By Harold Ayodo

Although I expected it, I was still taken aback by the breathtaking serenity at the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. The environment is completely natural, to the extent that there is no loud music or satellite televisions to disrupt the peace and quiet unless you bring it yourself.

From the rooms one can enjoy a spectacular view of the park

Guests speak in low tones as they watch elephants, zebras and hippos quench their thirst at a water point about 80 metres away. The panoramic views of Taita-Taveta hills, particularly at sunrise and sunset, are amazing. Not surprisingly, Kenya’s elite enjoy dining and wining at the Kilaguni restaurant when they visit Tsavo West National Park.

Gigantic carvings

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At vantage positions, gigantic carvings of a herd of elephants, which almost look real, are displayed. Art enthusiasts can enjoy attractive portraits of different personalities including that of Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

All the 51 standard rooms and five suites have private balconies that provide tranquil game viewing. Apart from the main dining room, there is an open-air area with timbered decks and a rock-hewn poolside bar from where guests can wine and dine.

Guests can also enjoy a dip in the rock-paved swimming pool surrounded by lush foliage.

In the restaurant, sun-gold, sky-blue and bush green savannah colour palettes blend with traditional khaki and canvas to give an African aura.

Rock-paved swimming pool

Breakfasts include freshly squeezed juices, yoghurt, cornflakes, millet porridge, boiled eggs, toasted bread and thick tea, ahead of daylong game drives. Michael Mwami, the lodge’s assistant manager, says hospitality is their speciality as their objective is to satisfy the culinary delights of their clients.

"We strive to ensure guests enjoy their stay here before and after game drives across the expansive Tsavo West National Park," he says.

The restaurant was recently renovated to accommodate 130 guests. Previously, it used to sit less than 100. Dinner has special theme menus different on each day of the week.