Serena Mountain Lodge, Mount Kenya

Kenya Safaris - Serena Mountain Lodge waterhole

The Serena Mountain Lodge is a timbered tree hotel offering clear mountain air, sweeping views across the tree-canopy, sparkling trout streams, and gentle forest walks. Located at 2,134 metres above sea level, on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, the lodge is cool, tranquil and hushed for optimum game-viewing. The open-air viewing-deck looks down on to its own waterhole and salt-lick, which attracts numerous herds of elephant and buffalo. There is also a tunnel leading to a photo-hide, which offers spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities just metres away from the wildlife at the waterhole.

Raised on stilts above the forest canopy, a timbered drawbridge leads from the forest and up on to the wooden ‘decks' of the lodge. Inside, the impression of having boarded a ship is perpetuated by a combination of log panelled walls, timbered game-viewing decks and winding stairs leading to a selection of snugly comfortable, cabin-styled rooms.

Each cabin-style room (pictured below) has its own luxury ensuite bathroom and a private balcony overlooking the waterhole. The décor, which echoes the Kikuyu culture, features hand-woven wall hangings, soft lighting and cosily-warm soft furnishings. Hot water bottles are provided at night. Smoking is not permitted within the lodge, due to the fact that it is of timber construction but a smoker's area is provided on the roof-top terrace.

DINING

The central dining room is raised to tree level offering long views over the forest canopy. In typical safari style, we offer a 'Full English Breakfast' as well as European options while our lunch menus will typically include meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian options. All meals are served on a buffet basis and showcase both local and international cuisine. The table d'hôte dinner menus feature a salad buffet, soup, entrée, pudding, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee. Vegetarian options are always available. The majority of our meat and dairy products, as well as our fruits and vegetables are sourced from the communities that surround the mountain.

DRINKS

The panelled bar is decorated with scenes from Kikuyu life and features a central fireplace and access to the viewing platform over the waterhole.  The wine list offers a broad selection of old- and new-world wines, and local and imported beers and spirits. The lodge also offers a wide range of soft drinks including an array of freshly-made local fruit juices. Only the finest Kenyan coffee and tea is served; there is also a wide range of fruit and herbal infusions.