Ngare Serian Camp

Mara North Conservancy
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Ngare Serian Camp
Mara North Conservancy

“If you could transport yourself to the most serene, spectacular, special oasis on earth, it might very well be Alex Walker’s Ngare Serian…”

The Masai Mara’s most intimate camp, Ngare Serian is an idyllic, off-the-beaten-track safari hideaway. It sits on the banks of the Mara River within its own private 1500-acre conservation area and enjoys unrivalled and uncrowded wildlife viewing throughout Mara North Conservancy.

Ngare Serian accommodates 8+ guests in 4 spacious ensuite tents

All About Ngare Serian Camp

“An oasis of calm in a fairy-tale setting. A fantastic recharge of batteries and a reminder of why Africa is truly so special”

A small, delightful and away-from-it-all camp created by seasoned safari specialist Alex Walker, Ngare Serian is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a classic, intimate and unpackaged Masai Mara experience far removed from the busier tourist trails.

Ngare translates to ‘by the river’ and Serian means ‘peaceful and calm’ in the Masai language, and the idea behind this charming little camp was to transport the serenity and style of Alex’s original Serian camp to the water’s edge.

Hugging the banks of the river, Ngare Serian is cosy and personal. It can only be reached on foot over a narrow rope bridge – and in a way the crossing over is symbolic – providing an opportunity to escape, unplug, unwind and give yourself over to the beautiful natural charm of the place.

Ngare Serian’s guest accommodation consists of just four smart and spacious bedroom tents, and this intimacy makes it perfect for a family holiday or gathering together a group of friends. Communal and hosted dining ‘en famille’ takes place in the cosy dining tent or on the lawns and wooden decks beside the rushing water.

The bedroom tents are well-spaced, secluded and dotted along the riverbank, decked out in style with Zanzibari beds, traditional hardwood furniture, spacious open-air bathrooms and sunken veranda bathtubs overlooking pods of wallowing hippo.

The camp’s 1500 acres of private conservation area are yours to roam and explore – scenic guided bush walks to the top of the Olooloo Escarpment are a must. While exhilarating and expertly-guided game drives take place across the river in Mara North, this exclusive zone is blissfully quiet and vehicle-free.

In Brief
  • A gorgeous, tranquil and very comfortable retreat – perfect for gatherings of family and friends
  • Just 4 huge ‘marquee’ bedroom tents raised on hardwood decks overlooking the river
  • Elegant tented living and dining room and riverside terraces
  • Set within its own exclusive 1500-acre enclave – access by rope suspension bridge only
  • Enjoy a night under the stars or a picnic lunch in ‘The Nest’ – a rustic treehouse for two
  • Exceptional untrammelled ‘Big Five’ game viewing across over 70,000 acres of Mara North
  • Exclusive use of 4WD Safari vehicle with dedicated driver/guide and spotter
  • Enjoy guided bush walks, day & night game drives, river fishing – and more
Destination – The Masai Mara

Located in Southwestern Kenya alongside the Tanzanian border, The Masai Mara, together with the adjoining Serengeti National Park, forms one of the world’s most diverse and spectacular eco-systems.  A region characterised by short grass savannah plains interspersed with areas of riverine forest and bordered by towering rocky escarpments, The Mara is home to an incredible abundance and variety of wild animals and is renowned worldwide as Africa’s most exceptional – and loveliest – safari destination.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers an area of 1,510 sq. km (580 sq. miles) at altitudes which range from 1500 to 2170 metres above sea level. The area has one of the highest lion densities in world, together with significant populations of cheetah, leopard, elephant and buffalo, and this is where over two million wildebeest, zebra and Thomsons Gazelle migrate annually. Home to over 95 species of mammal and 570 recorded species of bird, excellent ‘Big Five’ year-round game viewing is virtually guaranteed.

Beyond the northern and eastern boundaries of the National Reserve, many former cattle ranches and agricultural lands have been transformed into private conservancies. These are exclusive wildlife reserves committed to high-end, low-density tourism together with community and environmental initiatives and accessed only by guests staying within these designated areas. Here, walking and riding safaris, night game drives and other adventurous activities not permitted in the National Reserve are often on the safari menu.

Location - Mara North Conservancy

On the northwestern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the 74,000-acre (28,000-hectare) Mara North Conservancy is a beautiful private wilderness area and a vital part of the greater Masai Mara ecosystem. It enjoys a stellar reputation for its abundant wildlife, quintessential East African landscapes of rolling savannah, acacia trees and riverine forest, and for its pioneering commitment to community conservation.

Established in 2009, Mara North is a partnership between 12 tourism providers and over 750 Masai landowners, who share a long-term commitment to the protection of the environment, wildlife and local communities.  The MNC strongly believes in low-density, low-impact, high-end tourism and in minimising environmental impacts.  The conservancy is accessed exclusively by the 12 member camps, whose guests are assured of a unique and truly privileged safari experience.

Mara North is home to several prides of lion and large numbers of elephant and offers excellent opportunities to view cheetah and leopard in the wild.  A wide variety of adventurous safari activities are permitted including day and night game drives, horse safaris and scenic guided bush walks.  Guests are usually also free to enjoy dinners, lunches, breakfasts and sundowner drinks in a variety of beautiful bush locations.

