Lake Elementaita Camping – 5 Best Campsites

Lake Elementaita Camping – 5 Best Campsites 2026 Lake Elementaita is a scenic soda lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site 120 km north of Nairobi. This blog focuses on campsites in the Lake Elementaita and Lake Nakuru regions, but I’ve included some hotel and lodge options at the bottom for those who don’t want to sleep in a tent. There are two types of camping in Kenya: the one where you pack up your car and head into the bush to spend the weekend in the company of clawed and hoofed animals, and the one with a swimming pool, café, kids’ playground, petting zoo, and pony rides. Lake Elementaita camping offers both. Wild camp at Lake Elementaita at one of the Soysambu Conservancy campsites, gaze at flamingoes on Kikopey’s beach or glamp it up a little at the lovely Lemon Valley Farm. There are numerous Lake Elementaita camping options for those keen to spend the night under canvas. Lake Elementaita Camping About Lake Elementaita Lake Elementaita is a soda lake in the Great Rift Valley about 120 km north of Nairobi. It sits in the middle of three rift valley lakes, with Naivasha to the south and Nakuru to the north. Lake Elementaita is a magnificently beautiful place of volcanos, pink lakes, flamingos, dusty plains full of game, escarpments coloured in shades of grey, and fields of candelabra and fever trees. The lake has a huge bird population and has been named a heritage site together with Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria by UNESCO. The lake is famed for its flamingos, at one time up to 1.2 million. Sadly, the flamingo population is declining due to the arrival of birds that eat the flamingo chicks and eggs. In 1969, Lake Magadi tilapia was successfully introduced to the lake. This upset the ecosystem and attracted fish-eating birds such as pelicans, cormorants, waders, and storks. Why Kikopey Beach Camp Key Features and Activities Accommodation: Offers diverse stays, including cozy cottages, modern manyattas, and a Jacana tent with en-suite bathrooms, often featuring memory foam beds and lake views. Camping: Provides spacious grounds for pitching tents (approx. Kes 750) or hiring camping gear (approx. Kes 1,500). Amenities: Features an on-site restaurant serving, a bar, outdoor bonfire areas, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour front desk service. Activities: Ideal for birdwatching (400+ species), lakeside walking, hiking, and enjoying the sunset. Location: Situated near the Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary, making it easy to spot wildlife like gazelles and flamingos. WRC Safari Rally: Serves as a popular, conveniently located spot for the annual Safari Rally. Practical Information Location: The entrance is at the Lake Oil Elementaita Gas Station.Pet Friendly: The camp welcomes pets.Payment: The property often operates on a cash-only basis. Best Time to Visit: Suitable for weekend escapes, with special ambiance during sunset and bonfires.The camp focuses on providing a quiet, rustic, and scenic experience away from the hustle of city life, suitable for couples, families, and groups