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Serian Bush Camp

SERIAN (meaning “peaceful, calm or serene” in the Maa language of the Maasai people) is the charismatic bush home of Alex Walker, filmmaker and guide in the Masai Mara. An exclusive bush camp that flanks a secluded valley located alongside the Mara River. The private marquee tents overlook the river and are set in the shade of large walburgia trees that cover the site, a tranquil setting that borders one of the finest Game Reserves in the world. The camp operates all year but from June until the end of February is the best period for wildlife viewing. For keen ornithologists April and May are incomparable.

The camp lies on a gentle slope under large Walbergia trees and against a steep backdrop of orange croton, and leleshwa. - a bush camp that is positioned to blend unobtrusively into the surrounding vegetation. Arriving by air, you land at the Musiara airstrip some fourty -five minutes away from camp. Clients driving into camp alight on the hillside above camp and descend down a cut grass pathway to the mess tent. This opens onto views of the Mara River and the Olololo Escarpment, a ridge that defines the western edge of the Maasai Mara National reserve.

The experience at Serian is focused on viewing wildlife, in particular, the big five, Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Rhino. Each day will be new and exciting. Meals in camp will be interspersed with picnics out in the bush. There are no schedules to be met and you are free to make your own timetable on a daily basis. The 1,512 km² Maasai Mara National Reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1961. This when paired with the inextricably linked Koiyaki /Lemek Conservation area of around the same size gives guests access to a huge natural wildlife area. Following the initiation of the Campfire Conservation enterprise and other concerted preservation efforts to save the big cats, the Lion and Leopard population are very visible and stable. For the keen ornithologist there are four hundred and fifty three recorded bird species in the Mara, fifty-three of which are raptors. Conception of the wide-open spaces and the traditional Maasai culture are eye-openers for first time travelers.

Location

The Masai Mara is 270 miles from Nairobi (five hours by road). All weather air strip - less than an hour from Nairobi by plane. 

From Nairobi, guests can travel to Serian by plane and vehicle, or by helicopter. The drive takes approximately 5 hours, via Narok and Mulot on the farmer’s road. 

The schedule charters fly to the permanent airstrip at Musiara. These take 45 minutes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and the airstrip is approximately one-hour drive from camp, guests traveling on these scheduled services will enjoy a complimentary transfer.

Accommodation

There are eight ensuite “Marquee’s”. Each furnished in rich warm textures mixed with natural hard woods, comfortable colonial style furnishing with a little eastern “spice”. The tents set on a mix of hardwood decks & grass plinth, measure approx 30sq m, and are similar in design. They are constructed of canvas and supported by hardwood poles with the interior walls and ceilings made from Kenyan canvas. Entry to each tent is through a screened door that zips closed to form a totally insect proof barrier. The verandah is furnished with two directors chairs and a small round drinks table.

The “bedroom” area is fitted with large double beds flanked by twin bedside tables and a writing desk. The “bathroom” area includes a shower, twin basins, and large bush bathtub and flush toilet. Hanging swathes of cotton and canvas walls provide complete privacy. Furniture is minimal and unobtrusive, mimicking the traditional safari camps of an earlier time.

NGARE SERIAN CAMP: -

Ngare Serian camp is located adjacent to main camp 100 meters away. Ngare tents are 4 and, all can be configured for twins, doubles, triple, or with 2 extra beds.

They are larger than current Serian main camp tents with hard wood decks and ensuite bathroom, including a shower and tub.

The difference in rates equates to larger better furnished tents within a more exclusive and intimate environment, with its own mess and kitchen.

In addition it has a better cellar and cigars, a more comprehensive menu and, the guarantee of exclusive use of vehicle.

Access is by Rope Bridge or boat. It also has its own helipad as well.

Dining and bars

The thatched Mess and Deck at Serian is furnished with trunks, tables Sofas, soft cushions and chairs. Meals are often served in different locations throughout the camp and dinner is most often concluded around a roaring indoor fire that serves as a focal point in colder evenings. Situated to the side of the mess on the deck is the camp fire, this outdoor spot with its nightly log fires in many ways serves as an informal lounge and dining area. Lamu beds and hammocks are to be found in secluded shady spots, offering daytime retreats for a rejuvenating siesta.The mess is furnished with large comfortable sofas, day beds, reading tables and chairs. The library provides a wide collection of coffee-table books on the national park, the game, the history and culture of the Maasai, as well as on other aspects of East African culture and history. Also on offer is a selection of novels, magazines and board games. A small range of fine artwork, local handicrafts, fabrics and sundries are available for purchase.

The camp serves plentiful and diverse menus to suit individual and cultural requirements. A fusion of Mediterranean and coastal cuisine, with a distinct African flavour, we use seasonal tropical fruits and organic vegetables. Three main meals are served each day; many a time we will organize for a bush breakfast, or picnic lunch, you may choose enjoy it in the shade of an out-of-the-way tree. All meal times are flexible and fit in with the schedule you decide upon. Perhaps an intimate starlit dinner, alongside the hippo pools on the Mara River below the camp.