There are several scheduled daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Mara North Airstrip and the flight takes one hour or less, followed by a scenic 40-minute game drive to the camp.  Private light aircraft or helicopter charters are also available.

In Detail
Visitors' Book

“Every aspect of this camp is truly exceptional. Incredible game viewing in the Mara North conservancy, superb private guides who design a personal schedule for you, food that would be a pleasure to eat in any hotel or restaurant in the world, safari chic style, warm and interesting hosts (and guests) to share meals and downtime with, total privacy in your tent should you wish it, high quality wine and spirits all included. I absolutely treasured every moment of my stay and look forward to my return next summer for my third trip!”

“We were blown away right from the start – with the stunning entrance into the camp. Using a (very secure) suspension bridge to cross the Mara river we walked into a little piece of heaven on earth. Everything about the staff and the camp are top notch – from the food and service to the accommodation. We were lucky enough to stay in the “hippo room” and enjoyed watching the hippos from both the deck and our bed!  We were spoiled from the minute we arrived – drinks by the campfire, a wonderful dinner, and then star gazing from the hammocks outside the bedroom. Our guides Dennis and Mark were both amazing with their knowledge and ability to find everything we could have ever imagined seeing. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in a small camp environment this is a can’t miss!”

“Rooms at Ngare Serian are along the banks of the Mara River, which provides “natural music” both day and night. Accented by hippopotamus snorts and lion roars, this is THE place to be if you are interested in being in the midst of African animal action. Skilled and knowledgeable guides and drivers, delicious food, along with friendly, caring, and thoughtful staff make for a pleasant and exciting stay.”

“If you could transport yourself to the most serene, spectacular, special oasis on earth, it might very well be Alex Walker’s Ngare Serian In the Maasai Mara. Where else can you feel so enveloped in nature, kindness, luxury, and serenity in such a remote river camp? From the camp ambiance, the hosts, to the food, the patio lounge, the soft beds, and the incredible guides, this is a destination where you will love walking in and you won’t want to leave. The peace and grandeur of this camp meet to form the perfect nexus for travellers wanting to get out of ordinary and into a retreat where you’ll feel a connection above all others. In short, nothing compares. Heavenly.”

“Like many people traveling to East Africa for their first safari, my expectations were high and Serian Ngare far exceeded those expectations. The location is incredible. Mara North Conservancy is vast, beautifully diverse, and full of wildlife. I spent four days on game drives and didn’t see another hint of civilization.  The location of the camp on the Mara River was the perfect backdrop to a perfect stay. I went to sleep each night and woke up each morning with the sound of hippos metres from my bed. I loved everything about the luxury tents and truly felt at home.  The staff were genuinely warm, accommodating and friendly.  Of course, your guide and driver are critical to the experience and mine, Jonathan and Kim, were amazing. Their knowledge was incredible and it way such a joy to spend hours each day talking about the wildlife, life in the Mara, and just about anything else. I saw more animals than I ever dreamed of seeing. This place is truly special”.

Rates

Standard Season (early January to late June, October to mid December)

$1170 per adult guest sharing per night
$580 per child guest sharing per night (5-15 years)

Peak Season (July to September, mid December to early January)

$1510 per adult guest sharing per night
$745 per child guest sharing per night (5-15 years)

Children 4 years old and younger stay free of charge

Conservation Fees

$175 per adult per day
$85 per child per day (5-15 years)

Please contact us for comprehensive information on rates, special offers, inclusions & exclusions, optional extras and terms & conditions of booking

All About Ngare Serian Camp

“An oasis of calm in a fairy-tale setting. A fantastic recharge of batteries and a reminder of why Africa is truly so special”

A small, delightful and away-from-it-all camp created by seasoned safari specialist Alex Walker, Ngare Serian is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a classic, intimate and unpackaged Masai Mara experience far removed from the busier tourist trails.

Ngare translates to ‘by the river’ and Serian means ‘peaceful and calm’ in the Masai language, and the idea behind this charming little camp was to transport the serenity and style of Alex’s original Serian camp to the water’s edge.

Hugging the banks of the river, Ngare Serian is cosy and personal. It can only be reached on foot over a narrow rope bridge – and in a way the crossing over is symbolic – providing an opportunity to escape, unplug, unwind and give yourself over to the beautiful natural charm of the place.

Ngare Serian’s guest accommodation consists of just four smart and spacious bedroom tents, and this intimacy makes it perfect for a family holiday or gathering together a group of friends. Communal and hosted dining ‘en famille’ takes place in the cosy dining tent or on the lawns and wooden decks beside the rushing water.

The bedroom tents are well-spaced, secluded and dotted along the riverbank, decked out in style with Zanzibari beds, traditional hardwood furniture, spacious open-air bathrooms and sunken veranda bathtubs overlooking pods of wallowing hippo.

The camp’s 1500 acres of private conservation area are yours to roam and explore – scenic guided bush walks to the top of the Olooloo Escarpment are a must. While exhilarating and expertly-guided game drives take place across the river in Mara North, this exclusive zone is blissfully quiet and vehicle-free.

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