Samburu Serena Lodge

Here's a little look at the Samburu Serena Lodge where we stayed during this part of the safari.  I've realized that I didn't take enough pictures here - imagine that!!  The dining room area was a large open pavilion with a buffet area, seating, a lounge where coffee was always ready and where 2 computers were available, the reception area, a gift shop and a bar.

Rooms were located in little cottages like this one surrounded by multi-colored bougainvillea -

or bigger ones like ours.  We had the top middle room and Clarence and Sandra were the first balcony on the top right.  Across the little fence on the left -

dry riverbed.  It's been many months since there was water here.  It was a beautiful spot and running water would make it just perfect!

Behind our cottage was a well, like the ones you might see in villages.  This one was dry - just like the river.

Sitting on the edge of the wall, sunning himself was a very long-tailed lizard.

Nearly every place we stayed had a pool and we were able to enjoy this one.  Most days we arrived too late and left too early to get in any swimming time.

I really like this project with which the lodge is involved:

The Samburu Eco Programme

The Lodge provides water to four villages in the immediate area as well as the local school. The lodge has also undertaken a tree-planting programme to replace some of the riverine woodlands destroyed by local elephant herds. So far some 900 acacia seedlings have been planted and a second phase is already planned.  (from the hotel website)

The water tap where local people could get water was at the back of the hotel so we never noticed them coming or going.

The Serena line of lodges and hotels were beautiful structures, with lovely grounds, great food, excellent service and amazing locations.  We highly recommend them!