Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

The pool, grounds, meals and staff were all excellent, and our room was very nice. It had a ceiling fan but no air conditioning; if you're hot, you can ask for a standing fan. You can also request a room overlooking the waterhole, with the best view probably from the second floor. We spent February 18-19, 2026 here, and animals came to the waterhole throughout the day. On the first evening, elephants and their babies arrived at sunset, the highlight of our stay. They came after dark the next day, which was still amazing, though harder to see even with lights pointed at the waterhole. The lodge has a magical atmosphere, and you can watch wildlife from its huge veranda without going on a game drive. The park fee is paid directly to the park service: USD 80 per person for each day you arrive, leave, or go on a game drive. Allow extra time if you or your guide haven't paid ahead. We paid by Visa at the gate on our way out toward the train station. Processing took about 15 minutes and there was no line. The train to Mombasa wasn't very interesting. If I went again, I'd fly, since there's an airstrip near the lodge.