1. Introduction: The Heart of Ol Pejeta Luxury
Set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peaks, Sweetwaters Serena Camp stands as one of Kenya’s most iconic luxury tented camps — combining traditional safari charm with world-class hospitality. Located in the heart of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the camp offers guests an unmatched opportunity to experience Kenya’s rich wildlife, pioneering conservation projects, and serene landscapes in comfort and style.
Whether you’re drawn by the chance to spot the Big Five, visit the last two northern white rhinos, or enjoy sundowners beside a waterhole teeming with wildlife, Sweetwaters Serena Camp offers a quintessential East African safari experience.
2. Location and Setting
Sweetwaters Serena Camp is located within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, approximately 17 km from Nanyuki Town and about 3.5 hours by road (250 km) from Nairobi via the A2 highway. Charter flights from Wilson Airport to the Nanyuki Airstrip take about 45 minutes, followed by a 25-minute scenic drive to the camp.
The lodge’s strategic position near a natural waterhole ensures near-constant wildlife sightings — elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes often wander past your veranda. To the north, the dramatic silhouette of Mount Kenya completes the view.
3. Accommodation – Elegance Under Canvas
Sweetwaters Serena Camp offers 56 beautifully appointed en-suite tents, divided into two main categories: the Standard Wing and the Morani Wing. Each tent is a fusion of classic safari canvas and modern comfort, designed to immerse guests in nature while ensuring absolute relaxation.
3.1 Standard Wing Tents
- Overview: Spacious canvas tents with thatched roofs and solid floors, offering either a king-sized bed or twin beds.
- Features:
- Private veranda or balcony with safari chairs and a table
- En-suite bathroom with hot shower, flush WC, and single washbasin
- 24-hour electricity and hot water
- Free Wi-Fi, mosquito nets, plush robes, slippers, and evening hot-water bottles
- Variants:
- Standard Garden View Tents – peaceful garden setting
- Standard Waterhole View Tents – overlooking the wildlife waterhole for unforgettable sightings right from your deck
3.2 Morani Wing Tents
- Overview: The new Morani Wing features 17 deluxe tents with panoramic views of Mount Kenya.
- Design: Contemporary finishes, glass-door showers, and two-hand washbasins enhance the modern aesthetic.
- Accessibility: One tent is fully adapted for guests with mobility needs, a rarity in safari accommodation.
- Occupancy: Double, twin, and triple configurations available.
3.3 Guest Amenities and Services
All guests enjoy:
- 24-hour hot water and electricity
- Valet and laundry services
- Bathrobes, slippers, and quality toiletries
- In-tent tea and coffee stations
- Evening turn-down and tent service
- 24-hour medical access
- Children’s meals, babysitting, and extra beds on request
- Secure safes and hairdryers available from reception
The design evokes old-world safari glamour with canvas textures and wooden furnishings while providing contemporary convenience for discerning travelers.
4. Dining – The Taste of Kenya
Dining at Sweetwaters Serena Camp celebrates farm-fresh Kenyan produce and global cuisine with a local twist.
- The Rhino Restaurant: Serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international and regional dishes. Meals can be enjoyed indoors or al fresco overlooking the waterhole.
- Waterhole Bar: Perfect for cocktails at sunset as elephants and buffalo gather to drink.
- Bush Dining: Guests can request private bush breakfasts, sundowner cocktails, or romantic dinners under the stars — a signature Serena experience.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s menus available on request.
5. Experiences and Activities
Sweetwaters Serena Camp is not just a place to stay — it’s a gateway to adventure, conservation, and culture. The camp partners closely with Ol Pejeta Conservancy to provide exclusive access to some of Kenya’s most inspiring wildlife encounters.
5.1 Game Drives
- Morning, afternoon, and full-day safaris in custom 4×4 vehicles.
- Opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and Grevy’s zebras.
- Experienced Serena driver-guides share insights on animal behavior and conservation.
5.2 Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit
Guests can visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, East Africa’s only chimp refuge, co-managed by Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and abused chimpanzees, offering educational tours.
5.3 Rhino Conservation Experience
Sweetwaters Serena guests enjoy easy access to the Endangered Species Enclosure, home to the last two northern white rhinos — Najin and Fatu — under round-the-clock armed protection.
