How does Mara Serena Safari Lodge compare to other Mara options?
Mara Serena sits in the comfortable mid range - it's well-appointed and reliable without being ultra-exclusive. Think established safari lodge with solid amenities like a heated pool, spa, and spacious rooms rather than ultra-luxe tented camp.
It's a great choice if you want dependable comfort and good service in an excellent location within the Mara Triangle. The lodge accommodates about 140 guests, so it has more of a lodge atmosphere compared to the intimate bush camps that only take 20-30 people.
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Room Types
Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers 74 rooms arranged across twin wings, each designed with traditional Maasai Manyatta-inspired circular architecture.
All rooms feature private balconies with sweeping views of the Mara River and savannah, plus marble bathrooms with walk-in showers. The circular design ensures you'll have unobstructed panoramic views from every room.
At the top end, The Mara Suite includes three private balconies, a separate sitting area, and dedicated room steward service.
Lodge Room - Double/Twin/Triple Rooms
Built in the style of a traditional Maasai Manyatta, this circular room features indigenous materials and vibrant Maasai-inspired decor with swirling patterns that reflect the surrounding bush.
The room includes a comfortable double bed and opens onto a private balcony providing breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Mara River or savannah plains. Twin rooms and triple rooms are also available. They are of similar style to the double room.
The en-suite bathroom is fitted with marble finishes and a walk-in shower, complete with lavish mosquito curtaining for your comfort.
The Mara Suite
This exclusive luxury suite is comprised of a master bedroom with king bed and a separate sitting area, designed specifically for honeymooners and special occasions.
The suite features three private balconies that provide prime, elevated views of the Mara River and Great Migration paths, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
The luxury en-suite bathroom is fitted with both a bathtub and walk-in shower, while dedicated room steward service and private catering ensure an exceptional level of personalized attention throughout your stay.
Room Rates
Prices at Saruni Mara Lodge start from $459 per room per night, with rates varying significantly by season.
Lodge Room (Double, Twin, Triple configurations)
- Shoulder Season (Nov-Dec): from $459 per room per night
- Peak Season (Jul-Oct): from $941 per room per night
- Festive Peak Season (Dec 23-Jan 1): from $1,011 per room per night
The Mara Suite
- Rates available upon request
All rates include full board accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Children under 2 stay free, while children aged 2-17 receive reduced rates when sharing with adults. Single supplement charges apply but vary by season.
*Prices are variable and subject to change. Please contact us for the latest rates.
Activities
For the adventure seekers, they offer game drives to spot the Big Five and Great Migration, hot air balloon safaris for breathtaking aerial views, walking safaris on the lodge grounds, and Maasai village visits to experience authentic local culture.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the lodge provides bird watching with resident naturalists, star gazing under the expansive African sky, bush lectures about wildlife and ecosystems, and cultural talks with Maasai guides.
There are also exceptional dining experiences including the signature Hippo Pool Breakfast by the river, romantic bush dinners in wilderness settings, and sundowner cocktails while watching the sunset over the savannah.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge FAQs
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What room types can we book at Mara Serena Safari Lodge?
You'll have 74 lodge rooms to choose from, plus one exclusive Mara Suite. The lodge rooms come in double, twin, or triple configurations and all feature private balconies with views over either the Mara River or the savannah plains.
The Mara Suite is the premium option with a king bed in the master bedroom, separate sitting area, three private balconies, luxury bathroom, mini-bar, and your own dedicated room steward. It's perfect if you're celebrating something special or just want that extra level of service.
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What's included in the rates at Mara Serena Safari Lodge?
Your stay covers full board, which means accommodation plus all three meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many packages also include airstrip transfers and game drives, but it's worth checking exactly what's covered when you book with us since we handle all the details.
The main extras you'll pay for separately are park entrance fees, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, laundry, and gratuities. Optional activities like hot air balloon rides and Maasai village visits are also additional costs.
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When's the best time to visit for the Great Migration?
July through October is peak migration season when you'll see the dramatic river crossings and massive herds moving through the Mara Triangle. This is also when rates are highest since it's such an incredible spectacle.
But here's something many people don't consider - April and May (the green season) offers amazing value with lush landscapes, fantastic birdwatching, and much lower rates. The wildlife viewing is still excellent, just without the migration crowds.
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How do we get to Mara Serena Safari Lodge?
Most people fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Mara Serena Airstrip, which is just 2km from the lodge. There are daily scheduled flights, and the lodge provides transfers from the airstrip right to your room.
If you book with us, we'll arrange everything including the flights and transfers as part of your package.
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Is Wi-Fi included at the lodge?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including in your room. The connection is generally reliable for staying in touch and sharing photos, though speeds can vary depending on weather and satellite conditions.
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What activities are included versus extra cost?
Your package typically includes early morning and late afternoon game drives with certified guides in 4x4 vehicles. These are the main wildlife viewing activities and you'll go out twice daily.
The extras that cost more include hot air balloon safaris, bush walks, Maasai village visits, bush breakfasts and dinners, and sundowner cocktails. Night drives aren't available since they're prohibited in the main reserve.
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Is the lodge suitable for families with children?
Absolutely - Mara Serena is very family-friendly. Kids under 2 stay free, children 2-12 get reduced rates when sharing with adults, and teens 13-17 pay a percentage of adult rates.
They have interconnecting rooms available, children's activities, special kids' menus, highchairs, and can arrange babysitting if you want an adults-only dinner. The pool area is also great for families.
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