Lake Elementeita Serena Camp
Lake Elementeita Serena Camp Photos
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp, Soysambu Conservancy, Kenya - Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp is a five-star luxury tented camp on the shore of Lake Elmenteita, inside Soysambu Conservancy in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. The camp has 24 deluxe tents and one Flamingo Suite, set among acacia trees with views towards the lake. Guests can combine a comfortable lakeside stay with guided birdwatching, nature walks, game drives, horse riding and private dining experiences.
This is one of our strongest recommendations in Elementaita for travellers who want more than a room overlooking the lake. Its setting places you within a conservancy, where the landscape, birdlife and wildlife become part of the stay. It is especially appealing for couples, birdwatchers, honeymooners and guests travelling through the Rift Valley on a longer Kenya safari.
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp is also commonly called Serena Elementaita, Elementaita Serena Camp or Serena Camp Lake Elementaita. The camp lies in Nakuru County, within driving distance of Nairobi and Lake Nakuru National Park.
2026 Kenyan resident rates start from KSh 21,000 per person sharing per night on full board for selected Sunday-to-Thursday dates from 1 October to 22 December 2026. The rate depends on your dates, occupancy, residency and tent category. Ask us to confirm availability and the complete cost of any activities before booking.
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Elmenteita shoreline, Soysambu Conservancy, Nakuru County |
| Type of stay | Five-star luxury tented safari camp |
| Accommodation | 24 deluxe king or twin tents and one Flamingo Suite |
| Setting | Acacia trees, conservancy landscape and lake views |
| Meal plan on displayed resident tariff | Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Headline 2026 resident rate | From KSh 21,000 per person sharing per night on selected dates |
| Conservancy fees | Included in the resident tariff displayed below |
| Activities | Birdwatching, guided walks, day and night game drives, horse riding, archery and special dining |
| Facilities | Heated outdoor pool, dining verandah, bar, Maisha spa treatments, boutique and meeting space |
| Best for | Couples, honeymooners, birdwatchers, luxury short breaks and safari stopovers |
| Recommended stay | Two nights for time to enjoy the camp and at least one guided activity |
| Access | By road from Nairobi; charter air access can be arranged |
Five reasons to stay at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
- Sleep beside Lake Elmenteita inside the wildlife-rich Soysambu Conservancy.
- Explore the lakeshore with a guide who knows its birdlife.
- Pair comfortable tented accommodation with a genuine safari setting.
- Celebrate special occasions with private dining and lakeside views.
- Break a longer Kenya safari with two restorative nights.
Our assessment of Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp succeeds because its location and activities work together. The lake is the visual centrepiece, but guests also have access to the wider Soysambu Conservancy. You can begin the day with a guided walk, spend the afternoon by the pool and arrange a game drive or sundowner later. That variety makes a two-night stay more rewarding than a simple overnight stop.
The accommodation retains the feeling of a traditional tented safari camp while providing the comforts expected at this price point. The deluxe tents have proper beds, ensuite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and private outdoor sitting areas. The single Flamingo Suite adds considerably more space and is the camp’s most distinctive option for a honeymoon or anniversary.
We particularly like this camp for travellers who enjoy being close to nature without committing every hour to a game drive. It offers room for both activity and quiet time. The lakeshore, acacia trees and changing light give photographers plenty to work with, while the conservancy’s birdlife makes even a short guided walk worthwhile.
There are two points to understand before booking. First, flamingos and other wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Their presence and numbers change with conditions around the lake. Second, a full-board accommodation rate does not automatically include every guided experience. We recommend choosing your preferred activities while requesting the room quote, so the total price is clear from the start.
Best for
Couples and honeymooners: The private verandas, Flamingo Suite, spa treatments and special dining arrangements lend themselves to a romantic stay.
Birdwatchers: Guided lakeshore outings provide a more rewarding experience than watching from the camp alone. Soysambu Conservancy has a wide range of habitats and more than 450 recorded bird species.
Nairobi residents planning a short break: The camp is close enough for a two-night getaway while feeling removed from a conventional city hotel.
Safari travellers: Lake Elmenteita makes a useful stop on itineraries linking Lake Nakuru and Naivasha with destinations such as Ol Pejeta, Samburu and the Masai Mara.
Small celebrations: The setting suits anniversaries, milestone birthdays, intimate weddings and private group stays.
Consider another property if…
- You prefer a conventional hotel room to canvas tented accommodation.
- Your main priority is finding the cheapest room in Elementaita.
