THE STORY SO FAR…

It's hard to imagine a time when Camp Carnelley's was just a canvas tent with an earth floor for a bar and restaurant. The Carnelley family has deep roots in Kenya, having settled in Naivasha in the 1920s. As the sixth generation of Carnelleys, Christine and Lovat decided to open a campsite in 2006, and Camp Carnelley's was born.

It was a humble beginning, but they started with what they had. A canvas tent served as the bar and restaurant, and despite its modest look, it quickly became a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. However, the tent was not meant to last forever and, unfortunately, it perished just two years later.

But Christine and Lovat were not deterred. They quickly got to work and built the current bar and restaurant, which still stands to this day. They also added two Bandas; Banda 1, made out of a container, and Banda 2, made out of a caravan. These modest accommodations proved to be a hit, and the campsite started to expand.

Over the years, more buildings were erected, including the twin rooms which were the only buildings previously on the property. Camp Carnelley's also added lake-front Bandas, allowing guests to wake up to the beautiful views of Lake Naivasha. They even built the Bush Baby House, which is another favourite accommodation choice among visitors.

The bar and restaurant saw various changes and extensions over the years, allowing for more seating and a better experience for guests. And though it's been over 15 years since the campsite opened, the Carnelley family still takes pride in what they've built; a warm and welcoming community that celebrates the beauty of Naivasha and Kenya, and allows visitors to experience it first-hand.