Sweetwaters Serena Camp

We loved our stay at Serena Sweetwaters Camp. We stayed three nights in tent 22 at Serena Sweetwaters in Ol Pejeta. It’s in the first row of tents and overlooks a watering area and beyond that an open plain with TONS of wildlife! Tent 22 was a good distance from the main area, which was fine by us. We welcomed a good walk after sitting in the safari truck. The property is surrounded by an electric fence, so you do not need an escort while walking on the property. We read in other reviews that you should be on the ‘watering hole’, but ALL of the front tents are on a watering area. The main watering hole is large, and from there all along the tents, a kind of channel of water runs along (we never saw it from above, so hard to tell how deep it was). ALL DAY LONG animals came and went from this water. We personally saw giraffes (the way they drink the water is spreading their front legs - incredible), warthogs, rhinoceros, impala, zebra, waterbuck, and cape buffalo. Other folks even saw hyenas and elephants. While we were there, no one saw any big cats, but we were told that they only come at night. Each tent had an outdoor seating area with 2 chairs and a side table that were very comfortable. We took the advice of other guests and stayed at the tent one afternoon instead of going out on a game drive. We’re so glad we did. We felt that we had privacy, but we did hear the voices of our neighbors when they were loud (this happened on the last night and morning at camp and was mildly annoying - definitely not hugely disruptive.) At night, impala and waterbuck jump the electric fence and sleep on the lawn in front of the tents! They know that this is an area safe from predators. The camp has many, many staff people out all night ensuring that the guests are safe. It was so cool that these animals were so close! The scenery from the tent was definitely our favorite thing about this camp. (We would not have had this experience in the back row of tents.) The tent was clean and comfortable. The bathroom was modern (it even had a hair dryer!). The shower was nice: plenty of hot water and good water pressure. The bedding was comfortable and plenty of drinking water was provided. The bathroom did have some signs of wear - a few cracked tiles and tired looking fixtures. But everything worked well. The staff was very nice. David, our waiter, greeted warmly us at each meal and was very efficient and helpful. Ann, the staff person who greeted us at the entrance to the dining area each meal, was especially welcoming and wonderful. There was also one very tall and slim security guard (we can’t remember his name) with whom we shared laughs and smiles. The food is all buffet style and it is very, very good. Each meal has a HUGE variety of food! There are lots of healthy, vegetarian and gluten free options. Every dish is clearly labeled. I really enjoyed the many Indian food options. I agree with other reviewers that it is very annoying that water is not included with meals. The cost for a bottle of water is 250ksh, so it’s not expensive, but it feels petty. We decided not to drink at most of our meals. It would be a very nice gesture from the management to include filtered water with meals as it’s included in the tents. Just weird. Coffee and tea are always available in the bar area. This includes Masala Tea - a creamy, spiced tea that quickly became my favorite! We would absolutely visit again. 4.8/5 stars recommend.

This was my fourth trip to Kenya, and my Safari company suggested Sweetwater. What a beautiful setting! Being in a tent looking over the watering hole was just breathtaking to wake up to. Our tent was spacious and beautiful, the grounds were so well cared for. The pool was wonderful as well. Ol’ Pejeta conservatory is just fabulous. I’ve been to many parks in Kenya and this is definitely one of my top favorites. The rhinos were never anything to be honest that I was ever that interested in and now I’m obsessed with them! And being able to visit the older guy, I can’t remember his name and to touch a rhino? Dream come true! And we saw so many beautiful animals! All of the staff was outstanding! The only thing I could say could be done better would be the food. We were really disappointed. But I would still come back!

We kicked off our 12 day safari at Sweetwater's, and had a fantastic time. The day we came in there were rhinos with babies at the waterhole which was such a nice first glimpse into what we would be seeing on our drives. No sooner we pulled in, our bags were taken and organised while we checked in, all of it was so easy and ran so smoothly after being in the car for a few hours. The front of house was fantastic and accommodating getting us settled. Our room was beautiful with views of the wildlife, we woke up to the sounds of lions roaring on several mornings which was incredible. The room itself was perfect, clean and very comfortable (stayed in the deluxe tent), we had a turn down every night which was also very nice. Lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant was buffet style, with great, fresh options and they also had a cooking station for fresh pasta. You always had a bread basket with fresh rolls and a daily choice of soup to start if you wished. Our server was very attentive and lovely. We also enjoyed a cocktail from the bar and sat outside and shared a drink with a view to the elephants that had visited the watering hole. We had a lovely stay at Sweetwater's and would recommend them to anyone visiting Ol Pej conservancy.

