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Serengeti Serena Lodge


Located on high ground in the heart of the Serengeti, with grand views over the plains, the Serengeti Serena Lodge offers a comfortable, secure and well equipped stone-built base from which to explore and take in the wildlife of the region. While rather formal and perhaps lacking the personal or authentic touches that make smaller lodges and tented camps special, for a hassle free and reliable stay the Serena is very suitable.


Accommodation at the Serengeti Serena Lodge


Rooms are located in ‘rondavels’ (round thatched cottages) which are spaced out over the hotel grounds. The ‘rondavels’ are two storey with two smaller rooms on the lower floor and a larger room on the upper level that benefits from a superior view. All rooms are ensuite (hot water can be unreliable in this region) and have private balconies. Standard rooms include telephone and WiFi, mineral water and toiletries, bathrobe and slippers. While fittings suggest hairdryers are available the hotel does not offer these.


Set slightly apart and with private access, the hotel’s Serengeti Suite offers a larger bedroom with a king-sized double bed with walk-in mosquito net and marble en suite bathroom. In addition to the various services offered in the Standard Rooms, the suite features a dressing area and private sitting room with panoramic views and a mini-bar.


All rooms are clean and well cared for. However, the décor is somwhat dated and cliché.


Food and Drink at The Serengeti Serena Lodge


The hotel restaurant is pleasant, but some tables are less well positioned than others and at busy times one can be seated in a-less-than ideal spot. Furthermore, the buffet can get very overcrowded meaning longish queues at mealtimes.


Breakfast and lunch are very ordinary and being buffet style, cooked to cater for all tastes. Also, flies can be problematic although the hotel does attempt to protect food from their inevitable presence. Cooked English or Continental breakfasts are available and at lunchtime there is usually a selection including poultry, meat, fish and vegetarian options. Staff will pack lunch and breakfast boxes if you wish to ‘eat-on-the-go.’


Dinner is table service and food is more interesting and generally better prepared.


A good wine list is on offer and wines are generally worth their price-tag. Check all receipts and tabs at the end of your stay as it is not uncommon to be charged for another party’s drinks.


The hotel also offers bush dining, BBQ's and sundowners (drinks in an idyllic spot as the sun sets). Children’s dining can be arranged.


Service at The Serengeti Serena Lodge


Staff at Serengeti Serena are rigorously trained and the hotel offers a formal welcome to guests; wet towels and cool drinks on arrival etc. The Serengeti Serena, and staff have been known to appear unfriendly and curt. This may be a result of the hotel getting incredibly busy in high season and being under-staffed.


The service can seem pushy. You may be approached by guides at dinner trying to persuade you to take excursions with them. Moreover, tipping seems to be generally expected at the hotel, which, considering the price of the accommodation, can leave a bitter taste.


Laundry, valet and shoe-shine service and room service are available. The hotel has a pool, gift shop and business conference venue. Wedding and honeymoon services are on offer.


Things to do at Serena Lodge Serengeti


The Lodge is ideally located for exploring the surrounding national park. Awe-inspiring scenery and game drives are what people travel to the region for. The hotel offers local nature trails and in the evening, culture and wildlife talks. The hotel can arrange balloon safaris for an additional cost.


The Lodge offers a variety of evening entertainment including traditional Maasai dances and music.



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