Kenya Safari Lodges Mara Serena Safari Lodge East Africa

...No visit to Africa is complete without experiencing the Treetops adventure...a night watching the denizens of the forest from the comfort of an observation lounge... The famous Treetops Hotel started life in a very humble way. In 1932 its first visitors gingerly climbed the wild fig tree supporting the the two-room tree house. By 1952, Treetops had expanded. Now a four-room construction, Treetops welcomed, in February of the same year, its most famous visitor. A young English girl climbed the tree as a Princess one afternoon, to descend the following morning Queen Elizabeth II - her father, King George VI had died during the night. By now, Treetops' reputation has spread far and wide and for the globetrotter, the rich, the famous and the fashionable, no visit to Africa was regarded as complete without experiencing the Treetops adventure. Even today, with all the exciting safari lodges and camps Kenya has to offer, 50-room Treetops heads the list for many a visitor. Sited in the heart of the dense lichen-hung forest of the Aberdare National Park's Salient, Treetops overlooks two waterholes and magnificent snowy peaks of Mount Kenya. Throughout the day and night, an endless pageant of wildlife emerges shyly from the bush, making a cautious journey to the water's edge. There's never a dull moment.From the safety and comfort of several observation lounges, guests can photograph at close quarters the territorial charge of short-sighted rhino, a protective elephant matriarch chaperoning her calf, the graceful bounding of a bush buck doe. A family of lions, have on more than one occasion, made a meal of some poor unfortunate warthog to the fascinated horror of Treetops' diners.

The Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resorts sits at about 7,000 feet, from which elevation it enjoys magnificent views to the west and east. The vistas stretch from the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha to the jagged volcanic crater of Mount Longonot and, beyond, the sloping shoulders of the Aberdare Mountains - Kenya's most important watershed. Guests have choice of 21 twin and 9 double rooms, all with private balconies overlooking the spectacular valley and a large waterhole frequented by antelope, zebra and buffalo. The rooms are located in spacious two- and three storey blocks, and are beautifully furnished with large four-poster beds and handmade wooden furniture, African prints, and modern en suite bathrooms. Several of the rooms have interlinking doors that convert them into spacious family suites. Alternative accommodation is offered in 10 private cottages that overlook the sweeping fairways of the golf course. These sophisticated residential retreats offer a real 'home from home', with 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms, beautifully furnished lounges and dining rooms, and the same magnificent views throughout.

Located on a plateau in the Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Nakuru - one of the world's greatest ornithological wonders, stands the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, tastefully landscaped with natural foliage and a startling variety of flowers, the Lodge offers luxurious accommodation and first class cuisine. There is an impressive panoramic view of the lake from the lodge from which the thousands of flamingo, pelicans and Marabou storks' can be viewed`. The park is also the sanctuary for the rare black rhino, leopard, waterbuck and many species of birds. Lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna, curio shop, room service, laundry etc. Game viewing, bird watching and other activities can be arranged through the lodge reception. All 65 rooms are chalet style, all face the lake, and all have porticos and private en suite bathrooms.    

This exclusive lodge was built by English Settler Lord Galbraith Cole in 1916. A red brick with shady terraces, an internal courtyard pannelled wall and a sitting room with library and log fire. The 33 double rooms are in newer "cottages" nestled away in a lush flowered garden behind the house. The house overlooks Lake Elementaita a Ramsar Site (Wetland of international importance). The lake home to millions of lesser flamingos is an important stopover for migrating birds - over 350 species have been spotted. An original and less obtrusive way of seeing the wild life is by ox waggon. Lord Cole's Memorial, built on a rocky outcrop, is an enchanting spot for a sundower after a safari or for a champagne breakfast. Other activities include horse-riding, visits to the warm water spa which flows into the lake or to the Kariandusi pre-historic site where anthropologist Dr. Lewis Leakey found some of the oldest remains of mankind.

Guest Room at Mara Serena Lodge An interpretation of a traditional Maasai Manyatta village of domed huts, the 74 room Mara Serena Safari Lodge is set on the saddle of a hill overlooking the 1,800 square kilometres of rolling plains, woodlands and rivers that make up the Maasai Mara Triangle - one of the world's richest wildlife sanctuaries. The Serena has the most spectacular view of the surrounding landscape, with its game and bird life. Facilities include restaurant, lounge, bar, outdoor pool with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas and towels. Telephone, fax, and radio, 24 hour Nurse on call and Flying Doctors Service. All rooms are individual "huts" - spread out to give each one uninterrupted view of the plains, the meandering riverine forest and the silhouetted hills beyond. All huts are en suite with bath and shower. The Lodge is the only property of its kind in the Mara Triangle - and, as such, its guests can be assured a high degree of privacy when enjoying their safari experience.

