"A Haven for Birdlife and Serenity"
Lake Elementaita Tourism
Lake Elementaita, situated in Kenya's Great Rift Valley between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, is a shallow soda lake known for its vibrant bird life. With over 400 bird species, including Greater and Lesser flamingos, it's recognized as part of the UNESCO Kenya Lake System World Heritage Site. Lake Elementaita is a crucial place for Great White Pelicans to breed, with about 8,000 pairs making it their only breeding spot in Kenya.
Visitors to Lake Elementaita can enjoy a range of activities like birdwatching, sunset viewing, bush dining, and hot air balloon rides. The lake also supports various wildlife, such as Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and carnivores like lions and leopards. The lake, fed by the Mbaruk, Chamuka, and Mereroni rivers, features the "Kekopey" hot springs and is home to the Lake Magadi tilapia. While the flamingo population has faced challenges due to the introduced Tilipia fish, the lake remains a captivating destination for camping, nocturnal game drives, nature walks, boat riding, and hiking. With accommodations scattered around its shores, Lake Elementaita invites nature enthusiasts to experience its natural wonders and diverse wildlife.
Entry Fees to Lake Elementaita
Citizen: Adult – KSH 215, Child – KSH 125Resident: Adult – KSH 215, Child – KSH 125
Non-Resident: Adult – USD 22, Child – USD 13
Entrance Gates to Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary has two entrance gates:- Pelican Gate: Pelican Gate, conveniently located along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, is closest to the park's northern bird-rich areas, making it ideal for birdwatchers. Nakuru is the closest town to Pelican Gate.
- Maji Moto Gate: Maji Moto Gate, situated along the Kikopey–Elementaita Road, provides access to the southern regions, perfect for those interested in terrestrial wildlife. Maji Moto Gate is near the Kikopey area.
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Things to do in Lake Elementaita
1. Birdwatching
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 400 bird species, including the famous Greater and Lesser flamingos. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sanctuar (Read More)y provides a natural setting to observe a wide variety of birds.
2. Hiking
Explore scenic hiking trails in the sanctuary, especially around Hyrax Hill. This area is not only beautiful but also holds archaeological significance as the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site, giving visit (Read More)ors a glimpse into ancient history.
3. Hyrax Hill
Hyrax Hill is an archaeological site in the sanctuary showcasing early human activities.
4. Kariandusi Museum
Located within the sanctuary, the Kariandusi Museum displays artefacts from the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site, enriching visitors' understanding of the region's prehistoric heritage.
5. Kikopey Hot Springs
Discover the natural warmth of Kikopey Hot Springs at the lake's southern end. Visitors can enjoy the therapeutic qualities of these warm springs while surrounded by a serene environment.
6. Gambles Cave
Gambles Cave is an archaeological site contributing to the sanctuary's historical richness, providing insights into early human habitation.
7. Bush Dining
Experience unique dining amidst nature with bush dining, offering visitors the chance to enjoy meals in the sanctuary's natural surroundings.
8. Hot Air Balloon
Take to the skies with hot air balloon rides for breathtaking views of Lake Elementaita and its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
9. Camping
Spend a night under the African sky by camping within the sanctuary, providing a closer connection to the wildlife habitat.
Must Know Before You Travel to Lake Elementaita
- Open All Year: Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy its wildlife and scenery at any time.
- Prepay Entrance Fees Easily: Make your park entry hassle-free by paying entrance fees in advance on the eCitizen Government platform at www.kws.ecitizen.go.ke.
- Top Time for Flamingo Watching: For the best flamingo-watching experience, plan your visit in April when these elegant birds are at their most captivating.
- Use 4WD in Rainy Season: If visiting during the rainy season, consider using a 4WD vehicle. This ensures a smoother and safer journey on the roads.
