Serena Mountain Lodge

Sailing like an ark amid the primeval forests of Kenya s highest mountainMount Kenyathis timbered tree hotel offers champagne-clear mountain airsweeping views across the tree-canopysparkling trout streamsand gentle forest walks. Located at 2134 metres above sea levelon the lower slopes of the mountainthe lodge is cooltranquil and hushed for optimum game-sightings. The open-air viewing-deck looks down on to its own water hole and salt-lickwhich attracts numerous herds of elephant and buffalo. There is also a tunnel leading to a photo-hidewhich offers spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities just metres away from the wildlife at the water hole. Raised on stilts above the forest canopya timbered drawbridge leads from the forest and up on to the wooden decks of the lodge. Insidethe impression of having boarded a ship is perpetuated by a combination of log panelled wallstimbered game-viewing decks and winding stairs leading to a selection of snugly comfortablecabin-styled rooms. Activities include guided walks through the foresttrout fishing in the clear mountain streamstrips to the high moorlands of the mountainand 5-day luxury climbs of the mountain. Mount Kenya -5199 m- is Kenya s highest mountaina national icona climbers Meccathe nation s namesakea UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and a wildlife stronghold. One of the world s highest National Parksit is also an extinct volcano some three and a half million years old and the sacred home of NgaiGod of the Kikuyu people.