Kenya is a wide ranging nation—irrespective of what number of instances you discover it, there’s all the time a street much less traveled, all the time a motive to pack your bag, hit the street, and chase the magic hidden simply past the following hill. No marvel we name it Magical Kenya.
Two weeks prior, I acquired an invite from Serena Resorts to go to Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp. I’d by no means stayed at this specific camp, however the street wasn’t unfamiliar. I’d handed it earlier than on my approach to Soysambu Ranch—drawn by the roar of rally automobiles and the frenzy of mud trails for the final three years through the WRC Safari Rally in March. Even then, part of me had questioned what lay past that quiet turnoff. And eventually, it appears the Good Lord smiled on me—I used to be about to expertise this place.
These days, I’ve developed a quiet little behavior—packing on the morning of my journey. There’s one thing calming about it, nearly ritualistic. I’m normally up by 5am, the world nonetheless hushed, town not fairly awake. I transfer slowly, intentionally—folding garments, zipping baggage, going by way of my psychological guidelines because the solar begins to rise. It’s my manner of easing into journey, letting the anticipation construct gently earlier than I lastly step out the door.
The night time earlier than had introduced a gradual, whispering rain over Nairobi, wrapping town in a blanket of chilly and mist—the sort that makes you exclaim, “Weuh!” However by morning, it was as if the skies had reset the temper completely—daylight poured in like a comfortable blessing, heat and golden, draping all the things in quiet brilliance. The climate was excellent—the sort that stirs one thing hopeful inside you. That heat, sunny Kenyan climate.
At precisely 8:30am, I stepped out of the home and made my approach to Nairobi Serena Lodge, our assembly level for the journey forward with just a few associates we’d be touring with. However first issues first—breakfast. How I really like the sound of that. The welcoming employees took our baggage for safekeeping, whereas others led us to the breakfast website.
Contained in the Moroccan-styled Café Maghreb, breakfast felt like a heat embrace. The buffet was beneficiant and superbly laid out—with glowing chafing dishes, contemporary fruit preparations, and the scent of buttery pastries wafting by way of the air. As we gathered over steaming espresso and simple chatter, I met the nice and cozy faces I’d be journeying with—kindred spirits on a shared path to Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp.
By 10am, with laughter within the air and the heat of Serena’s hospitality—led by JoyceAnn Wangui, Regional Gross sales Director · Serena Resorts—nonetheless lingering, we had been gently ushered to our ready chariots: immaculate Land Cruisers, their engines buzzing softly, prepared to hold us into the following chapter. Nothing will get me so excited for a street journey like these Land cruisers. Off we left the Lodge in a convoy of two automobiles.
There was a little bit of visitors (the standard Nairobi Friday variety) as we left town, gliding by way of the roads and onto Waiyaki Approach. Our first and solely cease was at The Nice Rift Valley Viewpoint. It’s all the time a sight to behold—take images, purchase just a few artifacts, and simply soak all of it in. That view. That crisp, contemporary air.
We continued for most likely one other hour and a half, and eventually turned off-road from the Nairobi Nakuru Freeway, into Soysambu Conservancy, the place the camp is positioned. We arrived just some minutes earlier than 1 o’clock.
As we drove by way of Soysambu Conservancy, the panorama shifted—changing into wilder, quieter, extra untouched. The form of place that makes you instinctively decrease your voice and simply… breathe. Acacia timber stood like quiet sentinels alongside the dusty path, and right here and there, zebras, giraffes and gazelles grazed lazily, unbothered by our presence. You start to grasp why this area is so beloved. There’s a uncooked, sacred stillness to it.
Tucked amongst golden-barked acacia timber and framed by the shadow of historical volcanoes, is the gorgeous Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp. The camp sits gently alongside the shores of Lake Elmenteita—a lesser-known flamingo haven inside the Soysambu Conservancy. It’s shut sufficient for a weekend escape, but far sufficient to really feel fully faraway from town’s hum.
That is no unusual tented camp. It’s a superbly saved, upscale safari retreat with simply 24 luxurious tents—each mixing the allure of canvas with the consolation of a five-star resort. You may sense the quiet satisfaction in its design: all the things feels intentional, elegant, and serene. And there’s one thing about this setting—the lake, the historical past, the stillness—that makes time slowdown in the easiest way. The view of the lake from wherever within the camp was actually considered one of my favorite views.
We had been welcomed by the group led by Camp Supervisor Lameck Kimaru, with good heat towels, a glass of prosecco, and that signature Serena smile that all the time appears like residence, irrespective of the place you’re within the nation. All I may marvel at is the Lake actually infront of us with a few Zebras simply by the shores. That is actually the Magical Kenya we maintain speaking about. I took a few moments to stroll round after which went again to the foyer for test in.
Verify in was clean, took a few jiffy. After check-in, we had been proven to our tents—and calling them “tents” nearly feels unfair. These had been elegant, spacious canvas suites with wood flooring, cozy beds wearing crisp linens, and verandas that opened out to sweeping views of the lake and its flamingo-dotted shores. There’s a form of quiet luxurious right here—nothing overdone, simply considerate element, consolation, and nature seamlessly intertwined. I took time to take pics with my telephone and ship to my associates again in Nairobi who had been desirous to see this place through my images and Instagram. After all, I acquired the largest tent, goes with out saying.
We had simply sufficient time to clean up earlier than lunch, which was arrange below the shade of timber, overlooking the water. The breeze was mild, the dialog simple. Afterwards, we had a while to relaxation, unwind, and simply take all of it in. The form of quiet you don’t get within the metropolis wrapped itself across the camp like a comfortable cloak. I retreated to my tent, took a protracted, sizzling bathe, and sat for a second on the veranda, letting the stillness settle into my bones.