5.4 Cultural and Community Tours
Visits to local Samburu and Turkana villages provide insights into Kenya’s pastoral cultures and Ol Pejeta’s community outreach programs.
5.5 Guided Bush Walks and Night Drives
Available for an additional fee, these experiences offer rare glimpses of nocturnal animals and the thrill of exploring on foot with trained rangers.
5.6 Maisha Spa & Wellness Centre
The Maisha Spa offers massages, aromatherapy, and beauty treatments using natural Kenyan products — perfect for post-safari relaxation.
6. Meetings and Events
Sweetwaters Serena Camp is also equipped for corporate retreats, conservation conferences, and private events.
- Meeting rooms accommodate up to 40 guests.
- Facilities include Wi-Fi, audiovisual equipment, and customized catering.
- Outdoor spaces can host weddings and private dinners overlooking the plains.
7. Conservation and Sustainability
Sweetwaters Serena Camp exemplifies responsible tourism in action, supporting Ol Pejeta’s globally acclaimed conservation model.
Key initiatives include:
- Wildlife protection: A share of guest fees contributes directly to rhino and chimpanzee conservation.
- Sustainable energy: Solar power and water recycling systems minimize ecological impact.
- Local sourcing: Food ingredients and staff training prioritize nearby communities.
- Eco-certification: Serena Hotels’ sustainability charter ensures eco-friendly operations across its properties.
By staying here, guests actively support community livelihoods, habitat restoration, and endangered species protection.
8. Awards and Recognition
Sweetwaters Serena Camp has received numerous accolades for excellence in hospitality and sustainability, including:
- Ecotourism Kenya Gold Eco-Rating
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award
- Recognition by Serena Hotels’ Prestige Club for outstanding guest satisfaction.
9. How to Get There
- By Road: 3.5 hours (250 km) from Nairobi via Nanyuki. Roads are tarmac until Ol Pejeta gate.
- By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip (45 mins). Transfers arranged by the camp.
- By Private Charter: Available on request for groups and VIP guests.
GPS Coordinates: 0°00′46″ N, 36°57′24″ E
Contact:
📞 +254 732 123 333 / +254 734 699 851
✉️ sweetwaters@serenahotels.com / reservations.africa@serenahotels.com
10. Why We Recommend Sweetwaters Serena Camp
At OlPejetaKenya.org, we highlight Sweetwaters Serena Camp as one of the top luxury accommodations within the conservancy for several reasons:
- Its prime waterhole location guarantees year-round wildlife visibility.
- It balances eco-conscious operations with upscale comfort.
- Guests enjoy direct access to Ol Pejeta’s conservation attractions, including the rhino sanctuary and chimpanzee refuge.
- The Serena Hotels brand ensures reliable quality, professional service, and a touch of Kenyan warmth.
- Its integration with local communities and sustainability programs embodies the spirit of responsible tourism that Ol Pejeta promotes.
11. Rates and Booking
- Indicative Rates (2025):
- Standard Tent: From USD 320 per person per night (full board)
- Morani Wing Deluxe Tent: From USD 450 per person per night (full board)
- Includes: accommodation, meals, and Wi-Fi.
- Excludes: conservancy fees, premium drinks, and optional activities (night drives, bush walks, etc.).
Booking Options:
- Direct via Serena Hotels website
- Through Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s official partner platform
- Via trusted safari tour operators
12. Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy, near Nanyuki |
| Accommodation | 56 luxury en-suite tents (Standard & Morani Wings) |
| Highlights | Waterhole views, Mount Kenya backdrop, Maisha Spa, fine dining |
| Activities | Game drives, chimp sanctuary, rhino encounters, bush walks |
| Sustainability | Solar energy, community sourcing, conservation funding |
| Best For | Couples, families, honeymooners, luxury travelers |
| Rates (2025) | From USD 320 per person per night (full board) |
13. Plan Your Stay
For travelers seeking authentic luxury that gives back, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a perfect choice. It seamlessly combines Serena’s five-star service with Ol Pejeta’s conservation legacy, allowing you to rest easy knowing your stay supports meaningful wildlife protection.
Book your stay, sip a sundowner by the waterhole, and watch as elephants, rhinos, and gazelles gather under the fading African sun — the true magic of Ol Pejeta.