Mpata Safari Club is a five star hotel voted "The Best Safari Lodge in Kenya" by The Kenyan Association of Travel Agents. The lodge - designed by Edward Suzuki - one of the most respected architects in Japan - is perched on a hilltop with a breathtaking view of the Mara reserve. Guests stay in individual cottages well spaced along the top of the escarpment offering panoramic views of sunrise on the horizon. There are 11 suites and 12 deluxe units, each with interlocking curves separating bedroom, bathroom and verandah. With emphasis on comfort and a unique combination of interior design, the suites have a lounge, kitchenette and best of all, an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The Mara Safari Club is positioned on the ox-bow of the Mara River, set in the Ol-Choro Oiroua conservation area, bordering the world renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve, at the foot of the Aitong Hills. Surrounded on three sides by the river, all the tents have their own private river frontage. The club has 8 doubles and 42 twin bedded tents. Each has netted four poster beds and verandah overlooking the hippo filled river. The height of luxury in the wild, each tent is superbly furnished and has its own private bathroom with hot and cold water. Some tents also have sunken baths and mini-bars.

Overlooking endless, game-filled plains and shaded by dense forest canopy, this oasis of classic safari tents nestles below the Oloololo Escarpment on the western boundary of the Maasai Mara reserve. Each spacious tent affords total privacy and the privilege of sweeping views over the greatest grassland system on earth. But it is the breathtaking sight of more than a million wildebeest and zebra braving the turbulent Mara River in their stampede towards the northern grasslands each July to September for which Kichwa Tembo is most renowned. Witnessing this ancient and often tragic spectacle is a profoundly stirring experience.

Masai Mara has been the greatest show on earth. A company of three millions animals migrating over a year, every year, for the past two millions years. Keekorok Lodge is Masai Mara's first lodge, and it has retained its charm, and hospitality throughout the years. At the southern end of 1,510 sq km Mara paradise, and right in the path of the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra, lies Keekorok Lodge. There is always plenty of activity around the waterhole but during the migration, the lodge is enveloped by the swarming mass of animals. One need hardly venture from ground to game view. From the verandah, and from Kiboko, there is plenty to see. One unfortunate zebra met its end right in front of the dinning room, providing supper for a pride of hungry lions, and 'live' entertainment for enthralled guests at Keekorok.

Little Governors' Camp was built in 1976, around a small watering hole that teems with birds and wildlife. The camp, sister to Main Governor's Camp, has it's own exquisite independent character, in a romantic setting. Getting there is an adventure in itself as have to cross the Mara River, by boat, then a short walk through the forest escorted by armed guards. 17 tents (12 twins and 05 doubles). ROOM DÉCOR: Comfortable and tasteful spacious luxurious safari tents, tucked away amongst trees, each with a private terrace and veranda from which animals are viewed. ROOM AMENITIES: In keeping with safari tradition lighting is by gas and kerosene lanterns, or by candlelight, en-suite shower/basin and flush toilet/Bidet; running cold and hot water, 220 Volt plugs at reception and Hot-water bottle in bed.

Sited on the lush, lower slopes of Mount Kenya at Nanyuki, the Mount Kenya Safari Club offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Set in over 100 acres of manicured lawns, ornamental ponds, streams and flower beds, this famous retreat exudes quiet elegance amidst a dramatic backdrop. There are a total of 114 bedrooms. These comprise 2 Villas, 13 Riverside and 12 William Holden Cottages, 8 Garden Suites and Club Rooms and Studio Suites. All bedrooms have a private bathroom with shower, a telephone and a log fireplace. Most rooms also have a private verandah overlooking the majestic Mount Kenya.

This luxury camp lies in the heart of the 24,000 acre Sweetwaters Private Game Sanctuary. It has magnificent views of the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Kenya. Sweetwaters is also the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya. The accommodation is made up of 30 luxury tents under thatched canopy. Each is comfortably furnished with a private bathroom with hot and cold water.