Sweetwaters Serena Camp

Sweetwaters Serena Camp blends the thrill of Big Five game viewing with the warmth and authenticity of a classic tented safari experience. Built in the 1970s, the camp’s main building was originally the residence of the ranch manager for what was once the private domain of famed multi-millionaire Adnan Khashoggi.

Today, this sheltered oasis is clustered around an active waterhole and set in the pristine calm of its own private reserve. It offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and uncompromising luxury. The camp provides front-row access to critically endangered species, including the last two female northern white rhinos on earth, making it a one-of-a-kind safari experience where comfort, adventure, and recreation come together seamlessly.

Location & Accessibility

The camp is situated in the Laikipia plains within the relatively uncrowded wilderness of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a high-profile wildlife sanctuary of great conservation importance.

By Road

✓ Distance from Nairobi: 217 km from Nairobi
✓ Travel Time: Transfers by road from Nairobi take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours

By Air

✓ Flight Time: A 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the Nanyuki Airstrip
✓ Transfers: The camp is located exactly 25 km from the Nanyuki Airstrip and 25 km from the Kamok Airstrip, making for a brief and scenic transfer to the property

Accommodation

Tucked beneath wide-canopied acacia trees, the camp offers 56 en-suite tents, providing a peaceful retreat within landscaped grounds. Each tent features a thatched roof, solid floor, vaulted ceilings, and classic canvas interiors.

Morani Wing Luxury Tents

Boasting spectacular views of Mount Kenya, these tents offer added comfort and space in the exclusive Morani wing.

✓ Extras: A family Jacuzzi is available in this wing (prior booking required)
✓ Accessibility: One of the double tents is specifically adapted with wheelchair access for physically challenged guests
✓ Layout: 17 units available (8 Doubles, 7 Twins, 2 Triples). Features a king-sized bed or twin beds, a double vanity, a WC, and a glass-enclosed shower

Standard Waterhole View Tents (25 sqm)

Blending safari charm with everyday comfort, these spacious tents overlook the camp’s active waterhole.

✓ Layout: 18 units available. Features a king bed and an en-suite bathroom with a single vanity, WC, and a curtained shower. Ideal for quiet wildlife viewing right from your room.

Standard King & Twin Tents (25 sqm)

Spacious and inviting, these tents blend the charm of classic safari living with modern comfort.

✓ Views: A private raised balcony offers elevated views across the conservancy
✓ Layout: 21 units available across the Standard Wing. King tents accommodate 2 persons (King bed), while Twin tents accommodate up to 3 persons (2 Twin beds)

Family Accommodations

✓ Services: Babysitting services are provided with prior notice
✓ Options: Triple tents and extra beds/baby cots are available upon request across the wings

Room Features & Amenities

✓ Private verandas or elevated balconies
✓ Wi-Fi connectivity and Type G power plug sockets (240V/50Hz)
✓ Tea/coffee making facilities, mineral water, and evening hot water bottles
✓ Mosquito nets, premium bath amenities, bathrobes, hair dryers, and a work desk
✓ 24-hour room service, laundry/valet service, and tent service (safes available at the reception)
✓ En-suite bathrooms with 24-hour hot showers (hot and cold running water) and flushing WCs

Dining & Culinary Experience

Sweetwaters prides itself on the quality of its cuisine, offering both local and international dishes, along with a 5-course table d’hôte dining experience every night.

The Rhino Dining Veranda

Formerly the ranch manager’s home, The Rhino Room offers elegant dining with sweeping views of the waterhole through floor-to-ceiling windows.

✓ Breakfast (6:30 AM – 9:30 AM): A hearty buffet breakfast or classic full English breakfast
✓ Lunch (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM): A generous spread of meats, dairy, produce, and vegetarian options
✓ Dinner (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM): A curated table d’hôte menu including a salad bar, soup, main course, dessert, and a cheese board, complemented by Kenyan tea, coffee, or wine

Note: Children’s menus, baby-friendly food, highchairs, and early mealtimes are available. Special dietary needs (Vegetarian, Kosher, Gluten-free) are catered to with advance notice.

The Water Hole Bar

Open 24 hours, this vibrant bar invites you to unwind by the fireplace with a glass of wine, local beer, or your favorite spirit. Overlooking the waterhole, it offers front-row views of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife.

Bush Dining

Immersive outdoor dining moments can be reserved at reception, including Bush Breakfasts in the wild, Bush Lunches on the campgrounds, and romantic Bush Dinners.

Lounge & Common Areas

✓ The Swimming Pool: A heated swimming pool and vibrant pool bar
✓ Dedicated TV Lounge: A common room equipped with satellite TV
✓ Guest Amenities: A gift shop with souvenirs, a business center (upon request), and a resident nurse
✓ Recreational Center: A fully furnished area for relaxation and social enjoyment featuring table tennis, foosball, darts, and a pool table
✓ Maisha Spa: Offering customized beauty and massage treatments drawing from modern skincare and time-honored African healing practices

Experiences & Activities

Whether you are unwinding after a game drive or seeking deeper renewal, the camp offers a perfect blend of leisure and entertainment in the wild.

