I've just been informed that Hotels and Lodges (the company that owns Seronera Wildlife Lodge) will be starting a major renovation in January that will last several months. They are going to start by renovating a few rooms at a time and keeping the other rooms open for guests. They will start renovating the common areas in April. They promise that they are going to do everything in their power to reduce (or eliminate) the disturbance to their guests, but they wanted everyone to be aware of that before they get there.

Our trip is in late September, and we'd arrive on the first day in the afternoon (after driving from the Crater). We're scheduled for 2 nights there, then a night at Serengeti Tented Camp.

Should I move to the Sopa or Serena or stick with Seronera, which is said to have the best location? I'm assuming we'll be out on game drives during the day, so it's not like we'll be there that much when work is being done. What do you think?

Thanks so much for any advice.

Hotels and Lodges also asked all utfitters to sign a document indicating they were aware of this renovations and if they chose to book clients here and clients were dissatisfied, no recourse.

Though you will be out of your room during the day when any work would be done, I'd still have your tour operator check for space at the Serena or Sopa. For September, besides the fact that you should be spending time in Kenya, I'd opt for the Serena or if your budget can afford it, Mbuzi Mawe camp.

This is assuming you're going on a private safari; can't say that if traveling with a group the operator would be willing/can make a change.

No harm in asking.

Thanks, Sandi. We are going on a private safari, and my other thought, after I posted this, was maybe we should just stay all three nights at Serengeti Tented Camp. We're already booked there for 1 night. I did also think about upgrading to Mbuzi Mawe, but given the sporadic income of a freelance writer I haven't persuaded myself to do that yet.

Kim

Sandi,

Isnt the Seronera lodge ideally located for the Central serengeti game drive route? Remember reading somewhere that they are better located compared to the other lodges.....true?

Thanks
hari

Hi Kmania

got a few minutes only, so telegraphically:

First of all, it is good news !

Secondly, September is far enough from Jan/April (even though we r talking African TEMPO)

wildlife chose <b>location</b> first (long before Sopa &amp; Serena) - it speaks for itself...

If looking for the huge migrating herds
they should be up north during September:
look at Eben's page
http://go-safari.com/Serengeti/Wilde...MonthlySep.jpg

aby

The Wildlife Lodge at Seronera is ideally situated. But all the Wildlife props will be going thru refurbishing (long overdue) - at the Crater and up at Lobo.

At least you were notified of this situation, allowing you time to decide to continue with the original arrangements to room here or not. So it's your choice. If you'd prefer the tent camp, inquire and see whether the price adjustment works with your budget.

Thanks! I think we're going to go with the tented camp. Sounds like more fun!

Kim

We stayed at Lobo this year and it was by far the most run down of all our accommodations. The potential for it to be a first class lodge (with it's ideal location and gorgeous setting) is huge, so these refurbishments will be most welcome.