Lake Elementaita, located off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, is a popular Kenya safari destination among birding enthusiasts. Situated in the eastern limb of the Great Rift Valley about 40 km from the town of Nakuru, the 18km-square soda lake hosts hundreds of thousands of alluring flamingos, pelicans, crested grebe and many other birds that dot the waters.
Visiting Lake Elementaita in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, near Nairobi and Nakuru
Taking the 90 minutes drive from Nairobi to Elementaita along the newly re-carpeted highway is itself an adventure. As you drive past Limuru, the road opens up to a viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley affording motorists a stunning view of the escarpment. Curious shops eager for tourist stopovers are set up by the cliff displaying bright coloured kikoys all set against the substantial drop of the valley with a spectacular view of Mount Longonot at the horizon.
On arrival at Elementaita, visitors are greeted by thousands of rosy pink flamingos standing up 150 cm high – perhaps watching over their sister species of water birds. All around are signs of wildlife. Dozens of zebra, staring gazelle, eland and families of warthog can be spotted moving leisurely along the shores of the lake.
Explore the Kekopey Hot Springs & Lake Elementaita Lodge
Among the must visit spots at Elementaita is Kekopey hot springs situated towards the southern end of the lake. This is the breeding ground for the Tilapia Grahamii. It is also very popular for bathing, with the local Masai claiming that it can cure AIDS. After exploring the lakeside, visitors can walk into the welcoming Lake Elementaita Lodge where they can relax and sip some freshly squeezed juice while awaiting dinner.
Formerly Kekopey Ranch, Lake Elementaita Lodge retains the features and atmosphere of early colonial homes a red brick building with shady terraces, an internal courtyard, paneled walls and sitting rooms with a library and log files. Behind this house nestled away in the lush flower garden are new 33 twin and double rooms with en suite bathrooms. Activities here include horseback riding, bird viewing and visit to the natural warm spa that flows into the lake.
Visit Nearby Lake Nakuru National Park Kariandusi Museum and More!
From Elementaita visitors can tour the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park or the famous Kariandusi museum – an important prehistoric site where stone hand axes and cleavers were discovered in 1928 by Louis Leakey. Accommodation here can be sought at either Lake Elementaita Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge, although Nakuru Town can as well provide alternative shelter in any of its numerous hotels.
For more information about visiting Lake Elementaita, go to: www.africapoint.com.