Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp

Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp sits on the shore of Lake Elmenteita inside Soysambu Conservancy, about two hours from Nairobi. The lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a designated Ramsar wetland — one of the more significant bird habitats in East Africa, with over 450 recorded species. Flamingos line the shallows; endangered Great White Pelicans nest here too. Guides report up to sixty species in a single morning walk along the lakeshore.

The camp holds twenty-four deluxe tents and one Flamingo Suite. Tents come in double and twin configurations, each with a king or twin beds, a private balcony facing the lake, a tea and coffee station, and an ensuite bathroom with a his-and-hers shower. The Flamingo Suite adds a separate lounge, a mini-fridge, and a Jacuzzi overlooking the water. The camp runs on a grid-tied solar photovoltaic system.

Game drives go into Soysambu Conservancy in the morning or evening. The conservancy carries lions, leopards, buffalo, Rothschild's giraffe, and Black and White Colobus monkeys. Night drives go out by spotlight for nocturnal species — aardvarks, porcupines, spring hares, and the big cats on the move after dark. You can also ride through the conservancy on horseback with an experienced guide, or join a one-hour guided walk from camp through acacia thickets to the lakeshore.

The dining room serves buffet and à la carte meals. On Sundays a Swahili breakfast runs alongside the standard menu. Bush dinners and a lakeside breakfast at the water's edge can be arranged separately.