Beneath a backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya’s renowned Amboseli National Park, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge rests within a shady acacia grove, above a water hole illuminated by night to reveal a menagerie of nocturnal visitors.
This is the domain of the Maasai – a proud tribal people who have lived alongside the wild creatures for centuries – and the lodge is beautifully decorated with vibrant colours, hand-painted murals and ethnic carvings that reflect the distinctive dress and culture of this semi-nomadic group.
Each of the 100-odd rooms opens onto the wilderness outside. The centrally located dining area overlooks a stream created by the run-off from melting snow descending from Kilimanjaro, attracting a wide diversity of game to its precious moisture. The adjacent lounge bar is the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap, accompanied by glittering skies and the occasional calls of wildlife echoing through the African bush.
Game viewing is the major focus of any safari holiday and Amboseli Serena offers daily game drives led by nature guides with a formidable knowledge of the complex ecosystems of the Amboseli National Park. The Big 5 can be seen here and a highlight of the park is the huge herds of elephants that roam its savannah lands.
Guided hikes and bird-watching trails are led by the camp’s resident naturalist, offering the chance to experience a diverse range of bird and animal life. Evening game drives can be combined with sunset drinks at Observation Hill. This is an ancient view point that affords spectacular panoramas across the plains.
At Amboseli Serena, luxury is synonymous with the safari experience. Guests can indulge in a range of pampering treatments from the lodge spa and hair salon. Or relax in sun-chairs around the freeform swimming pool and bar which is shaded by palm trees.
