Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Travel Guide
SERENA HOTELS
African Safari Lodges
Hotels
Indian Ocean Resort
Contents
T h e M a s a i M a r a N a t i o n a l R e s e r v e ................................... 2
The greatest wildlife show on earth............................................................................................................... 3
Serena Activities ........................................................................................ 5
Sun-downers on the plains of the Mara....................................................................................................... 5
The game-drive experience ......................................................................................................................... 5
The night game-drive experience ................................................................................................................ 5
Breakfast by the hippo pool ........................................................................................................................ 6
The exotic Maasai dinner ............................................................................................................................ 6
The balloon safari........................................................................................................................................ 6
Kenya, an ornithologist’s paradise.............................................................................................................. 7
The guided nature walk ............................................................................................................................... 8
K e n y a ..................................................................................................... 8
Official name............................................................................................................................................... 9
Capital city .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Main cities................................................................................................................................................... 9
Area ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Borders ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Climate ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Population ................................................................................................................................................. 10
History....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Religion ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Language ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Currency exchange.................................................................................................................................... 10
Currency.................................................................................................................................................... 11
Banking ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
ATMs ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Credit cards ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Traveler’s cheques .................................................................................................................................... 11
Tipping ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Shopping and business hours .................................................................................................................... 11
Time .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Electricity .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Water ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Post offices ................................................................................................................................................ 12
International telephone code ..................................................................................................................... 12
National Parks and Reserves ..................................................................................................................... 12
World Heritage sites.................................................................................................................................. 12
Historical sites........................................................................................................................................... 12
Landscapes ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Flora and Flauna........................................................................................................................................ 13
Avifauna .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Visa and Health Certification.................................................................................................................... 13
Vaccinations.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Malaria ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
HIV/AIDS ................................................................................................................................................. 14
Medical insurance ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Do’s and don’ts ......................................................................................................................................... 14
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The Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is a National Reserve, an area where wildlife is protected and takes precedence
over human activities, but where human habitation and domestic livestock is also permitted.
Correctly referred to as the Masai Mara, the area is also known as the Maasai Mara: both
spellings are technically correct but ‘Maasai’ is more correctly used when referring to the Maasai
people. In the Maa language, the common tongue of the il-Maasai clans, the word ‘Mara’ means
‘spotted’ and is thought to refer to the patchy mosaic of bushes and trees that define the Mara
plains.
Land of contrasts
The Mara is divided into four topographical units: the Ngama Hills to the east of Keekorok and
the Sekanani Gate; the Siria Escarpment, which forms the western boundary; the Mara Triangle,
which lies between the Mara River and the Siria Escarpment; and the Central Plains, which lie
between the Mara River and the Ngama Hills. The permanent Mara and Talek Rivers and their
tributaries flow through the Reserve.
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The greatest wildlife show on earth
Between the end of July and November, over one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by
half again as many zebras and gazelles, migrate from the short-grass plains of the Serengeti to
fresh pasture in the grasslands of the Mara; thus creating one of nature’s grandest spectacles.
Moving in groups of up to 20,000 at a time they thunder across the plateau hesitating only briefly
to cross the Mara River, where many fall prey to the waiting crocodiles. Towards the end of
October they begin crossing back into Tanzania. The actual timing of the migration, however, is
dictated by the weather and does not always run to schedule. The migration is a comparatively
recent phenomenon, prior to 1969 only a few wildebeest spilled over from the Serengeti in
exceptionally dry years.
Predator Paradise
Offering an abundance of herbivores, the
Mara makes the ideal hunting ground for
Kenya’s famous ‘big cats’ and hosts her
largest population of lions. It also offers the
best chance of spotting a leopard in the
wild. Other predators include cheetah and
spotted hyena.
The neighbors
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The rest of the wildlife cast
Historically teaming with wildlife, the Mara is famous for the large herds of elephant and buffalo
that meander its plains; also for the fat pods of hippo that wallow in its mud-brown rivers. Other
stars include the distinctive Masai giraffe, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, Grant’s and Thomson’s
gazelle, zebra, impala, Kirk’s dik-dik, bushbuck, waterbuck and red duiker. The Reserve also
boasts plentiful Nile crocodile, monitor lizard, baboon, vervet, blue and red-tailed monkeys,
nocturnal bush babies, and tree hyrax.