- You need three adults accommodated in one tent; the displayed tariff states that triples are unavailable.
- You expect Lake Nakuru National Park drives to be included automatically in your room rate.
- A guaranteed large flamingo gathering is the deciding factor for your trip.
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp location
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp sits on the Lake Elmenteita shoreline within Soysambu Conservancy in Nakuru County. It is a Rift Valley property, not a hotel in Nakuru town or a resort on Lake Naivasha.
That distinction matters when planning activities. The camp’s immediate setting is the lake and conservancy. Lake Nakuru National Park is a separate destination that can be visited on an excursion, with its own park-entry and transport arrangements.
Lake Elmenteita forms part of the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, recognised for its ecological importance alongside Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria. The lake setting draws many guests, but the conservancy around it is equally important to the experience.
For self-drive guests, we recommend requesting the camp’s current approach directions and gate instructions before setting off. A map pin alone may not provide enough detail for the final section of the journey.
Getting there and approximate journey times
| Journey | Approximate planning time | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi to Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp | About 2–3 hours by road | Nairobi traffic and your starting point can affect the journey |
| Naivasha to the camp | About 1–1½ hours | Allow for your exact Naivasha hotel and route |
| Camp to Lake Nakuru National Park area | About 30–60 minutes | Timing depends on the chosen gate and road conditions |
| Nairobi by charter flight | Quoted according to aircraft and routing | Airstrip access and ground transfers must be arranged together |
These times are useful for planning, but they are not guaranteed transfer durations. We can include private road transport if you prefer not to self-drive.
The camp also works within a longer safari itinerary. Travellers heading from Samburu or Ol Pejeta towards Naivasha and the Masai Mara often want a comfortable break in the Rift Valley. A stay here can provide that pause while still offering meaningful birding and wildlife activities.
How many nights should you stay?
One night works as a comfortable stopover, especially when travelling between destinations. You may have time for a relaxed dinner and a short activity, depending on arrival and departure times.
Two nights is our preferred choice. It allows a full day for a guided walk or game drive, time at the pool and the option of a special meal without rushing.
Three nights suits guests who want a slower holiday, a Lake Nakuru excursion or a mix of conservancy activities and spa time.
Advantages and points to consider
| Advantages | Points to consider |
|---|---|
| Lakeside position inside Soysambu Conservancy | Flamingos and other wildlife are never guaranteed |
| Small camp with 24 deluxe tents and one suite | The Flamingo Suite has limited availability |
| Guided birding, walks, riding and drives can be arranged | Activities need to be priced and booked separately |
| Full-board resident rates displayed for defined 2026 periods | Rates change by date, residency and occupancy |
| Suitable for both short breaks and longer safari routes | One night gives limited time to enjoy the setting |
| Distinctive tented accommodation with modern comforts | Tent occupancy may require more than one unit for families |
How does it compare with other Elementaita hotels?
Elementaita offers different kinds of stays: lakeside tented camps, larger resorts, country lodges and hotels used mainly as convenient Rift Valley stopovers. The right choice depends on whether your priority is the setting, room style, activities, facilities or price.
| If your priority is… | Our guidance |
|---|---|
| A luxury tented safari experience | Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp is one of the clearest fits |
| Guided conservancy activities | Serena’s location within Soysambu is a major advantage |
| A conventional hotel building | Compare other Elementaita hotels with standard rooms |
| A lower accommodation budget | Ask us to compare hotels using the same dates and meal plan |
| A honeymoon or anniversary | Consider the Flamingo Suite and a private dining experience |
| An overnight road stop | Compare the full cost against how much time you will actually spend at camp |
We recommend comparing like with like. A lower room rate elsewhere may exclude meals or activities, while a higher quote may include private transport or a guide. We can prepare a side-by-side comparison based on your actual travel dates and requirements.
Check rates and plan your stay
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp is at its best when the itinerary gives you time to enjoy both the camp and the conservancy. For most guests, we recommend two nights: arrive and settle in, spend a full day on a guided experience, then leave after a relaxed breakfast.
Tell us whether you want an accommodation-only booking, a private road package from Nairobi, or a longer safari that includes Lake Elmenteita. We can also include a Lake Nakuru excursion, a private game drive, birdwatching or a celebration meal.
