About Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene landscape in the Great Rift Valley where vibrant birdlife converges. Its open skies, gentle shores, and expansive views create a calm, scenic environment ideal for adventure, wellness, and outdoor recreation.
Designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 1999, Lake Elementaita is a true birdwatcher’s paradise, supporting diverse waterbirds and migratory species drawn to its shallow alkaline waters. Its natural beauty and shifting light also make it a compelling setting for visual storytelling, photography, and filmmaking, while offering a unique venue for nature-based sports, events, and immersive outdoor experiences in one of Kenya’s most storied environments.
Important Information
- Internationally important populations of waterbirds, including: Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Great White Pelican, African Spoonbill, Pied Avocet.
- One of the world’s major breeding sites for the Great White Pelican and the only pelican breeding site in Kenya
- Designated Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar Site of international conservation importance
- Permanent hot water springs that serve as breeding grounds for tilapia, supporting the lake’s birdlife
- Diverse terrestrial wildlife
- Habitat for the endemic Kenyan Horned Vipers
- Scenic hiking trails
Special Campsites;
- Pelican Special campsite near Pelican Gate
- Maji Moto Special campsite near Maji Moto Gate
PRIVATELY OWNED HOTELS & LODGES
Gazetted as a National Wildlife Sanctuary on 16 July 2010, Lake Elementaita forms part of the Kenya Lakes System in the Great Rift Valley, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, together with Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria.
The Lake Elementaita basin holds some of Kenya’s oldest archaeological evidence of human occupation. Excavations at Kariandusi have revealed Oldowan stone tools dating back approximately 700,000 years. Obsidian mines in the Eburru Hills provide evidence of extensive trade networks dating back over 3,000 years.
The area was later occupied by pastoral Neolithic communities and subsequently by the Maasai pastoralists, who named the lake Elementaita. During the colonial period, the wider landscape between Lake Elementaita and Lake Naivasha was converted into livestock and wildlife ranches.
By Road: Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 120km north of Nairobi, 40 km north of Naivasha and 45km south of Nakuru. It is accessed by the Trans-African Highway (A104).
By Air: The nearest airstrips are Nakuru (Lanet) and Soysambu.
- Clean drinking water
- Food
- Camping equipment
Also important are;
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- First aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Guidebooks
- Warm clothing
- Walking boots
- Compass & Maps
- Appropriate hiking gear
Your safety matters. Please review our essential guidelines to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for you and for the wildlife.
- You are in the wildlife’s home. Please respect their privacy and right of way.
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National parks are plastic-free. Single-use plastic is prohibited.
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General road rules apply. Car hooting or driving under the influence of alcohol are strictly prohibited.
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Adhere to park entry and exit times. Gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, unless you are spending overnight.
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Move slowly and quietly. Animals can react dangerously if startled.
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Noise distracts wildlife. Use mobile phones and sound devices sparingly and only in designated areas.
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Remain in your vehicle unless in designated areas. Keep doors closed at all times.
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Observe the maximum speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). Speeding attracts penalties.
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Stay on established roads and trails. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.
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View wildlife from a minimum distance of 20 meters.
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Feeding wildlife is prohibited, as it disrupts their diet and leads to human dependency.
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Carry out all trash to help keep the park clean.
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Do not leave campfires unattended while camping.
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Visitors enter the park at their own risk and Terms and conditions apply.
Toll Free: 0800 597 000
Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke
WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610509
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary Rates
- East Africa Citizen: Individuals holding Kenyan nationality
- Kenya Residents: Foreign nationals legally residing in Kenya.
- African Citizens: Africa nationals (excluding Kenya and EA countries)
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Non-residents: Foreigners visiting on a valid visa
East Africa Citizen Adult
KES. 500
East Africa Citizen Child
KES. 250
Kenya
Resident Adult
KES. 675
Kenya
Resident Child
KES. 350
Non
Resident Adult
USD 50
Non
Resident Child
USD 25
Africa
Citizen Adult
USD 20
Africa
Citizen Child
USD 10