One of Kenya’s most important bird areas
Boasting over 550 resident and migratory species, the Mara shelters an incredible array of both
regionally and globally threatened birds. Easily spotted on the plains are the common ostrich,
secretary bird, ground hornbill and bustard (Kori, black-bellied and white-bellied).
Also plentiful are crowned plover, red-necked spur fowl and helmeted guinea fowl, while along
the rivers African fish eagle, Egyptian geese, yellow-billed stork, sacred ibis and blacksmith
plover abound. The Reserve also boasts 53 species of raptors, to include augur buzzard, blackshouldered kite, bateleur eagle and 6 species of vulture. The Reserve is the only place in Kenya
where you can see the rare Schalow’s turaco.
The Golden Plains of the Mar
The Mara’s plains are dominated by Themeda triandra (red oat grass) and following the rains the
lush grasslands burst briefly into brilliance with a glorious array of small flowering plants, such
as the charming pink, orange or mango-coloured Crossandra subacaulis, the so-called ‘tissue
paper flower’ (Cycnium tubulosum), the stunning fire ball lily (Scadoxus multiflorus) and the
glorious pink and white striped pyjama lily (Crinum macowanii).
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Serena Activities
Sun-downers on the plains of the Mara
The ‘sun-downer’ is an essential part of safari life and dates back to the time of the great safaris
of the 1920’s when elegant cocktails were always served while watching the spectacle of the
African sunset. Timed to begin as the sun begins its descent, the Mara Serena Sun-downer begins
with a gentle evening game drive, arriving at the sundowner site just as the evening sky turns
gold-pink. Usually, a campfire will be lit, a full bar set up alongside a ring of safari chairs, and
cocktail snacks served while a guitarist sings softly in the background. As night falls, you will be
driven back to the lodge in time for dinner. This is an experience not to be missed
The game-drive experience
The Mara is unique. During the season, visitors can enjoy a
ringside seat for one of the world’s most stunning wilderness
events: the annual migration of over one million wildebeest and
their attendant wildlife cast. Throughout the year, the Mara also
offers regular sightings of all the members of the ‘Big Five’,
many of which can be viewed at fascinatingly close quarters.
Our custom-built open-sided six-person safari vehicles offer
comfort, panoramic viewing, dedicated safari guides,
refreshments on-board and radio-links for fast location of game. Traditionally, game-drives take
place early morning (you are woken with tea and arrive back in time for breakfast) or late
afternoon. They can also be timed to coincide with sundowners in the bush.
The night game-drive experience
A uniquely specialised activity, which is not permitted within the boundaries of the national
parks and reserves, a night game drive is the ultimate safari luxury. Leaving the lodge after
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dinner, you will be provided with warm ‘shukas’ (Maasai wraps); you will then set off to
discover the creatures of the night. This is the exclusive domain of hunters such as lions and
leopards, and the only time when you may catch a glimpse of such elusive nocturnal creatures as
aardvarks, cape hares and bush babies. Your vehicle will also be equipped with a powerful handheld lamp, which can be used to sweep the bush for likely sightings. Children above 7 years old
are welcome.
Breakfast by the hippo pool
Not many experiences are more memorable, or as typically
Kenyan, as breakfast by the hippo pool. Setting off after an early
morning cup of tea, you can enjoy a fascinating game drive into
the bush where, on the banks of the lazy brown Ewaso Ng’iro
River, a full English breakfast will be cooked before you. Enjoy
a glass of chilled ‘buck’s fizz’ while you watch the hippos in the
river below.
