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 established by Lord Delamere in pre-independence Kenya. This lake is now one of the 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
Dikdiks
Rothschild giraffes
Aardvarks
Leopards
Herons
Pelicans
Greater & lesser flamingoes
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
Visit Gambles Cave

Places to stay at Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
Duara Flamingo Camp
Sentrim Elementaita Lodge
Elementaita Country Lodge
Sirville Lake Elementaita Lodge
Sunbird Lodge
The Sleeping Warrior Lodge
Flamingo Camp & Cottages
Oasis Eco Camp
Cactus Eco Camp & Lodge
Koko Cottages
Epashikino Resort & Spa
Eagles Point Camp
ViewPoint Lodge
Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge
Lake Front Cabin
Kikopey Beach Camp

How to get to Lake Elementaita

By road: Elementaita is very close to the city and it will take you about one a half hours to complete your journey. Take the main highway from Nairobi to Nakuru. You can then enter 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, you itinerary won’t be affected by wet roads and insect bites. If you want to catch the animals during 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 .

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