To receive an accurate quote, provide:
- Check-in and check-out dates
- Number of adults and children, with each child’s age
- Kenyan resident or non-resident status
- Deluxe king, deluxe twin or Flamingo Suite preference
- Transport requirements
- Activities you want included
- Any dietary needs or special occasion
Highlights
- Luxury Tented Camp
- All Inclusive Accommodation
- Romantic Backdrop
- Perfect for Couples and Adults
- Game Drives opportunities
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp Prices
What are the 2026 Prices for Serena Elementaita Camp?
Here are Serena Elementaita Camp Resident Rates:
Serena Elementaita Camp Rates
| Room Rates, Per Night | Sun – Thu Prices, Per Night | Fri & Sat Prices, Per Night | ||
| Deluxe Luxury Tent Prices | Sharing | Single |
Sharing | Single |
| 1st Jul 2026 – 30th Sep 2026 | KES 22,900/- PPS | KES 33,500/- PP | KES 25,300/- PPS | KES 35,900/- PP |
| 1st Oct 2026 – 22nd Dec 2026 | KES 21,000/- PPS | KES 29,600/- PP | KES 24,800/- PPS | KES 35,900/- PP |
Lake Elementaita Serena Camp Rates/Prices are in KES, Per Person(Full Board), Per Night
Soysambu Conservancy Fees included
Child policy and family accommodation
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp can suit families with older children, particularly those interested in birds, wildlife and guided outdoor activities. The tent layout and the displayed child policy need attention before making plans, however.
| Child’s age | Child rate shown on the displayed resident tariff |
|---|---|
| Under 3 years | Not permitted |
| 3–5 years | Free when sharing |
| 6–12 years sharing with an adult | 50% of the per-person-sharing rate |
| 13–17 years sharing with an adult | 75% of the per-person-sharing rate |
| 6–17 years in their own room | 75% of the per-person-sharing rate |
The same tariff states no triples. For a family, the most useful first step is to tell us the age of every child and the number of adults. We will then confirm a workable tent arrangement and the applicable price rather than assuming that an extra bed can be added.
Some activities may also have age, supervision or safety requirements. Horse riding, night drives and guided walks should be discussed when booking if children are travelling.
Rooms and accommodation options at Serena Elementaita Camp
Deluxe King Tent
The Deluxe King Tent is the natural starting point for a couple. It has a king-size bed with mosquito netting, a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom with double vanities and a spacious shower. Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities add convenience without taking away from the safari-camp atmosphere.
Each deluxe king tent measures approximately 28 square metres and accommodates up to two people. The private veranda provides a place to sit outdoors, watch the light change over the landscape or unwind after a guided activity.
The interiors draw on classic safari styling, with warm finishes and carefully furnished spaces. This is a comfortable tented stay rather than a basic camping experience. At the same time, guests should book it because they enjoy a camp setting: sounds from the surrounding environment are part of staying close to nature.
Deluxe Twin Tent
The Deluxe Twin Tent has two separate beds and is suitable for friends or relatives travelling together. It offers broadly similar comfort to the king option, including an ensuite bathroom, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities and a private outdoor area.
Twin availability should be requested specifically. If two travellers require separate beds, note that in the initial enquiry so the correct category can be checked before confirmation.
Flamingo Suite
The Flamingo Suite is the camp’s signature accommodation, with only one available. It has a separate king bedroom, a furnished lounge, television, mini-fridge, private veranda and a bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi with a lake outlook.
We recommend it for honeymooners, anniversary trips and guests who expect to spend substantial time enjoying their accommodation. The separate lounge makes a noticeable difference on a longer stay, while the private veranda creates a comfortable setting for quiet time together.
Because there is just one Flamingo Suite, it is worth checking availability as soon as your dates are reasonably firm. If the suite is unavailable, we can still help arrange a special stay in a deluxe king tent with appropriate dining or activity additions.
Which tent should you book?
| Tent category | Best choice for | Main distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe King Tent | Couples | King bed and private veranda |
| Deluxe Twin Tent | Friends or relatives sharing | Two separate beds |
| Flamingo Suite | Honeymoons and special occasions | Separate lounge, greater privacy and Jacuzzi |
Dining, restaurant and meal plans at Serena Elementaita Camp
Meals are a meaningful part of the stay at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp. The main dining verandah looks towards the pool and a nearby watering hole, with indoor and outdoor seating. The dining arrangements may include buffet selections, à la carte dishes or set menus according to the meal and the day.
On a full-board booking, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included under the applicable tariff. Tell us about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other dietary requirements before arrival so they can be communicated with the booking. If a particular meal is important to you, it is sensible to ask about the arrangements for your travel dates rather than relying on an example menu.
