At the end of last year Sue took a group of select tour operators out to Kenya to experience some of Serena Hotels renowned hospitality.<\/p>\n
After a relaxing overnight flight with Kenya Airways they arrived at the Nairobi Serena in time for what those who had visited Kenya before described as \u2018the best breakfast \u00a0in Nairobi\u2019. The group freshened-up in their day rooms (resisting the strong temptation to try out the very inviting looking beds!) then set off, on the newly improved road network, for Sweetwaters Tented Camp.\u00a0 It was Sunday morning and Kenyans were dressed in their Sunday best as they went to church and to market \u2013 a colourful picture driving through all the towns and villages en route.\u00a0 Adding to the enjoyment of the journey were Bernard and Steve – ARP Travel Group’s two first class, entertaining and informative driver guides.<\/p>\n
At Sweetwaters the group received a great welcome from the smiley staff and the giraffe on duty at the waterhole in front of the camp. An exciting game drive in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy was heightened because for some it was their first such experience in East Africa.\u00a0 Included was a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a chance to hand feed the rescued blind rhinoceros and a look around Ol Pejeta Private House. \u00a0Back at Camp, time to relax in front of the roaring fire with a pre- dinner drink before feasting on Serena\u2019s well renowned excellent cuisine.\u00a0 A semi-peaceful night\u2019s sleep listening to the sounds of Africa and woken at dawn to the sound of the monkeys playing on the tent roof.<\/p>\n
Leaving the serenity of Sweetwaters \u00a0the vehicles climbed gently through the forest and into the foothills of Mt Kenya to the atmospheric \u00a0Serena Mountain Lodge. An undoubted highlight of the whole trip was the forest nature walk lead by Benson, the resident naturalist, \u00a0whose knowledge and delivery captivated the entire group. This topped with tea laced with brandy served in the middle of the forest\u00a0 ensured an unforgettable stay!\u00a0 Not forgetting, of course, the excitement of being woken up at dawn to see Mt Kenya appearing in all her glory as the early morning cloud dispersed or the somewhat biblical picture as animals and birds took their turn to drink at the waterhole throughout the evening and night.\u00a0 Everyone was unanimous \u2013 Serena Mountain Lodge is a very special place and they reluctantly tore themselves away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At the end of last year Sue took a group of select tour operators out to Kenya to experience some of Serena Hotels renowned hospitality.<\/p>\n