Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary Visit, Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, The lake itself is a shallow soda lake. part of the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The sanctuary is primarily renowned for its birdlife, especially the large breeding colony of Great White Pelicans and both Lesser and Greater Flamingos that gather on its shores.
The sanctuary was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA), a site of global significance for bird and biodiversity conservation, in 1999. It was gazetted as a National Wildlife Sanctuary in 2010 and listed together with Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria as the Kenya Lakes System in the Great Rift Valley World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011.
The sanctuary supports diverse habitats, including wetlands, savannah grasslands, and riparian forests, which provide shelter for a variety of bird species and wildlife.
Where is Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Elementaita wildlife sanctuary is approximately 120 km north of Nairobi, 10 km from Gilgil Town in Nakuru County, 40 km north of Naivasha, and 45 km south of Nakuru.
The sanctuary can be accessed via the Trans-African Highway (A104), making it a convenient stop along the Rift Valley’s scenic route. For visitors traveling by air, the nearest airstrips are Nakuru (Lanet) Airstrip and Soysambu Airstrip.
By Air: The flying time from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to either Nakuru (Lanet) Airstrip or Soysambu Airstrip is about 25-30 minutes. From the airstrips, it is approximately 30 km from Nakuru Airstrip and around 25 km from Soysambu Airstrip to the sanctuary.
Where is Lake Elementaita and what is its importance?
Lake Elementaita is a saline soda lake in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Lake Elementaita is part of the Lake Elementaita Conservation Ares, including Soysambu Conservancy. The lake is named after the Maasai word “muteita,” which means “dust place.” and was designated a Ramsar site (wetland of International importance) in 2005.
Lake Elementaita is home to many other bird species, including pelicans, herons, and various migratory birds. It also supports a range of mammals, such as zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and gazelles. The lake itself is alkaline and has a high concentration of salt, which supports the growth of algae and other microorganisms.
Lake Elementalta and its surroundings offer scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, nature walks, and game drives in the nearby Soysambu Conservancy.
What are the activities one can do on Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary Visit?
warthogs, and gazelles. The lake itself is alkaline and has a high concentration of salt, which supports the growth of algae and other microorganisms.
Lake Elementaita and its surroundings offer scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, nature walks, and game drives in the nearby Soysambu Conservancy.
What are the activities one can do in Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary?
Birdwatching: Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its birdlife, hosting over 450 species. Lesser and Greater Flamingos are a highlight, feeding on algae in the alkaline waters, alongside Great White Pelicans, African Spoonbills, and more.
The sanctuary’s wetlands, forests, and savannahs provide diverse habitats for bird species, making it a globally significant birdwatching destination and part of the African-Eurasian Flyway.
Hiking: Hiking around Lake Elementaita offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, its rugged landscapes, and volcanic formations. Trails take you along the lake’s shores, where you can spot wildlife like zebras and gazelles. Hikers can also enjoy panoramic views of the lake from elevated spots, making it a peaceful yet adventurous experience with diverse ecosystems to explore.
Visiting the Hot Springs: The Kikopey Hot Springs, located at the southern end of the lake, provide a unique geothermal experience. These springs support aquatic life like tilapia and attract birds such as pelicans and cormorants. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and appreciate the springs’ geological significance, which connects with the volcanic history of the Great Rift Valley.
Game Viewing: The sanctuary is home to endangered species like the Rothschild’s giraffe, along with elands, buffaloes, zebras, and impalas. Game viewing offers opportunities to observe these herbivores in the savannah and acacia woodlands. Game drives and walking safaris are common, with the sanctuary’s conservation efforts helping to protect these animals.