Serena Mountain Lodge

 

Standing at 7,200 feet on the slopes of snow-capped Mount Kenya, this tree hotel is ringed by a dense rain forest that comes alive at dusk with the myriad sounds of creatures of all sizes. This is the adventure offered at Mountain Lodge, regarded by many as having the most consistently high record of animal "visits" and sightings in the area. All rooms are en-suite with spacious verandahs, and the main areas of the lodge overlook an illuminated waterhole. Your room is rustic, but very clean and comfortable, and overlooks a waterhole frequented by abundant wildlife. Game viewing throughout the evening and night includes elephant, buffalo, rhino, giant forest hog, waterbuck, and maybe leopard and lion. A specially-constructed bunker affords close-up views of the game at the waterhole and is connected to the lodge by a short tunnel.

One of the highlights of your visit will be a guided nature walk by the lodge naturalist through the forest, which enables you to experience nature close up, and offers a brief lecture on historical aspects of Mount Kenya and the area - so important during the Mau Mau movement for independence from British rule. The majestic rocky peaks of Mount Kenya constantly tower over the scene and you're likely to see some rare forest birds, as well as waterbuck, bushbuck, and oftentimes elephant and buffalo. Colobus monkeys may leap overhead, and Sykes monkeys can often steal your food if you're enjoying it while on the verandah.