Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

You've got two options here. Most of the accommodations are 65 Standard Chalets, which are traditional circular rondavels with stone bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the Serengeti. These come in different bed setups - single, double/twin, or triple - so they can handle anywhere from 1 to 3 people.

If you're looking for something more spacious, there's one Serengeti Suite that's pretty special. It's got a king-sized bed, separate sitting room, marble bathroom, and its own private entrance. The views are incredible since there's nothing blocking your sight lines to the wilderness. This one's perfect for couples wanting extra space and privacy.

Every room is set up with everything you'll need for a comfortable safari stay. You'll have your own bathroom with a walk-in shower, plus that private balcony or terrace where you can watch the Serengeti come to life.

All the modern comforts are covered too - air conditioning (trust us, you'll appreciate this), complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and an electric safe for your valuables. There's also tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, and a minibar that's available on request. And if you need to make calls, there's a direct-dial telephone in each room.

Yes, they have two Standard Rooms that are specially designed for people with physical challenges. However, the lodge is built on multiple levels and the terrain can be quite uneven, which is just the nature of being in the Serengeti.

If you have severe mobility issues, it's worth having a conversation with us when booking so we can make sure everything will work for your specific needs. 

The rates follow the rhythm of the Great Migration. High season runs December to March and July to October - this is when you'll pay the most, but it's also when the action is incredible.

December to March is calving season, when you'll see newborn wildebeest taking their first steps. July to October is dry season with those famous river crossings that everyone talks about. Shoulder season (April to May and November) offers a nice middle ground on pricing. The green season from April to May has the lowest rates and fewer crowds, plus the landscape is beautifully lush.

When you book with us, we'll help you balance your budget with what you most want to see.

Your stay covers all your meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - plus some of the in-house activities. So you're not going to go hungry, and there's plenty to keep you busy right at the lodge.

The main extras you'll want to budget for are park fees and conservation fees (these go directly to protecting the Serengeti), alcoholic drinks, laundry services, and those once-in-a-lifetime experiences like balloon safaris. When you book with us, we'll break down exactly what's covered and help you plan for any add-ons you're interested in.

Little ones under 2 stay for free, which is great for families with babies. Kids aged 2-12 pay 50% of the adult rate when they're sharing a room with parents, and teenagers 13-17 pay 75% of the adult rate.

These rates make it pretty affordable for families to experience the Serengeti together. The lodge is really family-friendly too, with babysitting services and a pool that kids love.

Yes, there is a single supplement if you're traveling alone and want your own room. The amount varies depending on the season and which rate you're booking.

When you book with us, we'll let you know exactly what the single supplement will be upfront, so there are no surprises. Sometimes we can also suggest ways to optimize your booking or pair you with other solo travelers if you're open to sharing.

The central dining room has this great bush-style atmosphere that really captures the safari spirit. They serve a nice mix of international dishes alongside traditional African cuisine, and they're good about accommodating vegetarian and vegan diets.

They also do bush lunches, picnic breakfasts, and bush dinners under the stars. There's something magical about eating dinner while listening to the sounds of the Serengeti at night. These special dining experiences really make the stay memorable.

Yes, the Maisha Spa offers all the treatments you'd want after long days on safari. They've got deep tissue and Swedish massages, facials, and various body treatments.

A 60-minute massage runs about $50, which is pretty reasonable for this level of service in such a remote location. It's a perfect way to unwind after bumpy game drives, and the setting makes it feel extra special.

There's actually quite a bit to keep you busy. The infinity pool is gorgeous and a great place to relax between game drives. They offer guided nature walks right around the lodge, which gives you a different perspective on the ecosystem.

You can also join bird watching sessions, evening lectures about the local ecosystem, learn some Swahili phrases, or catch traditional music and dance performances. It's nice to have these options, especially during the midday heat when animals are less active.

Game drives happen during the best wildlife viewing times - early mornings and late afternoons when animals are most active. You'll be in custom-built open 4x4 vehicles with up to 6 people, and everyone gets a guaranteed window seat.

All the guides are experienced naturalists who really know their stuff. They're great at spotting wildlife and explaining what you're seeing. You can also book full-day drives with picnic lunches if you want to explore deeper into the park. The Big Five are all here, plus cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and during migration season, you'll see those massive herds of wildebeest.

Absolutely. The lodge hosts traditional music and dance performances, which are really entertaining and give you insight into local culture. They also offer Swahili language lessons if you want to pick up some basics.

These cultural touches add a nice dimension to your safari experience and help you connect with Tanzania beyond just the wildlife.

It's definitely family-friendly. They have babysitting services available, family rooms, and that swimming pool that kids love. Many families mention how attentive the staff are with children, which makes a big difference when you're traveling with little ones.

The game drives are exciting for kids old enough to appreciate them, and the cultural performances usually capture their attention too. Just keep in mind that very young children might not be allowed on certain game drives for safety reasons.

The closest airport is Seronera Airstrip, which is about 20 to 40 minutes away by road. When you book with us, we'll arrange all your transfers via safari vehicles, so you don't need to worry about the logistics.

This short transfer time is actually great because you can start spotting wildlife almost immediately after landing. The drive from the airstrip to the lodge often feels like your first game drive.