Set in the private Mara North conservancy, Serian Camp is a traditional tented bush camp that has been furnished to luxurious standards. It is the flagship property in the Serian collection, and one of the Masai Mara’s most striking camps.
Serian enjoys a simply wonderful location on the edge of a secluded valley formed by the Mara River. The guest tents and the open-air dining area overlook the Mara River and the Oloololo escarpment. The seven guest tents are all set at the top of the steep river bank, with overhanging viewing decks. They open at the front to make the most of the wonderful views, as does the dining tent.
Serian’s remote and striking location lends it an air of exclusivity. Located in the Mara North conservancy, outside of the Maasai Mara proper, it offers its guests a chance to escape the crowds. We like the personalised service that Serian offers, not just around the camp but during game-viewing activities. You’re assigned your own 4x4 vehicle and guide on arrival at Serian, and aren’t asked to share with other guests (unless you wish to)—this isn’t the norm in the Mara.
There are a variety of game-viewing activities at Serian, beyond the usual game drives. Walking safaris are a particular highlight, with the camp enjoying access to an exclusive 4,000 acre walking concession. On our last visit, we had a wonderful walk along the banks of the river, stopping to view hippo, meerkat and the Mara’s varied birdlife along the way. Driven safaris, on the other hand, provide a chance to see bigger game, including all of the big cats. Serian is the base for the Mara Predator Project, and lion sightings are particularly good in this region of the Mara.
Accommodation
Serian Mara Camp offers six tents, of which one is a family unit. Each tent is unique in its layout, though they share the same basic furnishings—large double beds, mahogany writing desk, comfy lounge furniture. They are built on wooden decks on the very edge of the river bank, and open at the front to allow for magnificent views. Adjoining each tent is an open-air bathroom banda, with stone bathtub/shower, dual basins and flush loo—we prefer these to the in-tent washrooms that you get at most camps, though it should be noted that the bandas are entirely open and do attract the odd bat! Some guests will dislike having to leave their tent at night to access them.
The tents are solar-powered and supplied with hot running water.
Dining
You start the day at Serian with tea and coffee in bed! Breakfast is usually served as a picnic while on the morning’s game activity, though you may prefer to dine at the lodge - as you have you own vehicle at Serian, you’re afforded a great deal of flexibility in how you structure the day. Lunch is a light buffet, typically served outdoors on the dining deck. Dinner is a more formal affair, with a choice of menus, typically served around the communal dining table in the indoor dining tent.
Activities
Day and night game drives
Guided walks on an exclusive walking concession
Fly camping
Fishing
Child Policy
Serian Camp accepts children of all ages. There is a single family tent with three beds.
