Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

The famous Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge has been around since 1996 as part of the Serena Hotels group (backed by the Aga Khan Fund). It’s built to resemble a Maasai village from the outside – with thatched roofs and rounded buildings – but inside, it’s modern and airy, featuring high ceilings, carved pillars, and African-inspired decor. It sits up on the Kyabatero Hills northwest of Seronera, so you get lovely open views across the plains, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits just right. Seronera’s the central hub of the park, meaning wildlife is thick year-round – lions on kopjes, leopards in trees, elephants and giraffes at waterholes, cheetahs on the prowl, and big herds of zebra and wildebeest moving through. The migration passes nearby from mid-April to June and again from November to December, so you can catch those huge dusty spectacles without long drives. The lodge features 66 rooms, spread across two-storey rondavels, each with its own entrance and balcony for sitting out and enjoying the view of the plains. Rooms are modest in size but clean and functional – twin or double beds with carved headboards, African-print spreads, dressing tables, safes, fans, and small en-suite bathrooms with tiled showers and basic toiletries. Some rooms are interconnectable for families, and a few are configured as triples or have enhanced accessibility for mobility needs.

The main areas are spread across thatched buildings connected by stone walkways with papyrus-lined streams – a reception and curio shop in one, a restaurant and lounge/bar in another. The restaurant is circular, featuring high domes and a wrap-around outdoor terrace (super popular when it’s warm), which serves buffet meals with a wide variety. The lounge has comfy seating, a bar, and satellite TV on the mezzanine. Outside, there’s a large semi-circular pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, plus a viewpoint for sundowners where Maasai dancers often perform in the evenings. There’s also a small spa offering massages (at an extra cost), and the entire place feels welcoming, with friendly staff. Recent guests report that the views are stunning, the food is good and plentiful (especially the breakfast buffets and themed dinners), and the central location makes game viewing easy. One family particularly enjoyed the pool and kid-friendly vibe, while another noted that the Maasai dancing and waterhole sightings were highlights. It’s a full-board option with drinks extra, and the rates are mid-to-high for the area.

Location of Serena Safari Lodge in Serengeti

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is on the Kyabatero Hills northwest of Seronera in central Serengeti National Park, with views over the plains. Close to Seronera Valley’s high-density wildlife and migration routes (April-June, November-December). About 27 km from Seronera Airstrip (~30-minute drive). Fly to Seronera (1 hour from Arusha), then transfer. Driving from Arusha takes 8-10 hours (340 km).

Accommodation

The lodge has 66 rooms in two-storey thatched rondavels, each with a private entrance and balcony overlooking the plains. Rooms are modestly sized but comfortable with twin or double beds, carved wooden headboards, African-print spreads, dressing tables, safes, fans, and en-suite bathrooms (tiled shower, flush toilet, basic toiletries).

Standard Rooms: Twin or double beds, some interconnecting for families, enhanced access in #29 and #30.
Triple Rooms: 14 rooms with three singles or king + extra single.
Suite: One larger unit with a double bed in the main bedroom and singles in the lounge.

Amenities

Large semi-circular swimming pool with sunloungers/umbrellas, changing room, spa for massages ($40/30 min, $70/60 min), gift shop with local crafts, lounge/bar with seating/fireplace, satellite TV on mezzanine, free WiFi in reception, 24-hour security with escorts at night (unfenced). Maasai dance performances at the viewpoint for sundowners. Laundry extra.

Dining

Full board with buffet-style meals (more à la carte when quiet). Breakfast buffet (06:00-09:30) with fruit, cereals, pastries, and cooked options. Lunch (12:30-14:30) with soups, salads, grills, curries, and desserts. Dinner (19:30-21:30) with soups, mains (grills, fish, pasta, vegetarian), and dessert buffet. Themed evenings are possible. Drinks extra (beer ~$4, wine $30+). Room service on request.

What Makes Serengeti Serena Unique

This large lodge stands out for its Maasai village-inspired design – thatched rondavels, carved pillars, African art – with modern comforts and a central Seronera location for high-density wildlife and migration access. Outdoor terrace dining, pool with plains views, and Maasai dance evenings add cultural flair. Reviews praise the panoramic views, friendly staff, good food variety, and family-friendly setup – a reliable, comfortable base with hotel-style amenities of Serengeti Serena Lodge in the wild heart of the Serengeti. Great for groups or families wanting luxury and convenience.