We stayed at this Lodge in late August as part of the Kuoni Cheeta Serena Safari.

The lodge was excellent - rooms were big, very clean and comfy. The restaurant, bar & pool area were all lovely.

The staff were great, if a tiny bit over-formal but they're trying their best so. I guess I felt their presence a little more because the Lodge was very quiet - I dont know why but there werent many people staying there (compared to Nakuru & Mara).

The park was excellent - lots of animal action.

After a very interesting drive from Isiolo we got to Samburu, the first thing to notice as compared to the Mara is that it is very dry and also very dusty (our white clothes become a reddy kinda colour).
We loved Samburu (have visited 3 times now) and have seen Lion, Cheetah and Leopard on each visit, saw an amazing elephant tussle and lots of other game including Grevy's Zebra and Oryx that you may not see in other game parks.
The lodge is nice, comfortable and clean with rooms along the river. The staff bent over backwards to help, overall a very enoyable stay although we did prefer the lesser-rated Samburu lodge - just personal preference.

After a long trip from Nairobi, Samburu Serena Lodge was a welcoming oasis. The accommodation was comfortable with good views to the river. The buffet style meals were varied and interesting, with a good bar area. Staff were very friendly and anxious to do all they could to make our stay memorable. We used the pool between game drives as the weather was hot and sunny. The pool was immaculate and a good relax after our early morning starts. Maribou storks were a permanent feature on the river bank and each evening meat was left to entice the crocodiles to the Lodge wall. Coffee and tea always available from early morning throughout the day and evening. The Lodge had a typical African decor which was exactly in keeping with our trip. Varied wildlife seen in the park, e.g. plenty of elephants crossing the river, giraffe, gerenuks, a leopard and the Grevey zebra. The birds were varied and plentiful and our wildlife book proved invaluable to recognise the different species.

My sister booked for us and it was fine for families and kids. The decor is universal Afrolodge and looking a bit tired. It is very middle market in aspiration.

The activities are ok. We went to a talk by one of their naturalists which was interesting. The Samburu dancing was a hustle: they dance and then try to charge you, and then try to sell you stuff. The village trip ended in a souring frenzy of Samburu trying to sell you their beads and their tat. The village chief lost some dignity when he is trying to get you to buy some badly carved generic stick.

The food buffet was generous and better than adequate.

The rooms are ok, lined up along the river bank.

I dont really understand why it is so highly rated here. We went from there to Sasaab Lodge and were overwhelmed by the difference.