Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp — Hotel in Mbaruk/Eburu ward

the good: the place is beautiful and peaceful. it is situated on a magical lake and you can see the lake from anywhere in the campsite. each room has a balcony with lake views. the rooms are spacious and luxurious. we were a couple with an extra bed for a kid and there was plenty of room. the pool is pure bliss. it is heated to a lukewarm temperature, making it perfect for a chilly afternoon swim. we took a gamedrive by ourselves in the soy samburu conservancy (where the hotel is located) and loved it, and it is only a 30-minute drive to Lake Nakuru national park for a day trip. the kids went on a horse ride with very nice guides. they have a big lounge at the bar where you can sit and relax with the family while watching the animals come and drink from the water. they also have a selection of board games that we enjoyed. |the food: the restaurant is a la carte. no buffet. only at breakfast there is a tiny buffet of fruits, some bakery, and juices, but the meal itself has to be ordered. you either like it or you don't. the menu has a lot of variety to choose from and changes daily, but the service is slow. we were o.k with it, but if my kids were any younger, that could have been an issue. perhaps a combination of buffet and a la carte would be better, or maybe finding a way to speed up the service (I counted 45 minutes for our breakfast to arrive from the minute we ordered).|the bad: there was one thing that puzzled us. the hotel does not allow free access to the lake shore, even though it sits right on it. they deny access by putting a fence that you can only pass through a locked gate. you have to pay to take an hour's "nature walk" in order to pass that gate or to take a horse ride. I think the hotel should not ask for extra money from guests to reach the shore of the lake. imagine going to a beach hotel, and being asked to pay extra to get to the beach. it felt weird and stingy to us. however, we reached the lake by ourselves when we were doing the game drive. it is very easy to...

I have just completed my third stay at the idyllic Serena Camp, Lake Elmentaita. I travel frequently and I have to admit this is one of my happiest places in the world. The staff are exceptional, I simply cannot fault them, from the Askari, to the grounds staff, to Elizabeth the manager, Dennis and the rest of the waiters, to Chef Leah, to Dorothy and the reception team, Gad and Brian at the pool, Matthew in housekeeping and Denge the incredible wildlife guide and naturalist, Elizabeth and Rose in the spa who give the best massages ever and who helped me overcome my hideous sciatica pain. All, far too many to mention are truly awesome.|The location of the camp on the shores of Lake Elmentaita, is perfect. A dining room overlooking the lake and water hole which is frequented by so many animals; on my short trip I saw water buck, buffalo, zebra and so many tropical birds. Sitting around the fire bowl, overlooking the water hole wrapped in a shuka (Masai cloak) is a highlight.|The rooms are amazing, the most comfortable beds ever, fabulous linen, spacious bathrooms with capacious bath robes, two showers and his and hers sinks and a view of the lake from the bathroom window!|The food is plentiful and I particularly enjoyed the salads and delicious home made soups.|The pool is a bonus, never busy. It is heated yet still refreshing and I loved looking out at the acacia trees and lake whilst swimming.|I arrived at this camp after some busy volunteering in schools and left invigorated and raring to go again. If this all sounds too good to be true, it isn’t, try it for yourself.|Was...

My two-night stay at Serena Elementaita camp was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of serene beauty and exceptional hospitality.

The camp's prime location offered unparalleled wildlife encounters. Watching zebra and buffalo gather at the watering hole was a truly unforgettable experience.

The meticulously maintained grounds added to the sense of peace and tranquility. Our deluxe room, situated close to the lake, was spacious, private, and provided a perfect sanctuary.

The heated pool overlooking the breathtaking expanse of Lake Elementaita was a highlight, offering a relaxing space to unwind while soaking in the stunning views.

The culinary experience at Serena Elementaita deserves special mention. The restaurant, with its splendid panoramic view of the lake and watering hole, provided the perfect backdrop for delightful meals. The food was exceptional, a testament to the chef's skill and attention to detail.

Adding to the overall sense of well-being was the indulgent spa treatment. It was the perfect way to rejuvenate and enhance the relaxing atmosphere of the resort.

What truly set Serena Elementaita apart was the exceptional staff. From check-in to check-out, every interaction was marked by genuine courtesy and helpfulness. Their dedication to ensuring a memorable stay was evident at every touchpoint. If you're seeking a tranquil escape with stunning wildlife views, exceptional service, and delicious food, Serena Elementaita is the perfect destination.

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