The exotic Maasai dinner
Nothing is quite so essentially ‘Safari’ as the traditional ‘bush
dinner’, especially when it is enlivened by the presence by a
group of scarlet-clad Maasai morans (warriors). Located on the
banks of the river, just 3 km from the lodge, your lantern-lit
dinner begins with cocktails around the campfire. Dinner will
then be cooked on a blazing BBQ, accompanied by a wide range
of salads and vegetables. While dessert and coffee is served, the
Maasai will entertain you with songs, chants and dance displays.
Dine in the wild and taste safari-life at its best
The balloon safari
One of the most magically memorable of the Mara experiences, a balloon safari allows you to
drift in silence above the splendour of the plains, dip down to visit the hippo pools of the Mara
River, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the wildlife theatre enacted below and descend to a scenic
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champagne breakfast cooked on the balloon’s burners, and served on the savannah plains.
Awakened by an early-morning cup of tea (around 5.30 am) you will be driven to the balloon
take-off point, where you will meet your fully-qualified balloon pilot. Taking off from a site just
below the lodge, your arrival will be timed to allow you to see the vast globe of the rainbowcoloured balloon slowly filling with hot air and, as dawn breaks, watch as it slowly rises into the
air. When all is ready, you will be helped into the stout wicker basket (a typical balloon carries
around 8 passengers and is equipped with seats and safety belts), the sandbags will be cast off,
and the balloon will rise into the cool of the morning air. Driven by the wind, and guided by jets
of hot air from the gas-burners (which allow it to rise or fall according to the pilot’s direction),
the balloon will fly for a period of around 45 minutes (trailed by a team of ground vehicles).
Then, as the morning sun rises, it will descend to a gentle controlled-landing on the plains.
Celebrating your flight with a glass of chilled champagne, you will receive your ‘flight
certificate’ from your balloon pilot, before sitting down to a full English breakfast, cooked on the
burners of the balloon. Breakfast over; you can then enjoy a leisurely game-drive back to the
lodge.
Up up and away…
Kenya, an ornithologist’s paradise
With over 1, 070 species of birds, Kenya has the second-highest country bird list in Africa, while
the Masai Mara boasts 550 recorded species. Ranging from giant herons to tiny sunbirds, the
diversity of Kenyan birdlife is startling in its colour and vibrancy. For the amateur and serious
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ornithologist alike, we offer a range of half or full day outings which can be custom-tailored to
the interests of your ornithological party. The services of a professional ornithologist and up-todate bird checklists are included, and picnics, bush lunches, camp suppers and sundowners can be
scheduled to suit your needs.
The guided nature walk
To really appreciate the wonders of the Kenyan bush, you have to leave the safari vehicle behind;
and take a walk. Slow in pace, wide-ranging in scenery, led by one of our trained safari guides,
and accompanied by an armed Kenya Wildlife Service ranger, the Mara nature walk takes place
just outside the boundaries of the Reserve, and is designed to offer gentle exercise and a
fascinating insight into the world of African trees, flowers, insects, reptiles, birds and animals.
Alternatively, you can request a gentle nature trail around the lodge.
Kenya
As a holiday destination Kenya is unrivalled. An ancient land born of ice and fire, such are the
extremes of the Kenyan climate, which ranges from tropical heat to glacial ice, that it has formed a
diversity of habitats found nowhere else on Earth.
A vast mosaic of lion-gold savannah, rolling grasslands, ancient rainforests and volcanic plains,
Kenya rises from the idyllic shores of the Indian Ocean to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya
which, at 5,199 metres above sea level, is an extinct volcano some three and a half million years old.
A natural paradise, Kenya is also a cultural microcosm and the age-old ‘cradle of mankind’. Kenya’s
people, united under the green, black and red of the national flag, comprise more than 50 ethnic
groups and their warmth and hospitality is best expressed in the national motto; ‘Harambee’; meaning
‘let’s all pull together’.
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Official name
The Republic of Kenya. Kenya is named after Mount Kenya or ‘Kirinyaga’, the ‘Mountain of
Whiteness’.
Capital city
Nairobi (Nyrobi meaning ‘the place of cool waters’ in Maa). The highest city in East Africa (1,700
m), modern and fast growing, Nairobi has over 4 million inhabitants (estimated).
