Serena Mountain Lodge

Sailing like an ark amid the primeval forests of Kenya's highest mountain, Mount Kenya, this timbered tree hotel offers champagne-clear mountain air, sweeping views across the tree-canopy, sparkling trout streams, and gentle forest walks. The lodge is within Mount Kenya National Park. Located 2.134 m above sea level, on the lower slopes of the mountain, the lodge is cool, tranquil and hushed for optimum game-sightings. There is a watering hole in the immediate vicinity of the lodge, and it lies approximately 193 km from Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta Airport.Raised on stilts above the forest canopy, a timbered drawbridge leads from the forest up on to the wooden decks of the lodge. Inside, the impression of having boarded a ship is perpetuated by a combination of log panelled walls, timbered game-viewing decks and winding stairs leading to a selection of snugly comfortable, cabin-styled rooms. The charming eco lodge comprises a total of 41 rooms and facilities on offer to guests include a hotel safe and room and laundry services.Each timber-built, cabin-styled room has its own luxury en suite bathroom and a private balcony overlooking the watering hole. The décor, which echoes the Kikuyu culture, features handwoven wall hangings, soft lighting and cosily-warm soft furnishings. Hot-water bottles are provided at night. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer and Internet access.Activities include guided walks through the forest, trout fishing in the clear mountain streams and trips to the high moorland plains of the mountain.Smoking is not permitted within the lodge, due to the fact that it is of timber construction but a smoker's area is provided on the roof-top terrace.By road: transfers by road from Nairobi take approximately 2 to 3 hours.