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About
4.5
#4 of 6 lodges in Amboseli National Park
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge was created for adventurers with an African dream. With Mount Kilimanjaro soaring majestically just beyond the golden, acacia-specked savannah, the safari lodge offers a graceful blend of stark beauty and lavish comfort in the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Nestled in an acacia grove by a gentle mountain spring, our hotel, comprising a Maasai-inspired design, a garden restaurant and a palm-shaded swimming pool and sundeck, provides uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. In every detail, the ambience captures the essence of Maasai culture, warmth and indomitable spirit. The setting our Amboseli safari lodge is breathtakingly beautiful, the wildlife abundant and the cuisine, hospitality and amenities unrivalled. Mornings bring stirring views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks. Whether embarking on a safari to see “The Big Five” (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino), planting your very own tree as part of our Re-Forestation Programme, or enjoying a bush dinner and glass of wine as the bonfire cinders waft into the indigo night, your stay will be infused with unforgettable moments. Answer the call of the wild at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge – a destination rich in undiscovered experiences.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Park View
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Location
Amboseli National Park, Amboseli National Park 00100 Kenya
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Set against the backdrop of the National Park, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offers an immersive atmosphere that many travelers find unique, with decor that echoes the African wilderness. While some guests have expressed concerns about certain amenities, such as a pool under construction, the lodge is widely appreciated for its comfortable accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and stunning location conducive to wildlife sightings. The service is generally applauded for its warmth and efficiency, although there have been occasional calls for improvement.
Room cleanliness receives consistent praise, though opinions on their size and sound insulation vary. The value proposition is debated, with some guests feeling the lodge is overpriced despite its advantages.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Cramped
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
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We had the extreme pleasure of staying at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge on our first trip to Africa and we could not have been more excited or pleased with our accommodations. Amboseli Serena was lovely with its clean adorable rooms painted with animals in the petroglyph style of painting. Those paintings extend through the lodge itself. There is a pool and spa and each days meals were taken in the restaurant that served buffet style international food, a mix of African, Indian, American, indonesian and more. It was all terrific and we enjoyed trying all the cuisine the innovative chef came up with. There is a wonderful gift shop with the prettiest of local craft and art with attentive staff. Every staff person is friendly and attentive. The Maasai who mingle with guests, give lectures and chase away any errant animals that get to close, were wonderful - say hi to Carey. Every evening there is a musician by the huge fire pit and porch. We met the talented Mario Wario who not only learned a new song for us and sang one of his originals, but entertained with great conversations. Our favorite part of the trip was sitting on the porch watching animals go by with a cocktail or coffee. The game watches from here are amazing and you get a beautiful view of Kibo and Kilimanjaro just outside the camp. We saw animals of every sort. Coming back to Serena at the end of the day to sip a specialty cocktail and watch more animals was superb serenity. I can't wait to go back again.
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Apr 5, 2020
Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your stay with us. I am delighted to hear that you had a wonderful stay with us from the lovely well decorated rooms the nice exotic food, the wonderful gift shop, the good entertainment by Wario and the lovely staff who made your stay a memorable one not forgetting Karei whom I will.personally thank on your behalf. Thank you once again for sharing your experience and we look forward to hosting you again in future. Yours Sincerely Kathurima Mburugu
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The lodge is at a nice location with views on the landscape and animals in Amboseli. The design of the lodge overall is pretty cool, however, our room was quite small and felt dark. Compared to other lodges / camps we’ve been to in Kenya it seems a bit pricey for what it offered, so we are glad we only stayed 1 night. Also, it was the only lodge in our 7 day safari where we got mosquito bites, so the staff could pay more attention to preventing this (as they do in other lodges/camps).
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We stayed 2 nights at the Amboseli Serena lodge in August 2022. There were 5 of us - 2 adults and 3 children aged 17, 15 and 11. The rooms were spacious and were opposite each other so easy for us to keep an eye on the kids. Showers were hot with good water pressure and the kids were happy that wifi extended to the bedrooms.
The food was buffet style for all meals which worked well. Not a huge amount of variety but it was all very nice. The tables were all inside and we enjoyed views over the watering hole, with lots of animals visible (giraffe, zebra, monkeys, baboons etc) at various times
The swimming pool area was lovely - with towels, comfortable sunbeds and sufficient shade from the strong afternoon sun. The pool itself was not heated and consequently only for the brave hearted (my husband managed a swim but dipping my feet in was enough for me!)
