In this article, we focus on Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Charges. Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is about 10 kilometres from Gilgil Town in Nakuru County. Lake Elementaita is a saline soda lake in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 120 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. It is situated between Lake Nakuru to the south and Lake Naivasha to the north. Lake Elementaita is part of the Lake Elementaita Conservation Area, which also includes Soysambu Conservancy.
The lake is named after the Maasai word “muteita,” which means “dust place.” The area around Lake Elementaita was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA), a site of global significance for bird and biodiversity conservation, in 1999. The lake was designated a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) in 2005. 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.
Lake Elementaita is surrounded by a diverse range of habitats, including acacia woodlands, grasslands, and rocky cliffs, which support a variety of wildlife species. One of the main attractions of Lake Elementaita is its population of flamingos. These beautiful birds gather in large numbers along the lake’s shores, creating a stunning pink spectacle. However, in recent years, fluctuations in water levels and other environmental factors have led to a decline in the flamingo population. Besides flamingos, 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.
The lake 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. Visitors can also find the enchanting Kikopey hot springs as well as wander up Hyrax Hill and the Kariandusi site, There are also a few lodges and campsites around the lake that provide accommodation and facilities for tourists.
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary Entrance Charges
High Season (July–February)
| EAC Citizen/Resident (Ksh) | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 300 |
| Child/Student | Ksh 250 |
| Rest of Africa (US$) | |
| Adult | 20 USD |
| Child/Student | 15 USD |
| International Visitors (US$) | |
| Adult | 25 USD |
| Child/Student | 15 USD |
Low Season (March–June)
| EAC Citizen/Resident (Ksh) | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 250 |
| Child/Student | Ksh 200 |
| Rest of Africa (US$) | |
| Adult | 15 USD |
| Child/Student | 10 USD |
| International Visitors (US$) | |
| Adult | 20 USD |
| Child/Student | 15 USD |
NOTE: Cars with fewer than 6 seats pay Ksh 300, and those with more than 6 seats pay Ksh 1030.
Modes of Payment; MPESA, VISA Card, and Direct Deposits to KWS Bank Accounts at any gate
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary Contacts
Toll-Free Number: 0800597000
WhatsApp Number: +254 726610509
Email: lews@kws.go.ke