By 4pm, we gathered once more for a day recreation drive. The golden mild had begun to stretch throughout the plains, casting lengthy shadows and bathing all the things in a comfortable, amber hue—it was that magical time of day when the land glows, quiet and reverent. Our Land Cruisers rumbled gently by way of the conservancy, guided by our extremely educated driver, Mohammed. A strolling encyclopedia of the bush, he introduced the panorama to life with each phrase.
As we drove previous herds of zebras, waterbucks, and swish giraffes transferring languidly by way of the timber, Mohammed identified birds—so many birds. From lilac-breasted rollers flashing their technicolor wings, to secretary birds striding throughout the grasslands, topped cranes dancing in pairs, and fish eagles perched like sentinels over the lake. He informed us, with a quiet satisfaction, that Kenya is residence to over 1,100 fowl species—almost a 3rd of the world’s identified birds. Out of the blue, each flutter turned important. Chook watching isn’t only a passing curiosity right here; it ought to be a nationwide treasure.
The birdsong was fixed, like nature’s personal soundtrack. The air was cool and earthy, crammed with the scent of untamed sage and sun-warmed acacias. As we climbed a small ridge, we stopped for a sundowner—crisp drinks served because the solar slipped slowly behind the hills, setting the sky ablaze with hues of tangerine, rose gold, and dusty lilac. We stood in silence for a second, every of us caught within the quiet grip of awe. It was that sacred Kenyan hour—when the bush holds its breath, and time, only for some time, forgets to maneuver.
Then, again to camp. Dinner awaited—one other scrumptious course of heat dishes, pleasant laughter, and tales shared over candlelight. There’s a sure ease that comes with days like these—when nature units the tempo and all you must do is comply with. I beloved each second of this.
Right here, it appears the times unfold gently: simple, undisturbed recreation drives by way of the conservancy, moments of quiet on the spa, horseback rides into the bush, or just lounging as birdsong echoes throughout the water. The camp is steeped within the wealthy cultural and pure historical past of Soysambu, but each nook is fashionable, thoughtfully curated, and deeply enjoyable.
The subsequent morning started with breakfast by the lake—a scene straight out of a journey journal.
Tables had been set on the shores of the lake, the lake stretched out earlier than us like glass, and flamingos waded gracefully alongside the shallows. The solar mild, and all the things about that morning felt like a quiet form of magic. We lingered over contemporary juices, eggs made to order, croissants, and the simple rhythm of excellent firm. I don’t assume we actually respect such moments…..This nation, KENYA is really breathtaking and superb.
After breakfast, we had a delicate pause—an hour or so to ourselves. Some wandered the lodge grounds, others curled up with books or let the view do all of the speaking. Others took off to the spa.
Then got here one of many day’s most memorable experiences: horseback driving by way of the bush and all the way down to the lake.
The place else do you get this exercise within the wild proper? Guided by an knowledgeable rider, we mounted our horses and set off into the wild. There’s a quiet form of intimacy that comes with driving—no engine, no rush—simply you and the horse, inhaling sync, transferring as one by way of a panorama that feels each historical and alive. Off we went for an adventure- one that really makes this place considered one of a sort, if you happen to ask me.
As we emerged from the thickets, the lake got here into view—calm, glistening, timeless. The horses, sensing the change in air and terrain, perked up as we reached the water’s edge. Some trotted nearer, gently splashing by way of the shallows, clearly relaxed by the lapping waves. It was a second of easy pleasure—the solar on our backs, the scent of untamed grass within the air, the water shimmering like glass. Peaceable. Uncooked. Soulful. A form of freedom you don’t quickly neglect. This was my favourite exercise of all.
We returned in time for lunch, which was once more a scrumptious, the unmistakable satisfaction that comes after spending a morning outside. I went to have a nap within the afternoon, whereas others took turns at archery (some surprisingly good goal amongst us!). Cool proper? What I really like about this place is that they’ve so many actions to maintain you busy, if you would like.
I awoke from a blissful afternoon nap at 4pm and determined to take a dip within the pool—sure, it’s heated, and sure, it’s divine. As a substitute of becoming a member of the night recreation drive, I opted for one thing somewhat totally different (and barely adventurous): the night time drive. After a comfortable dinner, we bundled up and hopped into the Land Cruiser at 9pm, headlights reducing by way of the darkness as we set off into the conservancy.
There’s one thing thrilling about being out within the wild at night time—all the things feels extra mysterious, extra alive. The air was cool, the celebrities scattered above us, and the quiet was often damaged by the rustle of motion within the bush. In simply an hour, we noticed buffaloes grazing within the shadows, and zebras, their stripes ghostlike below the moonlight. It was an entire new aspect of the safari—wild, quiet, and splendidly surreal.
Three days and two nights at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp felt so good. From horse rides alongside the lake’s edge to sundowners below flaming skies, recreation drives by way of golden grasslands, lazy swims in a heated pool, and the fun of an evening safari—each second was a reminder of how superbly wild and restorative Kenya might be. It was a Friday to Sunday escape, however it provided a lot extra: a reset, a deep breath, a return to self. Tucked within the quiet allure of Soysambu Conservancy, this camp is a hidden gem that deserves to be skilled. I’ll positively be again—and if stillness, nature, and comfortable journey name to you, possibly it is best to too.
The submit From Bush Dinners to Yoga, Horseback Rides to Tented Luxury: A Weekend at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp appeared first on Capital Lifestyle.
