The Serengeti lodges tend to be more hotels in the strict sense of the word than wildlife lodges. For the most part they conform to the layout and standards of any hotel anywhere, with the only distinctive factor of course being the uniquely wild setting of the Serengeti. Again the main players in this field are Serena and Sopa, both of which offer extremely high standards of service and comfort. Once again you can look forward to a relaxed stay as you stop over during your safari.
This the most central of the Serena lodges in Serengeti is a fair example of all this. From the moment you arrive you will be greeted by the high standards of service for which Serena lodges are justly proud and famous. The Serengeti Serena is a reasonably new establishment, but with a slightly tacky allusion to opulence. It also has a lived in feel that blends very comfortably with the wholly natural setting.
The lodge is laid out along the usual lines, with the dining and hospitality area centrally focused, with peripheral facilities and the individual bomas radiating outwards along paved walkways. The theme is Africa with a 1970s flavor. This is true both in the main area and in the suites and rooms. Accommodation is offered in paired or individual bomas styled along the lines of beehive Masai homes. These are all positioned to optimize excellent views, and although they are a little tired in terms of décor and fixtures, they are all comfortable, clean and well maintained.
There is of course a swimming pool set into the hillside, shaded by the dense acacia woodland that is featured throughout the lodge area. Thanks to this there is an ongoing flourish of birdlife that penetrates everywhere. There is also a mini-spa with a massage table, extensive decks and patios for morning coffee, lunch or sundowners, and almost everywhere you look you will see the wild woodland savannah of the Serengeti no more than a few hundred meters away.
Theoretically there are guides and a naturalist on the staff for consultation on matters nature and wildlife, but the naturalist sometimes is a myth, although a guide or two are usually to be found.
Activities can include walking, game drives and a balloon safari.
The Serengeti Serena is probably among the worst offenders in generator use and the display of obscene amounts of indigenous hardwood. Several huge sculptures of very indifferent quality stand in corners and offer nothing more to the senses than a crude display of opulence. Yes African hardwood is expensive, and yes it is hard to find, but surely that makes it endangered not exclusive?
They say upon query that this was all done before a sense of the value of this material was fully appreciated. Serena Serengeti was opened formally in 1996.
Serengeti Serena is a little in need of a makeover, but besides that it is a comfortable and atmospheric accommodation option to vary your Serengeti Safari. It is not the best, but even that by the standards common to this region is very good.
Rough Travel Africa Style: The Tented Camps & Lodges of Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp Migration Camp Mbalageti Tented Camp Serena Serengeti Serena Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Serengeti Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Lobo Wildlife Lodge Serengeti Gibbs Farm Ndarakwai Ranch
