Serengeti Ark Safari Lodge - Kogatende

My husband and I had a major issue with our travel agency because we discovered when we arrived in Kenya that they changed 4 out of 10 accommodations without notifying us. We were supposed to stay at the Serengeti Mara River Camp and instead were changed to the Ark. First of all, it was located far away from the game drive areas and up a bumpy hill. When we arrived, they greeted us with a typical ceremony and we were escorted to our room which was unbearably hot even though it was winter. The ceiling fan wasn't working and the mini split AC remote only had directions in Japanese. When we returned to the dining area, we were confronted by extremely bright lights as if we were on a stage. The staff were friendly and attentive but ill prepared and without any training. We were informed that there were only 2 red wine choices, red and sweet red. Thankfully by the 2nd night, the ceiling fan was fixed and they arranged for us to have a "bush dinner" with a great view to finally celebrate our anniversary in a proper manner. However, there bar was sparse and the server did not know how to pour wine so it ended up on our lap. She was very apologetic and I showed her how to pour which she was able to quickly learn. The other major issue was that the dining and lobby area had a camouflaged step where I tripped twice in 2 days and thankfully, did not injure my knees. The staff again were apologetic and I was offered a free 30 minute massage which I gratefully accepted and enjoyed by a skillful young woman. For location, ambience, bar inventory, and staff training, it was substandard. For effort, it was great but not even approaching a 4 star resort.

It was amazing lodge. The staff are so………friendly, Manager Tonald is professional. It is beyond our expectations. We’d love to choose for our next visit. The elephants were roaming far away while we ate our breakfast on the patio with the stunning sunrise. It is a fantastic place worth visiting again.

One of the best accommodation options in the northern serengeti in kogatende area near mara river. Comfortable beds and rooms have ac and also running hot water showers. Nice service, friendly staff and good food. Also experienced good wildlife and migration nearby this hotel. It has a nice big swimming pool.