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Ol Pejeta Sweetwaters Serena Camp

19
Apr
Ol Pejeta Sweetwaters Serena Camp

If you rise at dawn, and the 13 degree temps do not deter you, head on down to the lounge area and get a cup of tea - Kericho gold, nothing else. Take your cup and find a bench, I recommend the one with a free standing ashtray near the first tent. Sit down, take a deep breath and witness the magic of a Sweetwaters Serena Camp Ol Pejeta morning.

Vibrant oranges and mystic greys fill the sky as night gives in to day. Just beyond the watering hole, in the horizon, Mount Kenya rises in all her glory, her 3 distinct peaks - Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana - showing in the dawn light. It’s an awe inspiring and humbling sight.

Ol Pejeta sweetwaters

It’s very quiet at this hour, except the hub-hub of sleepy tourists trying to quickly drink something hot before they head out for the 6.30 am game drive. They all hope to spot doa-doa ya juu and doa-doa ya chini, the local description for the very elusive leopard and cheetah .

 

Sweetwaters Tented Campis a luxury tented camp within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Founded in the 1970s, the camp offers accommodation in 50 tents. The main building was once the home of the ranch manager and was converted for its present use. The camp also provides a great base to explore the conservancy with its myriad of attractions.

Attractions and Activities

Other than the stunning views, Ol Pejeta is the perfect getaway for the wildlife seeking traveler. Home to the big five and a large of variety of herbivores and bird life, it’s the premier sanctuary for many ofAfrica’s endangered species.However, the star attractions here are the Chimpanzee and Rhino sanctuaries.

The 3 last remaining members of the Northern white rhino species are found at Ol Pejeta. The species is on the verge of extinction with poaching and loss of habitat responsible for the decline of these magnificent beasts. The rhinos are heavily protected with tourists charged 40$ just to view and interact with them.Black rhinoshave also been breed at the conservancy and the efforts have paid off with the population growing from just 20 in 1993 to 108 currently.

The Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary works to rehabilitate rescued chimps from Central Africa. This is a real tear jerker because many of the Chimps here have had to endure painfully inhumane conditions before their rescue. The sanctuary offers a lot of information on chimps and is a great place to learn about their plight.

Other attractions include the Rhino Cemetery and the Morani information Centre where you learn about the animals and the conservation efforts undertaken together with the local communities especially in regards to livestock keeping. There is also Baraka the blind rhino who enjoys nothing more than fresh leaves and pets on his horn. He also makes for a memorable photo op.

The camp offers guided game drives where you can visit all these attractions. There is also a night game drive for the more adventurous types and an early morning bird walk for bird lovers.

Accommodation and Relaxation

The tents are all self-contained with power and hot water showers. The beds are luxurious and offer amazing sleep quality. Try and ask for room facing the watering hole for better wildlife views.

There is a swimming pool on the property, however, it’s tiny. Its purpose I assume is more of a cooling aid, with temperatures here sometimes reaching 30 degrees during the day. These suddenly dip to below 15 in the evenings but the turn down service provides hot water bottles to make the nights bearable.

There is also a full stocked bar and lounge area where you can put your feet up and relax. Benches are strewn all over so you can always find a quiet spot to unwind or catch up on a book.

The Food

Serena hotels offers fantastic buffet meals with an ample selection for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Room service is also available at a fee. Service at Serena is world class. It’s present but unobtrusive allowing you to feel attended to without the intrusion of overzealous staff.

How to get there

Ol Pejeta is a leisurely 3 to 4 hour drive from Nairobi. Hop on a plane at Wilson Airport, and you arrive in Nanyuki in 40 minutes. A short 30 minute drive finds you at the main Rongai gate.

Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a must visit with Ticketsasa offering exclusive offers. These offers are payable in affordable installments with options for customized holidays included! #TembeaKenya

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