LAKE ELEMENTAITA

Pelican-fringed Lake Elementaita is a bird watcher’s paradise encircled by shaggy hills and enveloped in serenity and birdsong.

This alkaline wonder is situated between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru and lies in the shadow of a hill locally known as ‘sleeping warrior’.

This waterbody forms a part of the Soysambu Conservancy established by Lord Delamere in pre-independence Kenya. This lake is now one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sights along Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru due to its birdlife fame.

It is less visited than other tourists’ sites which makes it the ideal weekend getaway destination for out of towners.

Over 400 bird species including flamingoes, ducks, geese, spikes, cormorant, and kingfishers can be seen during bird watching excursions.

Acacia woodlands, euphorbia trees, grassy plains, and historic sites form the backdrop against which these birds are beheld and the Rothschild giraffe, zebra, bush pigs, striped jackals, and gazelles also come out to play every now and then.

Must see attractions at Lake Elementaita

Hyrax Hill

Kariandusi Prehistoric Site

Giant Elands

Dik Dik

Rothschild giraffes

Aardvarks

Leopards

Herons

Pelicans

Greater & lesser flamingos

African Spoonbills

Black-necked Grebes

Yellow-billed Storks

Gull-billed Terns

Pied Avocets

Black-winged Stilts

Grey-headed Gulls

Egyptian geese

Secretary birds

Long-crested eagles

Must do activities at Lake Elementaita

Birdwatching

Bush dining

Take a hot air balloon over Lake Elementaita

Watch the sunset over the lake

Camping

Nocturnal game drives

Nature walks

Visit Hell’s Gate National Park

Quad biking

Visit the Kikopey hot springs

Go for an excursion to Lake Nakuru National Park

How to get to Lake Elementaita

By road: Elementaita is very close to the city and it will take you about one and a half hours to complete your journey. Take the main highway from Nairobi to Nakuru. You can then enter the Lake Elementaita area through the Nderit Gate and head south to Elementaita town. Trips to Elementaita by road are better than flights because you get to stop and take in the beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley along the way.

By air: The total flight distance from Nairobi to Lake Elementaita is only 116km. Your flight will take off from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and land on an airstrip in Naivasha. Lodges and camps can organize airport transfers to and fro.

Best time to visit Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita is a pleasant destination throughout the year however if you’re planning to carry out lots of outdoor activities, it is better to go during the dry season. That way, your itinerary won’t be affected by wet roads and insect bites. If you want to catch the animals during the calving season, visit this water reservoir during the long rains.

Elementaita has two rainy seasons: April to June (long rains) and November to December (short rains). Accommodation prices go lower during the rainy season.

The best time to go to Elementaita is during the dry months because wildlife visibility is more manifest: there is less vegetation, water, and pasture. Predators and prey alike come out of hiding and congregate around the diminishing water sources.

If you are more interested in birdwatching, visit from October to March when migratory species come to Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Elementaita.

This lake destination is only 127km from Nairobi. Most tourists, therefore, prefer to combine a tour here with a Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, or Lake Nakuru safari.

Evenings are usually cool at the lake so remember to carry warm clothing.

What to pack for Lake Elementaita

Binoculars

Insect repellent

Wet wipes

Antihistamines (for insect bites)

Camera

Smart casual outfits for dinner

Comfortable walking shoes

Flipflops

First aid kit

Wide-brimmed hat

Fleece or warm jacket

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Light raincoat

Flashlight

Comfortable walking shoes

Travel Journal

If this bird watcher’s paradise is on your wish list, check out Lake Elementaita and customize your trip.