Included / On-Site Activities

✓ Fitness & Fun: Zumba, recurve archery, and bike riding
✓ Entertainment: Evening wildlife talks and wildlife movies hosted by expert guides
✓ Leisure: Jogging, watercolor painting, tree planting, board games, and a library with wildlife-themed books

Optional Safari & Adventure Activities

✓ Camel Rides: Explore the landscape from a unique vantage point
✓ Sundowners: Unwind with drinks in the wild or at the Marsh viewpoint
✓ Game Drives: Daily day and night game drives with dedicated driver guides
✓ Wildlife Tracking: Morning lion tracking experiences and guided bird walks/nature walks with a naturalist
✓ Conservancy Visits: Access to the Morani Information Centre, Rhino Sanctuary, and the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary (visiting hours: 8:30am – 12:30pm or 2:30pm – 4:30pm)

Weddings, Honeymoons & Conferences

✓ Conferencing: A Conferencing Tent for a maximum of 35 pax, featuring video conferencing capabilities and an LCD projector & screen
✓ Events: Ideal location for weddings with bespoke venue décor, themed catering (riverside, garden, poolside BBQ), and traditional Samburu or Maasai ceremonies led by a local chief

Highlights of Sweetwaters Serena Camp

✓ Comprehensive Family Services: Offers family Jacuzzis, babysitting, children’s dining options, and family game drives
✓ Accessible Luxury: Features an adapted Morani Deluxe Tent providing wheelchair access for physically challenged guests
✓ Unrestricted Safari Activities: Being in a private conservancy allows for thrilling night game drives and morning lion tracking
✓ Historic Elegance: The main building retains the classic charm of its history as the 1970s residence of multi-millionaire Adnan Khashoggi
✓ Endangered Species: Front-row access to the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the last two female northern white rhinos on earth
✓ Exclusive Waterhole Viewing: The 24-hour Water Hole Bar and The Rhino Dining Veranda offer uninterrupted views of wildlife visiting the camp’s central waterhole

Sweetwaters Serena Camp Non-Resident Accommodation Rates Per Night Include

Standard Tents: Accommodation on Full Board Basis

Notes

* Extra Meals 40 US Dollars per person
* Picnic Lunch 35 US Dollars per person
* No half-board reduction on the full-board meal plan
* Children ages 3 to 12 years are charged 50% of the per-person, adult twin rate
* Young adults 13 to 17 years are charged 75% of the per-person, adult twin rate
* Transfers – Nanyuki/Kamok Airstrip transfer (Per vehicle each way) – 150 US Dollars
* 3-Day Kenya Fly-in Safari to Sweetwaters Serena Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Click Here
* Park fees are not included in the rates (payable at the gate if arriving on road and at the lodge if arriving by air
* Children in their own room are charged 75% of the per-person adult twin rate. Minimum 2 children in a room
* Children under 2.99 years sharing a room with an adult will be accommodated complimentary (maximum two) whilst sharing a room with one or two adults

Extra Activities at an Extra Cost

* Camel ride – 40 US Dollars
* Lion Tracking – 100 US Dollars
* Breakfast at the Marsh – 40 US Dollars
* Cultural Talk (Per Person) – 35 US Dollars
* Bush Lunch in the campgrounds – 40 US Dollars
* Bush Dinner (Exclusive beverages) – 50 US Dollars
* Bush Dinner (Inclusive beverages) – 70 US Dollars
* Traditional Dancers (Per group performance) – 280 US Dollars
* Sundowner at the Marsh (Inclusive beverages) – 60 US Dollars
* Lunch only (Per person) Conservancy fee payable separately – 50 US Dollars

Game Drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy

* Day game drive (Per person, Seat basis) – 120 US Dollars
* Night game drive (Per person, Seat basis) – 150 US Dollars

Sweetwaters Serena Camp Resident Accommodation Rates Per Night Include

✔ Full Board accommodation & All Government Taxes

Notes;

* The third person in a triple room – 75% of the half double rate
* Sweetwaters Waterhole View Tents –  3,000 Kenya Shillings per room per night
* Easter supplement – 4,000 Kenya Shillings per person per day to apply from 3rd April to 6th April, 2026

Child Policy

* Children under 6 years, sharing a room with an adult – Free
* 3 children under 12 years in own room – double rate applies
* Teens 13-17 years old, in own room or sharing – 75% of the adult rate
* Children 6-12 years, sharing a room with an adult, 25% of the double rate per child
* Children 6-12 years, in own room – 75% of the per-person adult double rate per child (minimum 2 children)

– The above policy remains applicable to extra meals and Easter period supplements

Sweetwaters Serena Camp has a total of 56 standard tents (16 double and 23 twin) plus 17 luxury tents in the Morani wing. The excellent location of the Sweetwaters Serena Camp, set around a waterhole, gives a sense of exclusivity and serenity in the Conservancy.

The camp is ideal for honeymooners. The camp features spacious tents with vaulted ceilings. Each tent also boasts a mini-bar, en-suite bathroom, a worktable, and ornate lamps. The onsite restaurant offers local and international dishes. Guests can order soft and alcoholic drinks from the bar. The camp houses a spa, a business center, and an outdoor pool.

Other room amenities include: free Wi-Fi, premium bath amenities, a work desk, a chair, a coffee/tea-making station, a robe, a hairdryer, a safe (located in the Manager’s office), a private balcony, or a veranda. Sweetwaters Tented Camp prides itself on the quality of its cuisine, offering a 5-course “table d’hote” dining experience every night and a selection of African, Asian, and international dishes.

Built in the 1970s, the Camp’s main building was originally the residence of the ranch manager. Ol Pejeta Conservancy was once the private domain of famed multi-millionaire, Adnan Khashoggi.

Sweetwaters Serena Camp activities include health and beauty treatments, day & night game drives with dedicated driver guides, guided bird walks, and lion tracking (morning only).

Other things to do while at the camp include board games and library, visiting the Chimpanzee sanctuary, bush breakfast, lunch and dinner, sundowners at the Marsh viewpoint, camel rides, jogging, wildlife movies, and archery.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com