoyed your stay especially the game view and we look forward to hosting you again soonRegardsKathurima MburuguLodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

IMDAD

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an excellent stay at Mara Serena Lodge in Masai Mara game reserve. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, from the staff to the game drives all were excellent Thank you to all the teams . Tha
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Kathurima Mburugu on 3 Jan 2024
Dear ImdadThank you for taking time to review and share with us on your stay at Mara SerenaI am glad to note that you enjoyed your stay from the game drives to our staff who took good care of you. I will definitely pass the compliments to themThank you once again for sharing and we look forward to hosting you again soonRegardsKathurima MburuguLodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

Shay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Kathurima Mburugu on 3 Jan 2024
Dear ShayThank you for taking time to review and rate us on your stay with usI am glad you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to hosting you again soonRegardsKathurima MburuguLodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

Albert, Tallahassee

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Outstanding lodge with the friendliest & most helpful staff. Room was comfortable and view from balcony is beautiful. Our 3rd year staying here & will always stay here if possible. Food is great, dining room folks are top notch. They pack an excellent breakfast/lunch for days you don’t want to dine in. An overall wonderful experience.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Kathuirma Mburugu on 25 Jun 2023
Thank you for taking time to review and share your wonderful experience during your stay with usI am glad you enjoyed your stay from the comfortable rooms, the great food, to the staff who made your stay a memorable one. I will definitely pass your compliments to the team.Thank you once again for sharing and we look forward to hosting you again soonRegardsKathurima MburuguLodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

Mr matthew wiliam

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Kathuirma Mburugu on 13 Jun 2023
Dear MathewThank you very much for taking time to review and rate us on your experience during your stay with usFrom the rating, I am happy that you enjoyed your holiday and our staff were able to make your stay a memorable. Thank you once again for sharing and we look forward to hosting you again soon RegardsKathurima MburuguLodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

Nickolaus

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay here and we would come back. First, a big thanks to Chef Kennedy for preparing meals for my wife Kathryn, who cannot eat gluten, dairy products, oil and red meat. Second, a big shoutout to William W who took care of us on safari! William is great and if we came back we’d request him to take us on safari again. We loved the location of the lodge. The game drives were great and the staff was so friendly. The Masaai warrior (I think his name was Julian) who greeted us was so nice. We enjoyed the view from the lodge and our room. Everyone was friendly and we hope to be back! Bring cash because there is no ATM at the lodge. We wish we brought cash so we could top William and the staff and purchase art during our trip to the village. Thank you all for making our stay pleasant! And thank you William for everything, including hanging out with us as we waited for the airplane. -Nick and Kathryn
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Kathurima Mburugu on 8 Oct 2022
Dear NickolausThank you very much for taking time to review and share your experience during your stay with usI am happy that you enjoyed and our staff were able to make your stay a memorable one not forgetting to mention Chef Kennedy who attended to your food requirements and William who took good care of your safari. I will definitely pass your compliments to them and the entire team Thank you once again for sharing and we look forward to hosting you again soon RegardsKathurima MburuguLodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very friendly and went out of their way to make you feel welcome. Fantastic for safari viewing. Great food. All around, great experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Kathurima Mburugu on 24 Sept 2022
Thank you for taking time to review and share your experience during your stay with usI am glad you found our staff helpful and were able to make your holiday a memorable one. I will definitely pass your compliments to the team. We look forward to hosting you again soonRegardsKathurima MburuguLodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

CHARLES

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great rooms and service
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Kathurima Mburugu on 4 Aug 2022
Dear Charles Thank you for taking time to review and share your wonderful experience during your stay We are glad to note that you enjoyed the great rooms and service during your holiday. We look forward to hosting you again soon Regards Kathurima Mburugu Lodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

BRIAN

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Number one the pictures online do not do this place justice!!! it's simply an amazing place... from the views and rooms to the staff the food did I say views... from every place you sit, stand walk around the views are simply awesome!! This was my first time to the Mara however in talking to other guests some had told me that they have been to the Mara 8 times and this place was simply the best ever.. so for me I know know no better however I can't wait to get back to this place... I only stayed 2 days I really needed to stay 4.. and I will next time for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Kathurima Mburugu on 4 Aug 2022
Dear Brian Thank you for taking time to review and share your wonderful experience during your stay with us We are glad to note that you enjoyed the amazing views, good rooms, food and staff who made your stay a memorable one. I will most definitely pass your compliments to the team. Thank you once again and we look forward to hosting you again soon Regards Kathurima Mburugu Lodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

Damian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is absolutely unique and amazing, settled on a hill with panoramic views of the Maasai Mara plains, from each room. I was able to observe Elephant herds, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Warthogs from my room. What impressed me the most, was the frendliness and professionalism of the staff. They made me feel very welcome every minute of the stay. I approached the desk with a few requests (e.g. to change my room) and all of them were solved without hesitation to my full satisfaction.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Response from K.M on 27 Sept 2021
Dear Damian Thank you for taking time to review and share your experience during your stay with us We are glad to note that our friendly and professional staff welcomed you well and were ready to assist you making your stay a memorable one Thank you once again for taking time to share your experience with us and we hope to welcome you back soon Regards Kathurima Mburugu Lodge Manager

