Serena Inn
Idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, washed by the aquamarine waters of the Zanzibar channel, redolent of the scent of cloves and flanked by an exotic melange of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, dark slave markets, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of Zanzibar.
Faithfully restored and lavishly embellished with a jackdaw collection of antique clocks, crystal chandeliers, fretwork screens, carved staircases, Persian rugs and brass-studded doors, the interior design concept is a fusion of authenticity and opulence that reflects the very essence of Zanzibar.
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Accommodation
Each room is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of a Swahili house, which is dependant upon the length of the mangrove poles that make up its ceilings. Adorned with arched niches, antique plates and brass lamps and featuring traditionally carved furniture, cool-ceramics, intricate fretwork, draped beds and louver doors giving onto wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Persian-bath pool and azure bay beyond, each room reflects a blend of essential Zanzibar and world-class elegance.
Constructed so that the waves lap to within inches of its open windows and the lateen-sailed dhows pass within metres of its tables, the Baharia Restaurant features lazily whirring fans, a jewel-glass atrium, mangrove-pole ceiling, fretwork screens, Omani carvings, Persian rugs and bright Swahili artefacts.
Activities
The Spice Tour – A fascinating and informative tour of the fabled Spice Gardens of Zanzibar, which still supply 75% of the world’s spices, the tour also includes a visit to the Persian baths and the Sultan’s palace and finishes with a beach barbecue and a visit to the dark caverns of the Mangapwani Slave Caves.
Take a trip to the Jozani Forest Nature Reserve, the last red colobus monkey sanctuary in the world.
Visit the neighbouring island of Pemba and enjoy world-class diving and fishing and snorkelling in the famous Pemba Channel.
Take in a day’s diving around the magnificent coral reefs and wrecks of the Zanzibar coast.
Spend a day on the white sand beaches of Grave Island, Prison Island, Snake Island and the sandbanks of the Zanzibar channel.
Enjoy a cultural tour of Stone Town – visiting the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, The Old Dispensary Cultural Centre, the Old Slave Market, the Old Dhow harbour, the bazaars, the winding lanes and more.
Sandbank Picnic: This day cruise includes seafood lunch on a sandbank and a trip to Prison Island. Soda, water, wine and beer is also included. Any other drinks can be pre-ordered and will be charged to the client.
Sunset Cruise: Face towels are provided for each passenger on arrival at the dhow. Canapés are served by the butler onboard during the cruise.
Other Attractions
- Extensive buffet selections or internationally themed dinners in our Baharia Restaurant
- Home-made cocktails and traditional fruit punches in our Masahani Bar
- Atmospheric ‘Sundowners’, on our exotic poolside terrace with uninterrupted views across the azure waters of the bay
- Traditional displays of Swahili dance, music and cultural performance
- Nightly performances of Taarab Music – a combination of African, Arabic and Indian influences that was first played in the 1820’s at the Sultan’s palace, Taarab is usually performed by a singer and accompanied by an orchestra comprising the Kanun, (similar to a zither) accordion, the nay (flute) and drums
- Seafood grills, beach cocktails and historic ‘Slave Cave’ tours at the exclusive Mangapwani Serena Beach Club and Restaurant
- Nightly wildlife and cultural talks, videos and film shows.
Read More
Accommodation
Each room is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of a Swahili house, which is dependant upon the length of the mangrove poles that make up its ceilings. Adorned with arched niches, antique plates and brass lamps and featuring traditionally carved furniture, cool-ceramics, intricate fretwork, draped beds and louver doors giving onto wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Persian-bath pool and azure bay beyond, each room reflects a blend of essential Zanzibar and world-class elegance.
Constructed so that the waves lap to within inches of its open windows and the lateen-sailed dhows pass within metres of its tables, the Baharia Restaurant features lazily whirring fans, a jewel-glass atrium, mangrove-pole ceiling, fretwork screens, Omani carvings, Persian rugs and bright Swahili artefacts.
Activities
The Spice Tour – A fascinating and informative tour of the fabled Spice Gardens of Zanzibar, which still supply 75% of the world’s spices, the tour also includes a visit to the Persian baths and the Sultan’s palace and finishes with a beach barbecue and a visit to the dark caverns of the Mangapwani Slave Caves.
Take a trip to the Jozani Forest Nature Reserve, the last red colobus monkey sanctuary in the world.
Visit the neighbouring island of Pemba and enjoy world-class diving and fishing and snorkelling in the famous Pemba Channel.
Take in a day’s diving around the magnificent coral reefs and wrecks of the Zanzibar coast.
Spend a day on the white sand beaches of Grave Island, Prison Island, Snake Island and the sandbanks of the Zanzibar channel.
Enjoy a cultural tour of Stone Town – visiting the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, The Old Dispensary Cultural Centre, the Old Slave Market, the Old Dhow harbour, the bazaars, the winding lanes and more.
Sandbank Picnic: This day cruise includes seafood lunch on a sandbank and a trip to Prison Island. Soda, water, wine and beer is also included. Any other drinks can be pre-ordered and will be charged to the client.
Sunset Cruise: Face towels are provided for each passenger on arrival at the dhow. Canapés are served by the butler onboard during the cruise.
Other Attractions
- Extensive buffet selections or internationally themed dinners in our Baharia Restaurant
- Home-made cocktails and traditional fruit punches in our Masahani Bar
- Atmospheric ‘Sundowners’, on our exotic poolside terrace with uninterrupted views across the azure waters of the bay
- Traditional displays of Swahili dance, music and cultural performance
- Nightly performances of Taarab Music – a combination of African, Arabic and Indian influences that was first played in the 1820’s at the Sultan’s palace, Taarab is usually performed by a singer and accompanied by an orchestra comprising the Kanun, (similar to a zither) accordion, the nay (flute) and drums
- Seafood grills, beach cocktails and historic ‘Slave Cave’ tours at the exclusive Mangapwani Serena Beach Club and Restaurant
- Nightly wildlife and cultural talks, videos and film shows.
A Taste of Serena Inn
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
SOUTH AMERICA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
ENQUIRY FORM
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rick Mcintyre 
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Julie Roggow 
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries.
However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com
Rachel Chambers 
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