Kenya is a breathtaking country--no matter how many times you explore it, there's always a road less traveled, always a reason to pack your bag, hit the road, and chase the magic hidden just beyond the next hill. No wonder we call it Magical Kenya.
Two weeks prior, I received an invitation from Serena Hotels to visit Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp. I'd never stayed at this particular camp, but the road wasn't unfamiliar. I'd passed it before on my way to Soysambu Ranch--drawn by the roar of rally cars and the rush of dust trails for the last three years during the WRC Safari Rally in March. Even then, a part of me had wondered what lay beyond that quiet turnoff. And finally, it seems the Good Lord smiled on me--I was about to experience this place.
Lately, I've developed a quiet little habit--packing on the morning of my journey. There's something calming about it, almost ritualistic. I'm usually up by 5am, the world still hushed, the city not quite awake. I move slowly, deliberately--folding clothes, zipping bags, going through my mental checklist as the sun begins to rise. It's my way of easing into travel, letting the anticipation build gently before I finally step out the door.
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The night before had brought a steady, whispering rain over Nairobi, wrapping the city in a blanket of cold and mist--the kind that makes you exclaim, "Weuh!" But by morning, it was as if the skies had reset the mood entirely--sunlight poured in like a soft blessing, warm and golden, draping everything in quiet brilliance. The weather was perfect--the kind that stirs something hopeful inside you. That warm, sunny Kenyan weather.
At exactly 8:30am, I stepped out of the house and made my way to Nairobi Serena Hotel, our meeting point for the journey ahead with a few friends we'd be traveling with. But first things first--breakfast. How I love the sound of that. The welcoming staff took our bags for safekeeping, while others led us to the breakfast site.
Inside the Madhari Restaurant, breakfast felt like a warm embrace. The buffet was generous and beautifully laid out--with glowing chafing dishes, fresh fruit arrangements, and the scent of buttery pastries wafting through the air. As we gathered over steaming coffee and easy chatter, I met the warm faces I'd be journeying with--kindred spirits on a shared path to Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp.
By 10am, with laughter in the air and the warmth of Serena's hospitality--led by JoyceAnn Wangui, Regional Sales Director · Serena Hotels--still lingering, we were gently ushered to our waiting chariots: immaculate Land Cruisers, their engines humming softly, ready to carry us into the next chapter. Nothing gets me so excited for a road trip like these Land cruisers. Off we left the Hotel in a convoy of two cars.
There was a bit of traffic (the usual Nairobi Friday kind) as we left the city, gliding through the roads and onto Waiyaki Way. Our first and only stop was at The Great Rift Valley Viewpoint. It's always a sight to behold--take photos, buy a few artifacts, and just soak it all in. That view. That crisp, fresh air.
We continued for probably another hour and a half, and finally turned off-road from the Nairobi Nakuru Highway, into Soysambu Conservancy, where the camp is located. We arrived just a few minutes before 1 o'clock.
As we drove through Soysambu Conservancy, the landscape shifted--becoming wilder, quieter, more untouched. The kind of place that makes you instinctively lower your voice and just... breathe. Acacia trees stood like quiet sentinels along the dusty path, and here and there, zebras, giraffes and gazelles grazed lazily, unbothered by our presence. You begin to understand why this region is so beloved. There's a raw, sacred stillness to it.
Tucked among golden-barked acacia trees and framed by the shadow of ancient volcanoes, is the beautiful Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp. The camp sits gently along the shores of Lake Elmenteita--a lesser-known flamingo haven within the Soysambu Conservancy. It's close enough for a weekend escape, yet far enough to feel completely removed from the city's hum.
This is no ordinary tented camp. It's a beautifully kept, upscale safari retreat with just 24 luxury tents--each one blending the charm of canvas with the comfort of a five-star hotel. You can sense the quiet pride in its design: everything feels intentional, elegant, and serene. And there's something about this setting--the lake, the history, the stillness--that makes time slowdown in the best way. The view of the lake from anywhere in the camp was truly one of my favourite views.
We were welcomed by the team led by Camp Manager Lameck Kimaru, with nice warm towels, a glass of prosecco, and that signature Serena smile that always feels like home, no matter where you are in the country. All I could marvel at is the Lake literally infront of us with a couple of Zebras just by the shores. This is truly the Magical Kenya we keep talking about. I took a couple of moments to walk around and then went back to the lobby for check in.
Check in was smooth, took a couple of few minutes. After check-in, we were shown to our tents--and calling them "tents" almost feels unfair. These were elegant, spacious canvas suites with wooden floors, cozy beds dressed in crisp linens, and verandas that opened out to sweeping views of the lake and its flamingo-dotted shores. There's a kind of quiet luxury here--nothing overdone, just thoughtful detail, comfort, and nature seamlessly intertwined. I took time to take pics with my phone and send to my friends back in Nairobi who were eager to see this place via my photos and Instagram. Of course, I got the biggest tent, goes without saying.
