The Serengeti Serena Lodge is situated high on a tree-shrouded bluff (altitude of 4,893 feet) and is located in the Central Serengeti about 45 minutes or 9.5 miles northwest of the Seronera Airstrip. The Seronera Airstrip is roughly located in the center of the Seronera River Valley. The Serengeti Serena Lodge is well positioned to easily access the Seronera River Valley game loops. With an early 6.00AM departure from the lodge it is possible to be game driving the Seronera River by 6.45AM in hopes of seeing the famous Seronera lions in action or at least the remnants of a kill made during the night. In summary, to the north and west of the Serengeti Serena Lodge are the woodlands and to the south and southeast of lodge are the plains.

Longer game drives are also possible from the centrally located Serengeti Serena Lodge to more remote areas of the park including the famous Serengeti eastern plains and the GOL Kopjes. The GOL Kopjes are approximately 35 miles to the southeast or a 2-hour drive away. This drive is only recommended during the green season when the eastern plains are green and packed with game.

Additionally, the western corridor of the Serengeti can be reached on an all day game drive (1.5 hours or 37 miles each way). This is of great benefit if you're on safari between May and July as the prolific wildebeest herds may be located in the western region of the park during this time. However, during this period, we recommend a stay in the Western Serengeti in conjunction with one in the Central Serengeti.

Each set of sleeping quarters at the Serena Lodge is enclosed by a thickly thatched "rondavel" hut, with walls built of stone and a special primitive charm. There are a total of 22 of these charming "huts" on the property, and each one includes 2 levels with 3 rooms total. There is one room on the top floor and two rooms on the bottom. All three rooms are identical in terms of size and floor plan but the top rooms have the very best views.

The top rooms can be requested but because of limited availability they cannot be guaranteed. Nevertheless, we always automatically request the top room in each rondavel for every booking. Out of the 66 total rooms, there are 20 triples, 23 doubles (1 king size bed), 20 twins (2 twin beds), 2 handicap rooms and 1 suite. Each room is accessed via a charming short wooden staircase or stone laden bridge. Simple but clean, each of these rooms features a private wooden balcony, leopard-print drapes and tasteful furniture which includes a comfortable bed, nightstands and writing desk.

Each ensuite bathroom is encased in natural stone, and includes a shower with tub, washbasin and hairdryer. For matters of convenience, there are outlets (with 24 hour generator power supply) and a telephone (to arrange wake up calls for those early morning game drives!) in each room. The overall effect is a unique blend of cultural authenticity, simple elegance and comfortable convenience.

The main lodge facilities are at the top and center of the hill while the rondavels are positioned around the perimeter of the hill. The main guest areas are very impressive and offer great views. The massive dining room is well decorated with various artifacts, sculptures and wooden carvings. Equally impressive is the lounge and bar area, which makes for a great place to mingle with other guests and share the safari highlights for the day. Vibrant entertainment is available each evening. There is a very good gift shop on the premises for you shoppers and a large swimming pool to enjoy as well. Internet access and laundry services are also available at an additional cost.

Expect excellent food and a variety of choices at the Serengeti Serena Lodge. Open air dining areas are linked by shady walkways, and the soaring hallway of the two-tier dining room is supported by massive pillars that are adorned with intricate African carvings. Meals are served buffet style around the fiery furnace of the barbeque arena, where chefs dressed in mess uniform cook up fresh foods to order. Breakfast is served in the main dining hall between 6.30am and 9.30am, lunch between 12.30pm and 2.30pm and dinner between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Breakfast and lunch boxes are available "to go," or you can choose to dine in the main dining hall.

Wake up calls can be arranged from your in room telephone for early morning game drives. Freshly brewed coffee is served in the lounge area at 6.00am where you can meet your driver and grab a breakfast box to take with you on an early morning game drive. Alternatively, a full breakfast buffet is served in the main dining hall beginning at 6.30am. Breakfast is very good and consists of a large assortment of fruits, cereals, breads, eggs and bacon. There is an omelet and pancake station where each will be prepared to your requirements.

Although lunch is always offered at the lodge, the very best option for lunch is to arrange a picnic in the bush while you are out on safari. Relax, stretch your safari legs and enjoy a delicious sandwich while surrounded by the pristine landscape of the Serengeti... the atmosphere of any lodge cannot compete with this! Dinner features an internationally themed menu and is again served buffet style. There are a good variety of soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails available at an additional charge.

Private BBQ "Bush" dinners can be arranged for a special night. There is a minimum of 6 people required at an extra cost per person, which include the private BBQ dinner and vibrant entertainment by the light of campfire.

• Private game drives
• Full day game drive to the GOL Kopjes
• Visit the Maasai Rock paintings and hike up 'Gong' rock in the Moru
• Picnic lunches
• Bush dinners
• Swimming pool
• A vibrant selection of nightly entertainment including traditional music, culture and dance
• Massage, hair styling and beauty treatments
• Well stocked safari boutique and gift shop
• Internet access
• A full library of books on Africa and a wide range of board games
• Full housekeeping services (laundry, valet, babysitting on request, children's menus, shoeshine.)
• Hairdryers and telephones in all rooms
• 24 hour electricity
• Full medical back-up and emergency evacuation facilities
• Express check in/out
• Balloon safaris