The kitchen is accessible to guests and not only are you encouraged to use the kitchen as a home, but our chefs are able to cater to your own personal tastes, frequently preparing tasty dishes, for you to enjoy on the privacy of your own marquee verandah.

Child-friendly

The camp welcomes children, but parental supervision is required at all times.

What to see and do

WILDLIFE

The Migration of one and a half million Wildebeest, Zebra and Topi pass through the Maasai Mara, it is undoubtedly the Jewel in the Crown of East Africa, forever to be associated with vast numbers of game. This is Hollywood Africa, grass plains interspersed with Migunga and Croton thickets, rolling hills and small kopjes, islands in the sea of grass abound. Small rivers feed massive fig trees on their banks. This is the northernmost extension of the Serengeti ecosystem and is a microhabitat in its own right. Here during the months of July to November you will witness the spectacle of the migration of a million and a half Wildebeest and Zebra, with all their attendant carnivores, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Hyena and possibly Wild Dog. The rest of the year is no less exciting as the Lion and Leopard remain resident and are commonly seen hunting plains game that include Thompson and Grants Gazelle, Coke’s Hartebeest, Topi, Eland, Waterbuck, great herds of Wildebeest and groups of the ballerina like Impala.

“Toto Time” or the birthing season which starts in December and continues into February is extraordinary and infants of all sorts skitter, dance and play around their mothers. From the tiny Thompson Gazelle to the blind Hyena pups, still cute at this early stage; the plains of the Mara are filled with the sounds of newborn babes. This is a time of year for replenishment and thunderous storms regularly accompany these wonderful events.The camp situated in the core area of Koiyaki/Lemek, which measures around 1,500 square kilometres, presents the best opportunities for spotting Lion, Leopards, Elephant, Buffalo,

Hyenas and a variety of plains game. Interestingly, Lion sightings in Koiyaki are among the best in Africa.

Elephant Leopard and Lion frequently pass through at night; Impala and Waterbuck are often seen grazing in front of camp. Baboons and Vervet monkeys are common residents and Hyena are heard in the late evening. Zebra, Wildebeest, antelopes and gazelles can also be seen roaming the savannah whilst the rivers and waterholes are home to the Hippopotamus and Nile crocodile. Bird life, both resident and migratory, is prolific and over 450 species have been sighted within the park.

The best time to view game is in the early morning and late afternoon. The camp operates four-wheel drive, open-top vehicles customized for safari viewing. The morning starts with tea or coffee at 5.45am with the vehicles leaving camp shortly after. Excursions last around three-and-a-half-hours and take place as many times a day as wished. Knowledgeable driver guides take guests on a range of routes through the area. The morning game drive generally returns at about 10.30am when brunch is served. The afternoon drives leave camp at around 4.30pm and generally return soon after dark. Your day is totally flexible and can be arranged with your guide. You may choose to spend the whole day out having packed a delicious picnic lunch, or go for an evening sundowner, followed by a game drive with spotlights picking out eyes, reflecting from active nighttime predators.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

There is also the chance to fly camp. Here we aim to put some adventure into your safari, walking with experienced armed guides we will take you into the heart of the Mara. You will immediately notice the difference between a vehicle tour and one conducted on foot. Senses that may have been a little dulled in a car will strain to perceive indications of the wild game that surrounds you. Your perception of the bush will change until you feel an intimate relationship with the environment through which you trek. You will be experiencing the bush in much the same way that our pre-historic ancestors did. At night we will camp under the stars enjoying a wholesome meal in the company of roaring lions.

Ballooning; at dawn you will climb aboard a hot air balloon and fly along the course of the Mara River and over the vast plains as the sun rises. This is a unique and incredible opportunity to witness the majesty of the African bush. Suspended in a basket beneath the balloons canopy, you will have the chance to view the wildlife from an entirely different perspective. As you float over the plains and above the forest alongside the mara river, you will see Hippos, Crocodile and Elephant from above. The flight time is generally in the region of one hour and ends with breakfast in the open grassland within the reserve.

CONSERVATION

We are also supporting a predator programme, hoping to engage a researcher in our own area specializing in the big cats. Guests are encouraged to take part in data collection, recording sitings and individual animal behavior. This data will enable the management of the conservancy to establish long-term policy goals and help maintain the natural habitat.

Time on safari is a very special and intimate experience. We are very privileged to enjoy private concession agreements with many indigenous people throughout East Africa. These colorful and hospitable people are very much part of your safari crew. Our responsibilities to local communities extend beyond the mere financial. In conjunction with the landowners we encourage the sustainable use of natural resources such as firewood and water. We have been gratified to find these practices adopted by local communities and consequently a real improvement made to their quality of life. A significant proportion of your guest fee is dedicated to the preservation of these threatened dispersal areas.

This finance enables the indigenous peoples with whom we work to maintain their ancestral lands in a pristine state.

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