Kilaguni Serena Lodge

Masai Mara Amboseli & the South

Rating: Simple Price from: Â£80-Â£115 pp full board

Kilaguni Serena Lodge overview

Kilaguni was the first lodge to open inside a Kenyan National Park and is made with the volcanic rock of the area, blending into the environment. On clear days there are great views back across the plains to Kilimanjaro. There is an open-sided dining area and game viewing deck overlooking a waterhole which is frequented by many animals.

There are 51 standard rooms and 5 suites all with views of either the waterhole or the Chyulu Hills. All have en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Rooms are cooled by ceiling fans. They have Wi-Fi internet access, free mineral water and toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided for your comfort.

There is a rock paved swimming pool and sundeck in the lush gardens. Indoors, the lounge has a range of board games to occupy children and adults alike. The lodge offers 3 same drives in the park each day and can arrange guided nature walks and bird watching trips. Activities for those interested in the geology of this volcanic area include climbing the Chaimu Crater, scrambling over the Shetani Lava Flow or scaling the gentle reaches of the Five Sisters Range. Bush meals and sundowners are very popular here.

details

Open: Kilaguni Serena Lodge is open all year.

Location: Kilaguni Serena is located within the Tsavo West National Park, within sight of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills. It is well placed for visits to all parts of the park and is just a short drive from the main Mtito Andei Gate. The lodge is about a 3 hour drive (280km) from Nairobi. There is an airstrip 1km from the lodge.

Rooms: There are 56 rooms including 5 suites. All have private bathrooms with walk-in showers and verandas with views of the waterhole or the Chyulu Hills. Rooms are located in a 2-storey building and in cottages near reception. They have volcanic stone walls, beds with mosquito nets and a writing desk. Ceiling fans keep rooms cool during the day and bathrobes and slippers are provided to make you feel at home. Rooms are supplied with mineral water and toiletries. There is Wi-Fi. Drinks from the bar can be delivered to your room. Suites have a bath as well as a shower and a separate seating area with a balcony.

Activities: This is Big 5 country and 3 game drives a day are offered. You can also accompany guides on nature walks and enjoy bush breakfasts, volcano climbs and sundowners on Roaring Rocks or round the campfire. You can also take trips to the clear waters of Mzima Springs and to local Akamba communities.

Facilities: The lodge has a main dining area which is thatched and a bar built from local rock. There is a special bush dining area. The large viewing terrace overlooking the lodge’s own waterhole, so you can enjoy a drink as you watch animals do the same. Free tea and coffee are available throughout the day. The lounge features satellite TV and a selection of board games. If you’re feeling hot you can cool off in the swimming pool then dry off on the sundeck. Massages, facials, manicures and pedicures can be arranged. There is a gift shop. The lodge provides a foreign exchange service, laundry and safe at reception.

Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables. Most meals are served buffet style. There are regular theme nights featuring special cuisines such as Italian, Kenyan and Mongolian.

Children: Children are welcome. Baby sitting and children’s meals can be organised and the lodge has some larger rooms for families.

Health: Tsavo West is a malarial area.

Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access.