Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita, Kenya: Flamingos, Wildlife and Where to Stay

Lake Elementaita is a shallow soda lake in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, about two hours by road from Nairobi. It lies between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, inside the Soysambu Conservancy. The lake is famous for flamingos and great white pelicans. The conservancy also shelters Rothschild's giraffe, zebra and other plains game. It is quieter than its famous neighbours, which makes it a good stop on a Rift Valley safari.

Lake Elementaita at a glance

• Where: Great Rift Valley, central Kenya, between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru
• Type: shallow alkaline (soda) lake
• Distance from Nairobi: about two hours by road on the A104
• Distance from Nakuru or Naivasha: about one hour
• Protected status: a Ramsar site and part of the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Famous for: flamingos, great white pelicans and birdlife
• Wildlife: Rothschild's giraffe, zebra, eland, gazelle and buffalo in Soysambu Conservancy
• Things to do: birding, game drives, walks and night drives
• Best time: roughly July to March
• Best suited for: birders, photographers, families and short trips from Nairobi

About Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. It is one of a chain of lakes that runs from Lake Turkana in the north to Lake Magadi in the south. It is one of the smallest lakes in the valley, hemmed in by escarpments and hills.

The water is salty and alkaline. That is why algae thrive in it, and why flamingos feed on it. The Sleeping Warrior hills rise along the edge of Soysambu Conservancy and give the view its famous shape.

The lake is a designated Ramsar site. It is one of three lakes in the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The other two are Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria. Experts value the group for its birdlife, which moves between the lakes.

The lake level changes a lot. It has dried out completely in the past, and heavy rains can raise it. Threats include deforestation in the catchment, overgrazing, sand and soda extraction and new building near the shore. Conservation work in the area aims to protect the lake and its wildlife.

Wildlife and birds at Lake Elementaita

Birds. About 450 bird species have been recorded around the lake. They include greater and lesser flamingos and many other waterbirds. Flamingo numbers rise and fall with the lake conditions, so they vary from month to month.

Great white pelicans. The lake is one of very few places in the Rift Valley where great white pelicans breed. They nest on rocky islets, and counts have sometimes passed 20,000 birds.

Mammals. The Soysambu Conservancy around the lake holds Rothschild's giraffe (about 150 were counted in one survey), zebra, eland, gazelle and buffalo. It is not a Big Five reserve, but it is a rewarding place for walks, birding and quiet game viewing.

Things to do around Lake Elementaita

• Birdwatching: scan the shoreline for flamingos, pelicans and waders. Bring binoculars.
• Game drives in Soysambu Conservancy: look for Rothschild's giraffe, zebra, eland and gazelle.
• Guided walks: walking is allowed in the conservancy, so you can explore on foot with a guide.
• Night drives: a chance to see nocturnal animals that are hard to find by day.
• Photography: the lake, the hills and the birds make dramatic pictures, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Sundowners: the view across the lake towards the Sleeping Warrior hills is a highlight.

Ask your guide about other activities, such as hot springs, horse riding or cultural visits, because they depend on where you stay and the season.

Where to stay at Lake Elementaita

Five lodges and camps stand out on or near the lake. Most are about 120 km from Nairobi, and Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp is slightly further inside Soysambu Conservancy. Room counts and details come from published listings and can change, so we confirm them when you enquire.

Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp

A luxury tented camp on the lakeshore inside Soysambu Conservancy. Tents have private verandas, and all have lake views. A honeymoon-style Flamingo Suite adds a Jacuzzi. There is a pool, a spa and a restaurant. The activity list is long: game drives, nature walks, horse riding, archery, birding and sundowners.

Sentrim Elementaita Resort

A big lakeside resort with about 84 cottages and rooms, including family houses. It has a pool, spa, gym, steam bath and pool bar, and rooms with lake views. It also hosts conferences and team-building events. It works well as an easy stopover between Nairobi and Nakuru.

The Pelican Lodge

An eco-friendly lodge with direct access to the lakeshore. It has a restaurant, bar, terrace and pool. Guests go on lakeside walks, birdwatching and sundowners. Listings differ on its size, from a handful of cottages to about 60 rooms, so check before you book.

Sirville Lake Elementaita Lodge

About 26 en suite rooms, suites and one villa, most with lake views. There is a pool, a children's pool, a playground and hot springs, according to its listing. It offers birdwatching with a guide, game drives and walks, and meal plans from bed and breakfast to full board.

Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge

A cliff-top lodge with about 33 rooms, including interconnecting rooms for families. It has a restaurant, bar and pool, and rooms with a fireplace and balcony. Horse riding, game drives and birdwatching are listed.

Olengugih Safaris can recommend and book the right stay for your budget and style.

Best time to visit Lake Elementaita and how to get there

You can visit all year. July to March is usually best, with drier ground and better birding along the shore. April to May and November bring rain. Higher water can scatter the flamingos, so sightings are less certain.

Getting there. Lake Elementaita is about two hours by road from Nairobi on the A104 highway. It is about one hour from Nakuru or Naivasha. No flight is needed. Road conditions and traffic affect times, so we confirm the route when we quote.

Sample itineraries that include Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita fits neatly into a Rift Valley loop. Here are three ways to include it:

• Rift Valley lakes (3 days): Nairobi to Lake Elementaita, then Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, with birding, walks and game viewing.
• Rift Valley and Laikipia (6 to 7 days): start at Lake Elementaita, continue to Laikipia for game drives and the equator line in Kenya, then fly or drive back to Nairobi.
• Rift Valley and Masai Mara (7 to 9 days): stop at Lake Elementaita on the way to the Masai Mara for a gentle first night out of Nairobi.

Olengugih Safaris can adapt any of these to your dates, interests and budget.

Frequently asked questions about Lake Elementaita

Where is Lake Elementaita? It is in the Great Rift Valley of central Kenya, between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru.

How far is Lake Elementaita from Nairobi? About two hours by road on the A104. It is about one hour from Nakuru or Naivasha.

What is Lake Elementaita famous for? Flamingos, great white pelicans, birdlife and the Sleeping Warrior hills.

Are there flamingos at Lake Elementaita? Yes, both greater and lesser flamingos. Numbers change with lake conditions, so ask your guide what is current.

Is Lake Elementaita a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes. It is one of three lakes in the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a Ramsar site.

What animals can I see in Soysambu Conservancy? Rothschild's giraffe, zebra, eland, gazelle and buffalo.

When is the best time to visit Lake Elementaita? July to March is usually best. April, May and November bring rain.

How many days do I need? One or two nights is enough for most visitors. Add more if you want to combine several Rift Valley lakes.

Can I walk at Lake Elementaita? Yes, guided walks are possible in the conservancy.

Can I combine Lake Elementaita with other places? Yes. It pairs well with Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Laikipia and the Masai Mara.

Plan your Lake Elementaita visit with Olengugih Safaris

Tell us your travel dates, group size and interests. We will build an itinerary that includes Lake Elementaita and send you a free quote. Contact Olengugih Safaris to start planning.