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We recently stayed for 11 nights at Mara Serena Lodge. My husband and I were self driving and did not have the benefit of a guide to help with things. Duncan, the manager, went above and beyond to assist with anything we needed. He worked tirelessly to help with internet issues, patiently answered all our questions, and was genuinely interested in making sure our stay was as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. The lodge was very clean and all staff wore masks, which we appreciated. Dining area was spotless and food was very good. Thanks to Bernard and Eric, our dining attendants, Michael, for his music and good humor, and every person there for their warmth and friendliness. We will definitely stay here again and highly recommend Mara Serena.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Arine

Travelled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel, amazing staff, epic game drives
We had a great time at the hotel. The rooms are very well maintained, the staff was extremely attentive and our game drives were GREAT! We couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Special thanks to Vivian and Benjamin to their amazing service!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Covid stay
Stayed in August after re-opening with covid. Masks must be worn at all times, food served to you from buffet, temperature checks when entering and hand washing facilities. Unfortunately some light fingered person(s) decided to ransack our car, they only took sweets but not pleasant to have your bags and clothes turned inside out.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely location ad fantastic views. Welcoming staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was excellent. Amenities great. The room could have been little better; NO AIR CONDITIONING, NO TV. NO SCREENS. Staff & services excellent
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best view in the world! Enjoy the vista, elephants, and giraffes from the pool or your hotel window. Staff couldn’t be more kind and accommodating. Safari wildlife is maybe best in the world. I’ve been twice now and both times managed to see the “big 5” plus many elephants, giraffes, and warthogs etc. I also recommend the village tour! Our guide John really showed us a good time while educating us about his family and culture. Food (considering the distance from a grocery store etc) is excellent! Plenty of fruits and vegetables- plus delicious carnivore options too. Love this place and can’t wait to visit again with my parents.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I did not like the staff in the dining room ingroreing me on the last day at breakfast
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019

4/10 Poor

David

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Do not go there
The lodge is in a desperate need of renovation.Filthy, paint chipped, hardware loose, appliances ancient, mosquito nets with holes. Our mattress had blood stains and no mattress pads. We got one pillow without pillow case. We wanted to check out immediately but there is nowhere to go at a short notice . For the price they charge they should be ashamed for the “luxury lodging” they provide. Food was terrible, could not cut any meats even with a stake knives. Salads limited to tomato and cucumber. We had to settle for rice. They nickele and dime you every step of the way: water, tea, coffee is an additional cost ( and this is a full board) Staff is overworked and probably greatly underpaid, everyone was waiting for a handout and this is with a service charge already included in the stay. Hotel caters to huge tour groups who descend upon it and make stay noisy and stressful
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A fabulous stay right in the heart of the park. The staff and service were really excellent. They made it a real home from home. Highly recommended
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Chloe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
SIMPLY THE BEST
This was the best hotel EVER!!!! from the Safaris, to the food to the hospitality! The views, the beauty, the landscape. WE WILL BE BACK AND BRING FAMILY!! Thank you for looking after my Father in law so well. They loved their time.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tony, Sydney Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Safari Expetience
Price needs to be seen in conjunction with value. The whole safari experience is expensive in dollar terms - including getting to Nairobi and also the the reserve, park entrance, balloon flight etc. But all this must be weighed against the excellent game viewing, the clean, well run Hotel, excellent cruising and the amenities all of which are close at hand. Balloon flights can be reserved in the hotel itself which is very convenient. Overall the experience is well worth the investment and the hotel is highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service and amazing view!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Visiting the Masai Mara
We spent a week in the Masai Mara. The Serena lodge is the heart of the Masai Mara conservancy which is the best kept part of the entire area. The roads are better, the animals are protected and it is the perfect destination for game drives. The Serena lodge is the only place to stay in the area and there really is no other place you would want to go. It is located a few km from the airstrip (yes you do want to fly in, don't drive from Nairobi) on top of a high mesa that looks out dozens of miles in all directions. The property is amazing with a pool, workout facilities and an excellent spa. The staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating and you will want for nothing. Look out your window each morning and see everything from baboons to buffalo to antelope and giraffes. They have many Land Cruisers with pop tops for game drives and the animals really are incredible. Highly recommend the balloon ride. The master pilot, Dan, is incredible and the vistas are amazing. Not cheap but worth the adventure. On Wednesday night there is an excellent talk by local researchers from the Hyena study camp which is fascinating as well. I can't imagine wanting to stay anywhere else.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel and setting
We enjoyed our stay at Mara Serena - the location is amazing and the staff is quite friendly.