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Wildlife and Birdlife in Lake Elementaita
Birds at Lake Elementaita: Lake Elementaita boasts a diverse bird population, including Greater and Lesser flamingos, along with over 400 other species like ducks, geese, spikes, cormorants, kingfishers, Montane white-eye, Northern puffback, Pallid harrier, Red-capped lark, pelicans, Rufous-throated wryneck, Long-tailed widowbird, Maccoa duck, Rüppell’s vulture, Rüppell’s robin-chat, Schalow’s wheatear, Shining Sunbird, and Slender-billed greenbul. The sanctuary is a significant breeding ground for up to 8,000 pairs of Great White Pelicans.
Animals at Lake Elementaita: On the Soysambu Conservancy side, Lake Elementaita is home to Rothschild’s giraffe, Elands, Buffaloes, Common Zebras, Impalas, Reedbuck, bushbuck, Colobus monkeys, Lions, Leopards, hyenas, jackals, and the unique Kenyan Horned Viper. This side of the lake offers a factual and fascinating mix of birds and animals, making Lake Elementaita a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Animals at Lake Elementaita: On the Soysambu Conservancy side, Lake Elementaita is home to Rothschild’s giraffe, Elands, Buffaloes, Common Zebras, Impalas, Reedbuck, bushbuck, Colobus monkeys, Lions, Leopards, hyenas, jackals, and the unique Kenyan Horned Viper. This side of the lake offers a factual and fascinating mix of birds and animals, making Lake Elementaita a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Lake Elementaita
How to Reach Lake Elementaita
How to Reach Overview
Getting to Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is easy from nearby cities like Nairobi, Naivasha, and Nakuru. Whether you prefer a scenic road trip, with a drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours from Nairobi using the Trans-African Highway (A104) and the Nderit gate of Lake Nakuru National Park, or opt for a quicker journey by air using Nakuru (Lanet) or Soysambu Airstrip, both options provide convenient access to this beautiful sanctuary.
How to reach Lake Elementaita by flight
To reach Lake Elementaita by air, the closest international airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. From the airport, a road journey to Lake Elementaita typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Flights to Nairobi can be conveniently booked through platforms like Skyscanner.
For those opting for domestic flights, there are two nearby airstrips: Nakuru (Lanet) Airstrip and Soysambu Airstrip. Nakuru Airport (NUU), also known as Lanet Military Airstrip, is situated in the town of Nakuru, Kenya. It's just a 35-minute drive from the city centre and is serviced by various airlines, including Kenya Airways and South African Airways.
Soysambu Airstrip, located within the Soysambu Conservancy, is mainly reserved for private charter flights. This airstrip provides a more exclusive and specialized option for those seeking a private and direct access point to Lake Elementaita.
For those opting for domestic flights, there are two nearby airstrips: Nakuru (Lanet) Airstrip and Soysambu Airstrip. Nakuru Airport (NUU), also known as Lanet Military Airstrip, is situated in the town of Nakuru, Kenya. It's just a 35-minute drive from the city centre and is serviced by various airlines, including Kenya Airways and South African Airways.
Soysambu Airstrip, located within the Soysambu Conservancy, is mainly reserved for private charter flights. This airstrip provides a more exclusive and specialized option for those seeking a private and direct access point to Lake Elementaita.
How to reach Lake Elementaita by road
Lake Elementaita is conveniently accessible by road. Situated approximately 120 km north of Nairobi, 40 km north of Naivasha, and 45 km south of Nakuru, the sanctuary is easily reached via the Trans-African Highway (A104). The quickest route from Nairobi is through the Nderit gate of Lake Nakuru National Park, taking approximately 2–2.5 hours of driving. The cost for a one-way journey is estimated to be between $15 and $22.
How to reach Lake Elementaita by bus
Public transportation options include buses from various spots in Nairobi, like Pizza Inn (Muindi Mbingu), Nairobi National Park, Lang'ata Barracks, Kenya Wildlife Service, Mbagathi roundabout, Heshima Estate, or Mbagathi Way to reach Lake Elementaita. If you're in Parklands/Westlands, the closest bus stop is Hill View, just a 9-minute walk from the lake. Bus lines 118 and 119 run on these routes, making it easy and affordable for visitors. The first bus (119A) starts at 6:08 AM, and the last bus (119) finishes its service at 9:43 PM.
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