All posts by : nairobi

Wednesday
In between Nairobi and Mombasa cities lies the Tsavo East and West National Parks, now in Taita Taveta County. Tsavo is more synonymous with the man eaters of Tsavo – the lions that brought havoc to the railways constructors in the late part of 18th century. Coincidentally, the railway is being constructed this time not by the British but the Chinese. While there I did not come across any news of a re-occurrence of the fate that befell the British. Maybe the lions like the Chinese!

If you access the Park by road like we did, you will see a high level of activity on Nairobi-Mombasa Road – the building of the Standard Gauge Railway.
Of the two Tsavo’s the West is more a popular destination and Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is located inside. By road the Safari Lodge is a 5 hour’s drive from Nairobi but it is also accessible by air. We were informed there is an airstrip within which you can access the park. If you can the 1 hour’s flight from Nairobi is highly recommended.

Since Tsavo West boarders Tanzania, one of the things you need to be aware is, the phone network might be an issue especially Safaricom customers – it is recommended you have an Airtel line. Otherwise, you can buy an Airtel or Orange sim card from the gift shop.

Location
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1. Lunch with a View | 2 pm
Our group arrived at the Lodge a few minutes after two and upon arrival one of the things that hit us was the watering hole which is next to the dinner/restaurant area. The watering hole is also visible from the rooms.
At this time of the day, there were few animals at the watering hole – we were able to spot Zebras, Thomson Gazelles and Baboons. If you planning on visiting the lodge it is advisable you carry a pair of binoculars and a camera to snap the animals.

The lunch offered here is a self-service buffet which is included in package but the facility does allow one to drive in for lunch [reservations recommended]

2. Drive to Mzima Springs | 3 pm

Drive to Mzima spring was the next item in our itinerary after having had late lunch and checking in to our rooms. The Spring we were duly informed is the source of water to the residents of Mombasa. The park has constructed walking pavements along the spring with an underwater observatory. During our visit we were unable to spot any crocodiles – the only animals we were able to see were the monkeys and hippos who seemed to be playing a hide and seek game with us!

However, to and from the spring we were able to see a number of animals; masai giraffes, hornbill birds and some gazelles.

3. Dinner – Chyulu Bar and Night Vigil around the Watering Hole | 7.30 pm
Chyulu Bar is where we had our dinner; an area reserved for groups that wish to have some privacy and is situated next to the conference room. Thereafter, we proceeded to the observation area to view the animals at the watering hole.
At night chances of spotting the cats are significantly higher as opposed to the day. The lodge has a resident nature officer who is usually at hand with any clarifications one might have. Also, the lodge has a room call for any visitor who wishes to be woken up in the middle of night in case they spotters are able to see a specific animal one is interested in.

Thursday
4. Breakfast and Checkout | 8 am
The lodge does not have a gym but has a football field where one can jog in the morning and two bicycles in case jogging is not your thing. Also, their swimming pool opens at 7 am and in my case I was able to do a few laps before breakfast.
Breakfast is served from 6.30 to 10 am and in the morning one can spot a few animals at the watering hole – such as giraffes and buffaloes. At that time of the day it is usually not very hot.
Since we were going to Amboseli, we were not able to do a morning game drive. (game drive usually costs KES 4000 pp).

Note:
– There is no television in the rooms – the lodge is set out in a manner gives the visitors more time to interact with the environment as opposed to staying indoors watching TV. However, in the conference room there is a television – in case one wishes to catch up with the news.
– The lack of indoor entertainment (TV) is made up with very good Wi-Fi – which is free.
– The reception area has an excellent running exhibition with photos of railway line construction under the British to some very interesting photos of Kenya’s first President Jomo Kenyatta visiting the Lodge watching the elephants at the watering hole.
– Paintings in the rooms are by Yony Waite.
– There are caves within the vicinity which were used by the British durung World War I when fighting the Germans who had control of Tanganyika by then.

If you are traveling to Mombasa and need a place to recharge, then Serena Safari Lodge is most ideal. Also, for tourists visiting the coastal circuit and wish to have a game view the location of the lodge on your way to the coast offers convenience to any Safari itinerary.

Reservations recommended but walk in guests accommodated as well.

Useful links:
a) KWS Tsavo West National Park
b) Serena Hotel’s Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Disclosure: This trip was facilitated by Serena Hotel.