Virtual Safari - Serian Camp

This video of Serian Camp shows the camp and surrounding wildlife. It is an excellent video of the camp. Video courtesy of Serian Camp.

Serian is an exclusive wilderness camp set in a secluded valley flanking the Ol Are Orok River close to its source. The private marquee tents are set in the shade of large walburgia trees that cover the site, a tranquil setting that borders one of the finest Game Reserves in the world. The camp operates from June until the end of February - The best period for wildlife spotting.

A seasonal camp it is set up for only nine months of the year and is packed away in anticipation of the long rains. Once positioned, the camp blends unobtrusively into the surrounding vegetation. Arriving by air, you land on the plateau above camp, walking down a cut grass pathway into camp. Clients driving into camp alight on the far bank of the Ol Are Orok, crossing over a wooden bridge and walk up a cut grass pathway to the mess tent. This opening onto views of the Olololo Escarpment, a ridge that defines the western edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

There are eight en-suite Marquees, each furnished in rich warm textures mixed with natural hard woods. Comfortable colonial style furnishing with a little eastern spice. The tents, set on grass plinths measure 80sq m, and are identical in design. They are constructed of canvas and supported by hardwood poles with the interior walls and ceilings made from Kenyan canvas. Entry to each tent is through a screened door that zips closed to form a totally insect proof barrier. The veranda is furnished with two directors chairs and a small round drinks table.

The bedroom area is fitted with a king-size bed flanked by twin writing desks. The bathroom area includes a shower, soaking tub and separate toilet. The dressing area contains the cupboards with hanging space and twin basins. Hanging swathes of cotton and canvas walls provide complete privacy. Furniture is minimal and unobtrusive, mimicking the traditional safari camps of an earlier time.

The experience at Serian is focused on viewing wildlife, in particular, the big five. Cape buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Rhino. The 1,512 km2 Maasai Mara National Reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974. This when paired with the inextricably linked Koiyaki/Lemek Conservation area of around the same size gives guests access to a huge natural wildlife area. Following the initiation of the Campfire Conservation enterprise and other concerted preservation efforts to save the big cats, the Lion and Leopard population are very visible and stable. For the keen ornithologist there are four hundred and fifty three recorded bird species in the Mara, fifty three of which are raptors. Conception of the wide open spaces and the traditional Maasai culture are eye-openers for first time travelers.