Sweetwaters Serena Camp — Hotel in Laikipia County

Nestled within the stunning landscape of Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya, Sweetwaters Serena Camp stands as a beacon of luxury and eco-friendly hospitality. As you approach this tented camp, the enchanting sounds of nature greet you, promising an exceptional wildlife experience intertwined with the comforts of upscale accommodation.

Upon arrival, you’re welcomed into elegantly designed tents that offer a perfect blend of comfort and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness. Each spacious tent is thoughtfully equipped with comfortable beds dressed in high-quality linens, protected by mosquito nets to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. The en-suite bathrooms, adorned with eco-friendly toiletries, invite you to refresh after a day of exploration. At the same time, the private verandas offer a serene spot to soak in the breathtaking wildlife views just outside your door. You’ll find in-room amenities such as tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe for your belongings, and charging ports to keep your devices powered as you capture memories of your adventure.

Dining at Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a delightful experience, with a menu that celebrates both local and international cuisines. Meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to savour the flavours of the region. Whether you choose to dine in the elegant main restaurant or enjoy a meal outdoors under the stars, the ambience is heightened by the sounds of nature surrounding you, creating a peaceful dining atmosphere.

As you explore the camp, you’ll discover inviting communal areas, such as the lounge and bar, perfect for unwinding after a day filled with activities. With a well-stocked bar featuring a range of local beverages and fine wines, it’s an ideal space to share stories and connect with fellow travellers who share your passion for wildlife and adventure. For a quick refresh, the swimming pool area, nestled amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, offers a tranquil retreat where you can cool off and unwind.

The camp’s strategic location is a gateway to incredible wildlife viewing experiences. You can expect to encounter a diverse array of animals, including elephants, the Big Five, and the endangered black rhino, all within their natural habitats. Guided game drives take you deep into the conservancy, where skilled rangers share their knowledge and passion for the ecosystem. Guided walking safaris deliver an immersive experience, allowing you to feel the pulse of the wild.

A highlight of your stay is the opportunity to visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can learn about conservation efforts for endangered species and witness the close-knit community of these remarkable primates.

What truly sets Sweetwaters Serena Camp apart is its exceptional service. The staff members are known for their warmth and attentiveness, always ready to cater to your needs with genuine smiles. The management’s commitment to personalised service ensures that you feel valued and special throughout your stay.

In conclusion, Sweetwaters Serena Camp offers a captivating blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure within the breathtaking Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy. Whether you’re embarking on thrilling game drives, indulging in exquisite meals, or simply relaxing in your tent while listening to the symphony of the wild, your experience here promises to be unforgettable. With its dedication to conservation and guest satisfaction, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is the perfect choice for travellers seeking a unique and enriching safari experience in the...

My wife and I chose Kenya for our honeymoon destination, and we spent two nights at the Sweetwater Serena Camp. I’d like to share our experience.

Location: ★★★★★ Sweetwater Serena Camp is truly an exotic gem in Kenya. The breathtaking view of Mount Kenya and the stunning sunrise from our room were unforgettable. We were treated to a diverse wildlife spectacle during meals and evening sunsets, with sightings of zebras, bushbucks, buffalos, warthogs, impalas, elephants, and even a rhino from our room!

Tents: ★★★☆☆ The cozy tents with a rustic Victorian theme looked enchanting, especially in the evening. However, windy nights were a bit noisy, making it challenging to sleep. The service and emergency buttons didn’t work, necessitating a cold and windy walk to the main concierge if we needed assistance. We experienced a room leak and water clogging, but it was promptly fixed upon request.

Food: ★★★☆☆ The food was delicious and served three times a day. However, we missed experiencing local cuisine, as it was absent from the menu.

Cleanliness: ★★☆☆☆ While the resort itself was clean, it was marred by animal feces, attracting a swarm of flies. Walking from the main concierge to the room became a challenge due to the persistent fly attacks, which was quite frustrating.

Staff: ☆☆☆☆☆ Regrettably, the staff’s behavior left much to be desired. The restaurant manager consistently responded negatively to any queries and initially displayed a disrespectful attitude during our dining experience. Fortunately, Harrison improved the situation. The concierge and help desk manager showed little intention of assisting guests, and phone calls often went unanswered. There was a lack of apologies for inconveniences, and apart from a few exceptions, the staff were not welcoming.

In Summary: ★★★☆☆ Sweetwarr Serene is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife. However, it falls short in several aspects. Expect a remarkable location and wildlife encounters but be prepared for some service and cleanliness issues, as well as a mixed experience...

The camp is perhaps one of the most beautiful and luxury places that I have ever visited.

On arrival we were greeted by Gilbert, the assistant manager. We were whisked off in a private vehicle to have refreshments and be familiarised with the camp.

The tent were incredible, situated higher on the mountains, and we had uninterrupted views of the beautiful landscape. The rooms were incredibly clean and equipped with vanity units, wardrobes etc. There was even a luxury shower within the tent with 24 hour hot water.

Biwott was a fantastic guide, he would sit down with us each over a cup of Kenyan tea and make a plan for the whole day based on what we wanted to see. He was flexible, knowledgeable and really friendly.

It was unfortunate to learn that laikipia was from a drought which meant that there wasn’t as much wildlife as we had expected. However, this did not have a negative impact on our experience. We saw as many animals as we wished, and we learnt about the communities, landscape, conservation projects. The driver ensured we saw all the animals we wanted to see and we did not feel that our safari experience suffered.

Serena doesn’t just offer brilliant safari experiences. The staff go out of their way to make sure every moment is special. There is a real sense that everyone wants you to have an amazing time. There is always someone around to make sure you are never hungry. The communal spaces are so comfortable.

I would highly recommend Serena and look forward to...