Serena Mountain Lodge

When I was planning my Africa trip, my friend suggested going to a tree top hotel to see animals. The Serena Mountain Lodge was the ideal choice. It is way up in Mt Kenya Park...about a three hour drive from Nairobi. When I arrived, I thought the hotel was very homelike. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. My room was okay. The bathroom was more of a problem. The toilet ran all of the time and the shower was just okay. All of the rooms overlook a small pond with salt licks that attract animals all day and night. The meals are at set times. They offer afternoon nature walks. At night after dinner, the “watchers” come with a list of animals that might come during the night. You let them know which animals you would like to see... and they will come and wake you when the animals arrive. I only got to see a couple of animals... but I’m still glad that I tried the experience. It was quite pricey...so I wouldn’t consider it an absolute must do.

Excellent service. Don't miss the nature or birding walks, you'll have a great time, the guides are extremely knowledgeable and eager to share. The location is really great, with a magnificent view of Mount Kenya, overlooking a watering hole regularly visited by big wildlife (leopard, elephants, buffalo, a few species of antelope, many birds). A great place for a week-end of relaxation, but also a longer time as a base to hike on the lower slopes of Mt Kenya.

We stayed here in January 2020 for only one night and loved it! Yes the room is small but it is very cosy and I loved the decor and we especially loved our balcony from where we could watch the waterhole. The food was excellent and our party were the last out of the bar at night. We did the nature walk which was very informative but spoiled by noisy Americans who talked over the guide the whole time and probably scared off the animals in the forest as we saw nothing! We enjoyed the surprise at the end of the walk - do it and you will see for yourself! As for the wildlife at the waterhole, we saw mainly buffalo, some bushbucks, two eagle owls and a mongoose. The cloud cover was too low to be able to see Mount Kenya. Would love to go back one day!

Visited about 3years ago The place is really beautiful, stuck beautifully in the forest. The viewing are has some really comfortable seats. There were some insects that kept biting, I think it's part of enjoying the wild. I'll definitely visit again and again

We visited Serena Mountain Lodge again after 10 years and this time with kids. The lodge was excellent just as before. In the heart of the jungle and really gives the authentic feel. The staff are so well trained and took care of us well. The guided walking tour was especially fun and my kids loved it. Food was always good and the views are stunning! A must stay for those visiting Kenya!

Absolutely beautiful hotel. The lodge is very cosy, the staff is great. Food was good too. The watering hole is small but beautiful. The staff gives you a list of animals you'd like to see and offers to wake you up if they come to the hole. We didn't get to see any other than the buffalo. Would recommend this to people coming to Kenya for the first time!

Actually visited hotel earlier for a weekend. Situated in the middle of rainforest it is a quiet place to just sleep, relax and walk between old trees and learn about herbal medicine. Excellent for birdwatching and other wildlife popping up during the evening or night at the pool looking for water. Great champagne breakfast, great food and friendly staff. Though you gave to keep windows doors closed otherwise you have unexpected visitors (monkeys). And if you lucky Mt. Kenya revels itself early morning! Worth waking up at sunrise! Recommend for quiet weekends!

Not the usual high-tech hotel, which is a good thing. Its relaxed and peaceful, making it a perfect place for an off-the-radar vacation. The best thing about it is the water hole, which is well in view from your room. Buffaloes, elephants and hyenas frequent the area, with some exciting action once in a while. To top it all off, you can catch a beautiful glimpse of Mt. Kenya at sunrise, which is a nice way to start the day.