Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Serian ‘The Original’
Exclusive adventures on the banks of the Mara River
Alex Walker has been guiding and organizing expert safaris throughout East Africa for over 25 years and this camp was the first of many, hence, ‘The Original’. Serian, meaning ‘peaceful, calm, serene’ in the Maasai language, perfectly captures the essence of this camp, perched on the edge of Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy.
There are five vast marquees atop beautiful hardwood decking, including one family suite. Each is unique and all are furnished with elegant simplicity and homely touches. Beautiful bush bathrooms offer views over the river valley from the bathtub, with an airy feeling blending the divide between indoors and out.
The thatched mess area and its stunning view sit at the camp’s heart. Here you’ll enjoy wonderful dishes created with ingredients from the manager’s own organic garden and get cosy around the fire as the night cools.
Of course, the main focus is the safari experience and each group has their own custom safari vehicle with a dedicated guide and spotter, giving you the freedom to spend your drives seeking out what you want and more flexibility with times. On night drives, spot animals with red-filtered bulbs before watching active predators on the hunt through special infrared cameras.
Walking here is also a speciality, and you can head out with a guide in to a private no-vehicle zone where you are likely to have close encounters with elephant, buffalo, hippo as well as more rare species like Chandler’s mountain reedbuck, klipspringer and oribi.
Highlights
Relax in one of the four well appointed tents
Go on 4x4 game drives both day and night with a private guide
Set off on guided bush walks
Enjoy the convenient location that allows for great river fishing opportunities
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Serian ‘The Original’ with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
