Ngare Serian Camp

‘Ngare’ translates to ‘by the river’ in the Masai language, and the idea behind this snug little camp was to transport the serenity of the original Serian camp to the water’s edge. Hugging the banks of the Mara, Ngare Serian is cozy and intimate. It can only be reached on foot, over a narrow rope bridge – and in a way the crossover is symbolic: a call to step out of touch and out of time, and give yourself over to the natural charm of the place. There’s something special about being on the water’s edge – the water slipping and sloshing over the stones sets a soothing soundtrack, but at the same time its energy and movement lends lightness and life – green shoots, verdant growth and glossy rocks that metamorphose into hippos.

Ngare Serian consists of only 4 tents, and this intimacy makes it perfect for hosting a family holiday, or gathering a group of friends. The tents are dotted along the riverbank, decked out in style with Zanzibar four-poster beds and open bathrooms overlooking pods of hippo. Take a leaf out the hippos’ book: lounge languidly, soaking up the sights and sounds of the bush from the bathtub built into your veranda decking.

Ngare is nestled in the private Mara North Conservancy, and is also perfectly positioned to take advantage of our 1,500 acres of exclusive conservation area. Yes – 1,500 acres of wilderness that belongs just to us, and is all yours to roam and explore… If you ever dreamed of your own slice of Africa – this is it. Tucked away in this conservation area, and a mere gentle stroll from camp, is ‘The Nest’, our tree house – a gorgeous sleep-out spot, or a perfect perch to have a picnic… In general a great extension of the peace and seclusion of Serian. Because we are free to do as we please in our own little zone, night drives and fishing in the river are also possible here. Walking is another great way to see the sights: tune into the whispering savannah silence away from the hum of a vehicle.

As you ease into a slower pace, you’ll notice your senses picking up on the finer details: the intricate perfections of a skeleton, a map of secret paw prints, a microcosmic universe in a termite mound… You might want to end your stroll at our treehouse: The Nest. Stop by and have your sandwiches, or else settle in and spend the night out on a limb.

What does it take to find the perfect tree house? We looked all over the private Pusinkariak area we call home. Located on the western side of the Mara River and only open to access by foot – thick with trees, valleys, rocks – we kept circling back to one particular spot: fifty metres from the water looking along a stretch that is filled by a raucous pod of hippo. A line of Warburgia stretches along a little draw, and a single tree at the end shows scars: a scratching post for a resident male leopard. The salt lick luring the impala leads to a hippo funnel and their small sandy beach.

With two double nest-shaped beds, plus space for a couple more bedrolls, it can work either as an intrepid sleepover for the adventurer wanting to engage their senses, or a means for a family to realise that inner-child dream of living in a tree-house… This special little spot will add an extra element to a stay at Serian or Ngare Serian.