Lake Elementaita is a Lake that is part of the Great Rift Valley Lakes in Kenya. It is a breathtaking, beautiful soda Lake which is located between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers spectacular landscapes that are an excellent escape from the tranquility of the bustles of city life. Nature lovers will have an amazing time in this relaxing setting.
Birdwatchers can have a good time watching the many species of birds. Most of the Lake is part of the Soysambu Conservancy which, has a variety of activities to take part in such as crater hikes.
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Location
Lake Elementaita is about 120 kilometers northwest of Nairobi between the Lakes of Naivasha and Nakuru making it part of the UNESCO Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, a World Heritage Site recognized for its biological and ecological significance. Lake Elementaita is easily accessible via the Nairobi-Nakuru highway making it a stopover for travelers exploring the Rift Valley or heading to Kenya’s world-renowned national parks.
The Ecology and Formation of Lake Elementaita.
A shallow alkaline Lake formed millions of years ago through tectonic activity in the Great Rift Valley. It is an alkaline lake and thus supports a unique ecosystem often living specialized groups of wildlife. The shallow waters of the lake are mineral rich which fosters the Cyanobacteria and algae growth which are a good source of food for flamingos. The areas in the nearby regions are savannah grasslands, volcanic hills, and acacia woodlands forming a dynamic landscape that is picture-friendly and ecologically different.
Activities at the Lake Elementaita
Bird watching
The Lake is famous for bird watchers boasting about 450 bird species It has been described as one of the best feeding grounds for thegreater and lesser flamingos especially when the water levels are down due to climate change. Apart from the flamingoes other birds found here are:
- Pelicans
- Avocets
- Pied Kingfisher
- Cormorants
- Fish Eagles
- Marabou storks
The Soysambu Conservancy is critical in protecting the delicate birds’ habitat, where visitors can visit and witness the migrations of the birds. Bird watchers can visit the conservancy in the early mornings or late afternoons when the birds are very active
Game Drive
Soysambu Conservancy supports a huge number of wildlife in Kenya. Due to its adequate coverage, it supports quite a huge number of animals.
- Zebra
- Giraffe
- Buffaloes
- Colobus monkey
- Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle
- Leopards
A safari at this Lake is the more quieter more intimate wildlife viewing experience.
Cultural Experience
The Lake is a natural wonder and a site of historical and cultural interest. The area has a history of human habitation since prehistoric times which lead to historical discoveries that reveal pottery and other artifacts from early human communities. One of the most important sites is the Kekopey Hot Springs which holds cultural significance to the local people and they believe the natural springs have healing power properties. These springs bubble up from underground creating warm water pools at the lake’s southern.
Lord Delamere’s legacy, still famous in the region, is a British settler who was one of Kenya’s colonial pioneers who owned much of the land around the Lake, including the Soysambu ranch.
Nature walks and Hiking.
Explore the nearby hills including the Sleeping Warrior Hill and Ugali Hill, which is a great site including the surrounding Plains.
The Best Time to visit Lake Elementaita
A visit to Elementaita can be done at any time of the year but like other Parks the roads are bad and it is important to visit during the dry season. Dry seasons are found in June to October and January to February, these are the best time to watch animals in the park. The wet seasons of March to May and November to December bring in the lush greens that make the park pleasant for the eyes. However, it is good to note that some areas may be too muddy, and four-wheeled vehicles are the best at this time.
Accommodation Near Lake Elementaita
There are many camps, resorts, and camps around Lake Elementaita that suit all kinds of budgets.
- Lake Elementaita Serena Camp – A luxurious eco-lodge with tented suites close to stunning views and top-tier amenities.
- Kikopey Budget Campsites – This is a Greta for travelers looking for rustic experience and backpackers.
- Pelican Lodge – Mid-range accommodation with excellent access to birdwatching views.
- Sentrin Elemataita Lodge – this lodge is by the lake with great views and comfortable with Family-friendly rooms.
Challenges Facing Lake Elemantaita Conservation Efforts
Ecological threats are common in most of the Lakes within the Rift Valley most of these are caused by Human activities that destabilize the natural balance in most of the Conservation facilities.
- One of the hugest conservation challenges is human settlements as people look for fertile land to farm as well as more land for grazing their animals. The traditional nomadic people like the Maasai keep on looking for grass all over thus interfering with the conservation efforts at this sanctuary.
- Pollution and agricultural runoff as more and more people farm in the forested areas as well as near the lake.
- Fluctuation of water levels in the lake due to climatic changes.
- Loss of breeding ground due to human encroachment.