Lake Elementaita: Flamingos, Giraffes and a Quiet Rift Valley Stop
A quiet soda lake with flamingos and giraffes. Here is how to visit Lake Elementaita.
Destination guide
Lake Elementaita: the complete guide
Lake Elementaita is a shallow soda lake between Naivasha and Nakuru, set below a ridge known as the Sleeping Warrior. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a major breeding site for great white pelicans and a haven for flamingos. The surrounding Soysambu Conservancy adds giraffe, zebra and other wildlife.
Here is what to see at Elementaita, when to go and how it fits into a Rift Valley trip.
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Tours featuring Lake Elementaita
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Why visit Lake Elementaita
Elementaita is small and quiet, and that is part of its charm. The lake attracts huge numbers of birds, and islands within it are an important breeding site for great white pelicans. Flamingos feed on algae in the shallows when conditions suit.
Behind the lake, Soysambu Conservancy protects grassland and woodland on a former ranch, with Rothschild's giraffe, zebra, Thomson's gazelle and many other animals. It is an easy overnight on the road between Nairobi and Nakuru.
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What to do at Elementaita
Birdwatching
Look for pelicans, flamingos and waders on the lake and woodland birds in the conservancy.
Game drives and walks
Explore Soysambu on a guided drive or walk.
Sunset on the lake
The Sleeping Warrior ridge glows at dusk, making the lake shore a fine place for photographs.
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Best time to visit
June to October
Great
Dry season with clear light.
December to March
Great
Warm and mostly dry.
April to May
Green/Wet
Long rains with fewer visitors.
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How to get to Elementaita
By road
About 2.5 hours from Nairobi via Naivasha. It is on the main route to Nakuru and the Mara.
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Combining Elementaita with other stops
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Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Elementaita worth visiting?
Yes, especially for birders and for travellers who want a quiet stop between Naivasha and Nakuru.
Are there flamingos?
Sometimes. Numbers change with water levels and food supply.
Read before you go
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