Sweetwaters Serena Camp

Save
Share
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki Town, Nanyuki Municipality 10400 Kenya
COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking.Read more
Official Hotel Site
Expedia.ca
Hotels.com
Booking.com
Agoda.com
Trip.com
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
Traveller (1349)
Room & Suite (180)
Dining (56)
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your stay
  • All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
  • Face masks required for guests in public areas
  • Face masks required for staff in public areas
  • Floors marked for social distancing
  • Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Read more
Updated 16/07/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Updated 16/07/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

About

#5 of 51 Speciality lodging in Nanyuki Town
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
A sheltered oasis, clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of its own private reserve, Sweetwaters Tented Camp is in a class of its own. Abounding with wildlife, unfettered by the more rigorous strictures of the Kenyan National Parks and designed to offer a charming blend of under canvas ambiance and uncompromising luxury.
Read more
Full view
Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Spa
Baggage storage
Concierge
Parking
Internet
Pool / beach towels
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Massage
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Show more
Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Family
Languages Spoken
English

Location

Full view
Contact
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki Town, Nanyuki Municipality 10400 Kenya
Getting there
Nanyuki Airport13 kmSee all flights
See all nearby hotels
1,100Reviews14Q+A100Room tips
Traveller rating
  • 738
  • 294
  • 54
  • 8
  • 7
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Kemunto M wrote a review 12 Sep.
Nairobi, Kenya20 contributions2 helpful votes
We lived our stay at sweetwaters, the tents are well kitted, cozy, glam and just enough for a tenting experience, the game drove by Ken was awesome hes very good at what he does,the staff are excellent all round David in the restaurant being exceptional , being a full board experience the food was underwhelming my score is a 4.5 star rating, the highlight of my visit being the game drive and the watering hole experience in front of the tented camp,its worth it.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Share
Amber D wrote a review 11 Sep.
Nairobi, Kenya388 contributions77 helpful votes
There is nothing particularly great or particularly off putting about this camp, but overall I was not impressed. The staff are all friendly and the grounds are lovely and well kept, but that’s about all. The tents are pretty small and mediocre, the beds were comfortable enough. The food was just ok, it’s served buffet style (gloved staff serve the food due to covid-19 regs) and I’m personally nit a fan since the food usually tends to be just ok. What I was quite upset about was being charged for drinking water, I’ve stayed in lodges all over Kenya and never been charged for drinking water. Also, their up charge for wine is outrageous.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
Helpful
Share
Dr. Kiran Khosla wrote a review Aug. 2020
10 contributions4 helpful votes
NOTE THE AMOUNT YOU SPEND FOR ACCOMODATION IS NOT WORTH IT. Take Jambo Mara for instance - the lodge does not have a brand name, like Serena, but the services at Jambo Mara were par excellent. I have not rated it terrible, just because of two of their worthy staff-Dennis Murimi and Christopher Biwott, otherwise it is a waste of money staying here. Location:Fantastic with a water pool,which attracts birds, deers, buffaloes, warthogs. Accomodation:Not good at all. 1.Despite booking in advance, they didnt have the rooms ready. Wr arrived at 12.30pm,and they expected us to go for lunch without even placing our luggage inside the rooms. 2.Having entered the room, there were no gowns, bedsheets had holes, the lotion placed at the basin, seemed coagulated and not new. There were old quilts stashed messily in a shelf. The tent could not be closed well. (If a monkey planned to enter the room, it would have been successful). There was no kettle (had to ask for it). They forgot to place umbrellas although other rooms had them. Other than that the rooms were fine. They would use hot water bottles to heat up the bed. I need to mention that I was itching often on their beds. I wonder if the bedsheets were clean. Dining room : I would like to commend two staff. Chris Biwott. He strived to satisfy his customers by preparing the pastas to their taste. Dennis Murimi as well was an exceptional waiter. Food was good(i only tasted their pastas, cakes, chicken, fish). However some of the waiters are outrageously impolite. I was sitting at the breakfast table and one impudent waiter (well built and older than the rest) came up and asked me that, "I want the table". I almost had a mind to tell him off. Paying 150 dollars per night (including park fees) and then being told to get out of the table shows terrible service.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Njeri W wrote a review Jun. 2020
Atlanta, Georgia124 contributions28 helpful votes
