A few weekends ago, we traded the hustle of Nairobi for the serene shores of Lake Oloiden at Oloiden Camp. Just a couple of hours’ drive from the city, this premium campsite delivered the perfect blend of raw Kenyan wilderness and thoughtful comforts—exactly what we needed for a refreshing escape.

First Impressions: Lakeside Magic

As soon as we arrived, the breathtaking view hit us. Our tents were pitched right by the water, with the lake stretching out in front and the gentle Olkaria Hills in the distance. The grass was neatly trimmed, the air fresh, and the whole place felt peaceful yet alive with nature. Warthogs, hippos, and a rich variety of birds roamed freely nearby—reminders that we were truly in the wild.

We opted for one of their comfortable double/quad tents (pre-pitched with clean bedding and mattresses). No struggling to set up our own gear! The facilities impressed us too: hot showers, clean restrooms, a well-stocked restaurant and bar, charging stations, and Wi-Fi zones if you needed to stay lightly connected.

Evenings by the Fire

Nothing beats the evenings at Oloiden. As the sun dipped over the lake, painting the sky in fiery oranges and pinks, we gathered around the fire pit. The staff kindly lit a roaring bonfire for us, and we spent hours sharing stories, roasting meat, and listening to the sounds of the night—gentle waves, distant bird calls, and the occasional hippo grunt.

Later, with the city lights far away, the stargazing was spectacular. The African sky opened up in all its glory—millions of stars twinkling above our tents.

Morning Bliss and Activities

Waking up to the sunrise over Lake Oloiden was pure magic. We enjoyed a relaxed lakeside breakfast before exploring the surroundings and having a boat ride. Guided tours are available if you want deeper wildlife encounters, and the camp is perfectly located for day trips to nearby attractions like Hell’s Gate or Crescent Island.

Pro tip: Evenings can get windy by the lake, so pack warm layers and a good jacket!

Why We’ll Be Back

Oloiden Camp nails that sweet spot—eco-friendly, secure, and genuinely welcoming without losing the adventurous camping spirit. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, friends looking for team-building vibes, or a family wanting quality time in nature, this place has it all.

If you’re in Kenya and craving a quick, rejuvenating getaway, head to Oloiden Camp. It’s more than just camping—it’s a memorable reconnection with nature.

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First held in 1953 as the East African Coronation Safari to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the event evolved from a multi-country epic spanning Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania into a grueling Kenya-focused showdown. It joined the WRC in the 1970s and earned its reputation as the “world’s toughest rally” due to its extreme conditions: rocky, rutted gravel roads, deep fesh-fesh dust, sudden heavy rains turning tracks into mud baths, and wildlife crossings adding real peril. After a long hiatus, it triumphantly returned to the WRC calendar in 2021, drawing global attention to Kenya’s stunning landscapes.

The 2026 edition introduces a fresh format, shifting entirely to the Great Rift Valley around Lake Naivasha in Nakuru County. Gone is the traditional Nairobi ceremonial start and Kasarani super special; instead, the rally concentrates on high-intensity stages in the unforgiving terrain near Naivasha. The service park is based in Naivasha, with the action kicking off on Thursday, March 12, with a brand-new shakedown stage at the Naivasha Wildlife Sanctuary (Nawisa)—a 6.31km test where fans watched drivers like Thierry Neuville set blistering times early on.

This year’s itinerary packs 20 special stages over four days, featuring iconic tests like the Sleeping Warrior, alongside rugged classics demanding precision and survival. With unpredictable weather—recent rains promise slippery, challenging conditions—the rally tests both man and machine to the limit. Top WRC stars from teams like Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford are competing, building on recent dramatic battles where attrition often decides winners.

Beyond the competition, the Safari Rally boosts Kenya’s economy and tourism, expecting over 10,000 regional visitors. It showcases the country’s natural beauty, from rift valley vistas to wildlife proximity, while highlighting local talent like Kenya’s Issa Amwari stepping up in WRC Rally 3.

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