Lake Elementaita is a small, shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley, between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, about 2-2.5 hours from Nairobi. It is part of the Kenya Lake System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes Nakuru and Bogoria.
Unlike Nakuru, Elementaita is not a fenced national park, and it sees far fewer visitors. It is a place for birdwatching, walking and views rather than game drives. Flamingos and pelicans feed in the shallows when conditions are right, and surrounding conservancy land has zebra, giraffe and antelope.
It works well as a quiet overnight between Nairobi and the Masai Mara or Lake Nakuru.
The lake is shallow and alkaline, edged with white soda flats and surrounded by grassland and acacia. Volcanic hills, including the profile locals call the Sleeping Warrior, rise above the eastern shore.
Bird numbers rise and fall with water levels and food supply, so it is worth asking about conditions before you go. Plains game is seen on the surrounding conservancy land rather than at the lakeshore itself.
Birdwatching along the shore
Escarpment viewpoints over the lake and valley
Kariandusi prehistoric site nearby
Walks or horse rides on conservancy land
Elementaita is peaceful. Expect a quiet lodge, an early walk to look at birds and wide views across the valley.
Any time of year. Bird numbers vary with rainfall and water levels rather than a fixed season.
Read our full guide: Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Safari, Season by Season »
About 2-2.5 hours from Nairobi, just off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
A small number of lodges and camps, mostly on the southern side, quieter than those at Nakuru or Naivasha.
Not a national park - activities differ from Nakuru
Part of the UNESCO-listed Kenya Lake System
A good overnight stop on a Rift Valley route
Official park info: Kenya Wildlife Service
No. It is visited for birdlife, views and conservancy activities rather than game drives.
Yes. They are close enough to visit on the same leg.
Tell us your dates and we'll build an itinerary that includes it.