This place is fantastic! We stayed a couple of nights after Christmas and I wish we could have stayed a couple more. You can take a game drive out (I recommend a guided one) or just hang out and let the animals come to you! The buffets at every meal are dangerously good! You will eat too much and love every minute of it. The rooms have that rugged camping feeling with all the amenities that only luxurious glamping can provide. This experience was definitely worth it and we hope to do it again in the future.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Get one of the rooms with a view of the watering hole.
See more room tips
Helpful
Share
Tasslegurl wrote a review Mar. 2020
Toronto, Canada88 contributions19 helpful votes
As part of a Kenya tour I was privileged to stay at Sweetwaters Serena. Sadly it was only one night and I wish it had been longer. From the minute you arrive, you are treated so well. And the watering hole and grazing lands right there gave us a chance to immediately see giraffe, zebra, rhinos and gazelle all within 50 feet of our tents. The tents are spacious with comfortable beds and large bathrooms but my favorite feature is the 'desk' with chairs looking out on the grazing area. I'm already planning to return as soon as possible.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
Share
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Responded 11 Mar. 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your last stay with us We are very honored to hear this was Truly a magical oasis since you just arrived at the reception plus a well expounded review. We are also very delighted to hear that you will be coming back soon. Thank you once again for sharing and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Regards, Gilbert Toroitich-Sweetwaters Serena.
Read more
w0rldtravelled1 wrote a review Mar. 2020
Leeds,25 contributions18 helpful votes
This was our first stop on our trip to Kenya. It was lovely. Especially with the water hole in front of our tent ensured that we had a great view each morning. Tents were cozy and well appointed. This is a family lodge for sure and there were lots of children. including infants there. The public areas (dining room, bar area check in) was nice and welcoming. Didn't use the pool, but used the veranda and enjoyed watching the animals from there. My only issue (and this was with all the lodges) is the fact that the lamps in the tents were dim. You could not read in the evening, which is something I enjoy doing. A shout out to Dennis our server in the restaurant. Well done, and very attentive. If you want to see lots of Rhino's then this is the place for you.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Helpful
Share
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Responded 11 Mar. 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your last stay with us. We are very pleased to hear this was a lovely place!! Lots of Rhino's!! plus a well expounded review. We are also very delighted to hear that our staff made you feel at home and we are certain that you enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your stay. I will be sure to let my staff know how much of an impact they made on your experience especially during meals and anytime around. Kindly take our sincere apologies due to our dim light that couldn't provide a conducive environment for your reading. Thank you once again for sharing and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Regards, Gilbert Toroitich-Sweetwaters Serena.
Read more
MichiganLaurena wrote a review Mar. 2020
Michigan1,962 contributions94 helpful votes
I've become a well seasoned guest at Sweetwaters. This was my 6th stay. On check in, I was excited to hear that I would be returning to Tent #1, my favorite location. Tent #1 in my opinion, is the best situated tent to water hole viewing. You can easily sit on your porch or even at the desk inside with the tent flaps open and watch/photograph the birds. During lunch one day, I spotted a Black Rhino at the water hole and made a quick dash to my tent to take photos. I know many people find the newer wing of tents an upgrade. They are beautifully furnished. But for me, the animals seem to come closer to the older side making photography easy. Meals here are always enjoyable. They are all buffet but I like that because I can pick and choose what I want. In addition to the prepared items, there is always a pasta station where you can choose your meat, sauce, vegetables and garnishes. Always excellent. Laundry service is available for a nominal fee. It makes it so much easier to not have to take the volume of clothing I once did. I had learned during my stay that Ol Pejeta House (where I stayed in 2010) had closed. A person working in the dining room overheard me mentioning that I wondered where those staff went. One morning after breakfast, a woman by the name of Juliana stopped by my tent. She learned that I had wondered what happened to the staff at Ol Pejeta House and stopped by to say hi. She had worked there and was now working in the newer wing at Sweetwaters. My last stay here was in March, 2018. I was pleasantly surprised to see that James, the dining room manager, was still here. I've enjoyed our conversations on many visits. He introduced me to chef Daniel, who rapidly learned that chocolate desserts were my favorite. Harrison who had been my server on my last stay was also here as well as Abdul my tent attendant. Their memories are amazing. I truly enjoyed the conversations I had with them.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Share
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Responded 11 Mar. 2020