Main cities
Mombasa is the coastal capital and the largest port on the East African coast.
Other major cities include: Kisumu, Eldoret and Nakuru.
Area
Kenya covers an area of 583,000 sq km, 13,400km of which is inland water, including part of Lake
Victoria. The coastline is 536 km long.
Borders
Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Tanzania.
Climate
The climate in Kenya is one of the most beautiful in the world, typically featuring long sunny days
with clear blue skies, champagne-fresh air (especially up-country), golden evenings and spectacular
sunsets (day and night are almost equal all year round, with sunrise between 5.45am and 6.15am and
sunset between 6.30pm and 7.00pm). The ‘rains’ act as a natural division of the seasons; the ‘long
rains’ normally lasting from April to June and the ‘short rains’ from November to December. During
the ‘rains’ most of the rain falls at night and showers are moderate in the daytime, often followed by
sunshine. In general, July and August are the coolest months while September through to March are
the warmest. Specifically, the coast is hot with an average daytime temperature of 27-31 degrees
centigrade whilst the average daytime temperature in Nairobi is 21-26 degrees centigrade. Nairobi
can become cold enough for coats and fleeces.
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Population
33.9 million (2005 est.), 42.5% of whom are under 14 years old, with a growth rate of 2.56%, one of
the highest in the world. It is estimated that 50% of the population live below the poverty line.
Ethnic makeup
There are over 40 tribal groups distinguished by two major language groups: Bantu and Nilotic. The
largest tribes of the Bantu are the Kikuyu, Meru, Gusii, Embu, Akamba, Luyha and Mijikenda. The
largest tribes of the Nilotic are the Maasai, Turkana, Samburu, Pokot, Luo and Kalenjin. A third
group made up of Cushitic-speaking peoples includes the El-Molo, Somali, Rendille and Galla. The
coastal region is the home of the Swahili people.
History
Africa is generally agreed to be the cradle of the human race; genetic testing in recent years has
confirmed archaeological finds. Some 5 million years ago a type of hominid, a close evolutionary
ancestor of present-day humans, inhabited southern and eastern Africa. More than 1.5 million years
ago this tool-making hominid developed into the more advanced forms Homo habilis and Homo
erectus. The earliest true human being in Africa, Homo sapiens, dates from more than 200,000 years
ago. A hunter-gatherer capable of making crude stone tools, Homo sapiens banded together with
others to form nomadic groups; eventually these nomadic Khoisan-speaking peoples spread
throughout the African continent.
Religion
Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and traditional beliefs.
Language
English (official), Kiswahili (national), multiple ethnic languages (Bantu, Cushitic and Nilotic
language groups). Literacy: 85% of population over age 15 can read and write.
Currency exchange
Most hotels offer forex facilities, though sometimes at disadvantageous rates. Forex facilities
remain open at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport daily from 7am to midnight.
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Currency
Kenya shilling (Ksh); slang ‘bob’.
Banking
Foreign currency can be changed at banks, foreign currency bureaux or hotels. Banks in major
centres are open from 09.00 to 15.00 Mon-Fri. 09.00 to11.00 on the first and last Saturday of
each month. Banks in coastal towns open and close half an hour earlier.
ATMs
ATMs are available country wide with 24-hour access. Most accept international VISA cards.
Credit cards
All major international cards are accepted. Credit card fraud occurs in Kenya, as in most other
parts of the world, and the usual precautions should be taken.
Traveler’s cheques
Traveler's Cheques are accepted at most banks, bureaux and hotels.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge.
Shopping and business hours
08.30 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 17.30 Mon-Sat. Many businesses work Saturday mornings.
Time
GMT +3 all year-round. Kenya maintains an almost constant 12 hours of daylight. Sunrise is
typically 06.30 and sunset at 18.45.
Electricity
220-240 volts AC, with standard 13-amp three square-pin plugs.
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Water
Kenyan tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is provided in all Serena hotels and resorts
and all ice is made with boiled and purified water.
