One of the most private and exclusive of Mara North Conservancy's twelve partner safari camps has to be the Ngare Serian Safari Camp. Much more intimate than its larger sibling Serian Safari Camp, this smaller version is idyllically located along the Mara River's water’s edge. Its natural charm is enhanced by the fact that it can only be reached by crossing a narrow rope bridge. As you cross the river you enter an eco-chic hideaway in which time stands still and nature is king. It’s close enough to the actual Masai Mara National Reserve to spend a day there, but far away enough to enjoy the peace and quiet without throngs of safari tourists. A safari camp for the adventurous at heart who value the eco-conscious efforts made by the camp to minimise their environmental impact.
What makes this camp extra special is that it is made up of only four luxury safari tents. This makes the camp the perfect location for a family safari trip or a safari with a group of friends. The camp is open all year round, but due to its limited number of tents availability may be limited during high season. Each of the four spacious tents are spread out along the riverbank, giving their inhabitants a one in a million view of the Mara River and the pods of hippo that inhabit its murky waters. The camp also overlooks the towering cliffs of the Oloololo Escarpment in the distance. The perfect natural accompaniment to the wandering wildlife you’ll spot wandering around near the camp. . There is no wifi here, so you'll be completely off the grid and free to enjoy the local wildlife without distractions.
The camp's comfortable, spacious safari tents are built upon sturdy hardwood decks, the ideal spot for enjoying a steaming cup of coffee in the morning and a comfortable place to relax after an invigorating day of safari. Each tent has an en-suite bush bathroom with hot- and cold running water, flushing toilets and lovely open-air showers. Electricity is available around the clock and is both generated through solar panels and a generator back-up system. Stylish décor featuring antiques, Zanzibar four-poster beds with bedside tables, decks with comfy couches perfect for lounging and beautiful open-air sunken bathtubs on the veranda that offer an incredible view of the river offer each guest a touch of comfort and class. While you're here, why not do as the hippo's do? Have a lovely soak in your veranda’s tub and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush surrounding you.
Most of Ngare Serian's staff is from local Maasai communities and are known for being very friendly and extremely helpful. They are very dedicated to ensuring that each guest has the best possible safari experience during their stay. The camp not only employs local Maasai, they also have very close bonds with the local manyattas (Maasai villages) and are known for being very eco-conscious. The camp has a comfortable lounge and viewing deck for all to use. A comfortable place to meet the other safari travellers staying at the camp. The camp's tasty farmhouse cuisine family-style dinners are generally served al fresco beneath the stars by candlelight by riverside or in the camp's intimate dining room. All meals and drinks (except premium drinks) are included in the price of your stay.
Activities at Ngare Serian
As picture-perfect as Ngare Serian may be, there's still so much more to see and explore in its surroundings. During your stay you’ll have exclusive use of an open-top/ panoramic view 4WD safari vehicle (one per tent) with your own dedicated guide and spotter. One of the benefits of staying at a camp within the Mara North Conservancy is that you'll not only be able to go on daytime (morning or full day) game drives, you’ll also be able to set out on game drives after dark, set out on daytime walking safaris or go river fishing. These safaris will be made all the more special because of the bush breakfasts, lunches and lovely sundowners with your favourite drinks and appetisers set up by your guide and tracker in the most scenic locations. Other activities you can undertake during your stay include a cultural visit to a local Maasai community, hot-air balloon safaris, stargazing, flycamping (a walking safari with an overnight stay in a tent) and birdwatching (453 recorded bird species in the area). Please note that some of these activities come at an additional cost.
As an extra special treat, Ngare Serian also has its own treehouse known as ‘The Nest’ which can be booked for an overnight stay or an afternoon picnic getaway. There's no better vantage point for falling asleep beneath the vast African starry sky to the sound of the rusting leaves swaying in the breeze. The Nest is built upon a sturdy limb of the Warburgia tree overlooking the Mara River. The treehouse has two nest-shaped beds for a romantic night out for two, but enough space for a few additional bed rolls if you're looking for an adventurous night out for the whole family. Located just a short stroll from camp, The Nest is close enough to enjoy all the camp’s facilities but far enough away to make the experience even more adventurous and out there. The Nest's state-of-the-art night vision camera will allow you to spot nocturnal creatures roaming the grounds beneath you in the dark. A surcharge applies when booking a stay in the The Nest (you will need to keep your room at Ngare Serian).
Tripadvisor comments Ngare Serian
The location of the camp is on the Mara river which was the perfect backdrop to a perfect stay. I literally went to sleep each night and woke up each morning with the sound hippos feet/meters from my bed.
CubaPoppy from Pound Ridge, NY
Access to the animals, proximity to the bush and the guides that Ngare uses are crazy good. Unbelievable how they can spot and navigate to animals and the hot spots like the mother cheetah with six cubs, the cheetah brothers making a kill and the pride of lions with their young cubs playing in the bushes.
Foutsy33