We had just enough time to freshen up before lunch, which was set up under the shade of trees, overlooking the water. The breeze was gentle, the conversation easy. Afterwards, we had some time to rest, unwind, and just take it all in. The kind of quiet you don't get in the city wrapped itself around the camp like a soft cloak. I retreated to my tent, took a long, hot shower, and sat for a moment on the veranda, letting the stillness settle into my bones.
By 4pm, we gathered again for an afternoon game drive. The golden light had begun to stretch across the plains, casting long shadows and bathing everything in a soft, amber hue--it was that magical time of day when the land glows, quiet and reverent. Our Land Cruisers rumbled gently through the conservancy, guided by our incredibly knowledgeable driver, Mohammed. A walking encyclopedia of the bush, he brought the landscape to life with every word.
As we drove past herds of zebras, waterbucks, and graceful giraffes moving languidly through the trees, Mohammed pointed out birds--so many birds. From lilac-breasted rollers flashing their technicolor wings, to secretary birds striding across the grasslands, crowned cranes dancing in pairs, and fish eagles perched like sentinels over the lake. He told us, with a quiet pride, that Kenya is home to over 1,100 bird species--nearly a third of the world's known birds. Suddenly, every flutter became significant. Bird watching isn't just a passing interest here; it should be a national treasure.
The birdsong was constant, like nature's own soundtrack. The air was cool and earthy, filled with the scent of wild sage and sun-warmed acacias. As we climbed a small ridge, we stopped for a sundowner--crisp drinks served as the sun slipped slowly behind the hills, setting the sky ablaze with hues of tangerine, rose gold, and dusty lilac. We stood in silence for a moment, each of us caught in the quiet grip of awe. It was that sacred Kenyan hour--when the bush holds its breath, and time, just for a while, forgets to move.
Then, back to camp. Dinner awaited--another delicious course of warm dishes, friendly laughter, and stories shared over candlelight. There's a certain ease that comes with days like these--when nature sets the pace and all you have to do is follow. I loved every moment of this.
Here, it seems the days unfold gently: easy, undisturbed game drives through the conservancy, moments of quiet at the spa, horseback rides into the bush, or simply lounging as birdsong echoes across the water. The camp is steeped in the rich cultural and natural history of Soysambu, yet every corner is modern, thoughtfully curated, and deeply relaxing.
The next morning began with breakfast by the lake--a scene straight out of a travel magazine.
Tables were set on the shores of the lake, the lake stretched out before us like glass, and flamingos waded gracefully along the shallows. The sun gentle, and everything about that morning felt like a quiet kind of magic. We lingered over fresh juices, eggs made to order, croissants, and the easy rhythm of good company. I don't think we really appreciate such moments.....This country, KENYA is truly breathtaking and amazing.
After breakfast, we had a gentle pause--an hour or so to ourselves. Some wandered the lodge grounds, others curled up with books or let the view do all the talking. Others took off to the spa.
Then came one of the day's most memorable experiences: horseback riding through the bush and down to the lake.
Where else do you get this activity in the wild right? Guided by an expert rider, we mounted our horses and set off into the wild. There's a quiet kind of intimacy that comes with riding--no engine, no rush--just you and the horse, breathing in sync, moving as one through a landscape that feels both ancient and alive. Off we went for an adventure- one that truly makes this place one of a kind, if you ask me.
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As we emerged from the thickets, the lake came 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 closer, gently splashing through the shallows, clearly at ease by the lapping waves. It was a moment of simple joy--the sun on our backs, the scent of wild grass in the air, the water shimmering like glass. Peaceful. Raw. Soulful. A kind of freedom you don't soon forget. This was my favorite activity of all.
We returned in time for lunch, which was again a delicious, the unmistakable satisfaction that comes after spending a morning outdoors. I went to have a nap in the afternoon, while others took turns at archery (some surprisingly good aim among us!). Cool right? What I love about this place is that they have so many activities to keep you busy, if you want.
I woke up from a blissful afternoon nap at 4pm and decided to take a dip in the pool--yes, it's heated, and yes, it's divine. Instead of joining the evening game drive, I opted for something a little different (and slightly adventurous): the night drive. After a cozy dinner, we bundled up and hopped into the Land Cruiser at 9pm, headlights cutting through the darkness as we set off into the conservancy.
There's something thrilling about being out in the wild at night--everything feels more mysterious, more alive. The air was cool, the stars scattered above us, and the quiet was occasionally broken by the rustle of movement in the bush. In just an hour, we spotted buffaloes grazing in the shadows, and zebras, their stripes ghostlike under the moonlight. It was a whole new side of the safari--wild, quiet, and wonderfully surreal.
Three days and two nights at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp felt so good. From horse rides along the lake's edge to sundowners under flaming skies, game drives through golden grasslands, lazy swims in a heated pool, and the thrill of a night safari--every moment was a reminder of how beautifully wild and restorative Kenya can be. It was a Friday to Sunday escape, but it offered so much more: a reset, a deep breath, a return to self. Tucked in the quiet charm of Soysambu Conservancy, this camp is a hidden gem that deserves to be experienced. I'll definitely be back--and if stillness, nature, and soft adventure call to you, maybe you should too.
