🌍 Introduction
Set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling Chyulu Hills, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is a pioneer in Kenya’s safari scene — the first lodge ever built in a Kenyan national park. Located in the heart of Tsavo West National Park, this elegant stone-built lodge blends heritage charm with modern luxury and offers unforgettable views of wildlife gathering at its own waterhole. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned safari-goer, Kilaguni provides the ideal blend of comfort, game viewing, and natural beauty.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Kilaguni Serena is located inside Tsavo West National Park, near Mtito Andei Gate, making it one of the most accessible safari lodges for those traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Nairobi: Approx. 5 hours (270 km) via Mombasa Highway to Mtito Andei Gate, then 30–40 minutes to the lodge.
- From Mombasa: Approx. 4 hours (240 km) via the same highway.
- By Rail:
- SGR (Madaraka Express) passengers can disembark at Mtito Andei Station, with lodge-arranged transfers available (approx. 20 km from the station).
- By Air:
- The lodge has access to the nearby Kilaguni Airstrip, serviced by charter and scheduled flights.
- Transfers from the airstrip take only 5–10 minutes.
🛏️ Accommodation
The lodge has 56 well-appointed rooms and suites, all built from natural stone and timber with thatched roofs and large windows framing views of the park or waterhole.
Room Categories:
- Standard Rooms: Twin or double bed, views of Chyulu Hills or the waterhole.
- Deluxe Rooms: More spacious with lounge area and elevated positioning.
- Suites: Feature private sitting areas and VIP amenities.
- Family Rooms: Interconnecting rooms ideal for families with children.
In-Room Amenities:
- En-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers
- Private verandas or balconies
- Ceiling fans and large screened windows for natural airflow
- Writing desks, wardrobes, and mosquito nets
- Complimentary mineral water and toiletries
- 24-hour room service on request
💰 Accommodation Rates (Estimated)
Rates vary depending on season, resident status, and room type:
- Residents: Approx. KES 12,000–18,000 per adult per night (Full Board)
- Non-Residents: $160–$280 per person per night (Full Board)
- Children under 5: Stay free
- Children 5–12: 50% of adult rate when sharing with adults
All rates are inclusive of accommodation, meals, and taxes (excludes park fees).
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
The main dining area is open-air and overlooks the lodge’s wildlife-rich waterhole. Meals are inspired by international and local Kenyan cuisines, using fresh ingredients from the lodge’s own organic garden.
- Breakfast: Full buffet with hot and cold items
- Lunch: Table d’hôte or buffet-style with multiple options
- Dinner: Three-course set menu or themed buffets with live cooking stations
- Bar: Offers an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, beers, and spirits
- Sundowner Cocktails: Can be arranged at a scenic bush location
- Bush Meals: Private breakfasts or dinners under the stars available on request
Special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) can be catered to with advance notice.
🦁 Activities & Experiences
Kilaguni Serena is a perfect base for exploring the volcanic beauty and abundant wildlife of Tsavo West. Activities are available through the lodge or as part of customized safari itineraries.
🚙 Game Drives
- Morning and evening drives with experienced driver-guides
- Visit key spots like Mzima Springs, Roaring Rocks, and Shetani Lava Flow
- See elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, elands, zebras, and more
- Birdwatching is excellent, with over 600 species in the park
🌊 Mzima Springs Visit
Just a short drive from the lodge, Mzima Springs is home to hippos and crocodiles, seen from a submerged viewing chamber.
🌄 Sundowner & Scenic Viewpoints
Enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun sets behind the Chyulu Hills or Mount Kilimanjaro — unforgettable photographic moments.
🐾 Guided Nature Walks
Guided bush walks around the lodge allow you to learn about tracks, birds, plants, and ecosystems from a knowledgeable naturalist.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in selected room category
- All meals (Full Board)
- Bottled water in rooms
- Use of lodge facilities (bar, lounge, gardens, and waterhole-view deck)
- Access to swimming pool
- Daily housekeeping and laundry services
- Evening entertainment on selected nights
❌ Not Included
- Tsavo West National Park entry fees
- Game drives (unless included in a package)
- Premium drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments and massage services
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Transport to/from the lodge (can be arranged)
🐘 Wildlife & What to Expect
Kilaguni’s central location allows excellent game viewing, with many animals visiting the lodge’s waterhole throughout the day.
Common sightings:
- Elephants in large herds
- Lions, often heard roaring at night
- Buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and hartebeest
- Hippos and crocodiles at Mzima Springs
- Cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas on lucky drives
- Birdlife includes kingfishers, hornbills, weavers, and eagles
👪 Family & Group Friendly
- Family rooms available with interconnecting options
- Swimming pool and garden spaces for relaxation
- Board games and evening entertainment
- Flexible dining times and children’s menus
🌟 Why Choose Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge?
- Historic and iconic — the first lodge inside a national park in Kenya
- Panoramic views of wildlife at the waterhole and Kilimanjaro
- Easy access to top attractions in Tsavo West
- Serena Hotels’ renowned service and eco-conscious hospitality
- Suitable for families, couples, photographers, and small groups
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is ideal for travelers looking for comfort, heritage, and breathtaking safari settings. Its rich history, exceptional views, and serene surroundings make it a favorite among repeat visitors to Kenya’s national parks.