The camp also offers experiences beyond its regular dining service. A lakeside breakfast can turn an ordinary morning into a special occasion, while a private bush dinner creates a memorable evening for a couple or small group. These arrangements need advance notice and an additional quote. Minimum guest numbers may apply.
Guests searching for the Elementaita Serena menu should bear in mind that dishes and service styles can change. We can request the current menu or help confirm suitable choices for a dietary need or celebration.
Is Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp all inclusive?
The resident tariff shown on this page is full board, which means accommodation and the three standard daily meals under the booked plan. It should not be read as an all-inclusive package covering every drink, game drive, guided walk or private dining arrangement. Your confirmation should state any added inclusions by name.
Facilities at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Heated swimming pool
The outdoor heated pool gives guests a welcome break between activities. It is particularly useful on a two-night stay, when there is time to enjoy the camp rather than arriving late and leaving early. Confirm current pool arrangements if swimming is a central reason for your trip.
Maisha spa treatments
Massage and beauty treatments are available for guests who want a slower afternoon. A treatment pairs naturally with a morning walk or drive, especially on an anniversary or honeymoon stay. Appointments and prices should be confirmed in advance.
Lounge, bar and boutique
The shared lounge and bar provide places to relax outside your tent, while the Sogonoi Boutique offers a selection of purchases and gifts. These facilities make it easy to spend unhurried time at camp.
Conferences, weddings and private celebrations
The camp has a tented meeting venue and spaces that can be arranged for private occasions. Its relatively small accommodation inventory makes it particularly suited to intimate events. For a wedding, retreat or group celebration, ask for an event proposal that covers the venue, accommodation, meals, equipment and any private-use arrangements.
Things to do at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
The best way to plan this stay is to choose one or two activities that genuinely interest you, then leave enough unscheduled time to enjoy the lake setting. Most experiences should be arranged before arrival.
Guided birdwatching
Lake Elmenteita and the wider Soysambu landscape are important for birdlife. A guided outing helps you identify species, understand their habitats and make better use of the time than a casual walk with no local knowledge.
Flamingos are among the lake’s best-known visitors, and great white pelicans are another notable reason birders come to the area. Numbers and locations vary, however. The conservancy’s 450-plus recorded bird species reflect its broad diversity; they are not a checklist that can be completed during one visit.
Ask about the most suitable outing for your level of interest. A keen birder may want a more focused early session, while a family may prefer a shorter introductory walk.
Nature walks
A guided nature walk changes the pace of a safari. Instead of viewing the landscape through a vehicle window, you can look more closely at animal tracks, plants, geology and the smaller details that are easily missed on a drive.
Walks take place with an appropriate guide and according to current conditions. Guests should use guided routes and follow the camp’s instructions within the conservancy.
Day game drives in Soysambu Conservancy
A drive in Soysambu offers a chance to look for giraffes, zebra, antelope, buffalo and other wildlife across the conservancy’s varied landscape. Predators may also be present, but any particular sighting is a matter of luck, timing and conditions.
Before confirming a drive, ask whether it is shared or private, how long it lasts, whether a naturalist accompanies the vehicle and what is included in the activity price. If wildlife photography is a priority, tell us so we can discuss the most suitable arrangement.
Night game drives
A night drive reveals animals and behaviour that a daytime outing may miss. It is a distinctive advantage of staying in a conservancy where such an activity can be arranged under its rules.
A night game drive is a separate, chargeable activity. It does not promise sightings of lions, leopards or any other species. The appeal is the experience of exploring with a guide after dark and seeing how different the landscape feels.
Horse riding
Guided horse riding offers another way to experience Soysambu’s open spaces and scenery. Availability, rider experience requirements and suitability for children should be confirmed before adding it to an itinerary.
Archery and slower afternoons
Archery provides an activity close to camp for guests who want a change from driving or walking. Alternatively, a poolside afternoon can be exactly what makes the stay enjoyable. We would not fill every available hour with excursions at a camp whose location is part of its appeal.
Special breakfasts, bush dinners and sundowners
A lakeside breakfast, cliff-top sundowner or private dinner is worth considering for a birthday, proposal, honeymoon or anniversary. These experiences may have minimum numbers and weather-dependent arrangements. We can quote the option that best fits your group and occasion.
Weddings and Honeymoons
Imagine exchanging vows in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kenya's Great Rift Valley. Serena Elementaita Camp offers a breathtaking destination for your dream wedding or honeymoon.
