The sapphire-blue soda lake of Lake Elementaita also spelled Elementaita is another of the Eastern Great Rift Valley lakes, lying between Naivasha and Nakuru, about 120 km northwest of Nairobi, Kenya.
The Soysambu conservancy on the west of the lake covers two thirds of its shoreline and is East Africa’s only nesting site for the great white pelican. Rothschild giraffe also breed here, and other wildlife includes eland, warthog and zebra.
Elementaita is derived from the Maasai word muteita, meaning "dust place", a reference to the dryness and dustiness of the area, especially between January and March.
The major Nairobi-Nakuru highway runs along the nearby escarpment affording motorists a spectacular vista towards the lake. The Soysambu conservancy a working farm and conservancy with rich old colonial history stretches from its western shores to the Lake Nakuru National Park providing a vital animal migratory route as wells a few luxurious accommodations on the conservancy.
Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the Lake Nakuru/Lake Elementaita basin. Elementaita attracts visiting flamingoes, both the Greater and Lesser varieties, which feed on the lake's crustacean and insect larvae and on its suspended blue-green algae, respectively.
At the southern end of the lake are the "Kekopey" hot springs, in which the Tilapia grahami breed. The Kekopey hot springs are very popular for bathing, the local Maasai in-fact claim that the springs can cure diseases. The reed beds nearby are fishing grounds for night herons and pelicans.
Nearby is the Kariandusi Museum, at an important prehistoric site where stone hand-axes and cleavers were discovered in 1929 by Louis Leakey.
Elementaita Badlands is a lava flow to the south of the lake, covered in bush and including some spectacularly scenic peaks.
The lake Elementaita and its surrounding forests are perfect for long walks and birding.
Why Visit Lake Elementaita, The Great Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya.
- Visit East Africa’s only nesting site for the great white pelican.
- The abundant bird life found in the area.
- Lake Elementaita’s old colonial history.
- The luxurious accommodations options available on the lake shores.
- Visit the nearby prehistoric early man sites at Kariandusi.
Featured Lake Elementaita, The Great Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya Safari Holiday Trips
Unsurpassed Kenya Holiday Safari Vacation – 6 Days
Unsurpassed Kenya Holiday Safari Vacation – 6 Days. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of Kenya, travelling through Lake Elementaita and its flamingo lined shores home to abundant birdlife, to the...
