Soysambu Conservancy & Lake Elementaita
Kenya's only breeding colony of Great White Pelicans
Photo: Katie Hunt / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
- Region
- Rift Valley Lakes
- Best months
- Jan to Feb, Jun to OctDry Seasons
- Where to stay
- 3 properties
What is Soysambu and Elementaita known for?
UNESCO Heritage Site · 48,000-acre private conservancy · Rothschild giraffe & Great White Pelicans
Soysambu Conservancy is a 48,000-acre private wilderness in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, beside Lake Elementaita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar wetland. The lake holds Kenya's only breeding colony of Great White Pelicans. It sits about 25 km from Lake Nakuru and 50 km from Lake Naivasha, a natural stop on a Rift Valley lakes circuit.
Soysambu Conservancy and Lake Elementaita together form one of Kenya's most underappreciated and genuinely special safari destinations, a 48,000-acre private wilderness in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, tucked quietly between the more famous Lake Nakuru to the north and Lake Naivasha to the south.
Lake Elementaita is a shallow, alkaline soda lake of extraordinary natural significance, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and a designated Important Bird Area. It is home to Kenya's only breeding colony of Great White Pelicans, one of the most spectacular bird colonies on the continent. Flamingos paint the lake shores pink depending on alkalinity levels. Over 450 bird species have been recorded in the area.
Soysambu Conservancy, the private ranching estate of the Delamere family, has been progressively rewilded to create a functioning wildlife corridor between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. The conservancy is home to one of Kenya's most significant free-roaming populations of Rothschild's giraffe, one of the world's most endangered giraffe subspecies. Buffalo, zebra, eland, impala, jackal, hyena, and numerous raptors complete the wildlife picture.
Unlike the heavily visited parks of the Rift Valley, Soysambu offers night game drives and walking safaris that bring visitors into intimate contact with the landscape. The volcanic topography, including the dramatic Sleeping Warrior crater, adds a geological dimension unique among Kenyan safari destinations.
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Soysambu Conservancy & Lake Elementaita in pictures
When is the best time to visit Soysambu and Elementaita?
- January: Dry Seasons
- February: Dry Seasons
- March: Green Season
- April: Green Season
- May: Green Season
- June: Dry Seasons
- July: Dry Seasons
- August: Dry Seasons
- September: Dry Seasons
- October: Dry Seasons
- November: Green Season (this month)
- December: no season named
- Dry Seasons
- Green Season
- This month
Year-Round
Soysambu's resident wildlife and permanent lake make it rewarding throughout the year. The conservancy is never crowded.
Dry Seasons
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Best game viewing and birding. Flamingo and pelican numbers on the lake can be exceptional. Clear skies and cooler temperatures.
Green Season
Mar to May, Nov
Lush, dramatically beautiful landscapes. Exceptional birding including migrants. Walking safaris particularly scenic.
Tip
Combine with Lake Nakuru (25km north) and Lake Naivasha (50km south) for a compelling Rift Valley Lakes circuit. Ideal as a 1–2 night addition to a Nakuru or Naivasha itinerary.
How much are Soysambu and Elementaita park fees?
| Area | Non-resident | EA citizen | EA resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soysambu Conservancy, Adult | USD 35–50 / day | KES 1,000–1,500 | KES 1,500 |
| Lake Elementaita KWS Sanctuary | USD 50 / day | KES 500 | KES 675 |
Soysambu Conservancy is privately managed by the Delamere family estate, fees often INCLUDED in lodge rates. Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is KWS-managed (eCitizen, cashless). In practice, lodge guests pay once and access both areas. Always confirm current fee structure with the property.
Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. Effective October 2025, reverified annually.
Where to stay in Soysambu and Elementaita
Mid-range, 3 properties
Mid-rangeFull board
Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
Luxury Tented Camp · 24 tents
Soysambu Conservancy, Lake Elementaita lakeshore
A beautifully positioned Serena property on the ancient lakeshore, 24 tents in an acacia grove between volcanic hills and the shimmering waters of Lake Elementaita with direct views of Kenya's only Great White Pelican breeding colony. The camp's position within Soysambu gives guests private access to the conservancy's Rothschild giraffe, zebra, and buffalo while the lake provides extraordinary birding. Known for the quality of its bush dining, breakfast by the flamingo-lined shore and barbecue dinner under the Rift Valley stars.
Mid-rangeFull board
Pelican Lodge
Lodge · 20 rooms
Lake Elementaita, lakeshore
Named for the pelican colony that defines the lake's ecological character, a straightforward midrange lodge on the Elementaita lakeshore with good access to the conservancy and lake activities. Known for value and directness: no frills, but an honest and well-located base for experiencing the Rift Valley's bird-rich landscapes. The Great White Pelican nesting colony visible from the grounds is a wildlife spectacle that most travellers on the Kenya circuit never encounter.
Mid-rangeFull board
Sentrim Elementaita
Lodge · 38 rooms
Lake Elementaita, lakeshore
Part of the Sentrim Hotels group and delivering the brand's consistent standard, 38 comfortable rooms in a well-maintained lakeshore property. A reliable midrange choice for travellers who value cleanliness, consistency, and easy access to the lake without complexity. The Sentrim group's operational efficiency ensures a functional, professional experience for groups and independent travellers alike.
Show all 3 mid-range staysShow fewer
Mid-rangeFull board
Sentrim Elementaita
Lodge · 38 rooms
Lake Elementaita, lakeshore
Part of the Sentrim Hotels group and delivering the brand's consistent standard, 38 comfortable rooms in a well-maintained lakeshore property. A reliable midrange choice for travellers who value cleanliness, consistency, and easy access to the lake without complexity. The Sentrim group's operational efficiency ensures a functional, professional experience for groups and independent travellers alike.
What to pair with Soysambu and Elementaita
Places to pair with Soysambu and Elementaita on the same trip.
Frequently asked questions
Anything not answered here, a consultant answers directly. More planning questions are on the FAQ page, and before you fly, read Kenya eTA and entry requirements.
Best game viewing and birding. Flamingo and pelican numbers on the lake can be exceptional. Clear skies and cooler temperatures.
It depends on the property. Soysambu Conservancy is privately managed by the Delamere family estate, fees often INCLUDED in lodge rates. Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is KWS-managed (eCitizen, cashless). In practice, lodge guests pay once and access both areas. Always confirm current fee structure with the property.
Soysambu Conservancy and Lake Elementaita together form one of Kenya's most underappreciated and genuinely special safari destinations, a 48,000-acre private wilderness in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, tucked quietly between the more famous Lake Nakuru to the north and Lake Naivasha to the south.
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Plan your Soysambu and Elementaita stay
Start here and add the regions around it, or let us suggest a route. A consultant takes it from there.
Photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0