Dear Guest, Jambo Greetings from Sweetwaters Serena Camp, We say thank you for taking your valuable time to review us on trip advisor. We were grateful and happy that you had a great time with us in Sweetwaters Serena just some days gone. We are happy for being a loyal customer and having trust with our products, happy for our staff as well and we long again in the near future to host you with your family and friends as well. Thank you for staying with us. Regards, Gilbert Toroitich-Assistant Camp Manager.
Read more
HelgaSt wrote a review Mar. 2020
Munich, Germany31 contributions18 helpful votes
Stayed here for two nights and I have to say, it was one of the best places during our stay in Kenya! Really great service, everything is super clean and food was amazing. Ataying in a luxery tent was a wonderful experience and I believe also people, who normally don't go camping, would enjoy it. Very special place. We'll be back!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Share
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Responded 4 Mar. 2020
Dear HelgaSt, Greetings from Sweetwaters Serena Camp, thank you for making here your second home next to none, we value and appreciate your feedback on this plat form. Great place as defined by your word it keeps our wheels rolling every moment as we strive to meet and surpass our guest needs and expectation. we look forward hosting you in the near future. Regards, Gilbert Toroitich- Serena Sweetwaters.
Read more
Diana N wrote a review Feb. 2020
1 contribution
This place is simply amazing and the staff is super friendly and professional. Kudos to Daniels, David, Agnes, faith, keneddy and all the others that we interacted with. Make sure you do the sundowners
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Share
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Responded 27 Feb. 2020
Dear Wanderer545331 , Greetings from Sweetwaters Serena Camp, thank you for making this place a worth visit place and your second home, we value and appreciate your feedback on this plat form. Beyond expectation as defined by your word it keeps our wheels rolling every moment as we strive to meet and surpass our guest needs and expectation. Special mention to our team members is a plus to us and definitely i will pass the message to them and thank them for a good service offed, we look forward hosting you in the near future. Regards, Gilbert Toroitich- Serena Sweetwaters.
Read more
Paul wrote a review Feb. 2020
7 contributions1 helpful vote
We enjoyed an enthralling 2-night stay at Sweetwaters Camp and loved every minute of it. The camp itself is clean with a complement of friendly staff and stunning natural beauty. The accommodation was spotless and achieves a perfect balance of safari-style adventure with comfort and cleanliness. The hot water bottles delivered to our tent each night was a particularly lovely touch. The proximity of the watering hole to the accommodation tents, and communal areas (swimming pool and dining hall) enables guests to observe all manner of wildlife at relatively close proximity throughout the day. Meal times were also enjoyable - waiter service was very attentive and food exceeded expectations in terms of variety and quality. The small gift shop has a range of safari-related ware and is reasonably priced. Regarding the safari drives, Ol Pejeta conservancy is absolutely stunning, with beautiful scenery and a plethora of wildlife. We saw a wide range of animals including Elephants, Giraffe, Zebra, Lions, all manner of grazing species and birds. The chimpanzee and rhino sanctuaries are also worth a visit. Early morning and late afternoon/early evening drives are particularly highly recommended. Overall a wonderful location and unrivalled safari experience for reasonable prices - I would unreservedly recommended Sweetwaters Camp and Ol Pejeta Conservancy and would not hesitate to visit again.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: All tents offer great views of the watering hole, but some are a bit of a walk from the main...
See more room tips
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from SerenaHotels, Manager at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Responded 27 Feb. 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your last stay with us, we are very pleased to hear this was Paradise awaits plus a well expounded review. We are also very delighted to hear that our staff made you feel at home and we are certain that you enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your stay. I will be sure to let my team know how much of an impact they made on your experience especially during meals and anytime around. Thank you once again for sharing and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Regards, Gilbert Toroitich-Sweetwaters Serena.
Read more
Previous
PRICE RANGE
CAD 326 - CAD 666 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sweetwaters tented camp hotel nanyuki
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceLaikipia CountyNanyuki MunicipalityNanyuki Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Sweetwaters Serena Camp?
Nearby attractions include Ol Pejeta Conservancy (3.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sweetwaters Serena Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Sweetwaters Serena Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Sweetwaters Serena Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sweetwaters Serena Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Sweetwaters Serena Camp?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Sweetwaters Serena Camp have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.