*Temporarily Closed*
This timbered tree hotel is set amid the primeval forests on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya and offers a tranquil retreat with sweeping views across the tree-canopy. The open-air viewing-deck looks down on to the hotel’s own water hole and salt-lick, which attract numerous herds of elephant and buffalo. Activities include guided walks through the forest, trout fishing in the clear mountain streams and trips to the high mountain moorlands.
Mount Kenya – which reaches 5,199 metres – is Kenya’s highest mountain, a magnet for climbers and one of the world’s highest National Parks. As an extinct volcano it has a unique landscape of protected ancient forests (fast disappearing in other areas) and is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site with diverse plant and animal life.
Mountain Lodge is owned and run by the high-quality Serena group of hotels. It has been carefully designed to complement its natural environment and make the most of its wonderful setting with the use of timber and elevated wooden decks, giving guests unsurpassed views of the area.
A timbered drawbridge leads from the forest and up to the lodge. Inside, there are log panelled walls, timbered game-viewing decks and winding stairs leading to a selection of snugly comfortable, cabin-styled rooms.
A tunnel leads to a photo-hide, which offers spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities just metres away from the wildlife at the water hole.
Accommodation
Serena Mountain Lodge has 41 non-smoking guest rooms, each constructed in a timber cabin style. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony overlooking the water hole. The décor, which echoes the Kikuyu culture, features hand-woven wall hangings, soft lighting and cosily-warm soft furnishings. Rooms feature WiFi connectivity, complimentary mineral water, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, hair dryer, room service, valet service and laundry service. There is a safe facility at reception.
Facilities & Activities
The attractive gallery dining room is at tree-top level affording wonderful views over the canopy and beyond. There is also a bar with central fireplace and viewing deck.
Activities available from the lodge include guided forest walks to learn about the plant and animal life in the surrounding area, trout fishing in the mountain streams, a tree-planting programme and guided climbs of Mount Kenya. Bush breakfasts, lunches and dinners can be arranged at nearby scenic locations.
There is also a library, gift shop and business centre and beauty treatments such as massages, facials, manicures and pedicures are available.
Dining
The central dining room is raised to tree level offering long views over the forest canopy. All meals are served on a buffet basis and showcase both local and international cuisine. The panelled bar is decorated with scenes from Kikuyu life and features a central fireplace and access to the viewing platform over the waterhole.
Breakfast and lunch are presented in table d’hôte where hot meals are served from the kitchen and feature a wide range of international choices. In typical safari style, we offer a ‘full English Breakfast’ as well as European options while our lunch menus will typically include meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian options.
The table d’hôte dinner menus feature a salad buffet, soup, entrée, pudding, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee. Vegetarian options are always available. The majority of the meat and dairy products, as well as the fruits and vegetables, are sourced from the communities that surround the mountain.
The wine list offers a broad selection of old- and new-world wines, and local and imported beers and spirits. There is a wide range of soft drinks including an array of freshly-made local fruit juices. Only the finest Kenyan coffee and tea is served and there is a range of fruit and herbal infusions.
