Rating: Ultimate
Ngare Serian is set right on the banks of the Mara River in the 80,000 acre private Mara North Conservancy. With just 4 guest tents, this is an exclusive camp, providing privacy in a secluded setting. The camp is reached by a rope bridge over the river, which must be crossed one person at a time. The camp is staffed largely by local Maasai, who are friendly and extremely helpful.
Ngare Serian, like its larger sister camp, Serian Camp, is owned and run by Alex Walker, a 4th generation Kenyan, with over 20 years guiding experience. The camp has excellent eco-credentials and close links with the local community. Guests have exclusive use of a safari vehicle (one per tent) for morning and full day game drives (the latter with picnic lunch), with experienced driver and guide. Game drives take place in Mara Reserve as well as in the private conservancy and guests are sure to be see a vast range of wildlife. Night drives are also possible in the conservancy. This is a great bird watching location, with 453 recorded species of birds. Guests can go on guided bush walks to gain further insight into this region and see the flora and fauna from a different perspective. Ngare Serian has exclusive access to to over 1,500 acres of prime walking areas. Other activities include river fishing and village visits.
The tents at Ngare Serian are large and luxuriously furnished, but this is understated luxury and blends in well with the setting. Each tent is set on a raised hardwood deck, has a large 4 poster bed, bedside tables, writing desk and large open deck with comfy sofa and views of the river. There is a sunken bathtub in the deck, plus a separate open air shower, twin hand basins and flush toilet. There is an attractive dining deck and seating area, where guests can discuss the day's events, plan for the next day and enjoy a drink before dinner. Dinner is often served in the open air under the stars, eaten by candlelight. Ngare Serian is ideal for anyone wanting to experience an authentic safari holiday away from the crowds and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Maasai people. Ngare Camp can also be booked exclusively by a large group, perfect for a family holiday or for a group of friends.
Open: Ngare Serian is open all year.
Location: Ngare Serian Camp is in the Mara North Conservancy. The nearest airstrip is Mara North. It is reached by crossing a rope bridge over the river.
Rooms: There are 4 spacious guest tents set on timber decks arranged along the riverbank. They have 4-poster beds equipped with mosquito nets. Each has an adjoining bathroom with hand basin, shower, flush toilet and a bath set into the deck overlooking the river. There is 24 hour electricity (solar and generator).
Activities: Each group of clients is allocated their own guide, spotter and open-top safari vehicle for the duration of their stay. You can liaise with your guide to spend each day exactly as you wish. The annual migration occurs here between June and October, but there is good game viewing all year. Guided walks and night drives are also possible. While at Ngare Serian you have the option to spend a night at The Nest, Serian's tree house just a short walk from the camp.
Facilities: The main mess area consists of a lounge, dining room and large deck with a fire pit. There is a free laundry service.
Dining: Meals are eaten communally hosted by the camp';s managers, in the dining room and outdoors on the lawn.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Children must be kept under supervision at all times. There is no specific family accommodation.
Health: This is a malaria area.
Communication: There is no wifi but there is internet access for emergencies.