For those seeking a breathtaking destination for their wedding or honeymoon, Serena Elementaita Camp is an ideal choice. Nestled in the heart of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, the camp offers unparalleled natural beauty and luxurious accommodations for an unforgettable experience.
Couples can exchange vows in a picturesque setting overlooking Lake Elementaita, surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife. The dedicated team works closely with clients to create personalized wedding packages tailored to their unique preferences and needs.
For honeymooners, the well-appointed tents provide the perfect setting for a romantic and intimate getaway. Couples can relax in style and enjoy nature walks, boat rides on the lake, and indulge in a range of spa treatments for a truly unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Serena Elementaita Camp takes pride in offering exceptional service, attention to detail, and a commitment to making each special day or honeymoon as memorable and magical as possible. Contact the camp today to start planning a dream wedding or honeymoon in the heart of Kenya's Great Rift Valley.
Weddings and Private Events at Serena Elementaita
As a top Hotel in Lake Elementaita and Naivasha, Serena Elmentaita Camp offers full wedding planning services. Wow your guests with a destination wedding in Kenya and at an inimitable setting. The Team at Serena Elmentaita Camp will help you arrange the wedding ceremony, paperwork and all other logistics, so you can concentrate on the happy event. This luxury Camp in Lake Elmenteita also provides romantic extras like a honeymoon suite, champagne breakfast in bed and private bush dinners for an extra-memorable experience.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp located?
The camp is on the shore of Lake Elmenteita within Soysambu Conservancy, Nakuru County, Kenya. It is in the Great Rift Valley, within driving distance of Nairobi and Lake Nakuru National Park.
Is it Lake Elmenteita or Lake Elementaita?
Both spellings are commonly used in searches. The camp uses Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp as its name, while Elementaita is widely used for the destination and appears in searches such as “Elementaita Serena Camp” and “Elementaita hotels.”
Is Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp a hotel?
It is a five-star luxury tented camp. Guests stay in furnished tents with ensuite bathrooms, beds, Wi-Fi and private outdoor sitting areas, rather than in conventional hotel rooms.
How many rooms does the camp have?
The camp has 24 deluxe tents and one Flamingo Suite. Deluxe tents are available in king and twin configurations, subject to availability.
What is the price per night?
The displayed 2026 Kenyan resident tariff starts from KSh 21,000 per person sharing per night on full board for selected Sunday-to-Thursday dates between 1 October and 22 December 2026. Weekend, single, suite and non-resident prices differ.
Is the quoted price per person or per room?
The resident sharing rates in our table are per person per night. Two adults sharing one deluxe tent each pay the applicable sharing rate. The single rate is for one person occupying a tent alone.
Are Soysambu Conservancy fees included?
They are listed as included in the resident tariff displayed on this page. The terms of any new or different package should still be checked on its written quote.
Are game drives included?
Do not assume a game drive is included with the full-board accommodation rate. Tell us whether you want a day drive, night drive, shared arrangement or private vehicle, and we will show the cost in your quote.
Can guests see flamingos at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp?
Flamingos visit the lake, but sightings and numbers change. The camp is an excellent base for enjoying the lakeside environment and birdlife, without any guaranteed species count on a particular date.
Can we visit Lake Nakuru National Park?
Yes. A Lake Nakuru visit can be arranged as a separate excursion. It requires suitable transport and applicable national park entry fees. Let us know if this is a priority so we can plan enough time.
Does the camp have a swimming pool and spa?
Yes. It has a heated outdoor pool and offers Maisha spa treatments. Spa appointments are charged separately and should be reserved in advance when possible.
Does the camp allow children?
The displayed resident tariff permits children from age three and sets different rates according to age and room arrangement. Children under three are shown as not permitted under that tariff. Send us each child’s age so we can verify the policy and tent allocation for your booking.
Is Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp suitable for a honeymoon?
Yes. The lakeside setting, Flamingo Suite, spa treatments and private dining options make it particularly suitable for honeymoon and anniversary stays. We recommend requesting any celebration arrangements before arrival.
Can I book a flying package?
Charter air access can be arranged as part of a wider itinerary. The flight, airstrip arrangements and transfers require a tailored quote. For many short stays from Nairobi, road travel is the simpler option.
How do I book Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp?
Send us your travel dates, number of adults, children’s ages, residency status, preferred tent type and any activities you would like. We will check availability and provide a quote showing the accommodation, meals, fees and selected extras.
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