There is a nice gift shop, facilities to change money and massages are available at a good price (I think I paid $52 for one of the best 45 mins full back massages I have ever had)
I cannot comment on the quality of the game drives provided by the lodge as we had a guide from our tour operator. But there was certainly plenty of animals to see in Amboseli, including cheetah, lions, elephant, hyena, giraffes, hippos, buffalo etc. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro were beautiful and the sunsets were breathtaking
Overall, we were very pleased with our stay at this lodge. Thank you to all the staff for making our time here so enjoyable
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Shitakha, General Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Sep 2, 2022
Dear 15Carolinen, Many thanks for the wonderful feedback regarding your recent stay with us. My Team and I are delighted that you enjoyed your overall experience. We hope to be of service to you once again, hopefully in the not-too-distant future. Regards, David M. Shitakha Lodge Manager
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We had an amazing safari experience at Amboseli National Park and Serena Lodge added a lot to this. The rooms were very clean and comfortable and decorated with an african/safari inspired style. The lodge itself is very well kept so all around the rooms the place looks like a beautiful exotic garden. There is a pool that looked very inviting though we did not try it. Food was great, buffet style, and we were very pleased to find that there were many vegetarian options. Everyone was friendly and ready to help and it was the perfect place to come back and relax after hours of game drives. The most memorable thing about Serena though, was the fact that two lions came at night just outside the patio where people were having drinks, roaring at each other. it was an incredible moment. we did not feel unsafe (we were told there is an electric line) and it was the perfect ending to the trip.
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Date of stay: February 2019
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Jan 29, 2020
Dear Christina C, What a delight it is to read your wonderful review and comment regarding your recent stay in Amboseli Serena. We are thrilled to hear that your experience for the rooms, garden, pool,the food offer our friendly staff was excellent . I am happy to learn the presence of the lion pride didn't scare you. I will share your wonderful rating and kind words with our team who I am certain will be very encouraged. Thank you for choosing to stay with us and we look forward to hosting you again soon. Sincerely, Jeconiah Ojuok
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What a lovely place to stay whilst on safari. The hotel is beautiful, set out in lovely surroundings. The staff were just lovely - especially Elijah, Juma and the rest of the housekeeping team. They went out of their way to help us when we had a query and cleaned the rooms really well. With little touches that mean so much - when they came to pull mosquito nets dirty cups were removed, water replaced. The food was great - Anna, a trainee on the pasta station worked tirelessly with a smile as she dealt with the demands from customers. Good job! This was the third time of visiting and it just keeps on getting better, I will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kathurima Mburugu, General Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Feb 16, 2022
Dear Strictmum99, Thank you for the Five Star rating, My Team and I are delighted with the fantastic feedback, and we look forward to hosting you once again in the not too distant future. Regards, David Shitakha Lodge Manager
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My husband and I arrived at the lodge and were welcomed with a passion fruit drink which was really refreshing. The staff were very nice on arrival at check-in-and took our bags to our room for us. The room was very clean and spacious with beautifully painted walls of African animals, a ceiling fan, private bathroom and a private porch area. The bed was a king size and very comfortable with bug netting surrounding it. We asked for an extra fan as we were very hot and this was no trouble. The views from the hotel pool/ bar area were lovely, looking out over the plains of Amboseli with all the animals roaming free. The restaurant was self service for breakfast and lunch but dinner was a set menu but still have buffet salad options. All the food was pretty good, nothing amazing but filled a gap. We would stay here again.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:There are lots of monkeys and baboons on site. Be careful as they can be dangerous.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kathurima Mburugu , General Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Mar 18, 2022
Dear 503aprilr, My sincerest thanks for the 5 star review. My team and I are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. We hope to be of service to you, hopefuly in the not-too-distant future. Regards, David M. Shitakha Lodge Manager
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Just loved passing through the national park of Amboseli before reaching the Hotel located almost in the Center of the Park.
Slightly uphill, the decor of this place gives you the real feel of Africa and why you are here. Amazing service, warm staff, beautiful restaurant, fine spread of food and a thoughtful Bar, you definitely cannot go wrong with Amboseli Serena.
They took great care of us and guided us through the lodge with some amazing outdoor seating viewing animals and birds pass by in the nearby bushes while seeing the amazing sunset and if lucky then the views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
The location of the lodge is perfect which gives one the chance to spot many animals in a short drive from the lodge itself during the morning and evening safaris.
For Indians, they do have some special dishes and also can take requests for special needs. The rooms are lovely with African decor and gives you the real feel of being in Africa compared to the Sarova hotels which are plain and with no real feelings.