THE CAMP We have been to quite a few African Safari camps and can highly recommend this one. What’s different is being right by a waterhole and being able to watch animals all through the day coming and going to drink. We saw almost everything at the waterhole – elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos,as well as a zillion zebras, gazelles and wart-hogs. The camp is just inside the Ol Pajeta Conservancy area which stretches for 110 thousand acres and specialises in protecting rhino, both white and black. It is also home to a chimpanzee sanctuary, set up by Jane Goodall, as a home for abused and orphaned chimps, which you can visit. The Sweetwaters camp is attractively laid out and feels part of the landscape. There is a ditch around the camp filled with electric fence so it’s cleverly hidden and that gives you wonderful views as if you are in the Conservancy with the animals. The camp itself is efficiently run, full of friendly and helpful staff. We couldn’t fault them. The food is wholesome and plentiful. We booked directly and found it quite difficult to decide which type of tent to choose…so having been there, I will try to make it easier for others. ACCOMMODATION The standard single storey tents are arranged in a curve quite close to the waterhole and have the closest views of the animals. The first half dozen tents would be good to request as they are also fairly close to the reception and dining area. If you don’t mind walking, the last tent on the curve, number 19, is absolutely the closest to the animals as they approach the water hole by a track which is really close to the ditch in front of that last tent. Perfect for anyone who’s really keen on photography. After number 19, there are a few more single tents facing out into the plain, but not the waterhole. There is also a row of double storey structures with the tent located on the upper floor, but because they are behind the single tents their views of the water hole are obscured. All the standard tents are fairly basic inside but perfectly comfortable and we thought if we ever went back, we would consider them. We chose to stay in the deluxe tents (Morani) which are located adjacent to the water hole on another side, but further away than the standard tents. Only numbers 41 and 42 really had a good view of the water hole. However, their views are still lovely, through the trees and across the plain so you do see animals coming and going. They are also spaced further apart so more privacy. Inside they are distinctly more luxurious than the standard tent with a lot more space, an huge bed, attractive wooden decor and a large bathroom with separate shower and WC. Whichever type of tent you choose, you can always get the best views of the animals at the waterhole from the seating set up on the big lawn outside Reception. We spent several mornings enjoying the sunshine and watching the animals from there. GAME DRIVES They were brilliant. We saw all the big five and plenty of them. We saw several groups of lions, loads of rhinos, elephant and even a leopard. It was the first time we had done a nighttime game drive and I strongly recommend it, especially the very late night one. Judging from everyone else’s experiences if you get Gilbert as your driver, you’re in luck! He found us the leopard. ENTRY FEES Be aware that to stay within the Conservancy you have to pay a fee per person per day whether or not you are doing a game drive.In 2026 this is $110 per person per day so it adds a huge chunk to the cost of staying in the hotel. Also, if you are dropped off at the hotel by a Taxi then the driver also has to pay even if he’s just dropping you, although his fee as a resident is much lower ($24). It’s a better and slightly cheaper arrangement to ask the hotel to pick you up at the main gate and then the taxi doesn’t have to come in.

Sweetwaters Serena Camp is beautifully located within the conservancy, offering a very authentic tented lodge safari feel. The setting is peaceful and scenic, with lovely views and a true sense of being close to nature. The tents are well maintained, spacious, and comfortable, blending nicely with the surroundings while still offering good amenities. The staff were excellent throughout our stay—very friendly, attentive, and always happy to help, which really added to the overall experience. Food was nice and consistently good, with decent variety and well-prepared meals. It’s particularly suitable for Indian vegetarians, which was appreciated. Game viewing during our stay was a bit limited compared to other parks, but we did enjoy seeing the resident elephant that regularly comes in and out of the camp, which was a unique highlight. Overall, a very pleasant stay with great service and an excellent location—ideal for those looking for a relaxed, classic safari lodge experience in a beautiful setting.

Très bon établissement. Tente confortable et propre. Personnel très attentionné. ( Nous avons même eu une bouillotte dans notre lit)! Superbe vue.

The highlights are the location and the staff. Situated in the amazing Ol Pejeta, and looking out over a busy waterhole. The staff are wonderful - every one of them. The manager is hands-on, and highly visible and attentive. Food is excellent - variety and quality. Looking forward to my next visit already!