The alkaline lake’s rocky islands are the only East African nesting site for great white pelicans
Location: Serena Camp sits on the quiet shores of Lake Elmenteita, within Kenya’s Soysambu Conservancy - a privately-owned sanctuary that feels wonderfully off the radar. You’re halfway between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, which means easy access to some of the Rift Valley’s best birdlife and game viewing, but with far fewer crowds. The lake itself shimmers with soda-rich shallows that regularly draw in flamingos, pelicans, and other waders, while the surrounding bush and grasslands are home to plains game, leopard, and even the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. It’s a peaceful, scenic setting with big skies and a sense of space that’s increasingly hard to come by.
Rooms: The tents here strike that sweet spot between comfort and character. Raised slightly on platforms and spread out for privacy, each canvas tent has a solid roof and polished wooden floors, so it feels more like a rustic cottage than a typical tented room. Inside, you’ve got a proper bed with crisp linen, en-suite bathroom with hot running water, and a private veranda that looks straight out over the lake. Décor is earthy and natural, with a few thoughtful flourishes - nothing flashy, but all very tastefully done. It’s a peaceful place to wake up, especially when you unzip the canvas and catch sight of the lake in the early morning light.
Amenities: While the camp keeps its footprint light, it still manages to offer everything you need for a relaxed and comfortable stay. The main mess tent serves as a dining area and lounge, with soft seating and panoramic views of the lake - ideal for birdwatching with a coffee or sundowner in hand. Meals are freshly prepared using local ingredients and often served under the stars. There’s a small pool tucked away in the gardens, perfect for a midday dip, and a firepit area where guests gather in the evenings. Service is warm and personal, with staff who genuinely go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Activities: Days here can be as active or as laid-back as you like. Game drives in the Soysambu Conservancy are a real highlight, with a good chance of spotting giraffe, buffalo, warthog, and even lions if you’re lucky. The birdlife is superb year-round, with over 450 recorded species, including the dramatic arrival of flamingos when conditions are right. You can also head out on guided nature walks with local guides who know the area inside out, or take a trip to Lake Nakuru National Park for a more traditional safari experience. Cultural visits to nearby communities can be arranged too, offering an insight into local life away from the safari trail.
Sustainability: Serena Camp operates with a strong commitment to conservation and community, which shows in the details. Being part of the Soysambu Conservancy means your stay directly supports habitat protection and wildlife conservation in a critical part of the Rift Valley. The camp uses solar power for much of its energy, recycles greywater, and sources produce locally wherever possible. Staff are hired from surrounding communities, and Serena runs training and education programmes to build skills and create long-term employment. It’s a thoughtful, low-impact operation that puts genuine care into treading lightly while making a positive difference locally.
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Best places to stay in Rift Valley Lakes
Rift Valley Lakes Trip Inspiration
When to visit Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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