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Lakes In Kenya

Lakes >> Elmenteita

imageLake Elmenteita is a small (18 sq km) soda lake, located in the eastern sweep of the Great Rift Valley. Since it lies on private grounds, it is much less visited than Nakuru, though flamingo concentrations are obviously also lower.The Lake is surrounded by spectacular country that played an important role in the early colonial history of Kenya. This was the estate and stronghold of Lord Delamere, the builder of the Kenya colony.Today Elmenteita is a peaceful and low-key place, lying in the shadow of an impressively peaked hill known locally known as the 'Sleeping Maasai'.

Most of the safaris covering the trip from Naivasha to Nakuru only stop at the viewpoint overlooking the lake on the A104 main road. However, there is allowance for accessing the private reserve surrounding the lake, named Soysambu and belonging to Delamere Estate. One precision: as usual with many Kenyan toponims coming from a Swahili corruption of terms from Maa or other languages, spelling varies depending on the source. You may find this place spelled as Elmenteita, Elmentaita, Elementaita or Elementeita

imageFlamingoes usually visit this lake, though in much smaller flocks than in Nakuru. Some fisher birds can also be found here, such as pelicans and heronsThe lake shores are grazed by zebra, gazelle, eland and families of warthog. The lake and its surrounding forests are perfect for long walks and birding. In the old days there was also a hippo colony, but it disappeared due to the droughts, that occasionally have completely vaporized the lake.

The Lake and the nearby Soysambu area have large herds of Buffalo, Waterbuck, Eland Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelle and other plains game. Both the lodge and camp organize game drives or guided walks among the herds of game. The camp offers night game drives, with opportunities to encounter nocturnal species including the rarely seen Aardvark.





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