SERIAN

Serian: Our View

With a refreshing and reliably authentic character, Alex Walker's collection of camps have changed the way safari is considered in Kenya and East Africa. Serian is the flagship property of a group of camps that Alex has slowly developed. Located away from the crowds of the Masai Mara, Serian is best used as a base for a few nights while using his Mara based Nkorombo to go and see the heavy predator concentrations and largest herds.  With private drivers for each tent, the focus is truly on doing what you would like to do.  Definitely a rival to any of the Mara's best camps. 

With some of the very best guiding in Kenya, Serian is a beautiful camp with lots of adventurous options and an authentic atmosphere. For these reasons, and what is a great price considering the quality, Serian scores 5 paws. We absolutely love it!

Serian: The Detail

Alex Walker’s Serian, Masai Mara is located in the Mara North Conservancy, approximately one hours flight from Kenya’s capital Nairobi. The Mara North Conservancy is a beautiful private wilderness area outside the Masai Mara itself. The reserve is more than 74,000 acres and is looked after by the eleven camps that have set up within its boundaries.

The location was discovered by the owner, Alex Walker, while working as a private guide in the area and has now become his home.  Located on the sides of a small valley that drops down to the Mara River, Serian and its younger sister, Ngare Serian, are located approximately an hour and a half away from the northern entrance gate to the Mara Reserve.  From this secluded region it is therefore possible to keep away from the bustle of the main reserve while still being close enough to day trip there.
 
Each of the 7 tented rooms has an adjoining private wash area with showers that look out to the valley below.  With beautifully soft beds and Persian rugs, there has been no expense spared in its building and it remains comfortable without being overly pretentious.  The communal areas too have had plenty of attention paid to them and make the most of the views with a large, open air dining area and cosy lounge in which to relax after a days activities.
 
Like most of the other concession lodges on the outskirts of the Greater Mara, it is possible to walk as well as drive on safari, but, where Alex has been smart, is that he now offers a good range of alternative activities that you can do from the lodge, such as staying in a fly camp in the Mara Reserve, or going out with a guide and take part in a patrol of the concession.

Serian: Client Reviews

Serian in the Mara was great. The entire staff was as helpful as possible. Guides were knowledgeable. I liked that Serian Mara is secluded and away from most of the crowds. The staff was great, as everyone went out of their way to make our adventure special. The guides were very knowledgeable. The camp is located just above the river and I liked that we could hear the sounds of hippos all night long. The wildlife in the Mara is exceptional. Lions are everywhere. Plus we saw leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, zebras, crocs, and thousands of wildebeest. The river crossing is truly a special event. The living areas  at Serian are spacious with a deck that connects to the bath area. They are not mobile tents but permanent structures. Beds were very comfortable and there was plenty of hot water. I highly recommend Serian to any one who is traveling to the Mara.
D Neuerman 2011

Borana was probably everyone’s favorite, which is saying a lot given that the other places were fantastic. Ngare Serian was definitely a close second.  The tents and the dining tent were beautiful.  Adrian, Rogine, Joel and all of the others there were so great. 
K Hooker 2011

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