10/10 Excellent

mad major, uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Heart of the Mara - pumps to beat of migration
Wonderful Staff, wonderful animals, unbeatable location - so very sad to leave - next visit will be longer. Simply excellent.

10/10 Excellent

Nicola, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The best place we have ever stayed
We stayed at a quiet time, so there were few people around, but nonetheless the way we were looked after was superb. Wonderful food, wonderful views, brilliant service, comfortable rooms, swimming pool. When you add in the location, on top of the hill looking out across the plains, this hotel is the best place we have ever stayed. Where else can you have a swim before breakfast, see a lion at lunch time, then elephants in the afternoon, before a delicious dinner and then fall into a comfortable bed? We will be back.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A place to return to
The vistas of the wild bush are great and one can see a lot of wild animals from the comfort of one's room.

10/10 Excellent

Dagmar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
everything perfekt

6/10 Okay

Drew, Louisiana, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Expect to pay ALOT more
First off, the overall experience at the hotel was quite amazing, so if you don't care about all the extra fees than you'll love it. However, if you do care, prepare yourself. Right away there's a 70 dollar conservancy fee per person per night you have to pay. I don't hold this against them given that you pay it to the park and not the hotel, but warning would have been nice. Next, they charged us 80 dollars to bring us from the airstrip to the hotel, which is about a 4 minute ride. This was what outraged me the most. For the price you pay and how short the ride is this should ABSOLUTELY be free. Then, when we got there, it turned out the 'game drives' were another 80 dollars per person per drive, and while at least you're actually getting something for this 80, the description does not clearly specify that this is not included. So overall, it was a great experience, I just wish they were less crafty in letting me know what I paid for before I showed up.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

8/10 Good

Constantine, Athens, Greece

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Be aware with the extras
The place was nice, well kept and with nice amenities. However if you do not have a package they charge insainly high prices for absolutely everything! E.g.in March 2012 (I understand prices are changing frequently) transfers from the airstrip to the hotel and v.v. 40 USD pp per way(for a less than 2 miles distance!) 2 hours safari games: 80 USD pp. Also count on 70 USD pp per day for the mandatory Mara conservation fee. Food is relatively good and service is excellent. Wi fi internet is good you can also skype.Wi-fi costs 4 USD per hour or 20 USD per 24 hrs.

8/10 Good

runrun, tokyo

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
静か、眺めが最高、スタッフ フレンドリー、 食事がイマイチ、 お土産ショップはおススメ。
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

acco, 東京

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
高級サファリリゾート
素敵な高級ロッジです。何よりも素晴らしいのは高台に建つロッジからの眺め！施設は綺麗で食事も美味しい、一つ挙げるなら部屋はちょっと狭い。エクスペディアに載っていた電話番号は繋がらない、メールの返事もないで不安でしたが、そこはケニア。行けば良いところでした。
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
高いがサファリに最適
ロケーションは抜群、眺めもとても良かった。 窓が引き戸タイプで隙間が出来てしまうため蚊が入って来る。 送迎片道４５ドル、２～３時間のゲームドライブ９１ドル／回、バルーンサファリ６００ドルと安くはないが、内容は満足行くものだった。

6/10 Okay

Kato, 横浜市

Disliked: Room comfort
国立公園内ホテル
国立公園のホテル。部屋は狭い。２泊でいい。 パスタがあるのはいい。

8/10 Good

lucas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Buiten seizoen heerlijk rustig
Lekkere buffetten met veel vegetarische mogelijkheden (en India's eten)

8/10 Good

Marcelo, Amboseli

Liked: Cleanliness
great location
Although the rooms are not great and the service could be better, the locAtion of the hotel is great and we enjoyed very much listening to the birds and be surronded by nature.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Place You Must Have Visited Before You Die
Der Empfang war sehr aufmerksam und persönlich: die Papiere waren vorbereitet und man wurde erwartet. Das Zimmer im Bungalow auf hohem Niveau, Badezimmer modern und perfekt sauber. Die Küche ist vielfältig lokal und international. Die Lage der Hotelanlage ist hinreissend: Aussicht, Bäume, Pflanzen (bezeichnet), Brise weil auf Hügelkuppe. Die Anreise ist weit, die Zugangsstrassen für 4x4 Fahrzeuge knapp machbar, aber hier lohnt der weiteste Weg. A place you must have visited before you die!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Fantastisk beliggenhet
Hotellet er litt nedslitt og maten er ikke allverden, men beliggenheten er unik og de ansatte er trivelige og imøtekommende.

10/10 Excellent

Eugen und Sigi, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Für eine Masai Mara-Erkundung vrzüglich geeignet!
Tolle Lage auf Hügelspitze-gute Rundumsicht auf Masai Mara; der Mara-River ist für Tierbeobachtung allerdings etwas zu weit entfernt. Das Hotel ist absolut zu empfehlen- das Preisniveau ist angemessen.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
The location is the best for migration. The others are just so so.