Overall, its a must visit to this unique and beautiful boutique lodge in the middle of Amboseli giving you the perfect start to your safari expeditions in Kenya.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Shitakha, General Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Jul 17, 2022
Dear IndiaTravelfreak, Thank you for your wonderful feedback. My Team and I are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to hosting you once more, hopefully in the not too distant future. Regards, David M. Shitakha Lodge Manager
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Lovely property with an excellent location and staff was very friendly. We stayed here for 2 nights and it was a great way to start off our trip. The hotel sits inside Amboseli National Park, so it's very convenient to drive out of the hotel, immediately see Kilimanjaro and begin the game drive.
The staff was very welcoming and would help you with whatever you might need. The gift store had plenty of options for souvenirs. We found out the second day, that you could leave your key at the front desk instead of lugging it around on game drives. The keys are massive, but authentic!
The food is all buffet style (I think there was a menu you could order off, but it might have been additional - not sure about this). There was always a soup of the day served with bread, a couple of varieties of meats, starches, vegetables, Indian food, a pasta station to make your own pasta, fruit and dessert. For breakfast there was always an omelet and crepe station. The only thing that I wish they would have included was bottled water at lunch and dinners. It was always available (for no additional cost) at breakfast, but you always had to buy a bottle at lunch and dinner. It should just be included. In the morning and afternoons there was always coffee and tea available.
The rooms were adorable and all decorated differently with painted murals. The mosquito netting in the evening was great! There was always hot water and the grounds were lovely to walk through. The pool was clean, but cold!!! It was so peaceful sitting out on the patio in the afternoon watching the various animals out in the park. It is fenced, so there's not much concern of animals coming into camp, but keep an eye out for those cheeky monkey's. I witnessed one grab a few packets of sugar, open them up and sit there and eat them. Amusing!! There are plenty of animals migrating in the morning and evening out the back of the property, so it was relaxing to enjoy a drink on the patio and watch the migration.
Joseph was our guide and he was knowledgeable, experienced, accommodating, and very nice. He worked directly with Serena Lodge.
I have 2 recommendations or tips: Provide bottled water at lunch and dinners Hair conditioner as an amenity in the rooms. After being out in the dry dusty air, your hair is a mess and by the time you get out of the shower, with no conditioner, you hair feels like straw and is nearly impossible to brush!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Shitakha, General Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Oct 9, 2022
Dear tarab268, Thank you for taking the time to share with us your feedback on your recent stay. My team and I are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. We have noted your feedback in regards to the bottled water being provided for all meals, as well as the suggestion of introducing Hair Conditioner as an amenity in the rooms. We look forward to hosting you once more, hopefully in the not-too-distant future. Regards, David M. Shitakha Lodge Manager
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Amboseli Serena lodge is an enchanted place, unbelievable location in the middle of the Amboseli park allowing you to meet animals at any time around you. The staff is gentle and the service always accurate. The food is various and good. Rooms are not big but clean and well furnished. We will come back!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Jan 29, 2020
Dear alessandrof637 Warm greetings from Amboseli Serena safari lodge! Thank you for taking your precious time to share your wonderful feedback that the service of the staff, the food, the rooms was very nice and the view of the flora and fauna in Amboseli is amazing. Our entire staff team members are already rewarded by this great feedback and highly motivated to hear that you will come back. We shall continue to exceed and enhance guest experience. With regards Jeconiah Ojuok
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We spent 3nights in Serena safari lodge in January 2022. The location of the lodge is excellent in the heart of Amboseli national park. The cottages are very well equipped and clean; the beds are very comfortable. Good hospitality of the staff. The food was excellent. The lodge organises night game drives, although a minimum of 4 persons is required. Moreover, air balloon safaris are alose proposed. For famiies with children, there is a swimming pool. For people who are interested, massages are also proposed
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Date of stay: January 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Shitakha, General Manager at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Responded Feb 26, 2022
Dear Isabelle, Thank you for your review. My Team and I are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to being of service to you once more in the not-too-distant future. Regards, David Shitakha Lodge Manager
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Hi there! They do. We ordered some drinks by the pool and had no problem paying with a credit card. Occasionally at the lodges out in the bush they would have to try several machines to get it to process or try another card but this was not the case at Amboseli Serena. Hope that helps!
There are more places to choose from in the Amboseli National Park area.
PRICE RANGE
C$416 - C$769 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
amboseli serena safari hotel amboseli national park
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceAmboseli Eco-systemAmboseli National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
95
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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