Post offices
Opening hours are 08.00 to 17.00 weekdays and 09.00 to 12.00 on Saturdays. Stamps can be
purchased at post offices, stationery and souvenir shops and hotels.
International telephone code
+254. Dial 000 followed by the required country code to dial out of the country.
National Parks and Reserves
Kenya’s total wildlife conservation area is 44,359 sq km or 7.6 % of the total area. The main
parks are: Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake
Nakuru National Park, Meru National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Mount Kenya National
Park, Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park. One of the most popular
tourist destinations, the Maasai Mara, is designated a National Reserve. There are two major
marine parks: Mombasa Marine National Park and Malindi/Watamu National Park. Details on all
Kenyan National Parks and Reserves can be obtained from: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Tel:
+ 254 (0) 20 600800. Email: [email protected] or www.kws.org
World Heritage sites
Fort Jesus, the Gedi Ruins, Koobi Fora, Mount Kenya, Hell’s Gate National Park and the Maasai
Mara National Reserve.
Historical sites
Kenya has over 400 historical sites ranging from paleolithic remains, 14th century slave trading
settlements, Islamic ruins and the 16th century Portuguese Fort Jesus.
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Landscapes
The landscape of Kenya is distinctly divided into two halves - the eastern half which slopes
gently to the coral-backed seashore, and the western portion, which rises abruptly through a
series of hills and plateaus to the Eastern Rift Valley. West of the Rift is a westward-sloping
plateau, and the lowest part is covered by Lake Victoria. The highest point in the country is the
snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya (5,199 m), the second highest mountain in Africa. The
coastline extends some 536 km from the Tanzanian border in the southeast, to the Somali border
in the northeast. The main rivers are the Athi/Galana and the Tana. The major lakes are: Lake
Victoria, Turkana, Baringo, Naivasha, Magadi, Jipe, Bogoria, Nakuru and Elementeita.
Flora and Flauna
Kenya’s flora is diverse. Coastal forests contain palm, mangrove, teak, copal and sandalwood
trees. Forests of baobab, euphorbia and acacia trees cover the lowlands to an elevation of
approximately 915 m. Extensive areas of savannah are interspersed with groves of acacia and
papyrus, which characterize the terrain from 915 to 2,745 m above sea level. Bamboo and
camphor are common in the dense rainforest of the eastern and south-eastern mountain slopes.
The alpine zone (above 3,550 m) contains many Senecio and Lobelia plants.
There are 80 major animal species ranging from the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros,
lion and leopard) to tiny antelopes such as the dik-dik, which is slightly larger than a rabbit. At
least 32 endemic species are endangered.
Avifauna
Kenya boasts around 1,137 species of birds. Spotting over 100 bird species in a day is not
uncommon.
Visa and Health Certification
A valid passport, not expiring for at least six months, is required for entry into Kenya. A valid
entry visa is also required and may be obtained in advance from the Kenyan Embassy or High
Commission in your country of origin, or upon arrival in Kenya.
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A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required ONLY if you are arriving in Kenya from an
infected area.
Vaccinations
A number of vaccinations are recommended for visitors to Kenya (check with your doctor in
advance).
Malaria
Malaria is endemic in tropical Africa and protection against it is necessary.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS represents a serious problem throughout Africa (an estimated 7- 9 % of the Kenyan
population is HIV positive).
Medical insurance
Travellers to Kenya are recommended to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival.
Do’s and don’ts
It is an offence to: smoke in a public place; deface a Kenyan banknote; urinate in public; sunbath
topless; buy or take drugs; remove wildlife products from Kenya, export products made from
elephant, rhino or sea turtle derivatives, or to remove coral.
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SERENA HOTELS
KENYA
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel
Serena Mountain Lodge
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Samburu Serena Safari Lodge
TANZANIA
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Mountain Village - Arusha
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Kirawira Camp Western Serengeti
ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar Serena Inn
PAKISTAN
Faisalabad Serena Hotel
Quetta Serena Hotel
Swat Serena Hotel
Gilgit Serena Hotel
Hunza Baltit Inn
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