Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
Wildlife Sanctuary
Rift Valley Scenic Park
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary
Haven of Pelicans
A Rift Valley alkaline lake sanctuary important for pelicans, flamingos, waterbirds, hot springs and internationally recognized wetland conservation.
Overview
About Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary
Lake Elementaita is a compact but globally important bird sanctuary within the Kenya Lakes System. Shallow alkaline water, hot springs and surrounding open landscapes attract large concentrations of waterbirds, including pelicans and flamingos, while the wider basin also carries important archaeological and cultural history.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Great White Pelican breeding site
Flamingos and diverse waterbirds
Important Bird Area and Ramsar site
Kenya Lakes System UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hot springs
Scenic walking routes
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Photography
- Nature study
- Picnicking
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Great White Pelican
- Greater and Lesser Flamingo
- African Spoonbill
- Pied Avocet
- Other waterbirds
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
Gazetted as a National Wildlife Sanctuary on 16 July 2010; it became part of the UNESCO-listed Kenya Lakes System in 2011 together with Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
About 120 km north of Nairobi, 40 km north of Naivasha and 45 km south of Nakuru via the A104.
By air
Lanet/Nakuru and Soysambu airstrips are the nearest KWS-listed options.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 50 | USD 25 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs
What is Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary best known for?
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is especially known for Great White Pelican breeding site, Flamingos and diverse waterbirds, Important Bird Area and Ramsar site, Kenya Lakes System UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary?
Road: About 120 km north of Nairobi, 40 km north of Naivasha and 45 km south of Nakuru via the A104. Air: Lanet/Nakuru and Soysambu airstrips are the nearest KWS-listed options. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 50 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
Keep exploring
View all parks Other parks & protected areas
Build a stronger safari route by combining complementary landscapes.